Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode: Week 15 Love/Hate: De’Von Achane, A.J. Brown, Justin Jefferson, Lamar Jackson
Date: December 11, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode dives into Matthew Berry’s signature Love/Hate analysis for Week 15, focusing on crucial fantasy football decisions as the playoffs kick off. Berry and co-host Jay (standing in for Connor Rogers) break down the best and worst plays at running back, wide receiver, and quarterback, with spotlight debates on De’Von Achane, A.J. Brown, Justin Jefferson, and Lamar Jackson. True to the show’s tone, they mix analysis with banter, personal anecdotes, and robust listener Q&A, offering actionable insights for winning fantasy matchups.

Main Topics & Key Insights

1. Celebrating Beyond Fantasy: Matthew's "Love" for His Daughter’s Cheer Team

[02:06] Matthew gives a heartfelt shout-out to his daughter's cheer squad, the Cheshire Junior Cheer Rams, ranked second nationally – a proud moment that he compares to the underdog spirit of some NFL teams like the Colts.
- Quote: "These girls...are the second best team in the entire freaking country. This team from a town of 30,000 in Cheshire, Connecticut." — Matthew Berry [03:12]

2. Running Backs: Week 15 Love/Hate Breakdown

Love List

Derrick Henry vs. Bengals [05:11]
- Henry is Berry’s RB5. Bengals are giving up the most rushing yards per game to RBs. Cold game favors Henry’s workload.
De’Von Achane vs. Steelers [08:07]
- Fully expected to play ("ribs issue was just precautionary"). Dolphins will lean on the run due to Steelers' pass rush. Achane would be “a top four pick” in a redraft today.
- Quote: "If we're redrafting today, De’Von Achane goes in the top four picks. There's no question about it." — Jay [08:07]
Travis Etienne vs. Jets [09:19]
- Jets allow the third most running back rushes per game. Usage and red zone involvement are strong for Etienne.
James Cook vs. Patriots [12:03]
- Facing league-worst rush defense since Week 9. Cook leads NFL in carries and is projected for the highest rushing yards this week.
- Quote: "He gets more carries than anyone and he's over five yards per carry. This is an elite running back in a favorable matchup..." — Jay [11:29]
Others Receiving Votes:
- Woody Marks (vs. Cardinals): Huge workload, Arizona allows fourth-most points to RBs. [13:03]
- RJ Harvey (vs. Packers): More snaps/touches, Green Bay vulnerable to RB targets. [13:44]
- Devin Neal (if AK is out): Massive snap share, Panthers soft vs. run. [15:37]

Hate List

Jalen Warren vs. Dolphins [18:45]
- Split snaps with Gainwell, Miami is stifling RBs lately. Not a favorable matchup for Warren's reduced role.
- Quote: "Back-to-back games now for Jalen Warren. With 12 or fewer touches...it is a true committee." — Matthew Berry [19:13]
David Montgomery vs. Rams [21:25]
- Workload shifting decisively to Gibbs, Rams defense strong, Lions are underdogs (bad game script for Monty).

3. Wide Receivers: Week 15 Love/Hate Breakdown

Love List

AJ Brown vs. Raiders [23:10]
- 35% target share over last 4 games, double-digit targets each week, ideal matchup.
- Quote: "A.J. Brown, 35% target share over the last four games. He's had double digit targets in each one of those games." — Matthew Berry [23:24]
Jameson Williams vs. Rams [24:49]
- Volume increase with Dan Campbell calling plays, high-paced matchup, strong WR2 appeal.
Justin Jefferson vs. Cowboys [26:38]
- Despite recent struggles, Berry is bold: “top 12 play.” Dallas is a pass funnel giving up tons to WRs, best recent play by JJ McCarthy points to upside.
- Quote: "If you bench Justin Jefferson and he goes off, you will feel much worse than if you start Justin Jefferson and he doesn't do anything." — Matthew Berry [28:31]
Luther Burden vs. Browns [30:27]
- Consistent targets, Browns are a pass funnel, and Bears need WR spark.
Harold Fannin Jr. vs. Bears (TE) [31:49]
- Monster target share recently, Bears vulnerable to tight ends—top-4 TE play.
Others Receiving Votes:
- Wandell Robinson: PPR floor; huge slot target share against Commanders’ porous slot D. [32:50]
- Juwan Jennings, Jamari DK, Isaiah Likely (elite TE matchup vs. Bengals) [33:47]

Hate List

Michael Pittman vs. Seahawks [34:51]
- Shaky QB situation (Phil Rivers/Riley Leonard), Seattle allowing the fewest WR points since week 8, Indy’s implied total is third lowest.
- Quote: "Uncertainty at the quarterback position. Really tough matchup. Pittman's outside my top 35 for the week." — Matthew Berry [35:26]
Emeka Egbuka vs. Falcons (flex question discussed)
- Heavy volume, but extremely inefficient, high drop rate, Falcons D vulnerable but not enthusiastic endorsement.

4. Quarterbacks: Week 15 Love/Hate Breakdown

Love List

Matthew Stafford vs. Lions [38:41]
- Revenge-game narrative. Stafford’s at home, good matchup vs. depleted Detroit CBs, three touchdowns in four of last five games.
Lamar Jackson vs. Bengals [40:18]
- Far more mobile in recent outings; Bengals’ defense has crumbled.
- Quote: "We think your patience will be rewarded with a nice game against Cincinnati." — Matthew Berry [41:33]
Jackson Dart vs. Commanders [42:30]
- Faces bottom-tier Washington D; plenty of passing/running upside.
Jalen Hurts vs. Raiders [45:40]
- Ideal matchup, “petty” Eagles ready to shut up critics.
Brock Purdy vs. Titans, Trevor Lawrence vs. Jets (favorable matchups, top-12 potential) [46:23]

Hate List

Jordan Love vs. Broncos [47:56]
- Broncos’ defense brings heavy pressure, low QB fantasy points allowed, Love struggles under duress.
- Quote: "When you can get to Jordan Love, he definitely doesn't, he struggles. Broncos allow passing touchdowns at the lowest rate this season." — Matthew Berry [48:00]
Sam Darnold vs. Colts [49:09]
- Seahawks big favorites means low pass attempts; extremely unexciting ceiling.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On starting/benching Justin Jefferson:
"If you bench Justin Jefferson and he goes off, you will feel much worse than if you start Justin Jefferson and he doesn't do anything because you started Justin Jefferson, the great Justin Jefferson, in a ridiculous matchup." — Matthew Berry [28:31]
On De’Von Achane’s value:
"If we're redrafting today, De’Von Achane goes in the top four picks. There's no question about it." — Jay [08:07]
On the Dolphins D:
"No team over the last four weeks allows fewer fantasy points to opposing running backs than the Miami Dolphins." — Matthew Berry [19:07]
On James Cook’s emergence:
"He gets more carries than anyone and he's over five yards per carry. This is an elite running back in a favorable matchup..." — Jay [11:29]
Matthew Berry, fantasy philosophy:
"Fantasy football is an emotional game. It's a game we play for fun. It's a game we play for joy. And we play with our hearts on our sleeves often." — Matthew Berry [28:31]

Listener Q&A Highlights

[15:06] Flex decision: RJ Harvey vs. Terry McLaurin: Berry prefers Harvey for TD upside.
[16:12] Devin Neal vs. Rico Dowdle (assuming K. Allen out): Berry slightly prefers Neal; both are close in his rankings.
[20:46] Jamison Williams vs. T. McMillan or Jalen Warren (PPR): Pick is Jamison Williams.
[25:58] Woody Marks vs. Jamison Williams: Berry favors Marks for touches.
[28:48] Go down with Justin Jefferson or start Jacoby Myers: Berry: "Go down with Justin Jefferson."
[43:21] Superflex: Jacoby Brissett vs. Jackson Dart: Both hosts unanimously choose Jackson Dart.
[35:43] Start Emeka Egbuka over Pittman: Both dislike Pittman more than Egbuka.

Fun Banter & Running Gags

Pride in Matthew’s “Cheshire Cheer Dad” shirt and family accomplishment. [02:06]
Multiple playful shots at Connor Rogers’ fandom (“life of sadness”). [01:12]
Recurring confusion/correction over show regulars (Clark Brady/Brady Clark) and hybrid player nicknames (e.g., “the Chubbler” for Chuba Hubbard).
Calendar confusion: brockvember vs. brocksember. [47:39]
“I was told there’d be no math…” lighthearted attempts to dodge facts or stats. [06:27], [47:53]
Ongoing bit about fact-checking being off limits.

Timestamps for Key Segments

Cheerleader shout-out & warmup: [02:06–04:28]
RB Love/Hate (Henry, Achane, Etienne, Cook): [05:11–16:55]
Flex, sleeper RBs & Q&A: [13:03–18:17]
WR Love/Hate (AJB, Jamo, JJ, Burden): [22:54–31:34]
TEs & flex-wideouts: [31:34–34:24]
WR Hate (Pittman, Egbuka): [34:51–36:10]
QB Love/Hate (Stafford, Lamar, Dart, Hurts, Purdy, Love, Darnold): [38:41–49:09]

Tone & Style

The show’s vibe is breezy, punchy, and conversational, with Berry and Jay intermixing sharp data with hyperbole, gentle ribbing, and fan tips that blend detailed fantasy advice with relatable emotion.

Summary Takeaways

Start your stars in great spots—Berry is bullish on proven names like Derrick Henry and Justin Jefferson when the matchup is right, especially in the playoffs.
Some committee situations (Steelers, Lions) mean formerly safe bets like Jalen Warren or David Montgomery come with more risk.
Quarterbacks facing weak defenses (Stafford, Jackson Dart, Hurts) offer league-winning upside this week.
Listener Q&A delivers position-by-position depth, and candid advice on close calls.
Emotional choices matter—Berry advocates for trusting your stars in the postseason, even if recent weeks were tough.

For fantasy managers, this episode offers not only strategic insight but also a reminder that making tough calls is part of the fun.

Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode: Week 15 Love/Hate: De’Von Achane, A.J. Brown, Justin Jefferson, Lamar Jackson
Date: December 11, 2025

Episode Overview

Main Topics & Key Insights

1. Celebrating Beyond Fantasy: Matthew's "Love" for His Daughter’s Cheer Team

[02:06] Matthew gives a heartfelt shout-out to his daughter's cheer squad, the Cheshire Junior Cheer Rams, ranked second nationally – a proud moment that he compares to the underdog spirit of some NFL teams like the Colts.
- Quote: "These girls...are the second best team in the entire freaking country. This team from a town of 30,000 in Cheshire, Connecticut." — Matthew Berry [03:12]

2. Running Backs: Week 15 Love/Hate Breakdown

Love List

Derrick Henry vs. Bengals [05:11]
- Henry is Berry’s RB5. Bengals are giving up the most rushing yards per game to RBs. Cold game favors Henry’s workload.
De’Von Achane vs. Steelers [08:07]
- Fully expected to play ("ribs issue was just precautionary"). Dolphins will lean on the run due to Steelers' pass rush. Achane would be “a top four pick” in a redraft today.
- Quote: "If we're redrafting today, De’Von Achane goes in the top four picks. There's no question about it." — Jay [08:07]
Travis Etienne vs. Jets [09:19]
- Jets allow the third most running back rushes per game. Usage and red zone involvement are strong for Etienne.
James Cook vs. Patriots [12:03]
- Facing league-worst rush defense since Week 9. Cook leads NFL in carries and is projected for the highest rushing yards this week.
- Quote: "He gets more carries than anyone and he's over five yards per carry. This is an elite running back in a favorable matchup..." — Jay [11:29]
Others Receiving Votes:
- Woody Marks (vs. Cardinals): Huge workload, Arizona allows fourth-most points to RBs. [13:03]
- RJ Harvey (vs. Packers): More snaps/touches, Green Bay vulnerable to RB targets. [13:44]
- Devin Neal (if AK is out): Massive snap share, Panthers soft vs. run. [15:37]

Hate List

Jalen Warren vs. Dolphins [18:45]
- Split snaps with Gainwell, Miami is stifling RBs lately. Not a favorable matchup for Warren's reduced role.
- Quote: "Back-to-back games now for Jalen Warren. With 12 or fewer touches...it is a true committee." — Matthew Berry [19:13]
David Montgomery vs. Rams [21:25]
- Workload shifting decisively to Gibbs, Rams defense strong, Lions are underdogs (bad game script for Monty).

3. Wide Receivers: Week 15 Love/Hate Breakdown

Love List

AJ Brown vs. Raiders [23:10]
- 35% target share over last 4 games, double-digit targets each week, ideal matchup.
- Quote: "A.J. Brown, 35% target share over the last four games. He's had double digit targets in each one of those games." — Matthew Berry [23:24]
Jameson Williams vs. Rams [24:49]
- Volume increase with Dan Campbell calling plays, high-paced matchup, strong WR2 appeal.
Justin Jefferson vs. Cowboys [26:38]
- Despite recent struggles, Berry is bold: “top 12 play.” Dallas is a pass funnel giving up tons to WRs, best recent play by JJ McCarthy points to upside.
- Quote: "If you bench Justin Jefferson and he goes off, you will feel much worse than if you start Justin Jefferson and he doesn't do anything." — Matthew Berry [28:31]
Luther Burden vs. Browns [30:27]
- Consistent targets, Browns are a pass funnel, and Bears need WR spark.
Harold Fannin Jr. vs. Bears (TE) [31:49]
- Monster target share recently, Bears vulnerable to tight ends—top-4 TE play.
Others Receiving Votes:
- Wandell Robinson: PPR floor; huge slot target share against Commanders’ porous slot D. [32:50]
- Juwan Jennings, Jamari DK, Isaiah Likely (elite TE matchup vs. Bengals) [33:47]

Hate List

Michael Pittman vs. Seahawks [34:51]
- Shaky QB situation (Phil Rivers/Riley Leonard), Seattle allowing the fewest WR points since week 8, Indy’s implied total is third lowest.
- Quote: "Uncertainty at the quarterback position. Really tough matchup. Pittman's outside my top 35 for the week." — Matthew Berry [35:26]
Emeka Egbuka vs. Falcons (flex question discussed)
- Heavy volume, but extremely inefficient, high drop rate, Falcons D vulnerable but not enthusiastic endorsement.

4. Quarterbacks: Week 15 Love/Hate Breakdown

Love List

Matthew Stafford vs. Lions [38:41]
- Revenge-game narrative. Stafford’s at home, good matchup vs. depleted Detroit CBs, three touchdowns in four of last five games.
Lamar Jackson vs. Bengals [40:18]
- Far more mobile in recent outings; Bengals’ defense has crumbled.
- Quote: "We think your patience will be rewarded with a nice game against Cincinnati." — Matthew Berry [41:33]
Jackson Dart vs. Commanders [42:30]
- Faces bottom-tier Washington D; plenty of passing/running upside.
Jalen Hurts vs. Raiders [45:40]
- Ideal matchup, “petty” Eagles ready to shut up critics.
Brock Purdy vs. Titans, Trevor Lawrence vs. Jets (favorable matchups, top-12 potential) [46:23]

Hate List

Jordan Love vs. Broncos [47:56]
- Broncos’ defense brings heavy pressure, low QB fantasy points allowed, Love struggles under duress.
- Quote: "When you can get to Jordan Love, he definitely doesn't, he struggles. Broncos allow passing touchdowns at the lowest rate this season." — Matthew Berry [48:00]
Sam Darnold vs. Colts [49:09]
- Seahawks big favorites means low pass attempts; extremely unexciting ceiling.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On starting/benching Justin Jefferson:
"If you bench Justin Jefferson and he goes off, you will feel much worse than if you start Justin Jefferson and he doesn't do anything because you started Justin Jefferson, the great Justin Jefferson, in a ridiculous matchup." — Matthew Berry [28:31]
On De’Von Achane’s value:
"If we're redrafting today, De’Von Achane goes in the top four picks. There's no question about it." — Jay [08:07]
On the Dolphins D:
"No team over the last four weeks allows fewer fantasy points to opposing running backs than the Miami Dolphins." — Matthew Berry [19:07]
On James Cook’s emergence:
"He gets more carries than anyone and he's over five yards per carry. This is an elite running back in a favorable matchup..." — Jay [11:29]
Matthew Berry, fantasy philosophy:
"Fantasy football is an emotional game. It's a game we play for fun. It's a game we play for joy. And we play with our hearts on our sleeves often." — Matthew Berry [28:31]

Listener Q&A Highlights

[15:06] Flex decision: RJ Harvey vs. Terry McLaurin: Berry prefers Harvey for TD upside.
[16:12] Devin Neal vs. Rico Dowdle (assuming K. Allen out): Berry slightly prefers Neal; both are close in his rankings.
[20:46] Jamison Williams vs. T. McMillan or Jalen Warren (PPR): Pick is Jamison Williams.
[25:58] Woody Marks vs. Jamison Williams: Berry favors Marks for touches.
[28:48] Go down with Justin Jefferson or start Jacoby Myers: Berry: "Go down with Justin Jefferson."
[43:21] Superflex: Jacoby Brissett vs. Jackson Dart: Both hosts unanimously choose Jackson Dart.
[35:43] Start Emeka Egbuka over Pittman: Both dislike Pittman more than Egbuka.

Fun Banter & Running Gags

Pride in Matthew’s “Cheshire Cheer Dad” shirt and family accomplishment. [02:06]
Multiple playful shots at Connor Rogers’ fandom (“life of sadness”). [01:12]
Recurring confusion/correction over show regulars (Clark Brady/Brady Clark) and hybrid player nicknames (e.g., “the Chubbler” for Chuba Hubbard).
Calendar confusion: brockvember vs. brocksember. [47:39]
“I was told there’d be no math…” lighthearted attempts to dodge facts or stats. [06:27], [47:53]
Ongoing bit about fact-checking being off limits.

Timestamps for Key Segments

Cheerleader shout-out & warmup: [02:06–04:28]
RB Love/Hate (Henry, Achane, Etienne, Cook): [05:11–16:55]
Flex, sleeper RBs & Q&A: [13:03–18:17]
WR Love/Hate (AJB, Jamo, JJ, Burden): [22:54–31:34]
TEs & flex-wideouts: [31:34–34:24]
WR Hate (Pittman, Egbuka): [34:51–36:10]
QB Love/Hate (Stafford, Lamar, Dart, Hurts, Purdy, Love, Darnold): [38:41–49:09]

Tone & Style

Summary Takeaways

Start your stars in great spots—Berry is bullish on proven names like Derrick Henry and Justin Jefferson when the matchup is right, especially in the playoffs.
Some committee situations (Steelers, Lions) mean formerly safe bets like Jalen Warren or David Montgomery come with more risk.
Quarterbacks facing weak defenses (Stafford, Jackson Dart, Hurts) offer league-winning upside this week.
Listener Q&A delivers position-by-position depth, and candid advice on close calls.
Emotional choices matter—Berry advocates for trusting your stars in the postseason, even if recent weeks were tough.

For fantasy managers, this episode offers not only strategic insight but also a reminder that making tough calls is part of the fun.

Week 15 Love/Hate: De’Von Achane, A.J. Brown, Justin Jefferson, Lamar Jackson

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Summary

Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode Overview

Main Topics & Key Insights

1. Celebrating Beyond Fantasy: Matthew's "Love" for His Daughter’s Cheer Team

2. Running Backs: Week 15 Love/Hate Breakdown

Love List

Hate List

3. Wide Receivers: Week 15 Love/Hate Breakdown

Love List

Hate List

4. Quarterbacks: Week 15 Love/Hate Breakdown

Love List

Hate List

Notable Quotes & Moments

Listener Q&A Highlights

Fun Banter & Running Gags

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Style

Summary Takeaways

Summary

Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode Overview

Main Topics & Key Insights

1. Celebrating Beyond Fantasy: Matthew's "Love" for His Daughter’s Cheer Team

2. Running Backs: Week 15 Love/Hate Breakdown

Love List

Hate List

3. Wide Receivers: Week 15 Love/Hate Breakdown

Love List

Hate List

4. Quarterbacks: Week 15 Love/Hate Breakdown

Love List

Hate List

Notable Quotes & Moments

Listener Q&A Highlights

Fun Banter & Running Gags

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Style

Summary Takeaways