Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode Date: December 9, 2025
Episode Title: Week 15 Waiver Wire: Shedeur Sanders, Blake Corum, Jayden Reed headline top adds

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the crucial Week 15 waiver wire pickups, with Matthew Berry and co-hosts breaking down key streamers at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end. The discussion is peppered with lively banter, listener questions, and the usual blend of humor and practical fantasy insight. Highlights include in-depth discussion of recent QB and RB injuries, the infamous "Curse of Jay," and reactions to notable performances–good and bad–from Week 14.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Curse of Jay and Colts Quarterback Chaos

• The show kicks off with jokes about the "Curse of Jay" (Jay Croucher): any fantasy player or NFL team he supports seems doomed to wild misfortune.
  • “He literally came back from the dead... and once Jay got on that bandwagon, the curse was so strong that a guy that literally came back from the dead wasn’t able to win the award.” — Connor (00:20)
• Colts’ season spirals: Anthony Richardson’s bizarre injury, Riley Leonard’s PCL sprain, and rumors of 44-year-old Philip Rivers returning.
  • “The next option is Tyler Warren. Like there's no one left in football.” — Barry (15:26)
• Should you drop Michael Pittman, Jr. given the QB mess?
  • “Pittman got almost a 40% target share from Riley Leonard. So I don’t think I would do it.” — Connor (17:35)

2. Week 15 Waiver Wire Quarterbacks

CJ Stroud (Houston) – Top Streamer

• Good matchup vs. Arizona, thin waiver week.
• “No team has allowed touchdown passes at a higher rate in the NFL than the Arizona Cardinals... If you do, C.J. Stroud is out there in more than 50% of leagues.” — Barry (03:44)
• Debate: Did he play well vs. KC? Jay is skeptical; Connor defends him.
  • “Listen, the best guy that we think's available is CJ Stroud. Here's Jay: 'I think he still sucks.'” — Connor (06:48)

Shedeur Sanders (Cleveland)

• Massive Week 14 (364 yards, 3 pass TD, 1 rush TD); available in 92% of leagues.
• High-risk, high-reward streamer vs. Chicago.
  • “Could you see some junk time?... He performed at a high level in a loss. For us fantasy guys, we don’t care.” — Connor (10:07)
  • “He's not as good as his biggest fans always paint him to be. And he's so much better than a fifth round quarterback prospect.” — Barry (11:36)

Deep QB League Targets

• JJ McCarthy, Tyler Shuck, Marcus Mariota, Bryce Young discussed for two-QB/superflex leagues.
  • Note: Mariota a viable start if Jaden Daniels is out — favorable Giants matchup (13:49).

3. Waiver Wire Running Backs

Devin Singletary ("Motor") – Houston

• 76% available; solid flex due to usage and favorable matchup vs. Commanders.
  • “Singletary has very quietly finished as a top 15 RB in two of the past three games.” — Connor (21:48)
  • Tyrone Tracy banged up—if out, Singletary set to handle bulk.

Blake Corum (Rams)

• 67% available; not labeled as starter but workload growing—strong handcuff to Kyren Williams.
• Comps to Tyler Allgeier/Kyren Williams; viable flex or must-add for Kyren managers.
  • “Blake Corum... you could see why they kind of drafted him to be ... Kyren Williams 2.” — Barry (25:40)

Deeper RB Targets

• Chris Rodriguez Jr. — strong goalline role, TD-dependent.
• Tyler Allgeier — double-digit touches in three straight games.
• Jalen Wright — takes over if Devon Achane misses time (28:49).

4. Waiver Wire Wide Receivers

Jaden Reed (Packers) – Top Add

• 59% available; four catches and two carries in return, heavily involved in offense.
• Slot usage means favorable Week 15 matchup vs. Denver.
  • “He’s just a playmaker. He makes plays when the ball’s coming his way.... Maybe use him against Denver, but certainly at least to see can he continue the success.” — Connor (36:52)

Luther Burden (Bears)

• With Rome Odunze out, 21% target share and increased routes; deep league upside.

Jaden Higgins (Texans)

• Steady volume behind Nico Collins. Solid floor in deeper leagues.
  • “Three of the past five games he’s been a top 30 WR... since week 10.” — Connor (38:48)

Deeper WR Targets

• Ryan Flournoy, Kayshon Boutte, Devon Vail, Jalen Coker, Jamari DK, Pat Bryant.
  • Pat Bryant highlighted for increased routes in Denver (39:54).

5. Tight End Targets

Harold Fannin Jr. (Browns) – #1 at the Position

• 60% available; 11-target, 114-yard, 1 TD game.
• Second in target share among TEs since Week 7 (only behind Trey McBride).
  • “I would think a tight end one down the stretch with Chador.” — Barry (40:48)
  • “He’s the 6th best tight end in fantasy on a points-per-game basis since week 7.” — Connor (40:58)

Deep TE Streamers

• Theo Johnson, Colston Loveland, Isaiah Likely (“should have had two TDs last week”), Aaron Waller, Mason Taylor, Colby Parkinson, Mike Gesicki.

6. Special Teams/DST Streamers

• Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Jets and their QB chaos)
• 49ers (@ Titans)
• Cowboys (vs. rookie QB JJ McCarthy)
• Bears (vs. Shedeur Sanders)
• Browns, Saints

7. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

The “Curse of Jay” Returns

“He literally came back from the dead... and once Jay got on that bandwagon, the curse was so strong that a guy that literally came back from the dead wasn’t able to win the award.” — Connor (00:20)

The Colts’ QB Nightmare

“Like there’s no one left in football.” — Barry (15:26)

CJ Stroud Disagreement

“Listen, the best guy that we think’s available is CJ Stroud. Here’s Jay: 'I think he still sucks.'” — Connor (06:48)

Shedeur Sanders’ Evaluation

“He's not as good as his biggest fans always paint him to be. And he's so much better than a fifth round quarterback prospect.” — Barry (11:36)

Singletary’s Week 15 Flex Appeal

“Singletary has very quietly finished as a top 15 RB in two of the past three games.” — Connor (21:48)

The Monday Night Jalen Hurts Disaster

“Jalen Hurts throws an interception, minus two. They run it back, it gets stripped. Jalen Hurts picks up the fumble, takes two steps, and then gets stripped to the fumble. Lilly gets minus four fantasy points on the same play.” — Connor (47:10)

Notable Timestamps

• 00:17: “Curse of Jay” banter begins.
• 02:24: Anthony Richardson injury explained.
• 03:44: Waiver wire discussion starts; CJ Stroud breakdown.
• 06:48: Jay pans Stroud; banter ensues.
• 08:05: Shedeur Sanders as a waiver QB.
• 11:36: Barry’s nuanced take on Shedeur Sanders.
• 13:25: Deep league/2QB streamers discussed.
• 21:29: Devin Singletary as “the shiny car on the lot”
• 25:08: Blake Corum’s rise and Rams’ RB handcuffing.
• 32:04: Jaden Reed’s route tree and comfort in the offense.
• 40:28: Harold Fannin Jr. as a key TE streamer.
• 44:29: DST streamers for Week 15.
• 47:10: Jalen Hurts’ -4 point Monday play.

Early Bets & Last Call (week 15)

• Jay: Colts +13.5 (“I can’t quit.”) — (51:00)
• Berry: Giants ML over Commanders (“Nothing left for this [Washington] team to play for.”) — (51:25)
• Connor: Over 44.5 Titans-49ers (“Good offense. Titans showed signs of life. 44.5 is too low.”) — (51:45)

Tone & Highlights

• Banter, Jokes, and Running Gags: The episode is packed with quick gags, listener callouts, and panelists ribbing each other — especially around Jay’s fantasy curses and Connor’s comeback season (“the greatest season I’ve ever played... I did, to reel off seven in a row after starting 0-7, screw you guys, this is a victory” — Connor, 20:12).

• Fantasy Prognosis:

  • The team gives actionable, reasoned advice on whom to pick up, with a focus on opportunity (injuries, depth chart movement, matchups).
  • Clear risk/reward assessments (e.g., Sanders = “high risk/high reward”).
  • Multiple options for deep leagues and handcuffing playoff-critical players.

• Memorable Analysis:

  • The most damaging fantasy play of the season: Jalen Hurts’ -4 point debacle on MNF in a must-win week for managers.
  • Candid viewpoints on NFL teams and fantasy outcomes, blending stats with eye test and humor.

Conclusion

This episode is a must-listen for anyone needing Week 15 waiver guidance or a morale boost after a wild Sunday. Whether your team needs a hail-mary streamer or clever handcuff, Berry and crew offer up practical, battle-tested advice alongside their trademark wit and camaraderie. The "Curse of Jay," the latest quarterback carnage, and the agony of a Monday Night Hurts all highlight the unpredictable joys and pains of fantasy football.

For more, catch "Fantasy Football Happy Hour" on Peacock and the NFL on NBC YouTube channel.