Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode: Week 18 Takeaways: Michael Wilson, Jaxson Dart + Black Monday Coaching Changes
Date: January 5, 2026
Hosts: Matthew Berry, Connor Rogers, Jay Croucher

Overview

This episode dives into the wild Week 18 of the NFL, the fallout and takeaways for fantasy football, and significant coaching changes on “Black Monday.” Matthew Berry, Connor Rogers, and Jay Croucher cover key game and player performances, analyze upcoming fantasy values, and react to breaking news, including firings around the league. Lively debate, movie banter, and signature humor keep the conversation fresh and relatable throughout.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Star Wars Banter & Movie Hot Takes (03:00–08:38)

• The episode kicks off with lighthearted debate over movies, centering on Connor's admission he's never watched Star Wars.
  • Quote: “How are you a red blooded American male and you’ve never seen Star Wars? The original trilogy?” – Matthew Berry (03:08)
• Jay opines on movie-commonality bets for Americans, and the crew argues the merits of Star Wars vs. The Godfather.
• The diversion ends with Matthew joking about the show’s derailment—setting a fun, conversational tone.

Ravens’ Kicking Woes, Fan Reactions, and Defensive Struggles (08:38–14:11)

• Tyler Loop’s Missed FG: Baltimore’s missed 44-yard field goal triggers a heated segment on kicker expectations, fan abuse, and stadium difficulty.
  • Quote: “The kid missed a bad kick, right? … it's a kick you’ve got to make. You're a professional kicker in the NFL. Ravens, they expect you to make that kick." – Matthew Berry (09:15)
• The hosts blast fans harassing Loop’s girlfriend online: "Stop it, stop it. The kid sat in front of the press. He answered every question..." (10:23)
• They analyze how the loss isn’t solely on Loop—citing defensive lapses and play-calling.

Defensive Injuries and Playoff Risks (12:16–13:43)

• Jay and Connor highlight Kyle Hamilton's impact: when Hamilton exited, the Ravens' secondary fell apart.
  • Quote: “Outside of like Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons, Kyle Hamilton might be worth more to his defense than any player is to any team.” – Jay Croucher (12:59)
• Berry notes personal betting takeaways: fantasy props on Derrick Henry, Adam Thielen; expresses incredulity Baltimore’s defense let Adam Thielen and Calvin Austin beat them.

Quick Fantasy Takeaways: Kenneth Gainwell’s Value Rises (14:11–15:58)

• The hosts pivot to Kenneth Gainwell’s promising season and fantasy relevance:
  • Quote: “He’s just a good football player. We have to change our perception of him… Top 20 fantasy running back in PPR formats, top five among running backs in targets, receptions, and receiving yards.” – Matthew Berry (15:19)
• Gainwell suggested as a PPR back to watch for 2026 drafts, depending on team context.

Derrick Henry: Aging Phenomenon or Fantasy Trap? (15:58–19:17)

• Discussion shifts to Derrick Henry’s ongoing dominance and whether Father Time will ever catch up:
  • Quote: “He is such an absurd physical specimen that we just have to assume that the laws of science don’t apply to him.” – Jay Croucher (16:22)
• Berry shares field-side insights about Henry’s legendary commitment to physical maintenance.
• Doubt he’s a first-round PPR pick next year, mainly due to limited receiving work and advancing age.

Matthew’s Epic Travel Saga (19:17–20:28)

• Berry describes his exhausting travel weekend, crossing multiple states to be present for the show—drawing both sympathy and jokes about physical endurance and “chicken tenders as fuel.”

Rams vs Cardinals: Michael Wilson’s Breakout & Black Monday News (20:37–25:37)

• Jay praises Puka Nakua while breaking news drops: Cardinals fire head coach Jonathan Gannon (21:22).
• Discussion focuses on what Gannon’s exit means and Michael Wilson’s fantasy outlook for 2026. Wilson impressed down the stretch but target share with Marvin Harrison Jr. active is a concern.
  • Quote: “I think he’s like a wide receiver 3 Juwan Jennings, from a fantasy football point of view.” – Matthew Berry (24:23)
• Heavy uncertainty remains: next Cardinals coach, QB situation, and offense philosophy.

The MVP Debate: Stafford vs. Drake May (25:37–29:52)

• Flashpoint argument: Who deserves the NFL MVP—Drake May or Matthew Stafford?
• Berry makes the case for May, noting May’s supporting cast was substantially weaker than Stafford’s.
  • Quote: “Drake May’s out here with Matt Collins and Demario Douglas!” – Matthew Berry (27:31)
• Jay details how advanced stats support May despite critics focusing on passing TDs and strength of schedule.

Tight Ends for 2026: Loveland, Warren, Fannin & More (29:56–33:08)

• The segment pivots to tight end ADP rankings for 2026.
  • Loveland’s late-season surge and expected role in Ben Johnson’s offense put him in the conversation with Warren, Fannin, Kittle, and others.
  • Quote: “We’re going to be very high on Colson Loveland next year. We’re going to be very high on this Bears offense and Ben Johnson.” – Matthew Berry (32:31)

Jaxson Dart, Giants Decisions, and Rookie Evaluations (35:20–38:48)

• Giants' upset win derails their draft position, but the team appears intent on keeping GM Joe Schoen.
• Matthew touts his preseason call: “When Jaxson Dart starts, he'll be at QB1 the rest of the way.” (35:36)
• Discussion on coaching stability, Giants' quarterback future, and “should we care about Jaden Blue?” (not really).

Patriots’ Backfield Mystery: Stevenson vs. Travion (39:07–41:18)

• Ramondre Stevenson and Travion Anderson’s respective value for 2026 is debated.
  • Stevenson is surging late, but the ceiling is capped by Anderson’s talent and draft capital.
• Berry expects both will split work, and Josh McDaniels’ history suggests a committee.

The Coaching Carousel: Black Monday Fallout (41:18–44:14)

• Black Monday firings include Pete Carroll, Jonathan Gannon, and Raheem Morris.
• Jay, Matthew, and Connor speculate on Raiders, Cardinals, and Falcons' next hires and roster impacts.
  • “Kevin Stefanski…probably the best coaching candidate out there right now.” – Matthew Berry (42:50)
• Giants are a rumored Stefanski fit, especially to groom Jaxson Dart.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Star Wars Culture Shock:
  • “How are you a red blooded American male and you’ve never seen Star Wars? The original trilogy?” – Matthew Berry (03:08)
  • “I have nine movies to watch. I’m owning it though.” – Connor Rogers (07:35)
  • “You go to a theme park, there’s no Godfatherland.” – Matthew Berry (08:25)
• Ravens Loss Reaction:
  • “He missed a kick. Oh, by the way, maybe how about your defense not give up a game-winning drive twice in a row?” – Matthew Berry (10:31)
• On Kyle Hamilton’s Value:
  • “One [Kyle] Hamilton injury away from death…” – Connor Rogers (12:57)
  • “Kyle Hamilton might be worth more to his defense than any player is to any team.” – Jay Croucher (12:59)
• Derrick Henry the Outlier:
  • “He’s just not normal.” – Matthew Berry (16:53)
• MVP Argument:
  • “Drake May’s out here with Matt Collins and Demario Douglas!” – Matthew Berry (27:31)
• Fantasy Surprise:
  • “Michael Wilson finishes with more fantasy points per game than Justin Jefferson…CD Lamb. Like, I just—I mean, it’s—it’s wild.” – Matthew Berry (24:49)
• Jaxson Dart Praise:
  • “He was fantastic and it didn’t matter who else…ends up with over 20 fantasy points in this one. Finishes as a top 10 fantasy quarterback as well.” – Matthew Berry (35:36)
• On Ramondre Stevenson:
  • "Ever since we took it down [his jersey], it's like the opposite of Jay...over the last four weeks, Ramondre Stevenson's been the third best running back in fantasy football." – Matthew Berry (39:15)
• Coaching Carousel Reaction:
  • “Kevin Stefanski…probably the best coaching candidate out there right now.” – Matthew Berry (42:50)

Rapid Segment Timestamps:

• 03:00–08:38 – Pop culture/Star Wars banter
• 08:38–14:11 – Ravens' loss, kicking & defense meltdown
• 14:11–15:58 – Kenneth Gainwell’s fantasy outlook
• 15:58–19:17 – Derrick Henry conversation
• 19:17–20:28 – Matthew Berry’s “travel warrior” story
• 20:37–25:37 – Rams-Cardinals, Black Monday: Gannon fired, Michael Wilson as fantasy breakout
• 25:37–29:52 – MVP debate: Stafford vs. Drake May
• 29:56–33:08 – Ranking tight ends for next year
• 35:20–38:48 – Giants upset, Jaxson Dart’s QB emergence
• 39:07–41:18 – Patriots backfield, Stevenson vs. Travion
• 41:18–44:14 – Black Monday, coaching carousel, fantasy impacts
• 46:10–51:53 – Weekend Warriors segment: Unsung fantasy heroes of Week 18
• 53:50–55:42 – Back to the Futures: Super Bowl and playoff bets
• 55:42–End – Humorous plans for watching Star Wars/Godfather 2, show close

Weekend Warriors: Fantasy MVPs of Week 18 (46:10–51:53)

• Trevor Lawrence and Parker Washington (Jags):
  • “Trevor Lawrence was in fact a daddy...No quarterback had more games of 17 or more fantasy points than Trevor Lawrence.” – Matthew Berry (47:07)
• Parker Washington surprises as Jags’ top WR in targets, receptions, yards
• Ray Davis, Chase Brown, Justin Jefferson, Tank Bigsby: Notable performances and role discussions
• Alec Pierce’s ejection and ref drama—a “horrible, bad year for the refs.”

Back to the Futures: Playoff & Super Bowl Bets (53:50–55:42)

• Jay: Seahawks over Jags in Super Bowl (+2800)
• Connor: Jags to win AFC (+550)
• Matthew: Eagles to win NFC (+475)
• Laughter as Jay’s “curse” is acknowledged, with playful barbs about playoff bar plans and movie homework.

Takeaways in Original Tone

• The show blends in-depth fantasy football insight with playful banter—be it about Star Wars, legendary running backs, or the nature of MVP voting.
• Matthew Berry’s hallmark is keeping things both authoritative and accessible, with sharp clarity around fantasy takeaways and plenty of dry humor.
• “Weekend Warriors” proves especially useful for fantasy managers seeking waiver and dynasty clues from unsung heroes.
• The episode provides actionable player analysis for 2026 leagues, immediate reactions to coaching changes, and regular fantasy advice rooted in humor and candor.

Summary prepared for listeners wanting a full, vivid recap and the pulse of fantasy football’s top stories—without the ads or small talk.