Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode: Week 2 Takeaways — Joe Burrow injured + Big Days from Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze
Date: September 15, 2025

Overview

This lively episode dives deep into the major events and fantasy takeaways from NFL Week 2. Matthew Berry, Conor Rodd, and Jay Croucher focus on Joe Burrow’s season-derailing injury and what it means for the Bengals' offense and fantasy players. The crew also unpacks the fantasy breakouts of Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze, questions brewing in Jacksonville and Philadelphia, the emergence of new fantasy standouts, and critical advice for navigating upcoming waiver wires, sit/start decisions, and trade targets.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Joe Burrow’s Injury & Impact on Bengals Offense

• Joe Burrow out at least 3 months (turf toe, surgery needed). Likely done for the fantasy season.

  • Matthew Berry: "For all intents and purposes, he’s lost for the fantasy football season and for the majority of the Bengals season." (02:15)
  • Conor Rodd: "The trickle effect on the rest of this offense that has so many vital fantasy talents..." (05:14)

• Jake Browning as the Bengals' starter:

  • Browning was solid in 2023 starts: 19+ FPTS/game, pass-heavy offense remains the same.
  • Berry: "He averaged over 260 passing yards per game, 12 touchdowns, 7 interceptions... all the reasons we liked Joe Burrow are there for Jake Browning: bad defense, pass-first offense, great skill players." (05:28)
  • Don't overspend FAB on Browning in Superflex unless desperate (08:01).

• Skill Position Effects:

  • Ja'Marr Chase: Drops from elite WR1 to low-end WR1; still a weekly start.
  • Tee Higgins: Drops to lower-end WR2; most negatively affected.
  • Chase Brown: Workload stable, more screen passes coming, but TD upside capped due to fewer red zone trips.
    • Jay Croucher: "Touchdown equity will go down because they’re not going to be in scoring position as much, but he should still be a viable starter." (10:35)

• Sell/Hold Advice:

  • “You’re better off hanging onto them as opposed to selling at a discount... Will they be as good as they were with Joe Burrow? No. Will they be competent and usable? Yes.” — Berry, (09:24)
  • Brutal upcoming schedule: @Minnesota, @Denver, Detroit, @Green Bay — all strong defenses. (11:10)

• Notable Quote:

  • Conor Rodd: "He's in the Justin Jefferson category of guys—you start them no matter what. It doesn't matter who's at quarterback." (12:30)

Jaguars’ Struggles & Emerging Concerns

• Brian Thomas Jr. under scrutiny:

  • Underperformance, mental miscues, and visible frustration from coaches.
  • "He kind of had the yips. He was visibly pulling out of routes over the middle because he didn’t want to get hit. It’s like, what are you doing?" — Jay Croucher, (14:15)
  • 5 catches for 60 yards through 2 games, but 27% target share.

• Travis Hunter disappointment:

  • Big preseason hopes, but consecutive low-yardage games and diminished targets.
  • "I was the Brian Thomas Jr. of fantasy analysts when it comes to the Jaguars yesterday." — Matthew Berry, (16:00)

• Bashal Tootin buzz:

  • Flashed explosiveness; possible Jalen Warren-comp type role behind Travis Etienne.
  • "He could be this year's Bucky Irving." — Berry, (16:37)

Giants & Cowboys: Malik Nabers & Wandell Robinson Erupt

• Malik Nabers' breakout game with Russell Wilson:

  • Russell Wilson: "Malik played an incredible game... this guy is just special." (17:41)
  • Giants' passing game massively outperformed expectations, in what Jay called, “The first time we’ve really seen a Giants passing game since 2011.” (17:22)

• Wandell Robinson’s emergence:

  • Career-high 16.2 aDOT, 20+ yd catches, 25% target share in both games this season.
  • “He finally got a GPS, it was crazy.” — Berry, on Wandell Robinson’s unexpected downfield targets. (19:34)

• Fantasy value:

  • Nabers now a clear WR1, Robinson a viable flex option.
  • Russell Wilson is streamable but risky due to looming job security issues and a tough schedule.

Lions’ Offensive Feast, Rome Odunze Breaks Out

• Detroit wallops Chicago: 52–21.

  • Amon-Ra St. Brown goes nuclear (~40 FPTS), Goff, Gibbs, Montgomery all productive.

• Rome Odunze new Bears clear WR1:

  • Caleb Williams: "You want to keep feeding him the ball, and I think that’s just what happened today." (29:56)
  • 33% target share, dominating red zone looks (75% of team’s end-zone targets through Week 2).
  • DJ Moore slides to WR3 status for now.

Eagles, Chiefs, Dolphins: Troubling Trends at the Top

• Eagles’ passing woes:

  • A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith both struggle despite high target shares; concern mounting.
  • “A.J. Brown... he’s probably like a wide receiver three, in terms of risk... There’s potential, but it’s not guaranteed production.” — Berry, (26:35)

• Chiefs at 0–2, Mahomes optimistic:

  • Patrick Mahomes: "When you deal with adversity, it’s about how you handle it... We’ll continue to work harder so when we step on that field, we can find a way to win." (24:09)

• Dolphins’ “old times” offense returns—but red flags remain:

  • "We can’t be taking honorable losses... losing at home by six points to the Patriots who won four games last year is just a little ridiculous." — Jay Croucher, (32:15)
  • Tua takes too many sacks, O-line issues continue. Tyreek and Waddle produce but situation is worrying; Trevion Henderson “unstartable” for now.

Key Breakouts & Waiver Targets

• Daniel Jones (Colts):

  • “Danny Dimes is now averaging over 26 fantasy points per game. He’s been a top five quarterback in both weeks... not a fluke.” — Berry, (37:41)
  • Excellent schedule ahead; top waiver priority for Burrow replacements.

• Troy Franklin (Broncos):

  • Emerging as Russell Wilson’s top target, out-snapping Cortland Sutton.
  • “He is the Broncos leader in targets, receptions and receiving yards [through two games].” — Berry, (40:27)

• Juwan Jennings (49ers):

  • Dominated targets with Brock Purdy out; strong waiver consideration if opportunity persists. (46:27)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Bengals’ future:

  • "Quarterback sneak to finish it off..." — Zach Taylor, on Jake Browning (01:02)
  • “Do you agree or disagree with me that you just hold your Bengals skill players? ... If somebody’s willing to offer you a second-round, WR2 value for Chase or Higgins—are you taking it? For Chase, never.” — Berry, (11:52)

• Regarding Brian Thomas Jr.:

  • "He kind of had the yips..." — Jay Croucher, (14:15)

• Malik Nabers/Russell Wilson:

  • "Malik played an incredible game... this guy is special." — Russell Wilson, (17:41)

• Caleb Williams on Rome Odunze:

  • "You want to keep feeding him the ball..." (29:56)

• Mahomes on 0–2 start:

  • "When you deal with adversity, it’s about how you deal with it." (24:09)

Timestamps – Key Segments

| Segment Description | Timestamp | |---------------------|-----------| | Bengals locker room, immediate injury fallout | 01:49–04:50 | | Jake Browning analysis & Bengals fantasy implications | 05:16–13:22 | | Jaguars struggles, Brian Thomas Jr. & Travis Hunter | 13:25–16:15 | | Jaguars positives: Bashal Tootin | 16:15–16:37 | | Giants-Cowboys shootout, Malik Nabers/Wandell Robinson | 16:37–22:03 | | Eagles/Chiefs: passing offenses fail to impress | 23:03–28:35 | | Detroit feasts, Rome Odunze arrives | 28:35–31:13 | | Dolphins, Patriots recap, Tyreek & RBs | 31:13–36:01 | | Colts/Broncos: Daniel Jones, Troy Franklin | 36:16–40:48 | | Quick injury round-up | 40:48–41:14 |

Advice & Takeaways

Quarterback Streamers (for Joe Burrow replacements)

• Daniel Jones (Colts) — top waiver priority, high floor and upside (37:41)
• Trevor Lawrence, Daniel Jones, Geno Smith, Tua Tagovailoa listed in recommended order (08:01)
• Russell Wilson — risky, upcoming schedule is rough and job security isn’t great (21:54–22:24)

Waiver/Buy-Low & Sell Advice

• Hold Bengals WRs unless you get a strong offer. Don’t panic-sell.
• Rome Odunze is now an every-week starter, DJ Moore can be benched.
• Bashal Tootin (Jaguars), Wandell Robinson (Giants), Juwan Jennings (49ers), and Troy Franklin (Broncos) are top deeper-league adds.
• Travion Henderson (Patriots) can be dropped if you need to, but hold if roster space allows (34:58).
• Philly’s passing game is a concern; A.J. Brown and Smith drop to high-risk WR2/3.

General

• Injuries, schedule, and context matter—be cautious with overreacting to a single game week, especially with backup QBs and early breakouts.
• Next week’s “Waiver Show” will be critical for deeper pickups and refined advice for injured stars.

The Classic Berry-ism

“The only other concern... who the hell on this team is blocking Micah Parsons?” — Matthew Berry, (11:27)

For Next Episode

Look for more in-depth waiver wire coverage, injury fallout analysis, and specific start/sit guidance for Week 3.

Original panelists: Matthew Berry, Conor Rodd, Jay Croucher
Featured voices: Zach Taylor, Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, Caleb Williams, Tyreek Hill, Daniel Jones

This summary brings you the full spectrum of analysis, banter, and actionable advice from Week 2, gearing you up for smart fantasy football moves in a landscape shaken by major injuries and breakout stars.