Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode: Week 2 Waiver Wire: Hollywood Brown, Harold Fannin, Daniel Jones headline top targets
Date: September 9, 2025
Host(s): Matthew Berry, Connor Rogers, Jay Croucher

Episode Overview

In this episode, Matthew Berry, Connor Rogers, and Jay Croucher dive deep into Week 2 waiver wire recommendations, cautioning against overreactions but encouraging listeners not to underreact to key trends from the NFL's first week. The trio breaks down top waiver targets—focusing on wide receivers like Hollywood Brown and Cedric Tillman, running backs such as Dylan Sampson and Trey Benson, top tight end adds led by rookie Harold Fannin, as well as quarterback and defense streaming plays.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Week 1 Lessons: Overreaction vs. Underreaction

• Matthew Berry stresses the importance of balancing Week 1 reactions:

  "You don't want to overreact to week one, but you don't want to underreact either. There are some telling data points that come through in week one..." (02:40)

• The group highlights how underlying player usage tells us more than simply looking at box scores—callouts to Dwayne McFarland's Utilization Report underscore the value of metrics like routes run and snap participation (03:42).

2. Top Waiver Wire Wide Receivers

Hollywood Brown (Chiefs)

• Scenario: Xavier Worthy injury forced KC to make Brown the focal point (16 targets).
• Berry:

  "As long as Xavier Worthy is out and we know Rashee Rice has five more games on the suspension...I think they're going to pass, starting with Hollywood Brown." (06:04)
  "This is somebody who had a 6.3 average depth of target...But the fact that they're using him on short and intermediate routes...just getting him easy catches...that's exciting" (09:12)

• Jay:

  "He should be rostered in every single league...Hollywood Brown, all of a sudden now looking like a kind of wide receiver 2 type for the next little bit." (07:10)

Cedric Tillman (Browns)

• High route participation (96%), 19% target share—solidified role with Flacco at QB.
• Berry:

  "All he's done when he's healthy is earn targets at a high rate. Over his last five full games, averaging over 18 fantasy points per game..." (10:11)
  "I'm a big fan of Cedric Tillman because Connor Rogers turned me on to Cedric..." (12:08)

Keenan Allen & Quentin Johnston (Chargers)

• Chargers’ offense became unexpectedly pass-heavy under Greg Roman.
• Keenan Allen (50% available):

  "He's going to be a wide receiver, too, in an elite passing offense." – Jay Croucher (15:54)

• Quentin Johnston (91% available, two TDs in Week 1):
  • Berry and Jay note QJ’s role is shakier, may face competition from Trey Harris/KLS as the season progresses.
  • Berry:

    "If you're asking me Keenan Allen or Quentin Johnston, I'm saying Keenan Allen. I think his role is more secure." (16:30)

Deep League Mentions

• Kayshawn Booty: Led team in receiving yards. “Booty I think should be rostered...” (19:54)
• Josh Palmer: 20% target share in a wild game.
• Wandell Robinson: Still a PPR cheat code (25% target share).
• Torrey Horton, Malik Washington: Down-the-line names with upside if opportunity strikes.
• Berry:

  "If Tyreek Hill gets moved...Malik Washington is the guy who most obviously profiles to take that role..." (23:41)

3. Running Back Waiver Targets

Dylan Sampson (Browns)

• 19% target share, mostly a pass-catching back.
• Berry:

  "It feels like... Sampson and not Jerome Ford is their passing down back, which was sort of shocking to me..." (24:37)

  • Emphasizes Quinshon Judkins (if available) is the best stash for most leagues (25:45)
• Connor:

  "It's probably though October that we're not talking about any other Cleveland running back anymore besides Quinshon Judkins." (25:15)

Trey Benson (Cardinals)

• Out-touched expectations as more than just James Conner’s backup.
• Jay:

  "He was able to get eight rushing attempts...I think ultimately he's only going to arrive at true value if James Conner gets hurt." (26:41)

• Berry:

  "If you're desperate for a flex play this week, I do think Benson has some deeper league flex play value in the right matchup." (27:10)

Tank Bigsby (Eagles, trade from JAX)

• Value diminishes in fantasy going from JAX timeshare candidate to Eagles insurance/possible returner.
• Berry:

  "If you have Tank Bigsby, this is a big loss because where you drafted him, you drafted him as a top 40 running back with the idea that, like, he might be the guy in Jacksonville..." (29:06)

• ETN & Bashal Tootin: Both see an uptick in value after trade.

Kareem Hunt & Kenneth Gainwell (deep league stashes)

• Hunt splitting short yardage/goal line work; Gainwell seeing snap volume but low upside (33:12).
• Jay:

  "Kenneth Gainwell...the poster boy for, do you just need seven, eight points?" (33:33)

4. Tight End Targets

Harold Fannin (Browns, rookie)

• Unique role—not directly replacing Njoku, instead playing as a move chess piece.
• Berry:

  "He ran only 10 fewer routes than Njoku and saw three more targets...Fannin needs to be a priority on the waiver." (36:27)
  "This was something we talked about and you'd heard in camp how excited they were about Fannin..." (37:04)

Deep Tight End Stashes

• Brenton Strange (JAX): Berry’s favorite; led team in receiving yards, involved in scripted plays (37:51)
• Jonnu Smith (Falcons): Still receiving Arthur Smith’s affection. 20% target share in Week 1.
• Juwan Johnson (Saints): Emerging as Saints’ #3 passing option.
• Michael Mayer (Raiders): Involved in two-TE sets; deeper league option.

5. Quarterbacks

Daniel Jones (Giants)

• Massive Week 1; improved O-line and a coach leaning into aggressive play.
• Berry:

  "We're a believer in Shane Steichen's offense and Daniel Jones' skill set in that offense." (40:08)

• Jay:

  "He’s willing to throw it downfield...with what he gives you with his legs...wouldn’t be shocked if he's a top 15 quarterback this year." (41:03)

• Good superflex/2QB streamer—even over guys like Tua or Stroud (41:46).

Deeper QB Streams

• Michael Penix Jr. (Falcons), Geno Smith (Seahawks), Jackson Dart (eventual Giants starter): All named as speculative adds; Dart especially for his future rushing upside (42:17).

6. Defense/Special Teams Streaming

• Rams, Titans, 49ers, Cowboys, Seahawks, Chargers highlighted as best Week 2 streaming options.
• Berry:

  "Shocked the Seahawks are available in like 80% of leagues...we all agree the Seahawks are one of the best defenses in the NFL." (44:12)

7. Rookies and Offense Trends

Vikings Outlook: J.J. McCarthy

• Rookie QB looked overwhelmed, slow processing (48:03-48:44), putting a damper on all but Justin Jefferson and Hawkinson.
• Berry:

  "I'm not ready to panic just yet...I think you just have to hold steady and hope for better performances from JJ McCarthy." (49:35, 51:37)

• Running Backs: Jordan Mason is now the 1A over Aaron Jones.

  "Jordan Mason is going to be their every down back...and Jones is going to be more of the passing down back." (50:30)

Bears/Caleb Williams Concerns

• Ben Johnson’s offense underwhelmed as Caleb Williams was slow to process, DJ Moore a concern (52:21).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Matthew Berry on Waiver Strategy:

  "I feel like you don't want to overreact to week one, but you don't want to underreact either...there are some telling data points." (02:40)

• Jay on the Chargers Passing Game:

  "Even if they don't throw as much as they did on Friday night, but throw more than we expect. This is pretty interesting...they have one of the six best quarterbacks on the planet. Let him cook." (15:54)

• Berry on Harold Fannin:

  "Fannin needs to be a priority on the waiver. Honestly, if you have a tight end or if you don't, this was something we talked about. I didn't think it was coming week one." (37:04)

• Jay on Daniel Jones:

  "It was one of the best pass-blocking performances from any group this week ... wouldn't be shocked if he's a top 15 quarterback." (41:03)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Overview on Week 1 Data & Overreactions: 02:40–03:40
• Utilization Report & Usage Metrics Plug: 03:42–04:56
• Hollywood Brown Waiver Wire Analysis: 05:43–09:51
• Cedric Tillman Case: 09:51–13:21
• Chargers Passing Offense (Allen & Johnston): 13:22–18:31
• Deeper Wide Receiver Stashes: 19:54–23:40
• Running Back Targets (Sampson, Judkins, Benson, Bigsby trade): 24:12–31:31
• Tight End Focus (Fannin and deep options): 34:17–39:08
• QB Streams (Daniel Jones & more): 39:22–43:15
• Defense Streaming: 43:47–44:31
• Vikings/Bears/Offense with Rookies: 47:57–53:22

Flow and Recommendations

• The tone is lively, data-driven, and full of humor/personal anecdotes among co-hosts.
• The hosts push for a usage-based approach (emphasizing target share, routes, snap share), guiding listeners to prioritize opportunity over fluky box scores.
• Recurring message: "Take waiver swings early in the year; don’t be afraid to move on if the data doesn’t back it up."

Summary Table: Top Week 2 Waiver Adds

| Position | Add | Availability | Key Reason | |----------|---------------|--------------|--------------------------------------| | WR | Hollywood Brown | 75% | Target monster, focal point w/injury | | WR | Cedric Tillman | 72% | High target share, stable QB play | | WR | Keenan Allen | 50% | Wide receiver 2 in pass-first team | | RB | Dylan Sampson | 54% | Pass-game role, immediate usage | | RB | Trey Benson | 61% | Carved out more work as rookie | | TE | Harold Fannin | 82% | Move tight end, strong usage/trust | | QB | Daniel Jones | 95% | O-line/OC upgrades, dual-threat |

Final Thoughts

The early weeks are all about decisive waiver moves, especially for players whose underlying usage points to sustainable relevance (not just hot box scores). Hollywood Brown, Cedric Tillman, and Daniel Jones lead the way as the waiver pickups who could swing fantasy matchups. Tight end Harold Fannin is a priority for those burned by Kittle’s injury. Don’t wait around: opportunity knocks loudest after Week 1.