Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode: Week 6 Waiver Wire: Rico Dowdle, Kendre Miller, Kendrick Bourne, Mason Taylor among Top Adds
Date: October 7, 2025

Main Theme and Purpose

This episode focuses on Week 6 waiver wire strategies in fantasy football. Matthew Berry and his co-hosts deliver their trademark blend of in-depth analysis and light-hearted banter, spotlighting top running back and wide receiver adds for the week—most notably Rico Dowdle, Kendre Miller, Kendrick Bourne, and tight end Mason Taylor. The team also dives into emerging quarterback options and matchups, Daily Fantasy perspectives, trade outlooks for stars like Christian McCaffrey, and breaking down the fallout from Monday Night Football’s Jaguars-Chiefs result.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Jacksonville Jaguars: From "Sad Bar" to Surprising Contender

• The episode opens by celebrating the Jaguars' Monday night win, poking fun at NBC producer Steven’s tradition of watching at a famously “sad” Jags bar in NYC.
• Jaguars Outlook:
  • Currently 4-1, with manageable schedule and legitimate playoff hopes.
  • The division (AFC South) is “Art House interesting”—with the Colts also getting love as possible winners.
  • Trevor Lawrence: Critiqued for mistakes, but praised for moxie and toughness.
• Quote:

  "This team...instead of the Saints, this is the team you should have bet on at long odds to make the playoffs." —Matthew Berry (03:04)

Week 6 Waiver Wire Running Back Targets

Overview

• Several impactful RBs on bye or IR: Jordan Mason, Nick Chubb, Woody Marks, Omarion Hampton (placed on IR).
• Episode highlights the urgent need to bolster RB depth due to injuries and byes.

Top RB Pickups

• Rico Dowdle (Carolina Panthers)

  • “Revenge game” narrative as he faces former team, the Cowboys.
  • Available in about 40% of leagues; should be a top priority if still on waivers.
  • Quote:

    "Dowdle has clearly carved out a role in this offense...there may be enough run volume here to support two flex-viable running backs." —Matthew Berry (09:28)

• Michael Carter (Arizona Cardinals)

  • Emerges due to injury pileup; had 18 carries, 5 catches last week.
  • Huge utilization last week (23 of 31 team RB touches).
  • Game script may not be as favorable this week vs Colts.
  • Quote:

    “He’s clearly the Trey Benson replacement you want until Benson comes back.” —Matthew Berry (11:09)

• Kendre Miller (New Orleans Saints)

  • Kamara remains healthy, but Miller’s touches trending up; could take lead if Kamara is traded or hurt.
  • Seen as a flex with upside.
  • Quote:

    “I would make it greater than a 50% chance that Kendre Miller is the lead back...this becomes his backfield.” —Jay Croucher (13:54)

• Kenneth Gainwell (Pittsburgh Steelers)

  • 63% available; coming off a bye.
  • Jalen Warren’s potential return clouds his value but still expected to hold a role.
  • Quote:

    “Arthur Smith likes to use multiple running backs and we have seen multiple running backs have fantasy usefulness under Arthur Smith.” —Matthew Berry (21:06)

• Hassan Haskins & Kymani Vidal (LA Chargers)

  • Replacing Omarion Hampton (IR) but likely to split touches. Haskins slightly preferred for TD upside.
  • Could see additions to the RB room (rumors about Gus Edwards).
  • Quote:

    “I think they both need to be rostered... I would prefer Haskins over Vidal even though it’s going to be a 50/50 split.” —Matthew Berry (22:00)

Deeper RB League Fliers

• Kareem Hunt, Tyler Allgeier, Tyjae Spears, Isaiah Davis (NYJ), Sean Tucker (TB), Jaden Blue (DAL).

Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Targets

Kendrick Bourne (San Francisco 49ers)

• Massive Week 5: 10 rec, 142 yds, 11 targets — 23% target share, 82% route participation.

• Remains involved while SF deals with injuries; risk his usage drops as Juwan Jennings/Ricky Pearsall return.

• Notable Quote:

  “I’m just here to play my role, help the younger guys… that’s how my career has been and I’ve excelled in that.” —Kendrick Bourne (25:19)

• Summary Comment:

  “His role remains to be seen, but like, given the injury history… even if they’re both back this week, I don’t know that you feel confident that both guys play every game.” —Matthew Berry (30:48)

Romeo Doubs (Green Bay Packers)

• 50% available; strong end zone usage (45% of Packers' end zone targets).
• Reliable floor, but limited ceiling due to Packers’ offensive design.

Other Notable WRs

• Darnell Mooney (CHI), Trey Tucker (LV), Josh Downs (IND), Troy Franklin (DEN), Isaiah Bond (CLE), Torrey Horton (SEA), Ryan Flournoy (DAL).
• Isaiah Bond: Playing heavy snaps, 22% target share, some off-field issues but deep threat ability.

Deep Stashes/Lottery Tickets:

• Brandon Aiyuk (SF), Jalen Coker (NE), Christian Watson (GB)—ideal IR stashes, all candidates to return from injury and contribute.

Tight End Waiver Adds

Mason Taylor (NYJ) — Headline Add

• 86% available.
• 25% target share in back-to-back weeks, highest TE utilization in NFL last two weeks.
• “The Jets might have gotten a steal.” Landed in ideal spot (vacuum behind Garrett Wilson).
• Quote:

  “Clap for Mason Taylor! …we’ve been talking about Mason Taylor for quite some time.” —Matthew Berry (37:15)

Additional TEs:

• Evan Engram (JAX): 52% available, strong matchup versus the Jets.
• Theo Johnson (Penn State/PHI): Emerging red zone role, 20%+ target share in limited action.
• Jake Tonges (SF): Back-to-back games with TDs filling in for George Kittle.
• AJ Barner (SEA): Quietly scored in 3 of 4—becoming a solid red-zone target.

Quarterback & Defense Streaming Options

Streamer QBs:

• Jackson Dart (NYG)

  • 61% available, running upside; over 50 rushing yards each start, red zone usage.
  • Quote:

    “Averaging over 17 fantasy points per game in two starts. He’d be a top-12 fantasy QB the rest of the way.” —Matthew Berry (42:54)

• Mac Jones (SF)

  • 95% available, trusted by Shanahan, targets Kendrick Bourne, consistent passing volume.

• Other Options: Tua Tagovailoa (MIA), Sam Darnold (SEA), Dylan Gabriel (CLE).

Streamer Defenses:

• Packers (vs. Bengals), Colts (vs. Cardinals), Patriots (vs. Saints)—targeting weak opposing offenses.

Key Trade Debate: Christian McCaffrey

• Trade or Hold?
  • Hot debate: Sell high due to incoming reduction in receiving work as 49ers’ pass-catchers get healthier?
  • Counter: Even with less receiving, he remains a strong RB1.
  • Names floated as preferred trade targets: Bijan Robinson, Jameer Gibbs, Jonathan Taylor, Puka Nacua, Amon-Ra St. Brown.
  • Memorable Exchange:

    “I would try and trade Christian McCaffrey now...” —Jay Croucher (27:12)
    “What are you trading him for? Even with a reduced workload, he’s still elite.” —Matthew Berry (28:02)

Monday Night Football Recap — Jaguars vs. Chiefs

• Chiefs:

  • Kareem Hunt capitalizes with 4 of 8 touches coming at the goal line.
  • RB committee remains “gross,” but Hunt has highest touchdown equity.
  • “When they get in close, they give it to Kareem Hunt as well.” —Matthew Berry (47:11)

• Jaguars:

  • Lawrence’s use of legs (54 rushing yds) noted as encouraging.
  • Brian Thomas (4-80, drew key PI): “Feel better about him today... but still not great.” —Matthew Berry (50:18)

• Chiefs Offense Outlook:

  • Despite loss, viewed as “sleeping juggernaut” if Rashee Rice returns.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Jags fans watching together in NYC:

  “How many places are there where you can be like, I want to be sad, but I want to be sad with other people who are sad like me?” —Matthew Berry (04:53)

• On fantasy football manager drama:

  “I could create havoc and chaos... just make a bunch of lopsided trades to upset the competitive balance in the league.” —Matthew Berry (17:24)

• On rookie QBs learning:

  “You know, it’s about winning. So I don’t take any excuse for age or being a rookie. Like there’s a responsibility when you’re a quarterback to go win games.” —Jackson Dart (42:34)

Notable Timestamps

• Running Backs Waiver Intro / Bye Week Discussion: [06:14]
• Rico Dowdle Analysis: [07:31–09:28]
• Michael Carter Analysis: [10:16]
• Kendre Miller Analysis: [13:45]
• Kenneth Gainwell & Steelers Backfield: [18:38]
• Top RB Summary Recap: [23:08]
• Deep RB Targets: [23:33]
• Top WR: Kendrick Bourne Feature & Interview: [25:19]
• Romeo Doubs Discussion: [31:05]
• Deep League WRs & Stashes: [36:39–37:07]
• Mason Taylor (TE) Focus: [37:07]
• Quarterback Streaming Segment: [41:38–44:28]
• Chiefs-Jaguars MNF Takeaways: [46:55–51:07]

Conclusion

This episode is packed with actionable advice, bold but grounded opinions (from selling McCaffrey to buying into Mason Taylor), and practical, prioritized pickup lists for Week 6. The hosts’ playful banter makes for a lively listen, but their waiver analyses and deeply contextual player takes remain the standouts for anyone looking to survive the bye-week crunch or get an edge on the competition.

For full rankings and video highlights, check out the show on Peacock or the NFL on NBC YouTube channel.