Fantasy Football Today (February 17, 2026)

Episode: Best Second Half Performers, Plus a Big Surprise for Jamey!
Hosts: Adam Aizer, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings
Main Theme: A breakdown of the NFL's best fantasy performers from Weeks 10-18 of the 2025 season, actionable analysis for 2026 drafts—and a special celebration for Jamey Eisenberg's induction into the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) Hall of Fame.

Episode Overview

This lively FFT episode features the usual crew dissecting which players shined the brightest in fantasy during the second half of the 2025 season. They discuss quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends who outperformed expectations, offering forward-looking fantasy advice for each. The show is capped off with a surprise, heartfelt Hall of Fame induction for co-host Jamey Eisenberg, complete with tributes from colleagues, friends, and family—making this episode both deeply informative and emotionally resonant.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. News & Notes: Headlines that Affect Fantasy (03:25–14:28)

Tyreek Hill Released by Dolphins (03:25)

• Status: 32, major knee injury (ACL, dislocation in Week 4).
• Dave: "Tough injury to come back from... He's older... I've been taking him in round 7 in our mocks... no chance he's a top-24 pick like the past few years." (04:17)
• Heath: Last year, Tyreek's ADP dropped to 30th overall due to risk.
• Potential Destinations: Dave lists Buffalo, KC (reunion), LA Chargers as ideal fits, avoids teams with poor QB play. (06:08–06:28)
• Jamie: Reminds it’s Tyreek's first true free agency—money may drive decisions. (06:40)

Other News

• Bucky Irving (TB RB) Shoulder Surgery: Jamie says, "Small deal... explains his drop-off. Still borderline RB1 in my ranks." – (08:48)
• Franchise Tag Notes: Jets likely to keep Breece Hall, Seahawks may not tag Ken Walker. Dave: "I get why the Jets would want to keep Breece Hall... need to see surrounding cast." (10:06)
• Coaching Moves: Seattle brings in Brian Flurry (from 49ers) as OC; Atlanta names new DC; various coordinator shuffles outlined for future offensive projections. (12:30 onward)

2. Best Second-Half Fantasy Performers: Weeks 10–18 Deep Dive

Quarterbacks (16:42–23:31)

• Top Performers: Trevor Lawrence (QB1), Brock Purdy (QB3), Jacoby Brissette (QB7) in PPG.
• Dave: "The one I'm gonna draft first is Lawrence, followed closely by Purdy and then a gap and then it's Jacoby Brissette." (17:19)
• Jamie: Backs Lawrence as the upside play, "A lot to like about where Lawrence is headed, especially with new OC Liam Cohen enhancing QBs as rushers." (20:39)
• Heath: Notes, "People would guess Lawrence had more fantasy points, but it was Purdy (23.9 PPG)." (21:48)
• Lawrence Revival: Jamie credits coaching (Liam Cohen), maturity, and expanded supporting cast with WR Parker Washington, Jacoby Myers. (22:58)

Running Backs (23:31–43:41)

• Chase Brown (RB5), Derrick Henry (RB6), Travion Henderson (RB7), Rhamondre Stevenson (RB8)
• Chase Brown vs Derrick Henry: Jamie favors Brown for 2026: "Derrick Henry is going to be undervalued again... but eventually, we have to question when he'll fall off." (24:47)
• Patriots RBs: Both ranked top-8 but had injury-aided spike weeks; unlikely to repeat as duo in top-12. (43:02)
• Dave: "Youth is always served... give me the younger back in Brown over Henry. Brown’s targets per game were elite for an RB." (40:28)

Wide Receivers (43:41–56:44)

• Top finishers: Chris Olave (WR3), Michael Wilson (WR4), Jameson Williams (WR11)
• Olave: Locked in as the top of the trio. "Olave: wide receiver three, upside we've always waited for... 9.1 targets/game, 6 TDs with Tyler Shuck." (44:47 - Dave)
  • Missed week 18, but produced big with Shuck at QB.
• **Jamey notes Michael Wilson’s breakout occurred while Marvin Harrison Jr. was out, and predicts Wilson will revert to a No. 3 WR role; likes Jameson Williams slightly more, but feels the new OC in Detroit is "very tight-end friendly." (48:17–50:27)
• Heath: Raises skepticism on Jameson Williams, noting target share concerns and that "round 7 is too late, but round 5 may be too early" in current drafts. (53:20, 56:44)

Tight Ends (57:01–62:28)

• Kyle Pitts (TE3), Colby Parkinson (TE4), Juwan Johnson (TE8)
• Dave: "Don’t take Pitts with a meaningful pick if you’re expecting just 9.6 PPR/game. That’s late-round production, if anything." (57:58)
• Jamie: Remains cautiously optimistic, especially if Pitts stays in Atlanta under Stefanski. "If they prioritize keeping Pitts and the depth chart remains thin, his upside is worth a top-10 TE pick." (59:28)
• Parkinson & Johnson: Both seen as late fliers only, with target competition capping upside.

3. The Big Surprise: Jamie Eisenberg Inducted to the FSWA Hall of Fame (25:23–38:47, extended tributes 28:17–38:47)

The Reveal (25:23–27:47)

• Live, on-air, Dave, Heath, and colleagues ambush Jamie with the news.
• Dave: "It is my honor and pleasure to tell you that you are a member of the 2025 fantasy sports writers association hall of Fame." (26:54)
• Jamie is visibly moved and thanked by colleagues live and virtually.

Emotional Tribute Montage (30:12–33:15)

• Warm messages from family, co-workers, and industry legends pour in:
  • "You are an even better human being... you're definitely a Hall of Famer as a person." – Dave Richard (30:34)
  • "I've never seen anybody in this industry work harder than you." – Heath Cummings (31:25)
  • "Congrats, Jamie." – Numerous voices, including Scott Fish and family.
  • Family shares that he’s the “greatest dad, coach, and now fantasy writer" (32:15)
• Jamie is deeply grateful and acknowledges his team and the FFT audience:
  • "Can't do it without you guys... always about the people you surround yourself with." (28:46)

End of the Surprise (34:00–38:46)

• Dave reveals Hall of Fame classmates: Liz Loza and Scott Fish, both “well-deserved.”
• Jamie points out the importance of helping and elevating others in the industry.
• Scott Fish joins via phone from Las Vegas to send congrats and appreciation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dave Richard on Tyreek Hill:
  “He’s not going to be drafted like he was before because of the risk involved." (04:17)

• Jamie Eisenberg on Bucky Irving's surgery:
  "Small deal... borderline RB1 for me, still in the rankings right now." (07:51)

• Dave Richard on Trevor Lawrence:
  “Lawrence took a step forward in a number of ways... worthy of being considered a top 12 fantasy quarterback.” (17:19)

• Jamie Eisenberg on his Hall of Fame induction:
  “Thank you, thank you, thank you. Can’t do it without you guys... always about the people who surround you." (28:46)

• Heath Cummings on Jamey Eisenberg:
  "I've never seen anybody in this industry work harder than you." (31:25)

• Dave Richard on Chase Brown vs. Derrick Henry:
  "Youth is always served in fantasy... give me the younger back." (40:28)

• Jamie Eisenberg on Michael Wilson:
  “Hope he doesn’t become a distant third option... but when Harrison was featured, Wilson was overshadowed.” (48:17)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:25 – Tyreek Hill released & fantasy fallout
• 07:51 – Bucky Irving injury & RB values
• 10:06 – Breece Hall/Ken Walker franchise notes
• 12:30 – Coaching changes impact
• 16:42 – Best second-half QBs (Lawrence/Purdy/Brissette)
• 23:31 – RBs: Chase Brown, Derrick Henry, Patriots RBs
• 43:41 – WRs: Olave, Michael Wilson, Jameson Williams
• 57:01 – TEs: Pitts, Parkinson, Johnson
• 25:23–38:47 – Jamey Eisenberg's Hall of Fame surprise & tributes

Tone & Takeaways

As always, FFT blends sharp, evidence-based fantasy breakdowns with good-natured camaraderie and inside jokes. The celebratory tone for Jamey Eisenberg’s milestone is heartfelt, with hosts and guests displaying genuine affection and respect. The episode is both actionable for fantasy players (highlighting which late-season performers have staying power) and memorable for its demonstration of what makes FFT a special, community-driven show.

In Summary

If you missed the episode, here’s what you need to know:

• The hosts broke down second-half fantasy stars at each position and how their performances might (or might not) carry forward to 2026.
• Tyreek Hill’s future, the Bucs’ RB plans, and WR depth charts in New Orleans, Arizona, and Detroit were under the microscope.
• Major honors for Jamey Eisenberg, with a spontaneous FSWA Hall of Fame celebration filled with stories, applause, and emotion.
• actionable fantasy takeaways, team context, and a celebration of hard work—in a single, very "FFT" package.