Fantasy Football Today

Episode: Divisional Round Winners and Losers, Big Coaching News

Date: January 20, 2026
Hosts: Adam Aizer, Dave Richard, Jamie McDaniel

Episode Overview

The hosts break down the biggest storylines and fantasy football implications from the NFL's Divisional Round playoffs. They name key player "winners and losers," analyze recent major coaching changes, and discuss the rookie running back class's letdowns. There's spirited debate on controversial playoff plays, deep dives into stats, and plenty of actionable advice for 2026 fantasy football drafts.

Main Topics and Discussion Points

1. Divisional Round: Top Takeaways

Winners & Losers Roundup:
- Focusing on player performances from the four divisional playoff games.
- Explores fantasy value changes for critical contributors, especially rookie running backs and quarterbacks.

[01:53] Adam Aizer kicks off the discussion with quick NFL/fantasy questions:

C.J. Stroud's future:
- Adam: “Should the Texans find a new quarterback for 2026 and beyond?”
- Jamie: “2026? No, beyond potentially yes.”
  (04:33)
Denver’s odds with Jarrett Stidham at QB vs Patriots:
- Dave: “No small chance.”
  (05:18)
Rookie RB Class Disappointment:
- Adam recaps struggles and rankings for rookie RBs:
  - Only scatters of success (e.g., Scatter Boo RB10/game, Hampton RB13/game, Genti RB16/game).
  - Majority failed to live up to hype and average draft position.

2. Rookie Running Back Class: Hype vs. Reality

[06:23] Jamie Reacts to Rookie RBs' Season

Jamie: “Overall, you're right. Yes, it was disappointing... There were a lot of high expectations... But sure, overall it was, it was certainly disappointing.”
(06:23)
Injury-impacted seasons, flashes of upside but lack of consistent, league-altering production.
Leads to a pivotal offseason and a reevaluation of where to draft 2026 sophomore running backs.
Stevenson vs. Henderson on the Patriots debated, context of Ramondre Stevenson’s contract and performance.
(08:02)

3. Biggest NFL Coaching News and Fantasy Impact

[09:24] Dave and Jamie analyze new coaches/coordinators:

Stefanski to Atlanta: Intrigue about jumpstarting Atlanta’s offense.
Drew Petzing as Lions OC:
- Dave: "What are the Lions doing... I'm not inspired by Petzing."
  (09:24)
- Jamie more optimistic: “He deserves a little bit of a pass for the Cardinals’ offense with Brissett… He didn’t have this talent in Arizona.”
  (10:55)
- Tight end-centric system; potential positive ripple for Sam LaPorta’s fantasy value.
Sean McDermott Fired (Buffalo):
- Jamie notes this as the biggest headline, surprise over the firing following a divisional round loss.
Other Moves:
- LaFleur's contract extension in Green Bay.
- Robert Saleh to Tennessee as HC; Jeff Halfley to Miami as HC.
- Eric Bieniemy likely returning as Chiefs OC.

[14:11] Extensive Debate: "What is a catch?"

Controversy around key playoff plays, especially the ruling on the Brandon Cooks and Davante Adams plays.
Adam: “The rules as they're stated. The play followed the rules as they were stated.”
Jamie/Dave: Frustration about lack of review and ongoing ambiguity in NFL catch rules.

4. Divisional Round Player Winners

[19:44] Jamie: Ken Walker a Big Winner

Charbonnet’s ACL tear leaves Walker as Seattle’s clear No. 1.
“You got to be happy as a dynasty manager if you have Ken Walker. You got to be really upset as a Charbonnet manager…”
(19:44)
Discussion of Seattle’s likely approach 2026 and Charbonnet’s comeback timeline.

[22:00] QB Winners – Caleb Williams & Drake May

Jamie: “These are going to be really great fantasy quarterbacks in 2026... It's just awesome to watch these guys play.”
(22:54)
Williams: Six consecutive games of 20+ fantasy points, heavy pass attempts.
Adam, humorously, about Williams' arm strength: “I'm wearing sweatpants. Jamie, that's fine. Stand up. Take a bow. You're correct. Best arm in the NFL. Wow.”
(22:06)
Drake May: Best deep-ball thrower, but concern over needing more help at receiver in New England.

[24:27] Adam: Interceptions & Fumbles a Minor Concern

Williams: “Threw three picks in this game.”
May: “Six fumbles in two postseason games.”
Jamie: Downplays concern, strong belief in both as 2026 draft values.

[26:56] Deep Ball Discussion – May’s Fantasy Ceiling

Adam: “…his receivers stink. So if they don't really upgrade there… That's my concern… he might be disappointing.”
Dave agrees May's ranking assumes WR upgrade; potential for the Patriots to trade for A.J. Brown or sign Alec Pierce for complementary skillset.

[29:18] Rising WRs: Jaden Higgins & Kayshon Boutte

Jamie on Higgins: “I think the Texans have their number two receiver... If CJ Stroud can get any semblance of back on track, you like what Jaden Higgins can do.”
Dave on Boutte: “...five games this year with five or more targets, he’s hit 13.5 PPR points in all five of those games. So if he does get more opportunities…”
(30:31)

5. Divisional Round Player Losers

[36:22] Major Rookie Running Back Flops: Henderson, Marks, Harvey

Adam: Harsh outings for all three in key games; concern for 2026 roles.
Dave: “I’m nervous about these rookie running backs moving forward... He was barely even used inside the five... I think there’s a chance he’s the 1B running back for Houston.”
(37:23)
Deep stats on touch distribution, lack of usage at goal line, poor efficiency.
Shift in rankings: “I took Travion out of my top 12. I took RJ Harvey out of my top 12 for 2026... there’s going to be too much splitting...” (39:43)

[40:44] Adam: "It’s so frustrating... [Harvey] averaged 3.7 ypc; Dobbins, basically the same carries, averaged 5.0. That's concerning."

[42:38] Cortland Sutton: What Is His Ceiling?

Repeatedly capped fantasy finish and poor ending to the year.
Jamie: “This is who he is and he's not getting younger... If you have a solid number one... he's your number three. Like, I don't mind players like this at all... you know what Cortland Sutton is.”
(42:38)
Emphasis on his role as a WR2/flex rather than league-winner status.

[45:27] C.J. Stroud: Is He Capping Nico Collins’ Value?

Adam: “Is he just holding Nico back? Is he the reason why Nico Collins can't be a fantasy superstar?”
Dave: “No, I don't think that's it... I felt like as a rookie he would be unconscious to pass rush pressure and he would just make throws... and he's regressed there the last two years. So something's gone on. They need to rectify that...”
(45:30)
Jamie: Multiple coordinator changes may have derailed Stroud’s trajectory; possible that his rookie year was the aberration.
Dave’s Stat: “Seven games [Stroud] had Nico and Tank Dell, both played at least 60% snaps — he averaged almost 28 fantasy points per game... When he had the full cast, Stroud was amazing.”
(48:25)

Notable Quotes & Moments

Adam (on deep throws): “Someone's gonna have to explain to me this 51.6 air yards or 51.6 yards in the air when it was clearly a 46 yard throw... we need to know what they're calculating here.” (25:11)
Jamie (on May and Williams): “This is the next group, the next wave. You know, the next Breeze, Rogers, Brady, Manning. These guys have the ability to lead the way...” (22:54)
Adam (on “what is a catch”): “The rules as they're stated. The play followed the rules as they were stated.” (16:12)
Dave (on RBs): “We want running backs that get all the work and handle it all and do well with it. And I don't know how many of them we're going to get.” (36:00)

Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------| | 01:53 | Show opens with fantasy/NFL questions | | 04:33 | Is CJ Stroud the Texans' future QB? | | 06:23 | Rookie RB class: Discussing struggles | | 09:24 | Biggest coaching news; Stefanski, Petzing analysis | | 14:11 | Debate: Catch/no catch playoff controversy | | 19:44 | Winner: Ken Walker’s value surges | | 22:00 | Winner: Caleb Williams, Drake May; deep ball chat | | 26:56 | May's deep-ball dependency; fantasy risk | | 29:18 | WR risers: Jaden Higgins, Kayshon Boutte | | 32:24 | Honorable mention: Colson Loveland, Kyron Williams | | 36:22 | Rookie RB letdowns: Henderson, Marks, Harvey | | 40:44 | RB efficiency stats, concern over usage | | 42:38 | Cortland Sutton’s capped ceiling | | 45:27 | C.J. Stroud & Nico Collins: Fantasy relationship | | 48:25 | Stroud’s best stretch, when fully healthy weapons |

Final Thoughts

2025’s rookie RB class was a letdown, but some could break out in 2026 if situations improve.
Ken Walker’s value surges after Charbonnet’s injury.
May and Williams are set to headline the next wave of fantasy QBs, though supporting casts remain critical.
Recent coaching changes will have massive ripple effects (especially in Detroit, Atlanta, Buffalo).
Owners must track usage splits, coaching hires, and off-season acquisitions to prepare for 2026 drafts.

Next up:
Tomorrow, the crew debates their Top 12 Tight Ends for 2026. Don’t miss it!

Fantasy Football Today

Episode: Divisional Round Winners and Losers, Big Coaching News

Date: January 20, 2026
Hosts: Adam Aizer, Dave Richard, Jamie McDaniel

Episode Overview

Main Topics and Discussion Points

1. Divisional Round: Top Takeaways

Winners & Losers Roundup:
- Focusing on player performances from the four divisional playoff games.
- Explores fantasy value changes for critical contributors, especially rookie running backs and quarterbacks.

[01:53] Adam Aizer kicks off the discussion with quick NFL/fantasy questions:

C.J. Stroud's future:
- Adam: “Should the Texans find a new quarterback for 2026 and beyond?”
- Jamie: “2026? No, beyond potentially yes.”
  (04:33)
Denver’s odds with Jarrett Stidham at QB vs Patriots:
- Dave: “No small chance.”
  (05:18)
Rookie RB Class Disappointment:
- Adam recaps struggles and rankings for rookie RBs:
  - Only scatters of success (e.g., Scatter Boo RB10/game, Hampton RB13/game, Genti RB16/game).
  - Majority failed to live up to hype and average draft position.

2. Rookie Running Back Class: Hype vs. Reality

[06:23] Jamie Reacts to Rookie RBs' Season

Jamie: “Overall, you're right. Yes, it was disappointing... There were a lot of high expectations... But sure, overall it was, it was certainly disappointing.”
(06:23)
Injury-impacted seasons, flashes of upside but lack of consistent, league-altering production.
Leads to a pivotal offseason and a reevaluation of where to draft 2026 sophomore running backs.
Stevenson vs. Henderson on the Patriots debated, context of Ramondre Stevenson’s contract and performance.
(08:02)

3. Biggest NFL Coaching News and Fantasy Impact

[09:24] Dave and Jamie analyze new coaches/coordinators:

Stefanski to Atlanta: Intrigue about jumpstarting Atlanta’s offense.
Drew Petzing as Lions OC:
- Dave: "What are the Lions doing... I'm not inspired by Petzing."
  (09:24)
- Jamie more optimistic: “He deserves a little bit of a pass for the Cardinals’ offense with Brissett… He didn’t have this talent in Arizona.”
  (10:55)
- Tight end-centric system; potential positive ripple for Sam LaPorta’s fantasy value.
Sean McDermott Fired (Buffalo):
- Jamie notes this as the biggest headline, surprise over the firing following a divisional round loss.
Other Moves:
- LaFleur's contract extension in Green Bay.
- Robert Saleh to Tennessee as HC; Jeff Halfley to Miami as HC.
- Eric Bieniemy likely returning as Chiefs OC.

[14:11] Extensive Debate: "What is a catch?"

Controversy around key playoff plays, especially the ruling on the Brandon Cooks and Davante Adams plays.
Adam: “The rules as they're stated. The play followed the rules as they were stated.”
Jamie/Dave: Frustration about lack of review and ongoing ambiguity in NFL catch rules.

4. Divisional Round Player Winners

[19:44] Jamie: Ken Walker a Big Winner

Charbonnet’s ACL tear leaves Walker as Seattle’s clear No. 1.
“You got to be happy as a dynasty manager if you have Ken Walker. You got to be really upset as a Charbonnet manager…”
(19:44)
Discussion of Seattle’s likely approach 2026 and Charbonnet’s comeback timeline.

[22:00] QB Winners – Caleb Williams & Drake May

Jamie: “These are going to be really great fantasy quarterbacks in 2026... It's just awesome to watch these guys play.”
(22:54)
Williams: Six consecutive games of 20+ fantasy points, heavy pass attempts.
Adam, humorously, about Williams' arm strength: “I'm wearing sweatpants. Jamie, that's fine. Stand up. Take a bow. You're correct. Best arm in the NFL. Wow.”
(22:06)
Drake May: Best deep-ball thrower, but concern over needing more help at receiver in New England.

[24:27] Adam: Interceptions & Fumbles a Minor Concern

Williams: “Threw three picks in this game.”
May: “Six fumbles in two postseason games.”
Jamie: Downplays concern, strong belief in both as 2026 draft values.

[26:56] Deep Ball Discussion – May’s Fantasy Ceiling

Adam: “…his receivers stink. So if they don't really upgrade there… That's my concern… he might be disappointing.”
Dave agrees May's ranking assumes WR upgrade; potential for the Patriots to trade for A.J. Brown or sign Alec Pierce for complementary skillset.

[29:18] Rising WRs: Jaden Higgins & Kayshon Boutte

Jamie on Higgins: “I think the Texans have their number two receiver... If CJ Stroud can get any semblance of back on track, you like what Jaden Higgins can do.”
Dave on Boutte: “...five games this year with five or more targets, he’s hit 13.5 PPR points in all five of those games. So if he does get more opportunities…”
(30:31)

5. Divisional Round Player Losers

[36:22] Major Rookie Running Back Flops: Henderson, Marks, Harvey

Adam: Harsh outings for all three in key games; concern for 2026 roles.
Dave: “I’m nervous about these rookie running backs moving forward... He was barely even used inside the five... I think there’s a chance he’s the 1B running back for Houston.”
(37:23)
Deep stats on touch distribution, lack of usage at goal line, poor efficiency.
Shift in rankings: “I took Travion out of my top 12. I took RJ Harvey out of my top 12 for 2026... there’s going to be too much splitting...” (39:43)

[40:44] Adam: "It’s so frustrating... [Harvey] averaged 3.7 ypc; Dobbins, basically the same carries, averaged 5.0. That's concerning."

[42:38] Cortland Sutton: What Is His Ceiling?

Repeatedly capped fantasy finish and poor ending to the year.
Jamie: “This is who he is and he's not getting younger... If you have a solid number one... he's your number three. Like, I don't mind players like this at all... you know what Cortland Sutton is.”
(42:38)
Emphasis on his role as a WR2/flex rather than league-winner status.

[45:27] C.J. Stroud: Is He Capping Nico Collins’ Value?

Adam: “Is he just holding Nico back? Is he the reason why Nico Collins can't be a fantasy superstar?”
Dave: “No, I don't think that's it... I felt like as a rookie he would be unconscious to pass rush pressure and he would just make throws... and he's regressed there the last two years. So something's gone on. They need to rectify that...”
(45:30)
Jamie: Multiple coordinator changes may have derailed Stroud’s trajectory; possible that his rookie year was the aberration.
Dave’s Stat: “Seven games [Stroud] had Nico and Tank Dell, both played at least 60% snaps — he averaged almost 28 fantasy points per game... When he had the full cast, Stroud was amazing.”
(48:25)

Notable Quotes & Moments

Adam (on deep throws): “Someone's gonna have to explain to me this 51.6 air yards or 51.6 yards in the air when it was clearly a 46 yard throw... we need to know what they're calculating here.” (25:11)
Jamie (on May and Williams): “This is the next group, the next wave. You know, the next Breeze, Rogers, Brady, Manning. These guys have the ability to lead the way...” (22:54)
Adam (on “what is a catch”): “The rules as they're stated. The play followed the rules as they were stated.” (16:12)
Dave (on RBs): “We want running backs that get all the work and handle it all and do well with it. And I don't know how many of them we're going to get.” (36:00)

Key Timestamps

Final Thoughts

2025’s rookie RB class was a letdown, but some could break out in 2026 if situations improve.
Ken Walker’s value surges after Charbonnet’s injury.
May and Williams are set to headline the next wave of fantasy QBs, though supporting casts remain critical.
Recent coaching changes will have massive ripple effects (especially in Detroit, Atlanta, Buffalo).
Owners must track usage splits, coaching hires, and off-season acquisitions to prepare for 2026 drafts.

Next up:
Tomorrow, the crew debates their Top 12 Tight Ends for 2026. Don’t miss it!

Divisional Round Winners and Losers, Big Coaching News (01/20 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

Fantasy Football Today

Episode: Divisional Round Winners and Losers, Big Coaching News

Episode Overview

Main Topics and Discussion Points

1. Divisional Round: Top Takeaways

[01:53] Adam Aizer kicks off the discussion with quick NFL/fantasy questions:

2. Rookie Running Back Class: Hype vs. Reality

[06:23] Jamie Reacts to Rookie RBs' Season

3. Biggest NFL Coaching News and Fantasy Impact

[09:24] Dave and Jamie analyze new coaches/coordinators:

[14:11] Extensive Debate: "What is a catch?"

4. Divisional Round Player Winners

[19:44] Jamie: Ken Walker a Big Winner

[22:00] QB Winners – Caleb Williams & Drake May

[24:27] Adam: Interceptions & Fumbles a Minor Concern

[26:56] Deep Ball Discussion – May’s Fantasy Ceiling

[29:18] Rising WRs: Jaden Higgins & Kayshon Boutte

5. Divisional Round Player Losers

[36:22] Major Rookie Running Back Flops: Henderson, Marks, Harvey

[40:44] Adam: "It’s so frustrating... [Harvey] averaged 3.7 ypc; Dobbins, basically the same carries, averaged 5.0. That's concerning."

[42:38] Cortland Sutton: What Is His Ceiling?

[45:27] C.J. Stroud: Is He Capping Nico Collins’ Value?

Notable Quotes & Moments

Key Timestamps

Final Thoughts

Summary

Fantasy Football Today

Episode: Divisional Round Winners and Losers, Big Coaching News

Episode Overview

Main Topics and Discussion Points

1. Divisional Round: Top Takeaways

[01:53] Adam Aizer kicks off the discussion with quick NFL/fantasy questions:

2. Rookie Running Back Class: Hype vs. Reality

[06:23] Jamie Reacts to Rookie RBs' Season

3. Biggest NFL Coaching News and Fantasy Impact

[09:24] Dave and Jamie analyze new coaches/coordinators:

[14:11] Extensive Debate: "What is a catch?"

4. Divisional Round Player Winners

[19:44] Jamie: Ken Walker a Big Winner

[22:00] QB Winners – Caleb Williams & Drake May

[24:27] Adam: Interceptions & Fumbles a Minor Concern

[26:56] Deep Ball Discussion – May’s Fantasy Ceiling

[29:18] Rising WRs: Jaden Higgins & Kayshon Boutte

5. Divisional Round Player Losers

[36:22] Major Rookie Running Back Flops: Henderson, Marks, Harvey

[40:44] Adam: "It’s so frustrating... [Harvey] averaged 3.7 ypc; Dobbins, basically the same carries, averaged 5.0. That's concerning."

[42:38] Cortland Sutton: What Is His Ceiling?

[45:27] C.J. Stroud: Is He Capping Nico Collins’ Value?

Notable Quotes & Moments

Key Timestamps

Final Thoughts