Fantasy Football Today Express - Beat the Waiver Wire! MUST-STASH Players Before Week 16!

Date: December 20, 2025
Hosts: Adam Aizer, Dave Richard

Episode Overview

This special championship-week "Express" episode is all about giving fantasy football managers a crucial edge: which players to stash or add from the waiver wire before Week 16 (with an eye to Week 17 matchups). Hosts Adam and Dave run through each key position, spotlighting players available in most leagues who could become fantasy playoff heroes, especially in light of recent injuries and late-season lineup volatility. The episode is rapid-fire, actionable, and assumes listeners are playoff-bound and looking to make smart, forward-thinking roster moves.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Waiver Wire Strategy and Philosophy – [03:29]

• Adam: Urges managers to "ensure you have options if your starters go down," especially with back-to-back games and critical matchups pending.
• Dave: “These players are also going to hopefully help you out in week 17 if you get there.” [04:01]

2. Running Backs to Stash – [04:11]

Top Names:

• Michael Carter (Arizona, 47% available)
  • Has shown flex appeal in games with 10+ touches: “11.4 PPR points in three of the four, 8.4 in the fourth. So he's got some upside.” – Adam [04:32]
  • Recommended for managers with RB injury issues, especially looking at Week 17 vs. Cincinnati.
• Emmanuel Wilson
  • Handcuff if Josh Jacobs sits out: “Pick up Emmanuel Wilson if [Jacobs] ends up not playing.” – Adam [05:23]
• Jawar Jordan (Houston, 78% available)
  • Speed is attractive; could get opportunity if Woody Marks is out.
• Audric Estimé
  • Physical RB, but only a one-week rental due to bad matchups in Week 17.
• Devin Singletary
  • Last-resort depth option for desperate managers.

3. Quarterbacks to Stash – [06:35]

• “If you're not starting these guys, you can move on from CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, Gardner Minshew, Kirk Cousins.” – Adam [06:35]
  • Tough late-season matchups make them cuttable.
• Best Stash Options:
  • Tyler Shough (65% available)
    • Week 16 vs. Jets, Week 17 vs. Tennessee: “I like that matchup for him.” – Adam [06:40]
  • Marcus Mariota
    • Unfavorable matchups (Dallas/Philly), but might be forced into lineups in Superflex.
  • Aaron Rodgers
    • “Has Detroit this week. He should have to throw a lot.” – Adam [06:53]
• Deep/Desperation Superflex Darts:
  • J.J. McCarthy (possible if he continues hot streak)
  • Geno Smith, Cam Ward, Quinn Ewers — only for the most desperate playoff scenarios.

Notable Quote: “It is late in the year and it is a Superflex league.” – Adam [07:18]

4. Wide Receivers to Stash – [09:25]

• Adonai Mitchell (60% available)
  • “Had at least 17 PPR points in two of three games…maybe I could trust that guy as a flex or No. 3 WR.” – Adam [10:00]
• Jalen Coker (82% available)
  • “He has 11 PPR points or more in three of his past four games.” – Adam [10:38]
  • Good Week 16 matchup vs. Tampa Bay.
• Darius Slayton
  • “He has 11+ points in three of his past four games with Jackson Dart.” – Adam [11:00]
• Luther Burden
  • Out Week 16. Dave likes stashing for Week 17, but Adam warns: “There's no guarantee he’s going to play ... it's really a nuisance." [09:43]

5. Tight Ends to Stash – [11:03]

• Colston Loveland
  • “As long as Burden and Romo Dunes are on the sideline, I imagine we’re going to see an uptick in playing time and targets.” – Adam [11:12]
• Theo Johnson
  • With Jackson Dart, has 10.2+ PPR in 7 games; “feels like a safe floor.”
• TJ Hockenson
  • “Nine to about 12 PPR points in each of his past three games…they’re using him a little bit more.” – Adam [11:36]
• Mike Gesicki
  • Very boom-or-bust, “but he’s got the Dolphins…and Arizona after that.” (only if desperate).

6. Defenses (DSTs) to Stash – [12:13]

• Top Targets:
  • Steelers (vs. Cleveland), Patriots (Jets), Jaguars (Colts), Saints (Titans) – most rostered already.
• Chargers Defense:
  • “Ten or more fantasy points in seven of their past nine games, 15+ in three straight…this is a good defense.” – Adam [12:40]
  • Great Week 17 matchup vs. Houston; avoid this week vs. Dallas.
• Others:
  • Buccaneers (Dolphins), Lions (Minnesota) — more speculative, monitor injuries.
  • Rams (77% rostered) — “They’re at Atlanta on Monday night to close out Championship Week.” – Dave [14:14]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On late-season desperation:
  • “Week 16, week 17, desperate times, desperate measures.” – Adam [09:44]
• On the importance of defense streaming:
  • “Sometimes where you win your league…” – Dave [12:13]
• Playoff flexibility tip:
  • “Pick up [a handcuff] and if your starter plays, you can cut him and free up the roster spot before the week starts.” – Adam [05:23]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Week 17 Schedule Chat: [03:32]
• Waiver Wire RBs: [04:11–06:34]
• Quarterbacks to Stash: [06:35–07:35]
• Superflex QB Deep Dives: [07:35–08:22]
• Wide Receiver Stashes: [09:25–11:03]
• Tight End Stashes: [11:03–12:13]
• Defenses/Special Teams: [12:13–14:18]

Final Takeaways

• Be proactive: Waiver adds for Weeks 16 and 17 require balancing immediate need with future upside.
• Stash handcuffs and backups at every position—especially if your team is healthy and you can cut depth.
• DST streaming could determine championships this year with some premium matchups available.
• Monitor injuries closely, especially those impacting opportunity (e.g., Josh Jacobs, wideouts like Luther Burden).

“Good luck in Week 16 … and we'll talk to you tomorrow on Fantasy Football Today.” — Dave [14:20]