Fantasy Football Today – Five Big Fantasy Questions from Conference Championship Weekend

Podcast: Fantasy Football Today (CBS Sports)
Date: January 26, 2026
Hosts/Analysts: Adam Aizer (Host), Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into key fantasy football takeaways from the NFL Conference Championship weekend, focusing on player values, controversial coaching decisions, off-season outlooks, and coaching/carousel impact. The crew—Adam, Jamey, and Heath—debate the right moves, break down player stocks, and analyze coaching hires as the Super Bowl approaches. The tone is conversational, analytical, and at times playful, full of stats, sharp opinions, and inside jokes for fantasy diehards.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Conference Championship Recap & Game Decisions

Timestamps: 02:26–12:31

• Excitement Level:

  • Rams vs. Seahawks judged as the more thrilling matchup, packed with standout performances by JSN and Puka Nacua.
    • Heath Cummings:

      “Those two wide receivers, JSN and Puka, just absolutely put on a show.” (03:00)

  • Denver vs. New England was a “snow game,” less exciting but filled with tactical dilemmas.

• Controversial 4th Down Calls:

  • Broncos: 4th and 1 at the 14 (up 7-0, 9:28 in 2Q)
    • Panel split: Jamie leans toward taking points due to bad weather, defense’s play, and backup QB situation.
    • Sean Payton’s decision to go for it, now questioned given the circumstances.
    • Jamey Eisenberg:

      “In hindsight, you take the points… the analytics say what the analytics say.” (05:17)

    • Noted: Will Lutz’s botched field goal later possibly due to a bad snap count on snowy turf.
  • Rams: 4th and 4 at SEA 6, 5 minutes left, down 4
    • All agree going for it is the clear call given LA couldn’t stop Seattle and time was limited.
    • Heath:

      “I cannot imagine kicking a field goal there… 100% the right call, in my opinion.” (08:58)

• Super Bowl Early Takes:

  • Seattle favored over New England, strong defensive edge.
  • Sam Darnold’s “redemption” narrative as a storyline.
  • Jamie:

    “This could be the start of a Hall of Fame career for Drake May… But it’s hard to bet against Seattle at this point.” (10:25)

  • Conversation on whether the playoff snow games have lost their appeal.

2. Big Player Stats and Trends

Timestamps: 12:31–15:12

• Analyzed:
  • Patriots backfield: Stevenson vs. Travion Henderson; Stevenson showing more dependability.
  • Ken Walker: Not utilized on 2-minute drill, key for PPR formats.
  • Davante Adams: Historical low YAC (yards after catch) per reception; notable as a TD/reception-dependent WR.
    • Adam Aizer:

      “Devonte Adams averaged 1.9 yards after the catch per reception this year. That is unbelievably low.” (13:13)

3. Fantasy Football Five Big Questions

1. Patriots Backfield: Travion Henderson vs. Rhamondre Stevenson

Timestamps: 17:40–21:44

• Debate: Should Henderson be drafted ahead of Stevenson in 2026?
  • Jamie: Henderson’s upside is tantalizing, but Stevenson’s workload and trust make him more reliable unless Henderson separates from the committee.
    • Jamey:

      “The trust in the coaching staff is clearly still Stevenson over Henderson.” (17:49)

  • Heath: Twitter poll leans Henderson (69% to 31%), but playoffs hurt his value; Stevenson a rising dynasty asset.
    • Heath:

      “If he gets 12 touches a game and Ramondre gets 12… more likely Henderson’s going to turn one of those into a 60-yard touchdown.” (19:38)

2. Mike McCarthy to the Steelers: Fantasy Impact

Timestamps: 22:35–25:39

• Consensus: Upgrade for fantasy but real results depend on the quarterback.
  • Heath:

    “Could be great for DK Metcalf… Should be a more pass-heavy offense… good thing for fantasy.” (22:36)

  • Jamie:

    “I think it’s definitely an upgrade… really comes down to the quarterback.” (23:22)

• McCarthy consistently produced high-play offenses, but his schemes may have stagnated.

3. Kyren Williams: Top-12 Running Back Again?

Timestamps: 25:39–29:46

• Jamie: Believes Williams can repeat if healthy, even with workload split and possible TD regression.
  • Jamey:

    “He’s going to end up being one of the better steals on draft day… probably going in round three at the latest.” (26:39)

• Heath: Touchdowns insulate Williams’ weekly floor; still drafts him happily in round 3 if available.

4. Davante Adams’ 2026 Value at Age 33

Timestamps: 30:26–34:13

• Both Jamie & Heath are cautious on Adams due to age, role, and TD dependency.
  • Jamie:

    “You’re not going to get a guy that’s going to win with catches and yards anymore. You’re going to get a guy that’s going to win with touchdowns.” (30:26)

  • Heath:

    “He’ll probably have [Adams] ranked as a number two wide receiver that is closer to a wide receiver three than a number one.” (32:04)

• Historical context: Adams’ 14 end zone TDs this year, every TD came on an end zone target.
• Compare to Mike Evans as another low-YAC, TD-dependent elder star.

5. Stefon Diggs: Does He Have Must-Start Potential?

Timestamps: 35:19–41:16

• Heath: Not a must-start but intriguing if his snap percentage stays high; likely a bench WR with upside.
  • Heath:

    “He’s probably a bench receiver that could be a big hit if everything goes perfect.” (37:19)

• Jamie: Echoes optimism with reservations about age, injury history, and changes in role.
  • Jamie:

    “Stefon Diggs at his age… has not exactly shown you that he can be a consistent starter for fantasy.” (38:18)

• Diggs’ slot usage has changed his fantasy profile. Ridiculously high 83% catch rate in 2025 unlikely to repeat.

4. Other Notable Discussions

• Ken Walker’s usage – always flashes, but inconsistent stats; likened to "veteran Travion Henderson" (42:10).
• Coaching Carousel News:
  • Mike McCarthy (Steelers), Jesse Minter (Ravens), Denard Wilson (Giants), Jonathan Gannon (Packers), Clay Kubiak (49ers stays), Arthur Smith (Ohio State OC).
  • Heath on Dolphins OC hiring:

    “I don’t have a strong opinion on Slowik either way. Once upon a time we thought he was going to be one of the great young offensive minds…” (45:19)

• Matthew Stafford’s future uncertain; no commitment to 2026, but expectations lean toward a return (43:33).
• Dalton Kincaid played an entire season with a torn PCL—impressive for dynasty consideration as a fantasy tight end.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Heath Cummings (on the snow playoff game):

  “It looks like everybody’s wearing the wrong cleats now. Like they… didn’t have the right cleats.” (12:14)

• Adam Aizer (on Adams’ end zone usage):

  “All 14 of his touchdowns were an end zone target. Unbelievable.” (14:52)

• Jamey Eisenberg (on handling personal loss and fandom):

  “Anytime I see Seinfeld now, just a little reference…” (44:02)

• Heath Cummings (on Ken Walker):

  “He’s veteran Travion Henderson.” (42:10)

• Jamie Eisenberg (on Diggs future):

  “You’re going to get a very good bench receiver that at times you could start…” (38:18)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:26 — Super Bowl set; Conference Championship reaction
• 05:17 — Broncos’ 4th-and-1 debate
• 08:58 — Rams 4th-and-4 call
• 10:25 — Super Bowl picks
• 12:31 — Player stat trends (Stevenson, Walker, Adams)
• 17:40 — Five Big Questions segment starts
• 22:35 — Mike McCarthy to Steelers analysis
• 25:39 — Kyren Williams’ 2026 outlook
• 30:26 — Davante Adams’ value at age 33
• 35:19 — Stefon Diggs’ must-start debate
• 41:16 — End of Five Big Questions, quick hitter on Ken Walker
• 43:03 — News, including Stafford, Tyreek Hill, Dolphins OC
• 47:50 — Tight end tier outlook: Kincaid, Laporta
• 48:21 — Tyreek Hill possible release discussion

Episode Summary Table

| Segment | Main Topics | Key Quotes & Timestamps | |------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Conference Recap | Game analysis, 4th-down calls | “Right decision?” (05:17, 08:58) | | Super Bowl & Storylines | Predictions, underdog talk | “Start of a Hall of Fame career…” (10:25) | | Five Big Questions | Henderson v. Stevenson, McCarthy, Kyren, Adams, Diggs | “The trust… is clearly Stevenson…” (17:49)<br>“Must-start? No, but…” (37:19) | | Coaching Carousel | News, expectations | “I don’t have a strong opinion…” (45:19) | | Fantasy Trends | Adams’ YAC, Walker’s usage, dynasty risers | “A very good bench receiver…” (38:18) |

Final Thoughts

This is a high-level, detail-packed fantasy episode that weighs the short- and long-term impact of playoff performances, coaching changes, player trends, and roster roles. The panel is hesitant on aging skill stars like Adams and Diggs, bullish on volume and usage for backs like Stevenson and Kyren Williams, and see coaching changes like McCarthy’s hire as an upgrade but ultimately dependent on personnel. The episode is full of actionable nuggets, context for draft discussions, and seasoned analysis valuable to fantasy football devotees heading into Super Bowl and off-season prep.