Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode: FootClan Titles + Week 18 Waivers & Motivation

Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike “The Fantasy Hitman” Wright
Date: December 30, 2025

Episode Overview

In this vibrant and celebratory episode, the Fantasy Footballers crew revels in championship week, reflecting on their own League of Record results, discussing league title stories from listeners, and delivering sharp Week 18 waiver recommendations and playoff motivation breakdowns. The hosts dissect team motivations across both conferences, explain complicated playoff scenarios, and guide managers still playing through the final week. The show maintains its usual blend of comedian banter and incisive fantasy football analysis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mike’s Historic Championship Win

• The episode kicks off with raucous celebration for Mike Wright, who claims dual victories in both the League of Record and the Ballers Dynasty League.

• Mike sets historic marks, with his two playoff weeks ranking among the highest scores ever in their long-running league.

• Andy and Jason bemoan their fates with playful annoyance as Mike is (re-)inducted into the show’s “Ring of Honor.”

  Quote [03:00, Andy]: “You’re just fanning farts. That’s all you’re doing.”
  Quote [04:07, Andy]: “The Fantasy Footballers Ring of Honor is proud to re-induct the Fantasy Hitman Mike.”

• Mike jokes about being “super duper champ” and relishes the rare moment:

  Quote [05:25, Mike]: “I am the greatest. I know that it would be bad for us here, but I almost want to ask people to unsubscribe.”

2. FootClan League Titles and Listener Shoutouts

• Recognition is given to listener league winners, including “In Zoe We Trust” (Megalobol winner) and Matt Razka (Listener League champion).

• Mike applauds listeners for joining the show despite tough championship losses and notes the emotional cycle of fantasy football.

  Quote [07:45, Mike]: “If you had the courage … to come and listen to this show the day after your bad break, I applaud you.”

  Quote [08:21, Andy]: “The hatred for this game we play is real and alive… then by the time next season starts, it’s like, oh, I can’t believe it’s been too long.”

3. Monday Night Football Recap & Playoff Drama

• Bijan Robinson has a monster game, swinging championships.

• Rams/Falcons recap: Falcons win puts Buccaneers’ playoff fate in jeopardy.

• Noteworthy near-catch by Puka Nacua is discussed as the “best non-catch I’ve ever seen.”

  Quote [11:04, Andy]: “Absolutely the best non-catch I’ve ever seen in my life.”

4. Week 18 NFL Playoff Scenarios & Motivation

• AFC Breakdown

  • Chargers locked into a wildcard; Justin Herbert will not play, Trey Lance starts.
  • Bills have motivation battles, likely resting key players if possible.
  • Denver needs to win for the #1 seed; heavy favorites.
  • Patriots face criticism for weak schedule despite strong record.
  • Jacksonville has wide seeding possibilities, expected to play to win.
  • Houston also highly motivated with C.J. Stroud set to start.
  • Ravens–Steelers is “the one true on-the-line game,” as Andy calls it.

  Quote [16:27, Andy]: “We’ve got to find someone who Mike loved who’s not in the league anymore, who's still young enough and just bet money that he comes back.”

• NFC Breakdown

  • Packers locked in at 7th seed, likely to rest Jordan Love or play sparingly.
  • Game of the Week: Seattle at San Francisco, winner gets a first-round bye.
  • Bears and Eagles jockey for #2 seed; Lions have pride, could play spoiler.
  • Rams resting players to prep for playoffs; names like Devonte Adams, Blake Corum possibly sitting.
  • The Bucs/Panthers matchup is a huge decider, but both teams come in ice cold.
  • Spirited debate over whether sub-.500 teams deserve a playoff spot.

  Quote [27:25, Andy]: “I feel like they shouldn’t play a playoff game.”

  Quote [30:22, Mike]: “It is so easy to look at a bad stretch run and just be out on a player, coach… The truth is [coaching stability] is worth a ton.”

5. Week 18 Waivers & Streaming Plays

• Running Backs:

  • Blake Corum (injured, managed reps expected), Audric Estime, Jakori Koski-Merritt, Devin Singletary, Malik Davis, Emmanuel Wilson.

• Wide Receivers:

  • Luther Burden (top priority if healthy), Parker Washington, Ricky Pearsall, Jalen McMillan.
  • Pearsall’s “good traits” called out (hands, route running), but Parker Washington safer for volume.

• Tight Ends:

  • Colston Loveland (major opportunity), Jake Tonjes (if George Kittle is out), Michael Mayer, and others as dart throws.

• Quarterbacks:

  • Malik Willis vs MIN — has konami-code upside.
  • C.J. Stroud (strong motivation/playoff push).
  • Trey Lance (Chargers), especially as a Mike favorite.

  Quote [43:40, Andy]: “Honestly, you’ve got to throw Trey Lance in there. He’s Mike’s dude.”

• Defenses:

  • Packers vs Vikings (likely facing Max Brosmer)
  • Rams vs Cardinals
  • Bills vs Jets
  • Chiefs vs Raiders

6. Player Contract Incentive Watch

• Notable incentives potentially influencing player usage in Week 18:
  • Stefon Diggs: 8 catches for $500K (amid breaking news about off-field allegations)
  • Tony Pollard: 66 yards for $250K
  • Keenan Allen: Several potential bonuses for touchdowns/catches
  • Rico Dowdle: 7 total yards for $1M
  • Hunter Henry, Dawson Knox, Saquon Barkley, and others for yardage/TD marks

7. Coaching Rants & Philosophy

• Debate over defensive head coaches being frequently replaced, and how chasing offensive gurus isn’t always the answer.

• Strong case for coaching stability, with long-term improvements over reactionary firing.

  Quote [31:53, Jason]: “Don’t hire defensive head coaches… Really, don’t do it. It doesn’t work.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [04:07, Andy (to Mike)]: “The Fantasy Footballers Ring of Honor is proud to re-induct the Fantasy Hitman Mike.”
• [11:04, Andy]: “Absolutely the best non-catch I’ve ever seen in my life.”
• [21:22, Andy]: “We have a Week 18 motivation article on the website… Matthew Betts wrote up an article recapping this.”
• [27:25, Andy]: “I feel like they shouldn’t play a playoff game.”
• [31:53, Jason]: “Don’t hire defensive head coaches… It doesn’t work.”
• [43:40, Andy]: “Honestly, you’ve got to throw Trey Lance in there. He’s Mike’s dude.”

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Ring of Honor & Mike’s Titles: 01:51 – 07:31
• Listener League Winners/Shoutouts: 07:32 – 08:21
• Monday Night Recap/Bijan vs Puka: 09:32 – 11:25
• AFC Playoff Picture & Motivation: 14:09 – 21:21
• NFC Playoff Picture & Motivation: 22:07 – 27:02
• Debate: Sub-.500 Playoff Teams: 27:04 – 28:20
• Week 18 Waivers & Streams: 34:18 – 43:40
• Contract Incentives Discussion: 41:01 – 42:14
• Defensive Streaming: 42:14 – 43:19
• QB Streamers: 43:24 – 44:28

Conclusion

This episode encapsulates everything Fantasy Footballers fans love: victory lap banter, championship stories, fantasy heartbreak, and sharp actionable advice for Week 18. The hosts balance rich humor and relentless analysis, breaking down playoff scenarios, team motivations, waiver-wire priorities, and fantasy philosophies that reach beyond just roster management. Even as Mike basks in glory, the group arms listeners with everything they’ll need to finish strong or mourn a tough loss in style.