Fantasy Footballers: Merry Megaladon! Starts of the Week + Matchup Mayhem!

Date: December 24, 2025
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Overview

This festive Christmas Eve episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast dives deep into championship week with spirited banter, crucial analysis, and actionable fantasy advice for the biggest matchups and toughest decisions of the 2025 fantasy football finals. Andy, Jason, and Mike review waiver wire stashes, injury news, lineup pivots, and offer their signature “Starts of the Week” for every key position, all with their trademark blend of humor and sharp insights. If you’re fighting for a fantasy title, this episode is packed with the analysis you need—and the camaraderie you love.

Championship Week Vibes & Banter

The crew celebrates championship week coinciding with Christmas, reflecting humorously on past fantasy heartbreaks and their own chances this year. Mike exudes championship confidence while Andy jokes about preemptive defeat. The spread-out game schedule (Thursday–Monday) adds a layer of unpredictability to the title games, with multiple references to “tilt.”

Memorable moment:
Jason (to Mike, about title games):
"Do you believe that you are going to win both types?"
Mike (04:46):
"I do believe that, yes."

Backup Options: Deep League Waiver Advice (07:48–12:27)

A segment devoted to last-minute, widely available pivots for desperate managers:

• Trey Tucker (WR, LV):

  • “Definitely 100% the number one target there in Las Vegas.” (Andy 07:56)
  • Great matchup vs. the Giants, who "give up a ton of points to wide receivers."
  • Notably playing every offensive snap.

• Jawar Jordan (RB, HOU):

  • “They want to see what they have in Jordan. He’s just one of those very few—there’s not a lot of point in picking up someone for the future at this point. This is your last week. This is it.” (Jason 10:19)
  • With injuries to backfield mates, Jordan is getting 17–20 opportunities per week.

• Devin Singletary (RB, NYG):

  • Singletary is “playable” if options thin, projecting double-digit touches even as an underwhelming backup.

News & Notes: Major Injuries and Fantasy Fallout (12:35–23:33)

Headlines:

• J.J. McCarthy out with finger fracture; Max Brosmer to start for the Vikings.
• Raiders place Brock Bowers on IR (“Step one of number one pick overall in place.” Andy 15:49).
• DK Metcalf suspension upheld; $45M guaranteed contract voided.
• George Kittle has “mid to low ankle sprain;” hosts doubt he’ll play, raising concern for emergency TE pivots.
• QB Chaos:
  • Josh Johnson (age 39!) likely to start for Commanders; hosts debate him as a desperation superdeep streamer:
    • Jason: "I could pick up 39 year old Josh Johnson against the Cowboys…" (16:26)
    • Andy: "Terrible, terrible, terrible..." (16:28)
  • Other streamers debated: Geno Smith, Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers, Max Brosmer, Quinn Ewers.

Fantasy Impact:

• Urgency for managers scrambling to replace Bowers or Kittle at TE:
  • “You’re going to have to start looking at Darren Waller, Colby Parkinson, Jake Tonjas…” (Andy 18:35)
• If Kittle sits, Tonjas or Loveland among available dart throws.

Starts of the Week: Championship Edition (23:33–37:42)

Quarterbacks:

• Trevor Lawrence (JAX): “Quarterback FOUR on the season, TWO since the bye. ...The Indy defense, we just saw with Brock Bowers, they're not stopping the passing game right now.” (Jason 25:06)
• Drake Maye (NE): Faces Jets; elite deep passer. “I think we have an opportunity for it to be a great week.” (Mike 25:29)
• Caleb Williams (CHI): “The pass rush doesn’t exist right now for San Francisco. ...Could be very good for Caleb Williams again.” (Andy 26:16)

Running Backs:

• Rhamondre Stevenson (NE): “Bell cow RB against basically the worst defense for RBs in the league the last six weeks.” (Jason 29:13)
• Tyrone Tracy (NYJ): “Tracy is the main course… Raiders 29th in schedule adjusted points to RBs.” (Mike 30:05)
• Chris Rodriguez (WAS): “He’s been running well all year. ...63% of the team's rushing attempts in recent weeks.” (Andy 31:20)

Wide Receivers:

• Jauan Jennings (SF): “Wide receiver 12 since week 9. ...Probably doesn’t have Kittle—should see a huge role.” (Jason 33:11)
• Drake London (ATL): Facing the Rams’ weak secondary. “He did have 8 targets last week... don’t waver.” (Mike 34:19)
• Jacoby Myers (LV): “Main guy… Colts pass defense doesn't exist.” (Andy 35:09)

Tight Ends:

• Juwan Johnson (NO): Clear #2 target, juicy matchup. “My number one (waiver) pick-up-and-play tight end.” (Jason 35:32)
• Harold Fannin Jr. (PIT): “31% target share over last 5 weeks… great future sign for Dynasty.” (Mike 36:23)
• Tyler Warren (IND): “Good for eight, nine targets. That’s good enough for me at tight end.” (Andy 37:02)

Fantasy Forecast: Christmas & Saturday Game Breakdowns (37:42–70:00)

Scheduling Note

Four days of football—manage your FLEX, watch the inactive lists, and maximize lineup flexibility!

Christmas Day Game Previews

Cowboys vs. Commanders

• Dallas -7, O/U 50.5
• “Two of the worst defenses in football—certainly the worst pass defenses.” (Andy 38:49)
• Javonte Williams: “I’m playing him but... limited in practice.” (Andy 39:21)
• Jake Ferguson fade: “Hasn’t hit 10 fantasy points since Week 7.” (Andy 39:59)
• Chris Rodriguez (WAS): “Start of the week.” (Andy 40:34)
• Josh Johnson at QB for Commanders. Jason (41:11): “He did sign a one year contract in April. He’s just starting.”

Lions vs. Vikings

• “Mike is very confident... playing the Lions defense against Max Brosmer on Christmas Day.” (Andy 42:25)
• Justin Jefferson: Play or sit?
  • Andy: “If you throw the ball to Justin Jefferson, that is your best play in that offense every single time.” (44:21)
• Vikings WRs (Addison, et al.): Avoid.
• David Montgomery drama: Snap share down, social media posts hinted frustration. “Montgomery, good player, Gibbs, elite player.” (Mike 46:08)
• Amon-Ra St. Brown: Dealing with illness, but “supposed to try to go.” (Jason 47:07)
• Jameson Williams: “Keep playing him.” (Andy 48:36)

Broncos vs. Chiefs

• Denver heavily favored with Chiefs’ season in shambles.
  • “Chiefs... 11.5 implied points, tied for lowest of the year. ...Chris OlaDoken will be starting at QB.” (Jason 51:31)
• “You don't start any Chiefs, right?” (Andy 53:22)
• Travis Kelce: Last Arrowhead game? “They’ll try to get him a TD… if possible with Brosmer.” (Jason 54:19)
• Courtland Sutton: “Quietly the WR11... market share has gone up.” (Andy 54:41)

Chargers vs. Texans

• “Both defenses are great; this could be very low scoring.” (Andy 56:12)
• Hampton: “Workhorse RB who is talented… playing him.” (Mike 57:09)
• Dalton Schultz: Preferred streamer, “could do worse.”
• WR dart throws: Alec Pierce vs. Quentin Johnston, leaning Pierce due to matchups.

Ravens vs. Packers

• Green Bay: Favored, but QB Jordan Love’s concussion status uncertain.
• “If Kittle doesn't play, would you play Jake Tonjas… or Colston Loveland?” (Jason 76:17) — hosts debate, leaning Loveland.

Pittsburgh vs. Cleveland

• “33.5 over/under—Mike's face says that's a lump of coal in that stocking.” (Andy 67:48)

Listener Q&A: Fantasy Mailbag (71:37–76:12)

• Start Lamar or Trevor Lawrence (if Lamar’s back injury lingers)?
  • “I would play Trevor Lawrence. The matchup, the health, the heater he’s on—much better than Lamar.” (Jason 72:10)
• Start Stevenson or Jonathan Taylor (full PPR)?
  • Unanimous: Taylor’s floor is high, but still side with Taylor for steady points.
• Harold Fannin or wait for Kittle Monday decision?
  • Play Fannin; even if Kittle is active, Fannin may be safer.
• Stevenson or Aaron Jones (if Henderson TBD)?
  • Play Stevenson; he’s a strong option regardless of Henderson’s status.

Memorable Mailbag Moment:
Jason, lost in the weeds trying to follow the question:
"I wasn’t listening. I didn’t know the question, not my fault." (76:05)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Raiders IR moves:
  Andy: “All players have been placed on injured reserve.” (15:58)
• On the desperate state of QB options:
  Andy: “I would genuinely, for the first time ever, I think I’d put all those names in a hat and pull one out.” (17:21)
• On DK Metcalf contract void:
  “If they want to get out of the contract, they can do it for free.” (Jason 21:25)
• On defensive waiver warfare:
  “Someone in our league put claims in on both of them. ...Taking some shots.” (Andy 70:10)

Tone & Style

Fast-paced, light-hearted, and densely packed with inside jokes, the show maintains a tight focus on actionable advice—especially for challenged lineups and injury-riddled teams. The camaraderie and on-the-spot debate between the hosts provide both entertainment and genuine fantasy wisdom, especially for high-stakes managers.

Essential Takeaways

• Injuries and suspensions are creating chaos at TE and for streaming QBs. Have backup plans in place; don’t hesitate to pivot to “one week wonders” if you’re desperate.
• You have to be aggressive and even a little “gross” in championship week—every waiver and lineup spot is critical.
• Offense can be found in unlikely places. Don't ignore deep picks like Trey Tucker or Trey Jordan.
• Monitor real NFL motivations: Resting/star-playing decisions will impact fantasy, especially with teams locked or eliminated from playoffs.
• Stay flexible: Four-day slate means maximizing your options and making late swaps, especially at flex.

Timestamps: Key Segments

• Championship banter & schedule: 01:37–05:36
• Backup Options (Waiver picks): 07:48–12:27
• Major News & Injury Impact: 12:35–23:33
• Starts of the Week (all positions): 23:33–37:42
• Fantasy Forecast (Game Previews): 37:42–70:00
• Listener Mailbag: 71:37–76:12

For championship-seeking managers and fantasy enthusiasts alike, this episode is a must-listen (or read). Packed with pointed advice for deep leagues and last-minute pivots, along with the infectious (and slightly tilted) holiday energy that makes the Fantasy Footballers a staple in the fantasy community.