Fantasy Footballers Podcast — Episode Summary

Episode: Top 10 Things to Remember for 2026 (Released March 5, 2026)

Episode Overview

The Fantasy Footballers—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright—gather for their annual “10 Things to Remember” show, recapping the most crucial lessons from the 2025 fantasy football season. They discuss trends, player management philosophies, and insights that will give listeners an edge in 2026 drafts, with relatable banter and anecdotes from recent NFL headlines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

NFL News & Reactions

(06:20–24:21)

• Kyler Murray’s Release from the Cardinals
  • The team’s decision to release Kyler Murray set off a domino effect impacting free agency and fantasy projections.
  • Speculation on Arizona’s next step: "I think Arizona will make three splashes this off season—a QB (possibly Malik Willis), a splash RB (likely Travis Etienne), and a major defensive move." (Mike, 08:14)
  • Kyler is now an attractive free agent: "Kyler could go somewhere and be really important for fantasy next year. Not just himself but also the weapons. Justin Jefferson, heck yeah." (Jason, 15:52)
• Vikings QB Situation
  • Debate over whether Minnesota should give J.J. McCarthy another shot or pivot to Murray if available.
  • “You’ve got to give your Vikings fans hope—a camp competition, sure, but probably obvious Kyler wins it if he’s there.” (Mike, 12:25)
• Other Key Transactions
  • Breece Hall gets franchise tagged by the Jets, complicating Braelon Allen’s dynasty outlook. (16:25)
  • Bears’ center Drew Dahlman retires, shaking up their offensive line. (21:58)
  • Big trade: Rams send multiple picks to the Chiefs for cornerback Trent McDuffie, shifting draft and team needs (22:44).

10 Things to Remember for 2026 Fantasy Football

1. Draft Like a GM, Not a Fan: Plan for Injuries

• (26:50–32:27)
• Injuries are inevitable—98% of NFL players show up on the injury report annually.
• "On average, three of the top 10 drafted fantasy players miss four or more games each year." (Mike, 27:20)
• Advice: Build teams with solid startable depth, not just upside stashes. Survive each season window by having playable assets ready to fill injury gaps.

2. Stand By Your Rookie Takes (But Be Patient)

• (32:29–37:48)
• Rookies often contribute most down the stretch, not always right out of the gate.
• Example: Travion Henderson looked droppable, but exploded from Week 9 on. "He was the RB9 from Week 9, averaging 17 pts/game." (Andy, 34:12)
• In rookie drafts, follow your conviction—don't let consensus or peer pressure sway you. "Pick the players you want... don’t let consensus bully you." (Andy, 37:21)

3. Is the Sophomore WR Leap Dead?

• (37:49–43:25)
• Recent trend shows fewer Year 2 WR breakouts; more WRs are producing right away as rookies.
• In 2025, none of the top five sophomore WRs improved; sometimes the “leap” is now in year three.
• "I'm not sold on just saying that in year two they're always going to get better as a wide receiver." (Jason, 41:57)

4. Bad Teams Can Ruin Good Players

• (43:28–47:46)
• Context is vital: Even talent can't overcome toxic offenses/franchises or bad QB situations.
• "Older QB, new coach, bad O-coordinator? Don’t force guys like Ashton Genti or Brock Bowers too high.” (Mike, 45:40)
• Example: Years of overdrafting Garrett Wilson on the Jets despite red flags for supporting cast.

5. Drafting 2 QBs in 1-QB Leagues is Now Sensible

• (49:02–51:47)
• Late-round QB breakouts and injuries have become common—drafting two mid/later QBs increases your odds.
• "When you leave your draft in a single QB league with two QBs, that's okay... it may be the smart play now." (Andy, 49:24)

6. Tight End Dead Zone: It’s All Dead (Except Two Studs)

• (51:47–54:51)
• Most TEs are replaceable; after top names like Trey McBride and Brock Bowers, avoid mid/late-round TEs—stream or waiver wire the position instead.
• "The gap between TE2–TE12 was 1.3 pts/game... it’s just not worth spending draft capital there." (Jason, 52:05)
• "Give me McBride or Bowers, then I’ll see you on the waiver wire." (Jason, 54:11)

7. A Good Waiver Pickup is ALWAYS Good

• (54:51–57:44)
• Never skip adding a top waiver player just because your roster looks set for that position.
• Examples: Those who ignored Harold Fannin, Parker Washington, or Alec Pierce missed out.
• "Just because you have it 'figured out,' if they’re good, sign them anyway!" (Mike, 57:13)

8. Targets Must Be Earned (Draft Capital ≠ Success)

• (57:46–61:55)
• Players who didn’t earn targets in college rarely develop into volume pros, even in great situations.
• Case studies: Keon Coleman (Buffalo), Matthew Golden, Xavier Worthy (KC) all had suspect college metrics and disappointed.
• “If guys aren’t earning targets in college, just because they go to a top QB doesn’t mean they’ll earn them now.” (Andy, 61:33)

9. Draft Class “Narratives” Are Usually Right

• (63:06–69:25)
• The “consensus” from scouts and analysts about a draft class’s strengths is often predictive.
• Last year, the RB and TE class delivered; this year, it’s a deep (but not superstar-heavy) WR group.
• “I’m buying into the paintbrush painted by the entire draft community. This year: weaker class overall, but deep at WRs, weak at RB.” (Jason, 65:13)

10. Fix Your League Now, Not in August

• (69:30–end)
• Don’t delay: address rules, remove inactive managers, upgrade your league’s communication, and start plotting “championship party” plans while motivation is high.
• "Flush the turds in your league... better to be a great 10-person league than a bad 12-person one with two turds." (Mike, 70:33)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On changing opinions:
  "That's a big part of the show is we always talk about staying water and adjusting your opinion.” (Mike, 03:13)
• Andy on fan loyalty:
  "I'll just play fantasy." (Andy, 19:36)
• Jason’s philosophy shift:
  "Now, I think that it can be really the move to draft two QBs, especially mid- to late rounds." (Andy, 49:24)
• Tight End Analysis:
  "The tight end dead zone is deader than ever. There’s some studs and then there’s death." (Jason, 52:05)
• On rookie convictions:
  "Pick the players you want. Don’t let the consensus bully you into taking a pick you don’t want to make." (Andy, 37:29)
• League management wisdom:
  "Flush the turds in your league... Make your league the best." (Mike, 70:33)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 06:20–24:21 — NFL News & Reactions (Kyler Murray, Vikings QBs, franchise tags, major trades)
• 26:44 — Start of “10 Things to Remember”
• 26:50–32:27 — 1. Draft Like a GM, Not a Fan
• 32:29–37:48 — 2. Stand By Your Rookie Takes (Patience)
• 37:49–43:25 — 3. The Sophomore WR Leap? (Trend Questioned)
• 43:28–47:46 — 4. Bad Teams Ruin Good Players
• 49:02–51:47 — 5. Drafting 2 QBs in 1-QB Leagues
• 51:47–54:51 — 6. Tight End Dead Zone: Only Draft Elite, Stream the Rest
• 54:51–57:44 — 7. Always Take a Good Waiver Pickup
• 57:46–61:55 — 8. Targets Must Be Earned
• 63:06–69:25 — 9. Draft Class Narratives Are Usually Right
• 69:30–end — 10. Fix Your League Before the Season

Takeaways for Winning in 2026

• Plan for injuries and stay flexible with your bench.
• Trust your evaluations; don’t get peer-pressured out of “your guy” in rookie drafts.
• Don’t blindly chase sophomore WRs—the immediate leap is less certain.
• Context matters: avoid stars in dysfunctional franchises or chaotic transitions.
• Embrace single-QB leagues with two QBs—you’ll likely need both.
• Prioritize only elite tight ends; otherwise, stream and stockpile RB/WR depth.
• Ignore positional “needs” on waivers—talent and opportunity always matter.
• Don’t overrate draft capital if a player lacked production or target share in college.
• Let the consensus guide you—this draft is deep at WR, not RB.
• The best leagues are well-managed—use the offseason to improve your format and community.

This summary captures the strategy, humor, and actionable advice the Footballers delivered. For deeper dives into their rookie prospect process, dynasty tools, or additional content, visit their Dynasty Pass or join their community at Jointhefoot.com.