The Fantasy Footballers Podcast

Week 15 Matchups + Wheel of Shame, PLAYOFF PITTS!
Episode Date: December 12, 2025
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike “The Fantasy Hitman” Wright

Episode Overview

In this jam-packed Friday playoff episode, Andy, Jason, and Mike take the Foot Clan through pivotal Week 15 matchups, dive deep into the fantasy shockwaves from Kyle Pitts’ historic outburst, and debate critical start/sit questions for your playoff run. The trio also weighs in on injury reports, team strategies, and, of course, face the ridiculous yet legendary Wheel of Shame. With their signature blend of stat-savvy banter and league-winning advice, the Footballers prep you to advance in the playoffs—whether you’re basking in Kyle Pitts glory or cursing your matchups.

Key Themes & Takeaways

• Kyle Pitts Playoff Explosion: Dissecting the most fantasy points ever scored by a tight end in a single week and its ramifications.
• Injury and News Rundown: Up-to-the-minute updates on critical players—Mark Andrews, CeeDee Lamb, Josh Jacobs, T.J. Watt, and more.
• Deep Matchup Analysis: Complete breakdowns of all key remaining Week 15 games, including start/sit advice for every fantasy-relevant player.
• Start/Sit Dilemmas: Hot takes and debates on difficult playoff roster decisions—Tony Pollard vs. Blake Corum, Pittman vs. Charbonnet, and more.
• Wheel of Shame: The ongoing saga of the losers’ fantasy face-offs and humiliating costumes.

Detailed Highlights & Timestamps

1. Kyle Pitts Mania & Fantasy Fallout

• [02:22] – Mike introduces the “Playoff Pitts” moment:

  “That is the most points a tight end has scored in fantasy football in the history of the world… in the last 40 years, that’s the most fantasy points ever scored by a tight end."

• Three possible fantasy playoff scenarios outlined:
  • You benched Pitts—regret sets in.
  • You started Pitts—“invincible” in the playoffs.
  • You played against Pitts—welcome to the season’s fishing trip.
• [03:47] – Andy (via Hayden Winks tweet):

  “7% of Kyle Pitts’ career fantasy points came in this one game."

• Discussion of the Falcons’ wild win and implications for Bucs/Carolina fans.
• [04:43] – Mike Evans’ dominant performance, and WR targets breakdown.

2. Early Injury & Practice Updates

• [10:45] – Key reports from around the NFL:
  • Woody Marks returns to practice; Nick Chubb sidelined.
  • Marvin Harrison Jr. misses practice—concern for star rookie and fantasy hopefuls.
  • T. Higgins questionable; Mark Andrews dealing with a new “glute” (not gluten!) injury.
  • CD Lamb clears concussion protocol—huge for managers.
  • Jake Ferguson misses practice; confusion over his status.
• [13:02] – Banter over alliances and rooting interests in their main league:

  Andy: “I’m in... If I were out, I would root for Jason.”

3. Playoff Matchup Deep Dives

Lions at Rams (Over/Under 54.5)

[19:25]

• Both teams in must-win, high-stakes mode.
• Amon-Ra St. Brown & Jameson Williams highlighted as top WRs after the bye.
• Both backfields (Montgomery & Corum) discussed—“Would rather avoid, but lean Montgomery/Corrum over fringe backs.”
• [20:47] –

  Mike: “This is a game you expect offenses to get it done despite good defenses.”

Panthers at Saints (Low Scoring Dogfight)

[23:35]

• Playoff implications for Carolina.
• Two-QB leagues: Tyler Shock is “in play, but I’d rather not rely on him in the playoffs.”
• Chuba Hubbard vs. Rico Dowdle:

  Mike: “I'm going with the player who has been more dominant on the field, which has been Rico this year.”

• [26:57] – Saints D is way tougher than record suggests; game could be another 17-7 grind.

Titans at 49ers

[28:52]

• 49ers HUGE favorites (-12.5)—clear start recommendations for SF players.
• Titans’ roster: “Zero confidence, I don’t want any part of that backfield or passing attack.”
• [30:39] – Jason: “If you want to apply analytics, when you’re eliminated, lose every game you can to get the best pick.”

Colts at Seahawks: The Grandpa Rivers Experience

[34:27]

• Seattle massive favorites; discussion of Philip Rivers’ improbable return, aging arm, and expectations.
• [36:35]

  Andy: “You stack the box, you make him throw the ball more than four yards, you put it all on that right shoulder and what’s left of it."

• Pittman & Jonathan Taylor startability questioned given Rivers’ limitations but still “hard to bench in playoffs when upside is there.”

Packers at Broncos

[46:05]

• Packers rolling, favored on the road.
• Start Christian Watson, monitor Jaden Reed’s health and role.
• Discussion around Josh Jacobs’ health and Emmanuel Wilson as a must-stash.
• [49:32]

  Jason: “Are you playing Emmanuel Wilson if Jacobs is out?”
  Mike: “Yes—he’ll get an extreme volume.”

Sunday and Monday Night Football: Vikings at Cowboys & Dolphins at Steelers

[52:49 & 55:33]

• Vikings-Cowboys forecasted as a “track meet”—play all primary offensive weapons, especially Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb.
• Dolphins-Steelers: T.J. Watt likely OUT, slightly boosts Miami outlook.

  “If the Steelers win, playoff probability jumps; if Miami wins, they keep slim hopes alive.”

• [59:12] – D.K. Metcalf finally saw double-digit targets; matchup vs. Miami “okay, not great,” but startable.

4. Decision Points and Start/Sit Rapid Fire

• Charbonnet vs. Montgomery (“Charbs safer for upside, Monty for floor”)
• Pittman vs. Charbonnet (“I’d play Charbs over Pittman, but likely forced into both on my roster.”)
• Aaron Jones and Mason (“I’m avoiding unless desperate—even in high-scoring games, usage and health are concerns.”)
• Emmanuel Wilson a priority add in all formats if Jacobs sits.
• Jaden Reed volatility (“Boom-bust, week-winning upside, but only 35% of games are usable.”)

5. Notable Quotes & Moments

• [02:39] Mike: “Whoops a doozle. You benched Kyle Pitts in your playoffs.”
• [03:47] Andy: “7% of Pitts’ career fantasy points—one night. That’s all you need.”
• [19:35] Jason: “A lot of fantasy goodness to be had in this game. I want your best, I want your best…”
• [36:35] Andy: “You stack the box… make [Rivers] throw more than four yards.”
• [39:38] Jason: “Jason’s down to 4%... I’m at 5% [chance Rivers goes for 250+ and a win]—Philip Rivers lover and Jason!”
• [44:42] Andy: “I’m not going out like that. I’m not going out with Philip Rivers.”
• [55:56] Jason: “Just feels right… We need the Steelers to lose. We need any ounce of hope that Joe Burrow can have in his life…”

6. Injury Tracker & Updates

• Marvin Harrison Jr., Mark Andrews, Jake Ferguson—monitor for Sunday.
• Josh Jacobs trending to play; CeeDee Lamb and Ken Walker cleared.
• T.J. Watt in hospital, very doubtful for Sunday.
• Dolphins’ RB HN and Saints’ Chris Olave monitored but trending to play.

7. Fantasy Face-Off & Wheel of Shame

• [63:17] – Humorous/adversarial Prize Picks challenge:
  • Projections debated: Jonathan Taylor under 71.5 rushing yards, Breece Hall under 68.5, Nico Collins over 74.5 receiving yards, Isaiah Likely over 1.5 receptions (“That’s an absurd projection!”)
• [63:32] – Mike and Jason don Daft Punk/ski-mask costumes; playful ribbing as Jason spins the Wheel of Shame.
• [67:51] –

  “That was Fantasy Face off, presented by Prize Picks. Check out our player pack live in the app…”

Final Thoughts

This episode is a must-listen for managers in the thick of playoff pressure, with wall-to-wall actionable advice, insider start/sit opinions, and the kind of hijinks and debates that make fantasy fun. Whether you’re sorting through Pitts fallout, nervously waiting on Jacobs’ status, or deciding between committee backs, this episode arms you with information and the Footballers’ competitive edge.

Quick Reference: Top Playoff Hot Takes

• Kyle Pitts = must start, league-winner potential
• Monitor all Friday injury updates, especially Jacobs, Ferguson, Marvin Harrison Jr.
• Charbonnet preferred over Montgomery/Pittman if picking one
• Don’t trust Titans vs. SF—fade all options
• Jaden Reed & Christian Watson are high-risk, high-reward flexes
• Purdy & SF passing game are playoff safe, Tennessee irrelevant
• Always have PM/late game RB fallbacks stashed for emergencies
• Wheel of Shame still undefeated in humiliating the crew

Stay tuned, set those lineups—and if you started against Kyle Pitts, there’s always fishing.

For more detailed advice, rankings, and consideration of your unique league settings, check TheFantasyFootballers.com or JoinTheFoot.com for personalized support and tools.