Fantasy Footballers Podcast: Week 15 Studs & Duds + Illusionists, TD Controversy

Release Date: December 15, 2025
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike “The Fantasy Hitman” Wright

Episode Overview

In this episode, the Fantasy Footballers dive into the wild Week 15 of the NFL season, marking the start of fantasy playoff battles. The trio breaks down the week's biggest surprises, controversial scoring debates, injury fallouts, key performances (studs & duds), and strategies for navigating the chaos of the postseason. The guys reflect on the unpredictable nature of fantasy playoffs, the role of luck vs. skill, and notable league controversies—including the much-debated Woody Marks rushing touchdown. Plenty of laughs, memorable moments, and strong opinions make this a must-listen as fantasy managers chase a championship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Playoff Madness & The Luck vs. Skill Debate

• Fantasy playoffs are here! The crew reflects on their own matchups, including playoff heartbreak and how wildly outcomes can swing (01:39–04:04).

  • Andy: "Fantasy football is a game of skill and luck combined...the best matchup and the best players can have a bad week." (04:03–04:50)

• The importance of understanding fantasy as probability—absolutely anything can happen in the playoffs, and Vegas is often as wrong as everyone else (04:51–07:05).

  "It takes skill to make the playoffs, and it takes luck to win a championship."
  —Mike Wright (07:33)

2. Wild Week 15 Results & Standout Surprises

• Discussion of major letdowns, including:

  • The Ravens’ tight ends producing nothing in a supposed shootout (03:41–05:15)
  • Joe Burrow’s shocking flop and what it means for the Bengals’ rest-of-season (05:58–06:58)
  • Kyle Pitts and Trey McBride going nuclear, while usual names like Mark Andrews falter

  "This weekend was insane. The Bengals or...Ravens' tight ends doing nothing...in a game with a 50-something point over-under was the most shocking result."
  —Jason Moore (05:14)

3. The Woody Marks Touchdown Controversy

• A wild, platform-shaking debate: Woody Marks’ touchdown after a botched snap created massive controversy as most fantasy services (CBS, Yahoo, ESPN) didn’t count it as a rushing TD (08:22–13:13).

  • Platforms treated it as a fumble recovery, but Footballers argue it should count as a rushing TD.
  • Mike: "It's utter nonsense to count this as a fumble recovery touchdown...this was basically a Wildcat snap where he rushed the ball in." (10:02)
  • The debate on commissioner powers, league votes, and what’s right for players.
  • Consensus: Platforms should fix this automatically; if not, leagues should at least discuss/vote.
  • Technicals: Marks got the rushing yards but not TD points on many platforms (12:41–13:12).

  "I think it's ridiculous to not change that and give a man...he scored a touchdown, he got the snap, give him six points."
  —Jason Moore (12:21)

4. Injury Roundup & News

• Devonte Adams out with a hamstring, likely done for fantasy playoffs (26:12)
• Patrick Mahomes out for the season with ACL tear: “NFL fans don’t want Mahomes hurt” (19:39–20:22)
• Huge implications for Chiefs, plus wild AFC playoff history tidbits
• Other key injuries: Christian Watson (shoulder/chest, not season-ending), RJ Harvey (rib), Woody Marks (left after a TD, could have returned), Devin Neal, Devon Vale, Bashaw Tootin, more (27:03–29:29)
• Commissioner and managers advised to audit league settings in the offseason to avoid future scoring controversies (15:34–16:09).

5. Notable Game Moments & Monday Punday

• Standout performances are celebrated with classic “pun day” titles:
  • "Clever Lawrence" for Trevor Lawrence’s monster week (13:34)
  • "Trey McBe My Bride" (13:39)
  • “Travis et End Zone" for ETN’s big day (13:41)
  • "Kyle Trips" for Pitts' explosion (13:56)
  • Lowlights include "Dak depress Scott" and others pointing to fantasy heartbreaks (14:27–14:55).

6. Weekly Standouts: Studs & Duds

Quarterbacks

• Studs:
  • Trevor Lawrence: 44.3 pts (23:43, 35:23)
  • Bo Nix, Kirk Cousins, Brock Purdy, Jacoby Brissett (as streamers)
  • “I think I got [the Lawrence prize pick] in like the first five minutes.” —Andy (31:48)
• Duds:
  • Joe Burrow: “Loved Burrow this week...devastating.” (05:14, 58:26)
  • Lamar Jackson: 12 passes (58:34)

Running Backs

• Studs:
  • James Cook (30 pts); Travis Etienne (30)
  • Travion Henderson’s emergence: “He’s so good...He has to touch the ball 15 or more times” —Jason (41:33–42:33)
  • Bijan Robinson, Tyrone Tracy Jr., DeAndre Swift, Kyron Williams, Tony Pollard, more (40:22–44:14)
• Duds:
  • Jameer Gibbs, Breece Hall, Ashton Genti, Judkins, Kenneth Walker, etc. (59:55–61:54)

Wide Receivers

• Studs:
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown: 34.9 pts
  • Puka Nacua: “Puka’s a machine. How is he that good?” —Jason (47:36)
  • Jameson Williams, DJ Moore, Nico Collins, Chris Olave, Jamar Chase (48:33–54:54)
• Duds:
  • Justin Jefferson (extended segment: 64:28–65:53)
  • Jordan Addison, George Pickens (“illusionist" reference for Pickens, 66:13)
  • Ted McMillan, Jalen Coker, Lad McConkey (68:01)

Tight Ends

• Studs:
  • Kyle Pitts, Trey McBride, Dallas Goedert, Colby Parkinson, George Kittle
  • Trey McBride: “Cannot be understated how good” (55:05)
• Duds:
  • Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Brock Bowers, Jake Ferguson, Dalton Kincaid (69:36–69:56)

7. Illusionists & Fantasy Humor

• The guys riff on how NFL coaches should hire real-life illusionists for trick plays and the impractical fantasy of a 7-foot-7 tight end (51:41–54:55):
  • “If anyone could do it, it’s David Blaine...vomit out the football.” —Jason (52:37)
  • Mike’s “Yao Ming as an NFL tight end” bit recurs (53:05).

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Luck vs. Skill in Playoffs

  "It takes skill to make the playoffs, and it takes luck to win a championship."
  —Mike Wright (07:33)

• Woody Marks TD Debate

  “It's utter nonsense to count this as a fumble recovery touchdown...this was basically a Wildcat snap where he rushed the ball in.”
  —Mike Wright (10:02)

  “I think it's ridiculous to not change that and give a man...He scored a touchdown, he got the snap, give him six points.”
  —Jason Moore (12:21)

• Puka Nacua

  "Puka is just a machine. How is he that good?"
  —Jason Moore (47:36)

• On Jameer Gibbs' Strange Output

  "Jameer Gibbs, 13 for 38. The Lions are 0-6 in every game he doesn't score a touchdown."
  —Andy Holloway (59:48)

• George Pickens Discussion

  "George Pickens. You talk about an illusionist—he can disappear with the best."
  —Andy Holloway (66:22)

• On Weekly Variance

  "You have to come to terms with the fact that you’re playing a game of probability. You put people in the best position, but that’s all you can do."
  —Andy Holloway (04:56)

Segment Highlights & Timestamps

• Playoff Luck vs. Skill Debate: (06:58–07:49)
• Woody Marks Scoring Controversy: (08:24–13:13)
• Notable Injuries & Fallout: (26:12–28:34)
• Monday Punday (wordplay recap): (13:13–14:55)
• Fantasy Studs by Position: (35:17–44:53, 47:36–54:54, 55:05–56:17)
• Wide Receiver Explosion (Jamo, Puka, St. Brown): (47:36–50:58)
• Tight End Dominance/Disasters: (55:05–56:17)
• Fun with Trick Plays/Illusionists: (51:41–54:55)
• Duds by Position & Playoff Outlook: (58:09–65:53)
• Fantasy Truth on George Pickens & WR Market: (66:13–68:34)

Takeaways for Fantasy Managers

• Expect upsets & chaos during playoffs—anything can happen, and luck plays a huge role.
• Audit league rules off-season for rare plays, especially fumble and rushing TDs.
• Monitor injuries closely; many key pieces are on the shelf at the most important time.
• Don’t overreact to one week—stick to process, but recognize luck’s impact.
• Advocate for fairness, transparency, and league votes in unusual or controversial scenarios.

Episode in a Nutshell:
Week 15 was the perfect example of why fantasy football is about rolling with the punches. Shocking upsets, monster performances, heartbreaking duds, and even a league-wide scoring controversy kept things spicy heading into the most important fantasy weeks of the year. The Footballers’ advice: Trust your process, be ready for heartbreak or elation, and most of all, enjoy the ride.

For More

• Follow the Fantasy Footballers on Twitter/X, Instagram, and join the Foot Clan at jointhefoot.com.
• Submit your own “Monday Pundays” weekly for a chance at shoutouts.

(This summary was crafted for listeners who want the heart and insights of the episode—without missing any of the original personalities, memorable lines, or critical fantasy takeaways.)