Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers – Week 16 Start/Sit + Panic, Anxiety, & Playoff Decisions

Date: December 17, 2025
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike “The Fantasy Hitman” Wright

Episode Overview

In this high-energy episode, the Fantasy Footballers tackle the intense emotions and tough decisions of fantasy football semifinal week. The hosts dive into start/sit debates, playoff pressure, unexpected news, waiver wire strategies, and the Thursday night matchup, mixing sharp analysis with trademark banter and memorable one-liners.

Key Sections & Discussion Points

1. Playoff Anxiety & Fantasy Heartbreak

Timestamps: [01:33]–[02:57]

• All hosts discuss the emotional rollercoaster of fantasy playoffs: anxiety, anticipation, and the reality that all but one manager will finish the season as a “loser.”

• Notable Quote:

  “The whole game we’re playing is everyone but one loses…I mean, we look at it like, 'Oh, I want to be the winner,' but the game is everybody but one is a loser.”
  – Jason Moore [02:39]

• Reminder to keep perspective, as even great teams get bounced. Dealing with upsets— the "Kyle Pitts" effect— is inevitable.

2. Semifinal Week Housekeeping & Community Updates

Timestamps: [03:51]–[05:54]

• Tips for checking standings in the “Megalobol,” a lighthearted debate on Christmas party logistics during football season.
• Sunday Live pre-game stream will resume even after the company party; commitment to community support emphasized.

3. Waiver Wire & Backup Options for Week 16

Timestamps: [10:03]–[14:42]

• Chris Rodriguez (Washington RB):

  • Practicing in full and offers strong after-contact yardage.
  • Mike Wright:

    “He ranks number one in yards after contact per attempt among 51 qualifying running backs…That’s good.” [11:02]

• Jaguars D/ST:

  • Jason surprised by high drop rate; sees strong playoff utility, particularly in week 17 vs Colts (with aging Rivers at QB).
  • Memorable exchange about Rivers’ projected struggles and Jaguars’ defense being a “double pick-six opportunity.” [12:37–13:18]

• Trey Harris (Chargers WR):

  • Emerges as a deep-league dart throw if Quentin Johnston is sidelined.
  • Andy:

    “He’s a good player…if Huge is out, Trey Harris…on Monday when we’re in studs and duds, it wouldn’t surprise me if you’re like, ‘holy crap, look what Trey Harris just did in the semis.’” [14:12]

4. News & Noteworthy Updates (QB Shake-ups, Injuries, and More)

Timestamps: [15:00]–[23:54]

• Major QB News:

  • Dolphins benching Tua Tagovailoa for rookie Quinn Ewers vs Bengals.
    • Jason:

      “I literally can’t believe they made this decision…I mean, they just won four games in a row.” [16:32]

    • Fantasy implications: Major downgrade for Dolphins’ pass-catchers (notably Waddle & Waller, who’s also splitting snaps).

• Waiver Wire/Streaming TEs:

  • Tight end streaming with several viable options: Colby Parkinson, Tyler Warren, Juwan Johnson (if available), Harold Fannin.
  • General consensus:

    “This is a good week for streaming tight ends, honestly…” – Jason Moore [19:45]

• Key Injury Notes:

  • Bam Knight to IR (Cardinals).
  • Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs (stinger) — both DNP in early week, Jacobs vocal about playing through pain.
    • “It’s easier for me to play through pain than to watch on the sideline. And that is music to my soul.” – Jason Moore [22:43]

• Other Updates:

  • Jeremy Ruckert praised as a “workhorse” TE for Jets (hosts mock the social media hyperbole).
  • Christian Watson, Josh Jacobs, Luther Burden, Rome Odunze: All uncertain with missed practices.

5. Thursday Night Football Breakdown: Rams vs. Seahawks

Timestamps: [26:04]–[32:08]

• Historic first TNF matchup with both teams at 11+ wins.

• Los Angeles Rams favored by 1.5; over/under 43.5.

• Seattle’s run game woes and overall offensive struggles dissected.

  • Andy notes:

    “If you can’t get the coops system running where you have any concern about the running backs, everything just falls apart.” [28:30]

• Start/Sit Notes:

  • Avoid Seattle RBs, play JSN as a desperation PPR, Puka Nacua in all formats.
  • Colby Parkinson is a strong TE replacement if Devonte Adams is out (or used sparingly).
  • For Rams, Kyren Williams is a must-start.
  • Rain/drizzle expected in Seattle, further complicating offenses.

6. Mailbag: Listener Start/Sit & Playoff Dilemmas

Timestamps: [32:27]–[40:00]

• Brock Bowers vs. Streaming TEs:

  • Bowers remains a top option unless you have Tre McBride or Kittle.

  • “Even with Kenny Pickett…if you want a guy who could get one target and break three tackles and score a manimal touchdown, it’s Brock Bowers.” – Jason Moore [34:10]

• Tyler Warren vs. Other Streamers:

  • Hosts down on Warren (Colts' offense limits upside) and prefer Schultz, Parkinson, or Juwan Johnson.
  • Mike:

    “I have Warren at 13, and I might lower him even more. It’s not his fault.” [36:42]

• Rashee Rice without Mahomes:

  • Slight downgrade; not a must-sit, but willing to pivot to promising alternatives (Tet McMillan, Lad McConkey).

  • “I’m not out on him—he’s just a little bit lower. If there’s good options, like Tet, like Lad, then you can make a pivot. But I’m going to play him over Jalen Waddle now.” – Jason Moore [40:18]

7. Deeper Listener Questions: Playoff Pivot Bonanza

Timestamps: [42:50]–[49:01]

• George Pickens’ Playoff Slump:

  • Despite recent struggles, upside outpaces Jaden Reed or Brian Thomas Jr.

  • “Jaden Reed’s upside in a playoff matchup is not even close to what Pickens’ is.” – Andy Holloway [43:10]

• Mentality on Team Collapse and Player “Effort”:

  • Uncertainty about Pickens’ up-and-down effort: “Is it as simple as he shows up when he feels like it? There’s more to it.” – Andy [44:21]

• Dallas/Cincinnati Stack Worries:

  • Discussion about both teams’ postseason motivation, plus personal investments in fantasy semifinals.

8. Fun & Fandom: Favorite Christmas Meals and Boy Scouts Tangent

Timestamps: [46:16]–[51:57]

• Long banter on whether ham or turkey is the superior Christmas meal (hosts are pro-ham).
• Playful jokes about wild turkeys, holiday leftovers, and family customs.
• Spirals into a humorous debate about Boy Scouts ranking names, whittling as a hobby, and Life Scouts vs. Eagles.
  • Memorable quip on Boy Scout ranks:

    “First class? What a loser.” – Jason Moore [45:53]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “I can have the utmost confidence, but there’s a Kyle Pitts out there waiting for this weekend.”
  — Andy Holloway [01:55]

• “If you have a buy and your first matchup is not against the worst team as the best team, that sucks. That’s why the NFL does it. The NFL is better.”
  — Mike Wright [09:33]

• “There’s no better bet for a defensive score in football than a rookie start at quarterback.”
  — Mike Wright [18:26]

• “Ham and cheese on a nice toasted pretzel bun…It’s just better.”
  — Jason Moore [47:46]

Best Advice & Takeaways

• Hold Steady: Don’t panic and bench proven assets due to tough matchups unless you have truly top-tier alternatives.
• Be Proactive with Waivers: Think two weeks ahead, especially with defenses and tight end streamers.
• Monitor News Closely: QB and injury news can swing fantasy matchups dramatically this time of year.
• Maintain Perspective & Enjoy the Ride: Recognize the role of luck, control what you can, and savor the fun—whether you’re facing playoff heartbreak or holiday ham sandwiches.

Timestamp Highlights

• [02:39] – Insightful chat on fantasy heartbreak
• [10:39] – Analytical breakdown of Chris Rodriguez as a waiver target
• [16:05] – Immediate fantasy fallout from Dolphins’ QB change
• [28:30] – Seattle’s offensive struggles explained
• [34:10] – Bowers vs. streaming tight end debate
• [40:18] – Candid advice on Rashee Rice without Mahomes

For listeners eyeing a championship run, this episode offers a brisk mix of strategic start/sit calls, timely news, and a reminder that, in fantasy and life, sometimes the journey is as wild as the outcome. Good luck in your semifinals!