Fantasy Footballers Podcast

Week 17 Championship Matchups + Wheel of Shame!

Date: December 26, 2025
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Episode Overview

In this championship week episode, Andy, Jason, and Mike guide listeners through the critical Week 17 matchups, sharing fantasy insights, injury updates, and their usual humor. The trio navigates the fallout from holiday games, last-minute lineup pivots, and the unique stress of finals week in fantasy football. Plus, the infamous "Wheel of Shame" segment provides an extra dose of levity.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Holiday Game Chaos & Injuries

• Chris Rodriguez Debacle (01:37–03:46): Jason laments the ill-timed absence of Chris Rodriguez, whose last-minute illness on Christmas morning left many unable to pivot.

  “I have like tens and tens of people that just didn’t get to make the change because of Christmas morning...This was bad news.” – Jason (02:21)

• Week 16 Fantasy Carnage (03:59–08:19):

  • Christmas games stunned fantasy managers: George Kittle and CeeDee Lamb underwhelmed, Dak threw for 300+ but missed Lamb twice for easy touchdowns, and Javonte Williams got knocked out early.
  • Unexpected performances: Malik Davis outshined expectations replacing Javonte, while Max Brosmer’s quarterback win with more sacks taken than yards gained sparked plenty of jokes.

• Injury Reports & News (11:48–15:38):

  • Key updates: Lamar Jackson (doubtful), Jordan Love (questionable), Christian Watson (illness), Josh Jacobs (active), George Kittle (non-participant), A.J. Brown (getting wisdom teeth out).
  • Entertaining wisdom teeth anecdotes among the crew (14:05–15:06).

2. Championship Week Matchups Breakdown

Each matchup gets a fantasy-focused analysis, highlighting start/sit decisions, injury situations, and contrarian takes.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Arizona Cardinals (16:19–20:57)

• CIN Offense:

  • “I don’t really understand how Cincinnati doesn’t score 6,000 points in this game.” – Jason (17:09)
  • All main Bengals (Burrow, Chase, Higgins, Brown) are strong starts.
  • Mike predicts a big Jamar Chase week.

• ARI Receivers:

  • Michael Wilson a solid start; Marvin Harrison limited by injury, more “okay-ish” than a must-start.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns (21:16–23:54)

• Low Over/Under Alert: At just 34.5, one of the lowest all year.
• PIT RBs:
  • Kenneth Gainwell has PPR upside, but beware of playing time tied to Ravens’ Saturday game outcome.
• Few trustworthy options; “not a lot of fantasy relevant players in this game” – Jason (23:25).

New Orleans Shucks @ Tennessee Titans (24:58–30:02)

• Tyler Shuck’s Fantasy Relevance:
  • “It is amazing thinking back two months ago to the idea of starting Tyler Shuck in fantasy, much less caring about Tyler Shuck at all.” – Jason (25:49)
• Saints’ TEs Dilemma:
  • Juwan Johnson ("clear No. 2 target") vs. Taysom Hill (multi-role TD upside) – lively debate on which is the better waiver option (28:44–30:19).
  • Chris Olave, strong WR play.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts (30:55–38:52)

• JAX Notes: Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, Jacoby Myers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Parker Washington discussed in depth.
• IND WRs: Michael Pittman in a rut; Downs is “the safest play” (37:37).
• Tyler Warren: Jason’s start of the week at TE, but not unanimous confidence from co-hosts.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Miami Dolphins (38:57–42:24)

• TAM Offense Struggles:
  • Bucky Irving’s volume hurt by Sean Tucker at the GL.
  • “Sean Tucker is seemingly the goal line back…” – Andy (40:49)
• Dolphins RBs (Achan) are starts by default.

New England Patriots @ New York Jets (43:02–47:25)

• Drake May MVP Watch:
  • His ceiling dimmed by WR injuries (“maybe the ceiling is not...what I was projecting on Wednesday” – Jason 44:33).
• Hunter Henry, Rhamondre Stevenson:
  • Both called strong plays. Diggs and Henry need a few more receptions for big contract incentives.

Other Matchup Rapid-Fires:

• Seahawks vs Panthers: Dowdle splitting reps with Chuba Hubbard, low upside (52:34).
• Giants vs Raiders: Only Genti and Tracy are playable. Entire game “gross.” (57:41)
• Eagles vs Bills: Saquon and James Cook automatic starts; Hurts’ outlook tied to A.J. Brown status (60:35–61:53).
• Bears vs 49ers (SNF): CMC called the fantasy MVP, “one more game, Christian” theme (63:02–64:08).
• Rams vs Falcons (MNF): Stafford, Kyren, Puka top starts if Atlanta can keep pace; Kyle Pitts, London, Bijan intrigue for Falcons (70:42–72:25).

3. Fantasy Playoff & Dynasty Banter

• Mike & Dynasty Luck: Repeated comedic jabs at Mike’s “voodoo” dominance in Dynasty (04:35–06:01), including a joking “child sacrifice” bit for narrative spice.

4. Wheel of Shame & Fantasy Face-Off (72:51–77:18)

• Jason and Mike tie for lowest in weekly Prize Picks challenge, leading to a “Wheel of Shame” tiebreaker. Andy ends up donning a Krampus mask.
  • “Krampus. Oh, yeah. I’m gonna eat your children.” – Andy (73:43)
  • Lively Prize Picks picks; Mike ups the ante by taking the “demon” side on the Trey McBride line: “He’ll do whatever he wants.” – Jason (76:58)

Notable Quotes

• On Injuries and Christmas games:

  “Christmas morning should not be playing football.” – Andy (02:50)

• On the state of the Cardinals’ defense:

  “They have no defense left.” – Andy (16:55)

• On CMC in the Finals:

  “If you drafted Christian McCaffrey, you had a 50% chance of winding up in the championship game.” – Andy (63:13)
  “One more game, Christian. One more game.” – Mike (78:01)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Chris Rodriguez/Christmas Chaos: 01:37–03:46
• Week 16 Recap (Christmas games): 03:59–08:28
• News & Notes: 11:48–15:38
• Bengals/Cardinals Matchup: 16:19–20:57
• Saints/Titans TE Debate: 28:44–30:19
• Jaguars/Colts WR Order: 35:46–36:48
• Seahawks/Panthers RB Split: 52:34–53:51
• Giants/Raiders "Gross Game" Rant: 57:36–58:45
• Eagles/Bills RBs: 60:35–61:53
• Bears/49ers: CMC as Championship Decider: 63:02–64:08
• Rams/Falcons MNF Stakes: 70:42–72:25
• Wheel of Shame & Fantasy Face-Off: 72:51–77:18

Episode Takeaways

• Championship Week demands flexibility—injuries (especially last-second illnesses) and team motivation levels loom large.
• Trust the matchups but mind the context: Many studs are must-plays, but keep a close eye on injury status and team “nothing to play for” possibilities.
• Don’t chase names over trends: Parker Washington, Juwan Johnson, and Taysom Hill emerged as possible streaming options at thin spots.
• CMC’s legacy looms: He remains the ultimate fantasy difference-maker.
• As always, embrace the chaos and celebrate the fun side—from “child sacrifice” jokes about dynasty luck to shameful mask spins, the Ballers keep the spirit alive even under title-week pressure.

Final Thoughts

This episode encapsulates the thrilling unpredictability—and camaraderie—of fantasy championship week. It’s both highly strategic and irreverent, offering crucial advice, some catharsis for rough holiday slates, and a few laughs before the final push. Even if you missed the show, you’ll know whom to start, whom to watch at the wire, and why fantasy football is both a science and an art.

Listen for: The wheel of shame hilarity and the heartfelt “one more game, Christian” refrain as the final week’s drama unfolds!