Fantasy Footballers Podcast — Week 18 Mini-Megalodon, Wheel of Shame, Happy New Year!
Episode Date: December 31, 2025
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Summary Prepared By: Podcast Summarizer GPT
Episode Overview
The Fantasy Footballers trio ring in New Year’s Eve with a laughter-filled, insight-packed Week 18 “Mini-Megalodon” episode. With most fantasy championships concluded, they lean into the quirks and chaos of the NFL's final regular season week: backup starters, playoff stakes, player incentives, and the lowdown for desperate managers still playing. The ever-anticipated “Wheel of Shame” and some truly classic banter bookend detailed game breakdowns and strategic advice.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Setting the Tone for Week 18 (02:00–04:00)
- Backup City: Week 18 is all about backups, limited playing time for starters, and last-minute pivots with teams resting key players for the NFL playoffs or due to injuries.
- "This is the cat, the kitty cat of...this is a large cat." – Andy pokes fun at the not-quite-Megalodon stature of this week's episode. [03:50]
2. Week 18 Backup Options—Waiver Wire & Sneaky Starts (06:14–09:10)
- Eagles resting starters; Tank Bigsby highlighted as the premier RB plug-in.
- Mentioned potential contributors: Ty Johnson, Ray Davis (Buffalo); Kamani Vidal, Jarrett Patterson, Hassan Haskins; Emmanuel Wilson, Chris Brooks; Malik Davis, Isaiah Davis; Jake Tonjas at TE if George Kittle sits.
- Quote: "We won a title on the legs of Jarrett Patterson once upon a time and you can do it too." — Andy, referencing fantasy legends born from backups. [07:14]
- Warning: Caution with Dak Prescott, Dallas' rest plans unclear. "If you had Dak, are you comfortable putting him in your lineup? Not at all."—Andy [08:14]
3. Major News & Notable Absences (09:19–12:03)
- Resting Starters: Eagles sitting Jalen Hurts and key contributors, leading to significant line changes.
- Player Legal Issues: Discussion of Stefan Diggs facing legal trouble; speculation about team/league handling.
- Rookie Watch: Excitement for late-season snaps by underused rookies (Jaden Blue, Tank Bigsby).
4. Game-by-Game Fantasy Forecast (12:41–57:08)
(Hit on key fantasy angles, major matchup info, and player-specific insights)
Carolina vs. Tampa Bay (12:41–17:21)
- Fantasy focus: Tetaroa McMillan, Bucky Irving, Mike Evans as top starts; skepticism about Emeka Egbuka.
- "Tetaroa McMillan might start a little slow in the NFL, but I think he's going to be a stud." — Jason [15:37]
Seattle vs. San Francisco (17:21–20:22)
- Big test of offensive juggernaut (SF) vs. defensive powerhouse (SEA).
- Christian McCaffrey’s back tightness discussed—"Back’s a little stiff from carrying Mike in all those leagues." — Andy [19:09]
- Uncertainty in Seahawks RB split; lean towards Walker for upside.
New Orleans vs. Atlanta (24:03–26:53)
- Division chaos: possible tie at 8–9 in NFC South.
- Bijan Robinson declared "indestructible" for full-season durability.
- Chris Olave praised for reliability as a fantasy WR.
Cincinnati vs. Cleveland (27:04–30:36)
- Discussion: Can Joe Burrow overcome CLE defense? High but tempered expectations.
- Harold Fannin praised as a rookie TE revelation.
Green Bay vs. Minnesota (31:01–35:46)
- Justin Jefferson named the biggest fantasy bust relative to ADP. [31:29]
- Packers likely to sit key players; uncertainty around Josh Jacobs.
- Trivia: Matthew Golden’s first-round WR bust history (list includes Kevin White, Laquon Treadwell, etc.).
Cowboys vs. Giants (36:01–38:21)
- Fantasy production clouded by possible early resting of Dak, CeeDee Lamb.
- Wondale Robinson celebrated as shortest WR to reach 1,000 yards, breaking Wes Welker’s record.
Tennessee vs. Jacksonville (40:21–43:08)
- Start Tony Pollard ("bet they try to get him his incentive") but recognize tough matchup.
- Parker Washington, Jacoby Myers, and BTJ ranked as Jacksonville WR starts.
- Fun: Titans' target share trivia with I.O. Man—a surprise No.1.
Buffalo vs. New York Jets (45:44–47:51)
- Don’t play Breece Hall, even if active—he’s a free agent and should protect his health.
- Josh Allen likely to keep "start" streak alive with at least a ceremonial snap.
Lions vs. Bears (48:01–50:49)
- Chicago’s Caleb Williams chasing franchise passing record.
- Luther Burden flashes Percy Harvin / Antonio Brown traits per Mike.
Chargers vs. Broncos (51:18–53:40)
- Only realistic Charger start: possibly Trey Lance (with tongue-in-cheek from Mike).
- Keenan Allen might play for incentives—needs 6 catches and 9 yards for $1M.
Kansas City vs. Raiders (53:41–55:23)
- Start Genty regardless: "You always play him because you always have the ability to..." — Jason, on matchup-proof RBs.
Rams vs. Cardinals (55:24–58:39)
- Rams likely to rest core players unless playoff seeding changes last-minute.
- Trey McBride could make history as a TE leader in receptions; Michael Wilson flagged as break-out waiver hero.
Patriots vs. Dolphins (59:06–61:15)
- All healthy NE players "probably" to play, per Mike Vrabel; Raheem Mostert, Tyreek Hill (if active) start.
- James Cook chasing rushing title—"It's definitely on my mind", per Sean McDermott. [60:11]
Eagles vs. Commanders (61:15–62:16)
- Tank Bigsby is the Eagles' top fantasy play; limited faith in Washington RBs.
- Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin potential desperation starts.
Ravens vs. Steelers (62:17–66:45)
- Old-school, high-stakes AFC North tilt.
- Ravens and Steelers fans divided on keeping Harbaugh and Tomlin; poll shows slight majority wanting Tomlin OUT.
- Zay Flowers and Wondale noted as quiet fantasy WR studs.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- "I went to bed thinking I'm a champion. Woke up and apparently Bijan outscored Puka by like a thousand and I lost by like a couple points." — Andy, on a heartbreaking championship loss [05:00]
- "If you had Dak, are you comfortable putting him in your lineup? Not at all. Not even a little bit? No." — Andy, on resting starters risk [08:14]
- “Tetaroa McMillan might start a little slow in the NFL, but I think he’s going to be a stud.” — Jason [15:37]
- "Justin Jefferson is the biggest bust in fantasy this year. I think relative to draft position he is the worst pick you could have made." — Andy [31:29]
- “Genty is a top-tier running back. ... You always play him because you always have the ability to...” — Jason [54:43/54:46]
- “Tank Bigsby, the matchup is great. You’re favored, you’re at home, you’re talented. He’s the guy I would want from this game.” — Andy [61:39]
- Wheel of Shame, classic mouth-stretcher punishment for Mike leads to giggles and drooling during the Prize Picks face-off (68:24–71:50).
Fantasy Face-Off & Wheel of Shame (67:25–72:00)
- The recurring “Wheel of Shame” segment: Mike pulled “Big Mouth” and had to speak his picks through a dentist-style mouthpiece, leading to uncontrollable laughter from all.
- Prize Picks selections:
- Mike: Brock Purdy >242.5 yards, Rico Dowdle >57.5 RU yards, Justin Jefferson >64.5 YDS, Cade Otton >1.5 REC.
- Jason: Bryce Young >0.5 TD, Chris McCaffrey >69.5 RU YDS, Mike Evans >53.5 REC YDS, Travis Kelce >42.5 REC YDS
- Andy: Quinn Ewers <188.5 YDS, CMC >18.5 RU ATT, Emeka Egbuka >1.5 REC, Travis Kelce >42.5 REC YDS
Playoff & Offseason Vibes (Throughout)
- “Tomorrow is a new year; it’s a new year. Turn the page.” — Repeated refrain about moving forward from fantasy heartbreak [02:08, 72:31]
- Upcoming Footie Award nominations & offseason series (True Series, AMA) teasers.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Backup Options Rundown: 06:14–09:10
- In-depth News Segment: 09:19–12:03
- Carolina/Tampa Bay Matchup Deep Dive: 12:41–17:21
- Jason’s epic Justin Jefferson rant: 31:01–31:29
- Wheel of Shame (Big Mouth): 68:00–71:50
Final Takeaway
This “Mini-Megalodon” is equal parts irreverent and informative—a final salute to a wild fantasy season, with actionable Week 18 guidance for degens and dynasty managers alike, classic Footballers’ chemistry, and a reminder to celebrate, reset, and not take it all too seriously.
[Happy New Year from The Fantasy Footballers and see you for awards season!]