Fantasy Footballers Podcast – Week 3 Waivers & Streamers + Rookie Rundown

Date: September 16, 2025
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike “The Fantasy Hitman” Wright

Episode Overview

This episode zeroes in on Week 3 waiver priorities, quarterback streamers, and a frank “rookie reality check” for fantasy managers in redraft leagues. The crew reflects on Monday night’s games, discusses major rookie running back letdowns, and offers actionable insight for managers scouring the waiver wire after early-season injuries. Conversation is lively, data-packed, and loaded with the signature banter and strong opinions that define the Fantasy Footballers.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Recap: Monday Night Games & Player Performances

Buccaneers vs. Texans (20-19)

• Baker Mayfield’s durability: “I saw Baker suffer I think three season-ending injuries last night... And yet continues to play.” – Mike (03:03)
• Bucky Irving’s role: Led the team in receptions (6 for 50 yards receiving). “This was something you saw in preseason that has been validated so far with the snap counts as high as they are.” – Andy (04:10)
• Nico Collins: 9 targets but only 3 catches, highlighting ongoing issues with Houston’s offensive line.
• Fantasy Take: Keep an eye on Bucky Irving’s usage in the passing game.

Chargers vs. Raiders (20-9)

• Geno Smith struggles: “Has been near the top of the league... just constantly missing players that are wide open.” – Andy (05:29)
• Chargers’ Defense: “They play angry.” – Jason (05:54)
• Justin Herbert’s impact: Sustaining three viable fantasy WRs (Quentin Johnston, Keenan Allen, and Lad McConkey).
• Lad McConkey’s outlook: “He is not going to be what he was last year... the ceiling is gone, but the field could reopen for him later in the year.” – Mike (06:43)

2. Rookie Rundown: Panic or Patience?

The crew tackled rookie RB usage and urged managers not to overreact to slow starts.

• Reality check (“bust or slow start?”): It’s typical for rookies, including star names like Nick Chubb & Justin Jefferson, to struggle out the gate. “It is not very normal for... these players to come out and give you dominant performances to start the year.” – Andy (09:38)

By Player:

• Genti: Huge snap drop from Week 1 to 2 due to pass-protection issues. “He made mistakes repeatedly; that could have had a lot to do with it.” – Andy (11:43)
• Hampton: Fumbled early on limited work. Still worth patience.
• Henderson/Harvey/Caleb Johnson: All mentioned as concerning but not droppable.
• Buy low or sell panic: Jason advises friendlily, “I would try to make cheap offers on them... I do not personally expect those three running backs to finish the season as bad fantasy assets.” (12:07)
• Startable? “Doesn’t mean you have to start those players either.” – Andy (12:32)

3. News & Notes [13:20–16:56]

Key Injury Updates:

• Jaden Daniels: Knee sprain, “truly day to day”—rushing to be limited even if he plays.
• J.J. McCarthy: High ankle sprain, out 2-4 weeks.
• Joe Burrow: Turf toe, likely out for the season.
• Brock Purdy: Unlikely to play this week.
• Justin Fields: In concussion protocol.
• Aaron Jones: Not expected to play this week.

Notable Quote

• “This is a really tough week for quarterback streaming and... you have a ton of managers... going to the wire.” – Jason (15:13)

4. Waiver Wire Priorities [17:02–24:06]

Running Backs

• Top Priority:
  • Bay Shaw Tootin (JAX) – “He looked the part to me... they got rid of Tank Bigsby, seems like they were very smart to do so.” – Andy (19:46)
  • Ramondre Stevenson (NE) – Only rostered in 60%. “That blew my mind... A starting running back should not be rostered exactly [like this].” – Andy (19:23)
• Short-Term Pickup: “Ramondre plays PIT and CAR next—both good matchups.” – Mike (20:39)
• Other Names: Trey Benson (getting targets), Chris Rodriguez (possible Week 3 role in Washington), Tyler Allgeier (“desperation play, but he gets goal-line work”), Blake Corum, Miles Sanders (insurance).
• Drop Candidates: Caleb Johnson can be dropped, but Harvey/Henderson/Hampton must be rostered. “A starting running back should not be cut.” – Andy (23:45)

Actionable Takeaway

• The RB waiver scene is comparably thin, which underscores the value of any starter-level back cutting loose.

Wide Receivers [25:48–33:13]

• Top Targets:
  • Romeo Doubs (GB): Locked-in number one; Jaden Reed’s injury opens more targets. “He’s at the top because he’s the most secure number one.” – Mike (30:27)
  • Troy Franklin (DEN): “Eight for 89, big play, nine targets. 83% of snaps... career high.” – Jason (26:37)
  • Wandale Robinson (DEN): “He’s probably my number one pickup because of the passing volume I saw from Russell Wilson.” – Andy (28:30)
• Other Options:
  • Alec I.O. Manor (talented, but concerns over Cam Ward at QB).
  • Cedric Tillman (volume, luck with the TD, but involved).
  • Dontayvion Wicks (GB, more usage in the slot with Reed out).
• Upside Swings:
  • DeVontez Walker (ultra-volatile big-play guy with high efficiency).

Notable Debate:

Would you drop Darnell Mooney for these options?
“No, I see him in the same tier. You gotta spend FAB to go sideways.” – Jason (30:17)

Tight Ends [33:41–36:54]

• Juwan Johnson (NO): “He’s my number one pickup of the week of all players.” – Mike (34:12)
  • 20 targets in two games, tied to a creative offense, high volume and red zone usage.
• Jatavian Sanders (CAR): Opportunity for “year two breakout” but playing time is an issue; worth a stash in deeper formats.
• Zach Ertz (WAS): Possible safety blanket if Daniels is limited.
• Others discussed: Brittain Strange, Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland (“kitty kennel”/“banished” for his lack of involvement so far).

5. DST Streamers [39:07–40:44]

• Atlanta vs. Carolina: Tons of QB pressure, Carolina struggling offensively.
• Tampa vs. Jets: Jets likely starting a backup.
• Seattle vs. New Orleans: At home against Spencer Rattler.
• Arizona vs. San Francisco: Riskier, but okay if stranded.
• Chargers vs. Denver: “Chargers defense just looks outstanding in a divisional matchup.” – Jason (40:36)

6. Quarterback Streamers [42:00–48:00]

The Landscape:

“Injuries galore, tough in the stream streets this week.” – Jason (13:13)

• Daniel Jones (VS TEN): “He has the wheels... going on the road, it’s a good matchup.” – Jason (42:22)
• Sam Darnold (SF): “He is on the waivers after a bad week at home vs. Saints, but I don’t mind him.” – Mike/Andy (42:14)
• Justin Herbert (“your starter”): Number one in pass rate over expectation; “This is not a fluky multi-TD performance. This is a pattern and a way the offense is functioning.” – Andy (44:13)
• Mac Jones (NE): “Bonus nasty”—strong Week 2 after a rough start, faces an Arizona defense with injury concerns.
• Carson Wentz (MIN): Deep league desperation—“he can run a little, the peripherals make sense to me.” – Mike (47:46)
• Droppable QBs: “Purty and McCarthy were already streamers. Joe Burrow... you basically have to drop him, but that is so sad.” – Jason (48:00)

7. Listener Mailbag & Trade Strategy [49:41–57:03]

• Matt Golden on waivers—how much FAB?
  Jason and Mike: “20–21%” (50:49) Andy: “10%” (50:51)

• Javonte Williams—now a sell?
  “Yes, but only sell high. Don’t just get something for him, get value.” – Jason (53:01)

• Chase Brown for Kenneth Walker?
  Mike: “I think he [Walker] is net neutral right now. Chase Brown still has juice.”

• AJ Brown for Emeka Egbuka trade?
  Jason and Mike: Recommend sticking with AJ Brown despite Egbuka’s hot start. “He is not AJ Brown.” (55:51)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “He made mistakes in pass protection repeatedly and that could have had a lot to do with [Genti’s snap drop].” – Andy (11:43)
• “Baker Mayfield, dog.” – Jason (03:13)
• “A starting running back should not be cut.” – Andy (23:45)
• “This is not a fluky multi-touchdown performance. This is a pattern and a way the offense is functioning.” – Andy (44:13)
• “He’s my number one pickup of the week of all players.” (about Juwan Johnson) – Mike (34:12)
• The “underpants” drop saga: The crew’s recurring bit about the need for “unobtainium underpants” when considering deeper streamers (46:54)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Monday Recap & Rookie Panic: 01:38–13:10
• News & Injury Roundup: 13:10–16:56
• Waiver Wire – RBs: 17:02–24:06
• Waiver Wire – WRs: 25:48–33:13
• Waiver Wire – TEs: 33:41–36:54
• DST Streamers: 39:07–40:44
• QB Streamers: 42:00–48:00
• Listener Mailbag: 49:41–57:03

Tone & Style

True to their brand, the trio blend advanced football understanding with approachable, often irreverent commentary. Expert analysis is paired with humorous sidebars (“dog meter,” underpants sound effects) and actionable, no-nonsense advice.

Takeaways for Week 3

• Don’t panic on rookie RBs; patience or buy-low trades are recommended.
• Prioritize RBs with clear pathways to touches, especially Tootin and Stevenson.
• Wandale Robinson and Romeo Doubs headline a thin WR waiver class; upside options like Troy Franklin are worth speculative adds.
• Juwan Johnson is a prime TE pickup, with high usage and red-zone threat.
• Quarterback and running back injuries make streaming key—Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold are best-in-show under current circumstances.
• Defenses vs. backup QBs or bottom-tier offenses (ATL, TB, SEA) are prime streamers.
• When trading, heed warning: don’t just get rid of underperformers; always sell high and think strategically.

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