FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: 5 Players To Stash Ahead of Week 12 (Ep. 1861)
Date: November 22, 2025
Host: Lucas Wentzel

Episode Overview

With the fantasy football playoffs fast approaching, every roster move can make or break your season. In this episode, Lucas Wentzel highlights his top five waiver wire stashes ahead of Week 12, focusing on under-the-radar players that could deliver sneaky value as the fantasy playoffs loom. The episode provides actionable insights tailored to managers aiming to outmaneuver league rivals and stock up on potential breakout performers before they become hot commodities.

Key Discussion Points & Player Insights

1. Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB, Washington Commanders) – 31% Rostered

Timestamps: 01:28–04:53

• Key Factors:
  • On a bye; some managers may have dropped him, making now the perfect time to scoop him up.
  • “Chris Rodriguez should be rostered in way more than 31% of leagues. Flat out.” (02:10)
  • Outperformed teammates against Miami: 15 carries for 79 yards (5.27 YPC).
  • Limited passing game role, but lackluster competition increases his appeal.
  • Four top-36 RB finishes in five weeks; strong upcoming playoff schedule vs. the Giants and Cowboys.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “Every time we have asked him to step up, he has played at a high level.” (02:29)
• Takeaway:
  • Not a bell cow or PPR monster, but a must-roster standard-league stash with a shot to be Washington’s lead back down the stretch.

2. Luther Burden (WR, Chicago Bears) – 20% Rostered

Timestamps: 04:54–06:52

• Key Factors:
  • Snap count and role trending up: played at least 44% of snaps in consecutive weeks.
  • “Luther Burden has now won the slot job over Olamide Zaccheaus.” (05:25)
  • Led Bears WRs in 3-WR sets and even out-targeted DJ Moore last week (5 to 3).
  • Burden is earning targets at a high rate and could supplant DJ Moore as the WR1 long-term.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “Do not wait until the next big game happens for Luther Burden to add him because you need to beat your league mates to the punch…” (06:40)
• Takeaway:
  • Upside stash who could break out at any moment; the window is closing to add him at low cost.

3. Tank Bigsby (RB, Philadelphia Eagles) – 15% Rostered

Timestamps: 06:53–08:16

• Key Factors:
  • Prototypical “high-value handcuff” without standalone value unless an injury strikes.
  • Saquon Barkley’s heavy workload means any missed time opens the door for Bigsby.
  • “Bigsby has been Philadelphia's most efficient runner…he's averaging 9.1 yards per carry in his last four contests.” (07:54)
• Memorable Quote:
  • “This is the time of year where the wear and tear of the NFL season starts to kick in and we see these backup running backs and good offenses become relevant.” (07:09)
• Takeaway:
  • Premium insurance play in an elite rushing offense; don’t wait for disaster to strike to add him.

4. Ollie Gordon (RB, Miami Dolphins) – 14% Rostered

Timestamps: 08:17–09:44

• Key Factors:
  • Miami is on bye, making Gordon easy to acquire under the radar.
  • Injury scare with Devon Achane highlights Gordon’s stash value.
  • When given 9+ carries, always delivered at least 9.8 PPR points and RB27 or better finish.
  • Size lends itself to touchdown upside; very soft post-bye schedule.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “Ollie Gordon is one of the better stashes at running back you can make this week.” (09:36)
• Takeaway:
  • Not a weekly start, but a slam-dunk stash with top-20 upside if injury creates opportunity.

5. John Metchie III (WR, New York Jets) – 3% Rostered

Timestamps: 09:45–10:25

• Key Factors:
  • Only for deep leagues; jets offense is bleak but volume is up for Metchie after Garrett Wilson’s IR stint.
  • Highest snap count and second-most routes run for NYJ WRs; 3/45/1 line last week.
  • “I really think you could do worse than John Mechi as his role potentially increases in the New York jets offense.” (10:23)
• Memorable Quote:
  • “This is really for all of you out there playing in the deepest of leagues, because I want to make sure there's at least one player for you all to consider.” (09:46)
• Takeaway:
  • Deep-league dart throw with tangible opportunity in an otherwise unappealing offense.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Fantasy football playoffs are inching closer and closer and holding onto every single edge matters now more than ever.” — Lucas Wentzel (00:20)
• “Don't get me wrong, Will Shipley would certainly be involved too...but Bigsby has been Philadelphia's most efficient runner…” — Lucas Wentzel (07:32)
• “I am not in the business of making empty promises to you all...” — Lucas Wentzel (08:49)
• “Go sprint to the waiver wire right now. Make sure none of these guys are floating out there in your leagues.” — Lucas Wentzel (10:25)

Segment Timestamps

• [00:20] Introduction – Playoff urgency and strategy overview
• [01:28] Chris Rodriguez Jr. discussion
• [04:54] Luther Burden discussion
• [06:53] Tank Bigsby discussion
• [08:17] Ollie Gordon discussion
• [09:45] John Metchie III discussion
• [10:28–11:37] Outro, show support, and ad segments (skipped)

Summary Takeaways

The episode is a fast-paced, focused guide for fantasy managers looking to get ahead on the waiver wire as the playoff push heats up. Lucas emphasizes a combination of upside, opportunity, and strategic thinking to help listeners find hidden gems before they break out. His clear reasoning, data-backed takes, and time-sensitive advice make this an essential listen for smart, proactive managers.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait for injuries or breakout games—be first to the wire, especially for high-upside backups and emerging young talents who can swing a playoff matchup.