Podcast Summary: Dynasty Rankings Shake-Up – 4 Players Moving WAY Up

FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast (Ep. 1937)
Original Air Date: January 15, 2026
Hosts: Joe Pisapia ("Joey P.") & Scott Bogman

Episode Overview

In this episode, Joey P. and Scott Bogman spotlight four players whose dynasty fantasy football values are rapidly on the rise following the 2025 NFL season. The hosts break down why these players are "buy now" candidates in dynasty leagues, factoring in contract situations, on-field performance, and team context. Plus, they sneak in a bonus fifth player to watch. Expect actionable insight for fantasy managers prepping for the offseason and looking for value before the market adjusts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kyle Monangai (RB, Chicago Bears)

• Background: Rookie RB, finished as RB30 in PPR formats.
• Why He's Rising:
  • Impressive rookie audition behind DeAndre Swift.
  • Chicago faces salary cap issues; Swift could be a cap casualty ($7.47 million savings if cut, one of the top financial moves available).
  • Monangai displayed versatility as both a rusher and receiver:
    • 18 catches, 164 yards (on 30 targets)
    • 169 carries, 783 yards
  • Even if Swift stays in 2026, Monangai could claim the lead role by 2027.
• Strategic Recommendation: Buy low, solid RB2 floor, major upside if Swift is let go.
• Quote:

  "If they are looking to save some money, I think that he could be the guy here... I don't know why those numbers couldn't double if they do get rid of DeAndre Swift." — Scott Bogman (01:18)

2. Parker Washington (WR, Jacksonville Jaguars)

• Background: Ended as WR27 in PPR, despite an extremely crowded depth chart.
• Why He's Rising:
  • Flourished as a high-end WR3 even with BTJ (Brian Thomas Jr.), Travis Hunter, and the addition/extension of Jacoby Myers.
  • Finished strong:
    • WR1 week in Weeks 12, 16, 17, 18
    • Wild Card playoff game: 12 targets, 7 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD
  • Trade speculation around BTJ could open more targets.
  • Hunter may have limited offensive snap share.
• Market Perception: Still not valued highly; could be acquired as a "throw-in" or cheap trade piece.
• Quote:

  "He did this with everybody there and healthy... I think Parker Washington has become a must-have asset for the Jaguars." — Scott Bogman (05:10)

3. Alec Pierce (WR, Unrestricted Free Agent)

• Background: Showed major improvement, top in ADOT ("average depth of target"), finished as a WR1/2 in 7 of 12 weeks played.
• Why He's Rising:
  • Entering free agency; could land with a WR-needy team (Titans, Raiders, Commanders, Jets, Patriots, Steelers, potentially back to Indianapolis).
  • Profile fits as a deep threat and red zone target—"Mike Evans lite."
• Key Variables: Destination unknown; market could significantly boost value if paired with an elite QB.
• Quote:

  "He led the league in a dot. He's a deep threat, he's a big target... He could easily be a low-end wide receiver two because he's a deep threat, he can make a big play, and he's huge, so he scores a bunch of touchdowns." — Scott Bogman (07:41)

• Memorable Moment: The idea of pairing Alec Pierce with Josh Allen in Buffalo drew immediate enthusiasm.

  "He could be the guy in Buffalo catching deep balls from Josh Allen. That would be a sick combo right there." — Joey P. (08:21)

4. AJ Barner (TE, Seattle Seahawks)

• Background: Finished as TE14, but flashed genuine upside in an evolving offense.
• Why He's Rising:
  • Outperformed rookie competition (Elijah Arroyo), got better down the stretch; second year with Sam Darnold coming up.
  • 5 TE1 weeks (4 with a TD) and also made an impact as a "tush push" goal line option.
  • Scheme and coaching staff in flux, but role seems secure/expandable.
  • Can be acquired very cheaply before the "hype."
• Quote:

  "He became... the tush push guy for the Seattle Seahawks as well. He added a rushing touchdown. I think that is just going to get expanded in the off season." — Scott Bogman (10:10)

• Strategic Note: Ideal timing to buy before free agency or preseason speculation ramps up values.

Tight End Comparison Bonus:

• Brenton Strange (Jaguars) vs. AJ Barner:

  "I like Barner because I think while he is touchdown dependent, I think he's more touchdown reliable as well." — Scott Bogman (11:03) "Slightly a little less target competition too, potentially." — Joey P. (11:12)

5. Bonus Player: Jalen Coker (WR, Carolina Panthers)

• Background: Small-school product, flashed with the Panthers despite obstacles (injury, erratic QB play).
• Why He's Rising:
  • Bryce Young's progression and stability at QB brings opportunity; Dave Canales will remain HC.
  • Competing WR Leguette hasn't risen as expected, opening a door for Coker as a mainstay alongside Tetairoa McMillan.
  • Heavy-target potential from the slot, benefited from less defensive attention.
• Quote:

  "Jalen Coker, guy, small school, you know, small buzz. He has shown you some flashes... that's another guy that it wasn't a huge season for him, but he did have some moments towards the end and of course in the playoffs as well." — Joey P. (12:17) "Coker is specifically a really good one because it looks like Leguette has just not worked right. First round pick, it looks like Coker is probably a little bit more talented than him, so they're going to continue rolling him with Tetterola McMillan." — Scott Bogman (12:31)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On dynasty trading and value windows:

  "This is when you need to acquire a lot of these guys before, you know, there's hype with Alec Pierce when he signs with Buffalo or somebody else. Right. When before the hype hits these guys, I think this is the perfect time to grab them if your league is active." — Scott Bogman (10:50)

• Parker Washington's playoff breakout:

  "In the wild card he had 12 targets, seven catches, 107 yards and a touchdown. So his stock has risen at the end of the season here." — Scott Bogman (04:40)

• Alec Pierce's skill set & opportunity:

  "Mike Evans is the perfect model of what Alec Pierce wants to be. He's never going to be Mike Evans, but he could easily be a low end wide receiver too..." — Scott Bogman (07:41)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Kyle Monangai (Bears RB): 00:48 – 02:40
• Parker Washington (Jaguars WR): 02:40 – 05:58
• Alec Pierce (WR, soon FA): 06:08 – 08:25
• AJ Barner (Seahawks TE): 09:09 – 10:57
• Brenton Strange vs. AJ Barner debate: 10:57 – 11:18
• Jalen Coker (Panthers WR, bonus): 11:18 – 13:22

Final Thoughts for Dynasty Managers

• Buy in now before values skyrocket due to free agency, OTAs, or training camp noise.
• Look beyond season-long finishing position to late-season trends, team context, and paths to greater opportunity.
• Value can often be found by trading for young players whose best opportunity is just around the corner, especially before market consensus catches up.
• "Sometimes the best dynasty deals are made in January, not August." (implicit theme)

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