FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast Episode Summary
Week 15 Waiver Wire: Must-Have Players to Add to Your Roster
Date: December 8, 2025
Host: Joey P. Zappia with Derek Brown (DBro) & Pat Fitzmaurice (Fitzy)
Episode Overview
This episode is all about helping fantasy managers optimize their rosters for Week 15—the first week of many fantasy playoffs. Joey P., Derek Brown, and Pat Fitzmaurice break down the top waiver wire pickups, provide analysis on the impact of key NFL injuries, and dive deep into the best streaming options at every position. With playoff stakes at their peak, the hosts emphasize both acquiring talent and strategically blocking your opponents.
Key Themes & Segments
1. Injury Fallout and Fantasy Implications
-
Daniel Jones & the Colts
- Daniel Jones’ injury has a ripple effect, impacting Superflex leagues and the value of Colts skill players.
- DBro: "It's crushing, man. ...If it is Riley Leonard, heck, if it's for Anthony Richardson, how do we feel good about any parts of this passing attack?" (05:27)
- Both Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce drop to risky flex/WR3 territory. Jonathan Taylor is downgraded to volume-based RB2.
- Daniel Jones’ injury has a ripple effect, impacting Superflex leagues and the value of Colts skill players.
-
Jonathan Taylor Outlook
- Fitzy: "I'm going to have both of those guys ranked outside the top 30 at receiver and possibly well outside. You're playing Taylor, but yeah, the expectations have been lowered." (06:37)
2. Top Waiver Wire Add of the Week
- Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns
- Has emerged as the receiver to own in Cleveland’s suddenly functional passing game under Shadour Sanders.
- Joey P.: "A star is starting to emerge in Cleveland...Harold Fannin Jr. is the guy I want to talk about. Eight receptions for 114 and the touchdown..." (09:32)
- Fitzy: "Shadour Sanders is starting to unlock him...Fannin and Shadour seem to have a connection and Fannin clearly seems to be the go to target in a passing game that's now more functional than it was just a few weeks ago." (09:57)
- DBro: "The fact that he's even out there right now is honestly sacrilegious. ...Tight end 10 in fantasy points per game on the season right now." (10:44)
- Fannin is the consensus "Waiver Wire Add of the Week."
3. Running Back Streamers
a. Jalen Wright, Miami Dolphins
- Due to Devon Achane’s injury, Wright saw a big workload (24 carries, 107 yards). But is he a trap?
- DBro: "Was that because of the game script...I'm honestly like is he a trap? Is he not? I'm kind of on the fence guys." (11:38, 12:36)
- Fitzy: "[Mike] McDaniel said Achane could have returned...If Achane can play this week, he will play..." (13:08, 13:16)
- Caution advised; backup Ollie Gordon could also see work.
b. Blake Corum, LA Rams
- 50/50 split with Kyren Williams, back-to-back season highs.
- Fitzy: "You have to appreciate Sean McVay and how forthright he has been...he was basically going to alternate and have this be a 50/50 split down the stretch..." (15:14)
- Upside limited slightly by a tough schedule, but strong flex/RB2 value.
c. Other Deep RB Streamers
- Chris Rodriguez (Washington): Decent schedule, but limited in the passing game.
- DBro: "They're all at that, like RB3 territory...Rodriguez is the guy with the matchups that I like the most." (17:17)
- Devin Singletary (Giants): Slightly higher PPR ceiling than Rodriguez.
- Fitzy: "He has one catch this year. So in PPR...I don't really want to start Chris Rodriguez in PPR..." (17:55)
- "If Tyrone Tracy returns, it's still a 50/50 split, but nice schedule ahead." (18:41)
- Honourable mentions: Bam Knight, Dylan Sampson.
4. Wide Receiver Streamers
a. Jaden Higgins, Houston Texans
- Fringe flex option with upside during a soft schedule (Cardinals, Raiders).
- Fitzy: "...from weeks 10 to 13, Jaden Higgins was WR24 in fantasy points per game..." (22:53)
b. Darius Slayton, New York Giants
- Deep-league upside as a field stretcher, especially vs. the Commanders.
- DBro: "His aDOT is 14.5...he can be a good flex play." (24:19)
- Commanders’ secondary is giving up deep plays; perfect matchup.
c. Additional Names
- Devin Vail (Saints): Steady 25% target share, flex-worthy.
- Ryan Flournoy (Cowboys): If CeeDee Lamb is out, Flournoy becomes a speculative add.
- Luther Burden (Bears): Now Bears’ top receiver with Romo Dunes out. Only needs one long play to hit value.
- Fitzy: "Luther Burden has game breaking speed, so it only takes one long catch and run..." (26:16)
5. Quarterback Streamers
a. Justin Fields (Bears)
- High ceiling if healthy but risky due to injury and offensive woes.
- Fitzy: "He's that bad penny man...we know what he does as a runner..." (27:14)
b. C.J. Stroud (Texans)
- Strong matchup vs. Cardinals.
c. Marcus Mariota (Eagles)
- Best combination of rushing upside and matchup.
- DBro: "This game just screams slop fest, both bad defenses...maybe a QB1 in scoring this week." (28:22)
6. Tight End Streamers
- Harold Fannin Jr. (see above—primary streamer)
- Dalton Schultz (Texans):
- Decent floor; was TE12 in points per game from Weeks 3–13.
- Fitzy: "...Dalton Schultz...not terrible matchups the next couple of weeks..." (29:15)
- Decent floor; was TE12 in points per game from Weeks 3–13.
7. Defense/Special Teams Streamers
a. San Francisco 49ers
- Excellent Week 15 & 16 matchups vs. Titans (Cam Ward) & Colts.
- Fitzy: "Hard to believe I'm going to tout the defense that is dead last in sacks and pressure rate—San Francisco 49ers at home against the Tennessee Titans..." (29:50)
b. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Targeting Justin Fields’ turnover and sack issues.
- DBro: "Justin Fields...is going to throw picks, going to take sacks..." (30:48)
8. Kicker Streamers
- Matt Prater (Bills): Likely needed in a high-scoring, field-goal heavy game.
- Cairo Santos (Bears): Reliable, third in fantasy points per game since Week 4.
- Fitzy: "Since Week 4, he's been the third leading kicker in fantasy points per game, 10.6." (31:36)
- Eddie Pinero (49ers): Strong matchup if active.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On roster management in the playoffs:
- Joey P.: "It's about acquiring talent right now to help you, or also not allow help to go to some of your opponents too. That's the game within the game." (07:14)
- Expert banter on heartbreaking playoff losses:
- Fitzy (to Joey): "The Chargers play the Eagles tonight... if we get a flipper Anders Anderson type of performance out of A.J. Brown...I could score the 83 points or whatever it is." (01:47)
- Joey P.: "You need a 50 burger to beat me. He needs a 70 burger to be." (02:13)
Episode Flow & Tone
The hosts provide high-energy, sharp, actionable advice, mixing deep-dive analysis with playful banter—especially as Joey teases his co-hosts for league victories. They break down their recommendations logically, debate trap plays, and always circle back to the smartest strategic moves for fantasy managers in elimination weeks.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [04:30] Major injury fallout (Daniel Jones, Colts offense)
- [09:32] Waiver Add of the Week: Harold Fannin Jr.
- [11:12] Running back streamers: Jalen Wright debate, Blake Corum, Chris Rodriguez vs. Singletary
- [17:17] Additional RBs: Chris Rodriguez, Bam Knight, Devin Singletary
- [22:36] Wide receiver streamers: Higgins, Slayton, Vail, Flournoy, Burden
- [26:43] Backup WRs/Week 15 WR streamer wrap-up
- [27:01] QB streamers: Fields, Stroud, Mariota
- [29:02] TE streamer: Harold Fannin Jr. (+Shultz backup option)
- [29:50] DST streamer: 49ers, Jaguars
- [31:16] Kicker streamer: Prater, Santos, Pinero
Conclusion
The FantasyPros team delivers a comprehensive, insightful guide to winning your playoff opening round. They cover waiver priorities with context, attach actionable advice to every name, and remind managers: it's not just about helping yourself, but about blocking rivals from gaining playoff edge.
For the complete rankings, waiver articles, and next-level tips, visit fantasypros.com or check out their YouTube channel for shorter, rapid-fire content!
