FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: The Biggest Fantasy Football Questions For Each Team Heading Into 2026 (Ep. 1922)

Date: January 2, 2026
Host: Ryan Wormley
Guests: Derrick Brown (Debro) & Pat Fitzmaurice (Fitz)

Episode Overview

In this special episode, Ryan, Debro, and Fitz close out the 2025 season by skipping the quiet Week 18 slate and looking ahead to the 2026 season. For each matchup, the team picks out a significant question about at least one team’s fantasy outlook moving into the offseason. It's a rapid-fire deep-dive through rookies, free agents, shakeups, and early rankings—perfect for fantasy managers eager to get an edge on next year.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. General Vibe & Plans for 2026

• Hosts express excitement for the dynamic offseason ahead:
  • Many teams face quarterback uncertainties and roster shakeups.
  • Early 2026 rankings are up, but “so much can change in the next 8 months.” (Fitz, 01:38)
• “Football never really sleeps. There’s not much of an offseason at this point.” – Ryan Wormley (02:48)

2. Team-by-Team / Game-by-Game Fantasy Questions

A. Panthers at Buccaneers: The Curious Case of Emeka Egbuka

• Debro:
  • Egbuka’s rookie season was “confounding” – started as WR3 in fantasy, then faded due to hamstring injury and Baker Mayfield’s regression.
  • Playing time dwindled: “He wasn’t even a full time player in the Bucs offense to finish the year... That’s crazy, dude.” (Debro, 04:13)
  • Dynasty/tier for 2026 hinges on whether Mike Evans returns: without Evans, "probably a WR2," with, outlook much murkier.
• Fitz:
  • Early ranking: WR24 for 2026.
  • “We have to weigh these two things. The funny thing is Evans was on the field early when Egbuka was thriving.” (06:33)
  • Concerned about Egbuka’s high drop rate but still optimistic: “I kind of want to be more about ceiling than worrying about the floor.” (07:38)
• Notable Quote:
  • “Looking at his 2026 value, it’s specifically tied to whether Mike Evans comes back.” – Debro (05:04)

B. Travis Hunter vs. Egbuka Rankings

• Travis Hunter slides ahead of Egbuka in Fitz’s rankings: It's a bet on Hunter's supreme athleticism and presumable offensive focus. (09:23)
• Debro pushback: “I wonder if Travis Hunter is going to be a full time corner in 2026.” (10:22)

C. Seattle Backfield Uncertainty

• Key Question: What will the Seahawks backfield look like in 2026?
• Fitz: “Kenneth Walker is going to be an unrestricted free agent... I kind of doubt the Seahawks are going to tag him.” (14:29)
  • Predicts a likely split or Walker’s departure and a new RB joining Zach Charbonnet.
• Debro:
  • “I think Walker’s gone... Charbonnet walks in as the ‘workhorse,’ but Seattle probably just drafts another RB anyway.” (15:30)
• Scenario Talk:
  • If both Charbonnet and a rookie RB share time, expect another timeshare headache for fantasy.

D. Saints at Falcons: Is Tyler Shough the Future in New Orleans?

• Debro:
  • “He’s looked really freaking good down the back half of the season… you spent a second round pick on him… yeah, you’re rolling with Tyler Shough in 2026.” (18:05)
• Fitz:
  • “Shough has done enough for the Saints to not pay an exorbitant price to acquire another quarterback.” (20:17)
  • Great late-round value with rushing upside.
• Notable Quote:
  • “If you can get high-end production out of a mid-round quarterback… that’s such an edge in fantasy.” – Fitz (21:44)

E. Browns at Bengals: Is Shadur Sanders the Browns’ Week 1 Starter?

• Fitz:
  • “This one’s a close call, but… I do think Shadur Sanders is the most likely Week 1 starter for the Browns.” (25:50)
  • Hints at slim chance for Watson if he recovers, but expects the Browns to let Sanders audition.
• Debro:
  • Browns need to rebuild OL/offense; not likely to add a high QB pick.
  • “You’re probably looking at a camp battle of Shadur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson and everybody’s going to throw up in their hands.” (29:37)

F. Colts at Texans: Who is QB1 for Indianapolis?

• Debro:
  • “Malik Willis, baby, come on down.” (30:09)
  • Expects them to sign Willis in free agency, citing his fit with Steichen’s system and the team’s cap room.
• Fitz:
  • Not sure the Colts want to spend more resources on a QB, but if not Willis, “it’s probably either Anthony Richardson or Riley Leonard.” (32:34)

G. Titans at Jaguars: How High Will Trevor Lawrence Be Ranked?

• Fitz:
  • “I’m a little skeptical of Trevor Lawrence even though [he’s] been in elite quarterback the last month+.” (35:34)
  • Rushing TDs have inflated his fantasy score; ranks him QB12 (36:57)
• Debro & Ryan:
  • Consensus will rank Lawrence higher (possibly QB6–7); debate about whether fantasy managers will chase the strong finish or temper expectations.

H. Packers at Vikings: Justin Jefferson’s 2026 Outlook

• Debro:
  • “Ranking him as a WR1; I got him at WR11 right now… this is how you get values.” (42:22)
• Fitz:
  • Also bullish at WR7 – “He’s too good to tank this badly again. All those numbers validate his superstardom.” (43:51)
  • Cautions that the Vikings will bring in backup QB insurance for J.J. McCarthy.

I. Cowboys at Giants: Where Does George Pickens Land?

• Debro:
  • “Dallas! They’re going to franchise tag him and I want him tied to Dak.” (45:36)
  • Ranks Pickens as WR8.
• Fitz:
  • Agrees on Dallas: “We got the breakout season from Pickens… run it back.” (46:06)
  • Ranks Pickens as WR11.

J. Jets at Bills: Where Does Breece Hall Land?

• Fitz:
  • Ideal: Chiefs, but cap issues.
  • More likely: Texans or Commanders.
    “Seeing [Hall] play with Jaden Daniels, that would be pretty cool too.” (49:49)
• Debro:
  • Same top landing spots, adds Cardinals as dark horse.
  • “He’s not going back to the Jets.” (51:01)

K. Lions at Bears: Anticipation for Luther Burden

• Debro:
  • “I’ve got Burden at WR26 right now but can say he’s going to go way higher…people are already hyping him as a third-round pick.” (53:00)
• Fitz:
  • “Love the kid, he’s so quick… fourth round wouldn’t shock me, but might be hard to get into the third.” (56:27)

L. Chargers at Broncos: RJ Harvey’s Role

• Fitz:
  • “Mostly Harvey, but Broncos will bring in another back.” (58:05)
• Debro:
  • Sees Harvey as clear lead (RB1), especially in pass game: “That passing game acumen… is going to carry over.” (58:15)

M. Cardinals at Rams: Marvin Harrison Jr. Value Plummets

• Fitz:
  • “I have him ranked WR37… I don't think there’s evidence to support superstar breakout.” (59:45)
• Debro:
  • “I faded him all draft season… there’s nothing to point to, analytically or on film.” (61:15)

N. Chiefs at Raiders: How do the Chiefs Fix This Offense?

• Fitz:
  • “Get a legitimate running back, get a big bodied X receiver for Mahomes.” (62:40)
• Debro:
  • KC can’t win against man coverage; needs to address WR/possession role.

O. Dolphins at Patriots: Are You Drafting TreVeyon Henderson as a Workhorse?

• Debro:
  • Projects him as RB13 after discussion; expects a second-year breakout.
  • Key is passing-down usage unlocking his ceiling (65:10)
• Fitz:
  • “Drafting him not as a clear-cut workhorse, but an explosive timeshare back capable of Jameer Gibbs-level damage.” (67:02)

P. Commanders at Eagles: How to Help Jaden Daniels in 2026?

• Fitz:
  • “Add Breece Hall, get a real pass-catching RB, add TE help (maybe Ben Sinnott), and one more WR.” (68:14)
• Debro:
  • O-line needs upgrade, skill position youth. (Brandon Aiyuk to WAS as a dream WR addition.)

Q. Sunday Night: Ravens at Steelers—Where Will Isaiah Likely Land?

• Debro:
  • If Likely leaves: “Borderline TE1 depending on destination.” (70:50)
• Fitz:
  • Ranks him TE20 for now, as a placeholder—would move way up if he lands as clear starter elsewhere. (71:37)
• Mark Andrews caution: Lower in rankings (TE19) due to role/uncertainty.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

On the Shocking Egbuka Season:

“He started off so strong, was looking like a walk-in WR1 in dynasty...and then it just kind of fell apart.”
— Ryan Wormley (03:45)

Early Dynasty Anxiety:

“I’m already pining for prospects and 2026 rankings, man.”
— Debro (02:13)

Tyler Shough’s Progression:

“He's played well… for the Saints, yeah, you’re rolling with Tyler Shough in 2026.”
— Debro (18:05)

Kenneth Walker/Charbonnet Backfield:

“It’s been a nightmare to manage in 2025.”
— Fitz (14:29)

Commanders Fix for Jaden Daniels:

“Breece Hall would definitely help…”
— Fitz (68:14)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Intro/Setup: 00:37–02:48
• Panthers/Bucs: Egbuka Breakdown: 03:34–08:49
• WR Rankings: Hunter v. Egbuka: 08:49–11:21
• Seahawks RB Room 2026: 14:03–17:53
• Saints: Tyler Shough Assessment: 18:05–22:10
• Browns: Shadur v. Watson: 25:50–29:37
• Colts: QB Outlook (Malik Willis?): 30:09–34:55
• Jags: Lawrence Overhyped?: 35:34–41:05
• Vikings: Justin Jefferson Value: 42:22–45:22
• Cowboys: Pickens’ Future: 45:36–48:26
• Jets: Breece Hall Landing Spots: 48:41–51:31
• Lions/Bears: Luther Burden Hype: 53:00–57:51
• Broncos: RJ Harvey Role: 58:05–59:31
• Cardinals: Harrison Jr. Fading: 59:45–62:23
• Chiefs: Offense Fixes: 62:40–64:56
• Patriots: TreVeyon Henderson Value: 65:10–68:04
• Commanders: Jaden Daniels Support: 68:14–70:18
• Ravens/Steelers: Isaiah Likely & Props: 70:50–74:21
• Final AFC North Picks: 75:00–76:20

Original Tone Recap

Lively, fast-paced, friendly banter with robust statistical backup and some heated debates. Fitz is measured and data-driven, Debro brings more hot takes and Xs-and-Os flavor, and Ryan keeps the discussion anchored and fun. There’s camaraderie but room for disagreement, with a layer of nerdy excitement about early projections and potential sleepers.

Summary Takeaways

• Expect massive offseason movement—we’re in for wild RB/QB carousel!
• Managers need to follow landing spots closely: Many big names (Breece Hall, Pickens, Egbuka, Shough, Malik Willis) could change teams.
• Some consensus WR values (Justin Jefferson, George Pickens) will be rewarded after their 2025 “down” years.
• Be wary of late-season QB/RB/WR breakouts driving up ADPs—2025’s strong finishes (e.g. Trevor Lawrence, Luther Burden) will test fantasy managers’ discipline.
• Trust the process: “Buying opportunities” emerge from players with talent coming off disappointing years.

Notable Quotes (Speaker Attribution & Timestamps)

• “Looking at his 2026 value, it’s specifically tied to whether Mike Evans comes back.” – Debro (05:04)
• “If you can get high-end production out of a mid-round quarterback… that’s such an edge in fantasy.” – Fitz (21:44)
• “Malik Willis, baby, come on down.” – Debro (30:09)
• “I think Lawrence’s consensus will bump up to QB6 or QB7 … and I’m not sure it’s wrong.” – Debro (37:56)
• “This is how you get values—when they have down seasons, they burn so many people…” – Debro (42:59)
• “We got the breakout season from Pickens that we were waiting for. It happened in Dallas. Run it back.” – Fitz (46:06)
• “I have [Marvin] Harrison ranked WR37… there’s just no evidence he’s a breakout superstar.” – Fitz (59:45)
• “I agree with everything Fitzy said. Two things on my list: running back and X receiver [for Kansas City].” – Debro (64:10)
• “If you’re tying high-end tight end outcomes to high-end athleticism then you need to believe in Ben Sinnott.” – Debro (70:05)

Closing Thoughts

This episode provides a comprehensive, team-by-team fantasy “jumpstart” for 2026. The hosts offer strong stances on key risers, fallers, and likely offseason moves, with a measured approach to late-season surges. Fantasy managers should cue in on upcoming free agency, role changes, and the impacts on early drafts as rosters and depth charts shake up over the coming months.

For full team outlooks, off-season predictions, and early rankings, visit FantasyPros.com and keep following the podcast for more dynasty and draft prep all off-season long!