Podcast Summary

Podcast: Footballguys Fantasy Football Show
Episode: Running Back and Wide Receiver Sleepers For Week 9 || Fantasy Football 2025
Date: October 30, 2025
Hosts: Dave Kluge & Matt Waldman

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into fantasy football strategy for Week 9 of the 2025 season, with an emphasis on identifying running back and wide receiver sleepers and flex options that could swing your fantasy matchups. The hosts, Dave Kluge and Matt Waldman, set out to help listeners with tricky start/sit decisions, focusing specifically on less obvious players outside the top 15 at each position. The show is sprinkled with personal anecdotes, Halloween humor, and lively debate, all while breaking down rankings, usage trends, injury concerns, and matchup data for the upcoming slate.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Episode Start: Halloween Banter and Episode Format

Timestamps: 00:50–03:46

• The episode opens with Halloween hijinks and hosts discussing their costumes (hot dog and Gambit from X-Men), setting an informal and fun tone.
• They introduce the new format: skipping obvious starters and digging into the tiers where listeners most need guidance (RB/WR 16+).

2. Running Back Rankings Breakdown

Tiers 1 & 2: Auto-Starts & Notable "Question Marks"

Timestamps: 03:46–08:49

• Firm Starts: Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson, Derrick Henry, etc.
• Emphasis is placed on Rico Dowdle and Tyrone Tracy as “must-starts,” despite their non-household-name status.
  • Dave Kluge (06:56):
    “Rico Dowdle is so much better however you look at it... I think we’re probably going to see a 70/30 split there.”
  • Tyrone Tracy: Overcomes WR-to-RB concerns with durable production.
• Caution on Travis Etienne & J.K. Dobbins:
  • Matt Waldman (08:07):
    “The two names... maybe their value starts to diminish... With Dobbins, always worried about injury, and... RJ Harvey could see more work. For Etienne, there might be more Bayshal Tootin soon.”

Tier 3: Flex & Sleeper Options

Timestamps: 09:09–18:46

• Woody Marks:
  • Seen as a PPR sleeper in a negative gamescript matchup.
  • Dave Kluge (09:44):
    “Woody Marks has had a clear stranglehold on receiving work... I think this could be a Woody Marks game.”
  • Matt Waldman (10:23):
    “Denver’s not really bad against RBs, but Marks has nine targets in two games... a desperate RB3/flex with upside in the passing game.”
• Seahawks Split:
  • On Ken Walker III and Zach Charbonnet:
    Both are startable despite volatility.
    Dave Kluge (12:18):
    “Walker could have that 60-yard touchdown. Charbonnet could plunge in three times from the one. Both on a good offense, but very volatile.”
• Chiefs Backfield, Kareem Hunt & Rashard Smith (Pacheco out):
  • Hunt a solid RB2/flex; Smith more of a floor PPR play.
  • Both could have value in a possible shootout vs. Buffalo.
  • Matt Waldman (13:53):
    “Kareem Hunt is the guy who could walk out of here with two touchdowns.”
• Bam Knight:
  • An “ugly start,” dependent on game script and Kyler Murray’s return.
  • Dave Kluge (16:18):
    “This (Cardinals) backfield is an avoid for me... Bam Carter, just an enigma.”

Tier 4: Deep Streaming and Desperation Plays

Timestamps: 19:05–24:47

• Travion Henderson:
  • More valuable if Rhamondre Stevenson misses time, but Pats’ RB usage is unpredictable.
• Taji Spears:
  • Pegged for a blow-up game due to likely pass-heavy script vs. Chargers.
  • Matt Waldman (21:04):
    “This screams blow-up game for Taji Spears... he’s out-snapping Tony Pollard in two of the last three weeks.”
  • Dave Kluge (22:05):
    “If I had Pollard, I wouldn’t want to start him. He’s just getting outplayed by the better, younger running back.”
• RJ Harvey, Samaje Perine:
  • Harvey is a desperation play; Perine a potential flex in a high-scoring Bears/Bengals matchup (if Joe Flacco is healthy).

Tier 5: Stash & Emergency Dart Throws

Timestamps: 26:06–32:16

• Emmanuel Wilson:
  • Deep league flex appeal given increased touches and efficient play.
  • Dave Kluge (26:30):
    “If you’re really desperate, there is some upside there... you can still pick Emmanuel Wilson up for free off waivers.”
• Jeremy McNichols:
  • Quiet but effective in PPR; possible target spike in injury-filled offense.
  • Matt Waldman (29:31):
    “He’s a top-35 RB three straight weeks... this is a nice PPR matchup for McNichols.”

3. Wide Receiver Rankings Breakdown

Tiers 1 & 2: Elite/Auto-Starts & “Safer” Options

Timestamps: 34:15–39:39

• Top 9 Elite: Jamar Chase (after spreadsheet confusion), JSN, Amon-Ra St. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, etc.
• Second Tier of WR1/2s: Michael Pittman Jr., George Pickens, Lad McConkey, Jalen Waddle, Nico Collins.
  • On Michael Pittman:
    “He keeps scoring TDs, but target share is only 24th in the league. Delicate balance between production and usage.” (Dave Kluge, 36:33)
  • Nico Collins:
    “Most volatile in the tier; Texans WR room crowded, expectations should be managed.” (Matt Waldman, 37:35)

Tier 3: Breakouts, Troubles, and the Jaguars Dilemma

Timestamps: 39:00–44:56

• Focus: Jaguars WRs Brian Thomas Jr. & Travis Hunter:

  • Uncertainty due to Brian Thomas Jr.’s mysterious injury and Travis Hunter’s emerging role.
  • Dave Kluge (41:10):
    “I think we’ll hear at season’s end: Brian Thomas Jr. to get shoulder surgery... injuries like labrum tears explain him shying from contact.”
  • Both agree: Travis Hunter is the safer start this week; high volume, great matchup vs. Raiders (14 targets last game, 21 in two weeks).
  • Matt Waldman (46:23):
    “If you have Travis Hunter on your roster, I do think that he is a must-start this week.”

• Jameson Williams:

  • High-upside boom/bust, targeted for increased usage out of the bye; regression discussed.
  • “Dan Campbell wants him more involved; you don’t give a 24-year-old $80M to disappear.” (Dave Kluge, 44:56)

Tiers 4 & 5: Flex and Waiver Dart Throws

Timestamps: 47:14–59:03

• Keenen Allen (Tier 4):

  • A risky flex because of potential blowouts and late-game rest (played only 24 snaps last week).
  • Dave Kluge (47:42):
    “24 snap share really concerns me... could be another game he sits in the second half.”

• Stefon Diggs, DJ Moore:

  • Moore only a solid start if team’s other receivers are out; Diggs’ volume remains unpredictable.

• Trey Tucker (Raiders):

  • Deeper-league, high-upside play with questions on Myers/Bowers’ status.
  • Pete Carroll bringing in Tyler Lockett for the Raiders may create confusion but likely doesn’t eat into Tucker’s role.
  • Matt Waldman (58:11):
    “Tucker's just a better player than Lockett at this point in his career... good second flex option if Myers sits.”

• Quentin Johnston:

  • Still recovering from injury, not yet trustworthy for lineups.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Halloween Pranks:

  • “Those three-year-old dumb little underdeveloped brains. Yeah, they fall for it.” (Dave Kluge, 01:31)

• On ambiguous backfields:

  • “Bam Carter, just an enigma... two guys in one.” (Dave Kluge, 16:41)

• On Tony Pollard’s collapse:

  • “His value is just in the toilet at this point. He’s just getting outplayed by the better, younger running back right here.” (Dave Kluge, 22:05)

• On grappling with rankings, injuries, and context:

  • “Rankings are sort of a language that need interpretation... If I was making the decision, it’s Travis Hunter and Jameson Williams.” (Matt Waldman, 44:12)
  • “I wish I knew how to quit him.” (Dave Kluge on Jameson Williams, 52:31)

• On deep waiver options:

  • “He [Emmanuel Wilson] needs a cooler name. Give me Bam Carter—I want him, sight unseen.” (Matt Waldman, 28:58)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 03:09—Episode format and focus: guiding you past obvious starters
• 08:49—Dowdle, Tracy discussion—non-obvious “must-starts”
• 13:53—Chiefs backfield breakdown, Hunt vs. Smith
• 21:04—Taji Spears sleeper case
• 29:31—Jeremy McNichols as a PPR sleeper
• 36:33—Pittman Jr. nuanced ceiling/floor debate
• 41:10—Brian Thomas Jr. injury speculation and impact
• 46:23—Travis Hunter must-start argument
• 47:42—Keenan Allen’s rest risk in blowouts
• 58:11—Trey Tucker “second flex” vs. Tyler Lockett's arrival

Episode Tone, Humor & Style

The episode balances sharp fantasy analysis with a loose, comedic undercurrent. From costume gags (hot dog and X-Men’s Gambit), to quips about “mush-brain” toddlers, to clever fantasy nicknames (“Bam Carter”), the show mixes actionable advice with lighthearted moments. The hosts frequently riff off each other, offering both differing perspectives and consensus conclusions, and candidly reveal lineup dilemmas and biases to connect with listeners facing similar choices.

Takeaway Table: Week 9 RB/WR Sleepers

| Player | Usage Note / Rationale | Flex Appeal | Risk Level | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------|:-----------:|:----------:| | Rico Dowdle | Workload/coach support | HIGH | LOW | | Tyrone Tracy | Proven as WR-to-RB conversion | HIGH | MEDIUM | | Woody Marks | Receiving back, negative script | MOD | LOW | | Taji Spears | Exploding role, outplaying Pollard | HIGH | MEDIUM | | Travis Hunter | Post-bye bump, huge targets | HIGH | LOW | | Jameson Williams | High ceiling, more usage coming | HIGH | HIGH | | Jeremy McNichols | High-volume receiver, deep leagues | MOD | HIGH | | Trey Tucker | Big-play threat, opportunity opens | MOD | HIGH | | Emmanuel Wilson | Garbage-time, cheap stash | LOW/MOD | HIGH | | Bam Knight | Only if desperate, unpredictable roles | LOW | HIGH |

Summary for Listeners

This episode of the Footballguys Fantasy Football Show is essential listening for managers seeking an edge from sleepers, high-upside flexes, or tough lineup decisions for Week 9. With detailed analysis, real-context injury and usage notes, and lively debate between two seasoned fantasy experts (and their Halloween alter-egos), you’ll get not just names—but the reasoning and "why" to confidently set your lineups.

Key takeaway: Eight weeks in, the emerging value is finding “shifting” roles, reading injury tea leaves, and trusting volume & matchups over name value. Trust the show’s blend of humor and sharp insight—it’s the 2025 edge you need!