The Ringer Fantasy Football Show

Episode: Power Ranking Sleeper Fantasy MVPs, Fantasy Court, and One-Second Song Challenge Part III
Date: October 22, 2025
Hosts: Danny Heifetz (A), Danny Kelly (B), Craig Horlbeck (C)

Episode Overview

This week’s episode is a fun, energetic deep dive into the overlooked fantasy football stars—the “Glansburg MVPs” (a nod to the “Stephen Glansberg” meme, i.e., the guys putting up numbers but not getting talked about). The main segment features a power ranking of unheralded players who’ve quietly become fantasy MVPs, plus lively side discussions on NFL happenings, fantasy advice, and a hilarious “Fantasy Court” about punishment drafts. The episode ends with Part III of their “One Second Song Challenge,” a music quiz where two hosts go head-to-head.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Intro & Vibe Setting (00:00-04:00)

• The hosts lay out the episode’s focus on power ranking the least discussed fantasy standouts—“Glansburg MVPs.”
• Light banter about heartbreak in sports—the Mariners’ ALCS loss and comparison to Lions’ playoff woes.
• “Life is a stage for Heifetz. Like, he knew how to perform his main character.” (Craig, 03:36)

2. NFL Week Review & Broader Football Chatter (04:00-09:20)

• Seahawks and Texans MNF recap: Ugly, penalty-heavy game, but a win for Seattle.
• Lions reviewed as serious NFC contenders despite key injuries; the discussion dives into coaching staff changes and resilience after adversity.
• “The Lions continue, outside of that Week 1 loss to the Packers…to look like a fucking juggernaut in the NFC.” (Craig, 06:34)
• “We should probably say John Morton’s name more.” (Danny Kelly, 06:49)
• Noting the impact of consecutive injury-plagued seasons on teams like the Lions and drawing parallels for next year’s Ravens.

3. Introduction to the Glansburg MVP Power Rankings (09:20-11:35)

• Definition of “Glansburg” players: Productive, valuable, but under-discussed and often under-drafted.
• Quick story on the real Stephen Glansburg, now an accomplished lawyer.

POWER RANKING: SLEEPER FANTASY MVPs

(“Players Nobody is Talking About”—with sound cues every two minutes to progress)
(11:35-41:50)

1. Michael Pittman (Colts, WR) (12:08)

• Quietly a top 10 receiver, criminally under-discussed.
• “Michael Pittman was drafted outside the top 10 rounds… I took a pizza before Michael Pittman!” (Heifetz, 13:44)
• He’s justified late-round flyer hype with strong production despite pre-season doubts about the Colts’ offense.

2. Jalen Warren (Steelers, RB) (14:24)

• Running back 16 in PPG; dependable, tough runner, often overlooked even in fantasy circles.
• “Missed that one game to injury when we were in Dublin—that’s the only time we’ve talked about him.” (Heifetz, 14:46)
• Notable for “hungry dog” mentality, an increasingly vital role in the Steelers’ improving run game.

3. Keenan Allen (Chargers, WR) (16:34)

• WR8, fourth in NFL targets despite being a late addition to the 2025 Chargers.
• “He has to be the latest-signed player to end up top-five in targets midway through a season.” (Heifetz, 16:44)

4. Josh Jacobs (Packers, RB) (18:51)

• RB4 in total points, high carry and goal-line share, but low flash.
• “He’s exactly what was promised when you took him.” (Kelly, 19:47)
• Packers’ commitment to the run under LaFleur makes him week-in, week-out useful.

5. Deebo Samuel (Washington, WR) (21:20)

• WR13 PPG, thriving in a new offensive scheme.
• “He’s clutch…just something you can depend on every week in your lineup.” (Danny Kelly, 21:56)
• Reminded listeners it’s a contract year and he’s more integral than stats or narratives may show.

6. James Cook (Bills, RB) (24:49)

• RB8, finally realizing his promise as a do-everything back for Buffalo.
• “He’s dramatically outplaying his draft slot… fourth in the NFL in rushing yards, fifth in rushing TDs, almost 20 touches a game.” (Craig, 25:38)
• Little brother syndrome: “He never got the shine he deserved—much like me.” (Craig, 26:27)

7. Kyren Williams (Rams, RB) (28:16)

• The prototypical Glansburg: consistently doubted, keeps the lead job, and produces.
• “He might be the best running back your dad can’t name.” (Craig, 28:36)
• Buy-low candidate due to unsustainable Rams passing TD-to-rushing TD ratio.

8. Dak Prescott (Cowboys, QB) (31:28)

• QB5, double-digit points every week but one, huge value at his late ADP.
• “Fantasy QB points that are also in your lineup—that’s rare and that’s Dak.” (Heifetz, 33:09)

9. Christian McCaffrey (49ers, RB) (33:50)

• So consistent he’s “boring,” but leading PPR RBs and in range for 1000 receiver yards.
• “If you only took McCaffrey’s receiving this year in half-PPR, he’s WR7.” (Craig, 34:55)
• “He is literally an RB1 and a WR1 in one roster spot.” (Craig, 36:01)

10. DeAndre Swift (Bears, RB) (36:28)

• RB11, another “just as promised” guy in a great run scheme.
• Underappreciated due to skepticism about his role and perceived replaceability—has steadily delivered.

11. Bonus Glansburg: Dallas Goedert (Eagles, TE) (38:51)

• Drafted as TE16, now TE4, quietly steady as a “Keenan Allen, if he were a tight end.” (Danny Kelly, 39:36)

Notable Quotes & Fun Moments

• On the Glansburg Concept:
  “There’s ten guys on this list…who right now are sitting alone in the corner. And you know what? They’re doing great this year. Eating alone. Like they’re Stephen fucking Glansburg.” (Craig, 09:51)

• On “Little Brother Syndrome” in Fantasy:
  “He never got the shine he deserved—much like me.” (Craig, 26:27)

• On Coaches Who Commit to the Run:
  “There’s just deep…man thing. Like, but could you run the ball?” (Heifetz, 20:19)

• McCaffrey's Dominance:
  “He is literally an RB1 and a WR1 in one roster spot.” (Craig, 36:01)

Segment Timestamps

• Main Rankings Start: 12:08 (Michael Pittman, #1 Glansburg MVP)
• Keenan Allen discussion: 16:34
• Josh Jacobs: 18:51
• Debo Samuel: 21:20
• James Cook: 24:49
• Kyren Williams: 28:16
• Dak Prescott: 31:28
• Christian McCaffrey: 33:50
• DeAndre Swift: 36:28
• Dallas Goedert: 38:51

Other Segments

Fantasy League Update (44:09)

• The top three Ringer hosts’ league teams are tied at 5-2 (Sal, Heifetz, Danny Kelly). Bill Simmons is no longer in last place; Van is, after electing a punishment where the winner tweets from his account weekly.
• “He gets to rage. He’s tanking for tweets!” (Danny Kelly, 44:43)

Fantasy Court: “Hot Ones Punishment” (49:15)

• Listener Ben asks for a ruling on a creative last-place punishment: record a “Hot Ones” audition tape, possibly answering questions while eating increasingly hot wings.
• Ruling: If the league doesn’t fund the real sauces, improvise with what you can, but must attempt at least one “Da Bomb”-level hot sauce. Must answer league questions and send video to “Hot Ones.”

Additional Fun: One-Second Song Challenge III (63:46–88:33)

• Craig hosts a music quiz: Heifetz vs. Danny Kelly on pop/rock one-second intros.
• High-energy back-and-forth, plenty of shouting, nostalgia, and self-deprecating laughs: “I didn’t lose; I just ran out of time.” (Heifetz, 79:42)

Memorable Side Conversations

• Sibling Battles & “Little Brother Syndrome” (26:11–27:40)

  • Craig hilariously reflects on always being “Scott’s brother,” never winning a fight, and the importance of sibling rivalry in personality development.

• Deep Dive on Punishments (55:30-58:38)

  • Listeners submit creative league punishments (read a book a week, run a military fitness challenge, call everyone’s parents on birthdays, measure your erection nightly à la Silicon Valley anti-aging icon Brian Johnson).

Listener Engagement and Community

• Ongoing Invitations:
  • Send one-second song suggestions to ringerfantasyfootball@gmail.com for future playlists/games.
  • Submit questions, league rules, punishment ideas, and stories of sibling fights or dumb high school moments for “Fantasy Court” or mailbag segments.

Episode Tone & Style

As always, the hosts blend deep fantasy analysis with irreverent humor, gentle ribbing, and inside jokes. The language is a lively mix of sarcasm, F-bombs, and relatable commiseration about the perils and joys of fantasy football and grown-up fandom.

In Summary

This episode is jam-packed with insight on fantasy’s most overlooked heroes, useful nuggets for league commissioners (like the pick-your-own-punishment draft), and joyfully offbeat banter. Even if you missed it live, you’ll come away with actionable tips, a playlist to build, and a smile.

Quick Hits / TL;DR: Notable “Glansburg MVPs”

• Michael Pittman (Colts WR): Steady top-10 receiver, went undrafted in some leagues
• Jalen Warren (Steelers RB): Flex gold, runs angry, outscores name-brand backs
• Keenan Allen (Chargers WR): Signed late, but quickly Herbert’s #1 (again)
• Josh Jacobs (Packers RB): Volume king in a run-heavy, non-flashy offense
• Debo Samuel (Washington WR): Career-high target share, thriving with Kingsbury
• James Cook (Bills RB): Top-8, almost 20 touches/game, “little bro” no more
• Kyren Williams (Rams RB): Perpetual underdog, keeps winning the job
• Dak Prescott (Cowboys QB): QB5, predictable week-to-week starter in shootouts
• Christian McCaffrey (49ers RB): RB1 & WR1 in same slot, on 1000/1000 watch
• DeAndre Swift (Bears RB): RB11, reliable, proves doubters wrong in great scheme
• Dallas Goedert (Eagles TE): Late-round tight end now top-5 in PPG

For custom playlists, more football banter, and to participate in the next round of Fantasy Court or Song Challenge, email: ringerfantasyfootball@gmail.com