The Ringer Fantasy Football Show

Week 4 Preview: Live From Dublin – Vikings-Steelers, Ravens-Chiefs, Half-Baked Takes & More

Date: September 26, 2025
Hosts: Danny Heifetz, Danny Kelly, Craig Horlbeck
Special Guest: Gregg Rosenthal

Overview: Main Theme

This special live episode, recorded at Kennedy’s Pub in Dublin, brings energy and camaraderie from both the NFL’s international draw and the pub’s raucous atmosphere. The hosts and guest Gregg Rosenthal preview Week 4’s marquee NFL games with deep, offbeat analysis and fantasy implications. They break down the most fascinating matchups—Vikings-Steelers in Dublin, Ravens-Chiefs, and Packers-Cowboys—plus deliver spicy fantasy takes and veer into classic Ringer banter (“Half-Baked Takes”). The episode celebrates both the sport and its culture, all tied together with Guinness, Irish hospitality, and audience interaction.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Dublin Experience & Steelers Nation Takeover

• Context: The hosts are in Dublin, noting the overwhelming presence of Steelers fans in the city for the international game.
• Observations:
  • “Every single flight was filled with Steelers fans. They started a chant at midnight on my plane. This pub we’re in right now, Kennedy’s, is a Steelers pub.” — Craig (03:44)
  • Vikings fans are almost nowhere to be seen, setting the stage for a Steelers home-game feel in Ireland.
• Vibe: Light, energetic, fun; frequent Guinness references and pub camaraderie.

2. Vikings vs. Steelers: Analysis and Predictions

Steelers’ Quirky Success

• Steelers are 2-1 despite being outgained by 417 yards—the second-worst mark in the league. They’re living off turnover differential: “27 points off turnovers and allowed zero points off turnovers.” — Craig (03:53)
• The offensive struggles are balanced by opportunistic defense; Jalen Warren leads the team in receiving.

Quarterback Matchup: Rodgers vs. Wentz

• Aaron Rodgers (now with Pittsburgh) heavily scrutinized:
  • Second in NFL in touchdowns but second-worst per PFF grade.
  • Last in air yards per attempt: “5.1 air yards per attempt, tied for last.” — Danny Kelly (06:17)
  • Struggles against pressure and the Brian Flores blitz.
• Vikings’ defense lauded as #2 in DVOA, second against the pass.
  • Flores’ schemes referenced, with Rodgers having a disastrous history against similar looks.
• Wentz’s psyche and history also get attention: his last “revenge game” versus Rodgers triggered his benching for Jalen Hurts in Philly.

Ugly Defensive Battle Predicted

• “This will be another pretty ugly offensive game on both sides. I don’t think Wentz is going to move the ball. I don’t think Rodgers is going to move the ball.” — Heifetz (08:18)
• Expectation: A low-scoring, defensive-driven outcome (Steelers 17-13).

Memorable Quote

• “Their young offensive line… does not look good so far this season. They are not helping him out at all. Run game, pass—no.” — Gregg (07:04)

3. Ravens vs. Chiefs: “Game of the Week/Year”

Chiefs as Underdogs at Home

• First time Mahomes is a home underdog in back-to-back games.
• Everyone’s gut: “You should bet on Mahomes in this situation.” — Danny Kelly (11:36)
• Injury report: Chiefs may get Xavier Worthy back; Ravens are banged up.

Ravens Paradox: Great Stats, Bad Record & Vibes

• On paper, Baltimore’s offense is “humming”—scoring 37 points per game, Derrick Henry averaging six yards per carry.
• In reality: “The margins—Henry’s fumbled three straight games, Lamar was sacked seven times last week, and the vibes are horrific.” — Heifetz (13:28)
• Defensive struggles: letting up 415 yards per game, second most in the NFL.
• Ravens’ offense, especially Lamar’s running, is their best chance: “He’s averaged 80 yards rushing per game against the Chiefs.” — Craig (14:15)

Key Strategic Notes

• Lamar vs. Spagnuolo: Historically, Lamar struggles as a passer against the Chiefs, success comes on the ground.
• Chiefs’ offense also struggling: “Mahomes is leading their team in rushing yards already.” — DK (16:33)
• Chiefs remain top-10 in EPA/play due to Mahomes’ scrambling.

Coaching/Late-game Dynamics

• “There’s something about Harbaugh that he seems so stressed that it stresses the rest of the team out.” — Gregg (19:53)
• Chiefs have “Andy Reid is just letting things happen… it’s too chill at this point.”

Debate: Are we overreacting?

• Ravens could still be the best team or just suffered bad early luck vs. elite competition.

4. Packers vs. Cowboys: The Micah Parsons Trade & Its Fallout

Parsons’ Revenge?

• Micah Parsons, now a Packer, returns to Dallas; traded for two 1st-rounders and Kenny Clark.
• The trade is savaged: “It’s like the worst trade I can think of in the last 20 years.” — Gregg (23:35)
• Cowboys’ pass rush fell apart post-trade (“worst pass rush in the league”), stark contrast to Packers’ defensive rejuvenation.

Cowboys’ Defensive Collapse

• “They’ve allowed 9.1 passing yards per play—the most in the NFL by a yard!” — Heifetz (24:10)
• “They gave up 450 yards to Russell Wilson and then he got benched.”
• Reflections on Jerry Jones’s leadership and media presence.

Micah Parsons’ Reception in Dallas

• Debate over whether he’ll be booed or cheered. Consensus: Likely applause, fans blame the front office, not Parsons.

Fantasy Angles & Game Predictions

• Fantasy: Start Dubs, Goldin, Wicks (“Packers could have 300 yards passing.” — Heifetz (31:40))
• Dak’s under-the-radar great season: “11 big time throws on the season… it’s going under the radar that he’s been good again.” — DK (34:37)
• Packers’ historical dominance over Dallas noted.

5. Chargers vs. Giants: The Jackson Dart Era Begins

Giants’ QB Carousel & Team Politics

• Giants bench Russell Wilson for rookie Jackson Dart; backstory involves front office drama and Daniel Jones's contract.
• Heifetz’s theory: “Joe Schoen and Dable didn’t want Daniel Jones, kept jobs because Mara insisted, but now their fate hinges on Dart's success.” (38:58–40:30)
• High hopes and anxiety for Dart, who shined in preseason but faces a daunting first start against the Chargers’ hot defense.

Dart’s Poise & Fit

• “He just feels a little aloof in a good way, where he doesn’t actually realize the gravity of the situation, which is good.” — DK (42:17)
• Team environment and play-calling may unlock his rushing and deep-ball skills, reminiscent of pre-injury Daniel Jones.
• Heifetz’s ideal: “I want him to throw for 400 yards, run for two touchdowns, look like an absolute revelation.” (46:26)

Coaching Continuity: A Cautionary Tale

• The hosts and Gregg strongly advocate stability: “Early career turnover at coach is one of the most obvious ways to fuck up a quarterback’s career.” — DK (46:51)
• Giants’ young defensive/foundation pieces highlighted as a rare asset for a rebuilding team.

6. Half-Baked Takes: Rapid-Fire Fantasy & NFL Philosophy

Caleb Williams’ Down, Up, and Comp Dilemmas

• DK’s journey: “It took me to physically give up on Caleb Williams after week one for him to actually be good.” (50:15)
• Gregg argues Caleb’s floor is higher than Kyler Murray’s, but cautions on consistency.
• DK: “Last week Caleb Williams led the NFL in off-target throw rate.”
• Caleb compared to Kyler Murray: moments of brilliance, stretches of turnover-prone play.

Emergence of Coaching Supremacy

• Craig: “For the first time ever, coaches might be more important than quarterbacks.” (53:12)
• Argues that creative play-callers (Ben Johnson, Kevin O'Connell, Kyle Shanahan) can turn average QBs into efficient engines, with only “unicorn” QBs serving as true exceptions.
• “Infrastructure, environment… everything around it is built to elevate or drop a quarterback’s success.” — Heifetz (55:23)
• Examples: Jared Goff’s career rebirth under Ben Johnson, Bo Nix's struggles despite hype.

Bo Nix and Sean Payton: Rocky Beginnings

• Gregg predicts “at some point this season, Sean Payton will lose his mind on Bo Nix.” (59:33)
• Bo Nix’s volatility, tendency to “freak out under pressure” called out.
• Payton’s history of fickle, grudge-holding tendencies, especially frustrating for fantasy owners.

7. Fantasy Nostalgia: Gregg on Giving Up Fantasy Football

• Gregg, a fantasy football deep-cut legend, describes life without a fantasy team: “Yes, on balance, I think so” (64:56)
• Explains how real-life work distractions made fantasy more of a stress than a joy.

RotoWorld Blurb Secrets

• Gregg reveals there was essentially no editorial oversight in the early days.
  • “I was the first full-time football writer they had… I think it’s fun when you’re a little sarcastic… you clearly have favorites.” (66:55)
• The iconic, often-sarcastic voice of RotoWorld blurbs is attributed to needing to stand out with personality.

8. Global & Local Color: Dublin Stories & Guinness Appreciation

• The hosts wax poetic on the “crack” (fun) to be had in Dublin, and recount their interactions with local Steelers fans and cab drivers.
• Guinness is confirmed as tasting better in Ireland: “Creamier head… no metallic aftertaste, just chocolatey bitterness throughout.” — DK (75:34)
• They share a story from St. Stephen’s Green about an Irish ceasefire to feed the ducks, underlining the city’s unique kindness and charm.

Notable Quotes & Moments (Timestamps)

• “Every single flight was filled with Steelers fans. They started a chant at midnight on my plane.” — Craig (02:44)
• “I kind of feel like the Vikings are going to win. Right now, Vikings are #2 in defensive DVOA, second against the pass.” — Danny Kelly (04:41)
• “The Steelers are one of the luckiest regular season teams and the least lucky postseason teams.” — Craig (03:53)
• “It is like the worst trade I can think of in the last 20 years.” — Gregg Rosenthal, on the Micah Parsons deal (23:35)
• “If the quarterback's good, he's going to be good—it doesn't matter who he's playing.” — Craig (44:38)
• “For the first time ever, coaches are more important than quarterbacks.” — Craig (53:12)
• “Infrastructure, environment—everything is built to elevate or drop a quarterback’s success.” — Heifetz (55:23)
• “I want him to throw for 400 yards, run for two touchdowns, look like an absolute revelation.” — Heifetz, on Jackson Dart (46:26)
• “Early career turnover at coach is one of the most obvious ways that you can fuck up a quarterback’s career.” — DK (46:51)
• “Caleb Williams led the NFL in off-target throw rate.” — DK (52:16)
• "Creamier head… no metallic aftertaste, just chocolatey bitterness throughout." — DK on Guinness in Ireland (75:34)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Topic | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|------------------| | Steelers fans take over Dublin | 02:44–03:44 | | Vikings-Steelers preview | 03:44–08:45 | | Rodgers’ stats and Steelers offense | 05:48–07:29 | | Ravens-Chiefs preview | 11:14–20:28 | | Chiefs offense & Mahomes underdog status | 11:36–16:33 | | Packers-Cowboys & Micah Parsons trade | 22:45–29:01 | | Cowboys’ defensive collapse | 24:10–24:54 | | Jackson Dart takes over for Giants | 36:01–46:51 | | Half-Baked Takes: Caleb Williams | 50:10–53:12 | | Half-Baked Takes: Coaches > QBs | 53:12–55:23 | | Gregg on quitting fantasy football | 64:56–65:34 | | Dublin experiences & Guinness discussion | 72:46–76:17 |

Final Thoughts

• The episode perfectly blends sharp football analysis, fantasy wisdom, and the joy of community—from the pub to podcast listeners.
• Humor, cultural asides, and authentic self-reflection (on fantasy woes, coaching trends, and QB faith) make this a rich, engaging recap of NFL Week 4’s most intriguing matchups.
• Whether you’re in it for fantasy insight, football philosophy, or pure vibes, this episode delivers.

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