Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry · NBC Sports, Matthew Berry

Week 14 Start/Sit: Kenneth Walker III, Emeka Egbuka, Brian Thomas Jr.

December 3, 2025·52 min·5 clips

Matthew Berry debates whether Mike Evans' return helps or hurts Emeka Egbuka's fantasy production this week.

This episode of Fantasy Football Happy Hour features hosts Matthew Berry, Connor Rogers, and Jay Croucher analyzing Week 14 start/sit decisions and fantasy playoff strategy. Berry joins from Orlando while supporting his daughter's cheerleading competition, and the hosts open with humorous banter about producer delays and Berry's fantasy team management. They examine key player news, including Mike Evans's potential return from a clavicle injury for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The hosts debate whether Evans's comeback will help or hinder teammate Emeka Egbuka, who has seen high target volume but declining production recently. Deshaun Watson's designation for return is dismissed as having minimal fantasy relevance this season, with a note that he fetched only $3 in a competitive dynasty league waiver bid. The Steelers' claim of veteran receiver Adam Thielen sparks extended discussion on his potential role in a struggling Pittsburgh offense. Berry suggests Thielen could offer PPR value as a veteran slot option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, while Croucher remains skeptical given the team's low wide receiver target share. Baker Mayfield is labeled a "close-out" start against the Saints due to recent poor play and injury concerns. Running back Kenneth Walker III is viewed as a viable RB2 against the Falcons despite a touchdown drought, with the hosts noting his increased passing game involvement. Jalen Warren earns a reluctant "keep it open" as a low-end RB2, relying on volume in a tough matchup with Baltimore. Woody Marks is recommended as a "close-out" against the Chiefs due to minimal receiving work and poor touchdown equity. Emeka Egbuka receives a borderline WR3 "keep it open" vote based on his consistent target share, even amid drops and slumping efficiency. Brian Thomas Jr. is a firm "close-out" after managing only a 12% target share in his return game, highlighting his status as a season-long bust. Troy Franklin is also a "close-out" due to erratic route participation and touchdown dependency in Denver's spread offense. Tight end Kyle Pitts gets a "keep it open" as a lower-end TE1, benefiting from a favorable matchup against Seattle's weak tight end defense. A memorable moment involves Berry attaching his "good name" to Adam Thielen's potential revival, while Croucher counters with Thielen's recent unproductive snaps. The hosts share a laugh over a tweet perfectly predicting the Steelers' addition of a "2018 Pro Bowler" like Thielen. They reference the film *Interstellar* to describe a chaotic show start and compare defensive coverage on receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to NBA defender Iman Shumpert. Berry reveals he dropped Mike Evans for IR space, only for Evans to be picked up by a league mate, impacting his own playoff chances. The tone is conversational and humorous, blending loose camaraderie with focused fantasy analysis. The hosts frequently tease each other and reference pop culture, while still delivering specific data points and matchup insights. Fantasy managers seeking Week 14 lineup advice and playoff strategy will appreciate the detailed player breakdowns and start/sit debates. Listeners who prefer strictly serious analysis or are frustrated by tangents might find the off-topic banter and extended jokes distracting.

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