If there’s one thing I love more than proving the analytics bros wrong, it’s finding the waiver wire gems everyone else slept through. This week on The Stephie Smalls Show, I sat down with Pete Nova to separate the true fantasy breakouts from the one-week wonders — and yes, I let Producer Ryan crash the party later for his Extra Holes segment.
Pete and I started with some of the big-picture shockers of the season — CMC actually staying healthy, James Cook’s up-and-down workload, and the weird Jets fantasy purgatory. Then we dove straight into waiver talk. Cade Otton is suddenly a name worth knowing again, especially if you’re tired of chasing ghosts like Tyler Higbee. We also talked about why Luther Burden could quietly win you a matchup if DJ Moore ends up sitting, and which “sell-high” running backs are probably already past their expiration date.
And yes — the panic meter came out. AJ Brown managers, you might want to hide. Saquon Barkley owners? I’m sorry, but I have questions about the Giants that only a functioning offensive line could answer. We also hit the listener mailbag with some wild start/sit scenarios, like Jordan Mason and Jaxson Dart, and debated whether Drake Maye is a safer rest-of-season play than Bo Nix (he might be, don’t yell at me).
Once Pete wrapped up with his defense streamers (the Colts and Falcons made the cut), Producer Ryan hopped on for Extra Holes. As always, chaos ensued. He brought his full betting board for Thursday Night Football — Jalen Warren anytime TD, Steelers -5.5, DK Metcalf and Noah Fant overs, and even a Caleb Johnson 10-to-1 longshot. I can’t decide if he’s a genius or if we’re both just addicted to pain.
Bottom line: Week 7 is all about being early on the mid-tier names that can plug lineup holes before bye weeks hit like a wrecking ball. If you’re still chasing last week’s breakout, you’re already behind.
And if you missed it live, don’t worry — we’re on an 8–2 run in Circa Millions, so Producer Ryan and I will be right back Thursday breaking down our Week 7 ATS picks. Tune in, drop your fantasy questions in the chat, and maybe don’t start your Jets unless you really, really hate yourself.
