Episode 434: Playoff Reactions to SMASH 2026 Better

·37 min·3 clips

Michael Royer reveals how 14 semi-final teams fell due to unexpected player performances in a crazy playoff week.

This episode features hosts Michael Royer (DynastyDadFF) and Snoog (FFSnoog) analyzing the 2025 fantasy football playoffs to prepare for the 2026 dynasty season. They reflect on their own playoff losses and unexpected outcomes from the semifinal week. The hosts discuss specific players whose performances defined the playoff week, like Ashton Gentry's 37-point explosion against the Houston Texans' top defense. They examine rookie running backs, including Omarion Hampton's efficient return from injury and RJ Harvey's high touchdown rate in Denver. The conversation covers Quinshon Judkins's promising season cut short by a significant leg injury, which they compare to Tony Pollard's recovery. Harold Fannin's record-breaking rookie tight end season for Cleveland is highlighted as a potential class leader. At quarterback, they assess Cam Ward's recent improvement despite poor weapons and Tyler Shuck's rise as a viable starter for New Orleans. A significant portion focuses on veteran values, like buying Kenneth Gainwell for minimal cost due to his receiving role in Pittsburgh. They debate Trevor Lawrence's resurgence under Liam Coen, ranking him as a top-12 dynasty QB. The hosts emphasize that playoff success involves luck, but a strong dynasty process involves building rosters and making trades year-round. They note many league winners in the playoffs were lower-seeded teams or unexpected players like Jacoby Brissett. The tone is analytical and experience-based, drawing from the hosts' many managed leagues. This episode suits dynasty managers seeking postseason takeaways and 2026 rookie previews, but those wanting only current-season advice may find it less relevant.

As heard by us

A candid playoff postmortem with useful dynasty and tight end takes.

Michael Royer and Snoog use a rough playoff week to squeeze out dynasty takeaways for 2026. The discussion starts with semifinal losses, injuries, and the kind of week-to-week swings that can make even familiar fantasy names look unstable.

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Why you'd press play

Turn a brutal playoff week into next-year dynasty ammo.

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