Podcast

The Optimus Fantasy Football Podcast

Fantasy Sports, Sports

Welcome to Optimus Fantasy Football! We are your home for redraft, dynasty, bestball, DFS, betting content and MORE to help you win those 'ships and bring home the bacon.

Episodes
261
Releases
Daily
Typical length
31 min
On air since
2024
Latest episode
5 days ago

Episodes

261 episodes, newest first

  1. Midseason Dynasty Strategy: Buy Elite Aging Players, Buy the Dip and How to Tank

    Season 3, Episode 6

    Show notes

    Mike Vadala and Cam Templar break down the midseason dynasty strategy that separates contenders from everyone else, from selling non-elite aging players to buying elite veterans, 2028 draft picks, and injured stars at a discount.

    Tony Pollard, David Montgomery, Rhamondre Stevenson, DK Metcalf, and Jakobi Meyers are the sell candidates while bye weeks and injuries drive up their value. On the buy side, the evidence is hard to ignore: Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, Davante Adams, and Mike Evans are still producing, and six of the top ten QBs through Week 5 are 29 or older, including Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Matthew Stafford.

    We also cover why to add backup RBs now, how to handle torn ACLs and Achilles injuries, and the right way to tank, including Jeremiah Smith and why you should commit to finishing dead last. Plus, Cam’s rant on why rookie analysis takes more than watching highlights, and a Week 7 side bet: Cam takes Amon-Ra St. Brown, Mike takes Justin Jefferson, and the loser runs a mile.

    If you want the edge before your league catches up, this is the show.

    Topics covered in this episode:
    Selling non-elite aging players before bye weeks and injuries. Buying elite aging players 29 and older. The top RBs in their 30s through Week 5, including Derrick Henry and Christian McCaffrey. Top ten QBs through Week 5 and the aging QB trend. Davante Adams and Mike Evans as WRs in their 30s. Buying 2028 draft capital. Cam’s rant on rookie analysis beyond the highlights. Buying the dip on slow starts and injured stars. Torn ACLs and Achilles injuries and the discount they deserve. Adding backup RBs and QBs in Superflex leagues. Tanking strategy for Max PF leagues, the Derrick Henry for De’Von Achane trade, and the Jeremiah Smith factor. A Week 7 WR side bet between Amon-Ra St. Brown and Justin Jefferson.

    00:00 Intro and Catching Up With Cam

    04:06 Sell Non-Elite Aging Players, Buy Elite Aging Players

    10:10 Buy Future Draft Capital: Why 2028 Picks

    11:50 Cam's Rant: Rookie Analysis Beyond the Highlights

    14:24 Buy the Dip: Slow Starts and Injured Stars

    20:49 Add Backup RBs and QBs in Superflex

    26:34 Tanking Strategy and Week 7 Side Bet

    Get the DFS optimizer, betting tools, and league hub (start/sit, waiver targets, and matchup data tied to your league) at tools.optimusfantasy.com with promo code POD26.

    Join the free Optimus Fantasy Discord for lineup questions, waiver claims, trades, and Sunday live game threads: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find everything Optimus Fantasy: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    37 min
  2. The Optimus Fantasy Show: The Colts Fire Sale: Nelson and Buckner Gone, Jonathan Taylor Next? Week 8 Preview

    Season 3, Episode 10

    Show notes

    Indianapolis is tearing it down and the trade deadline is two weeks out. Nate Polvogt and Kacey Kasem are joined by Mike Stoyanov to sort out Week 8.

    The Colts moved Quenton Nelson to Seattle and sent DeForest Buckner back to San Francisco, with Josh Downs reportedly available and Jonathan Taylor being shopped to Denver, Minnesota and Seattle. Where would Taylor actually land, and what does it do to his value?

    With the November 10 deadline coming, the crew runs the board on Saquon Barkley, Dallas Goedert, Brian Thomas Jr., Breece Hall and Nico Collins. Then it is on to Week 8: the Vikings at Detroit, the Chiefs in Denver with Patrick Mahomes at QB18, and Carolina at Green Bay on Thursday night.

    Topics covered in this episode: the Colts fire sale and the Jonathan Taylor trade market, Josh Downs on the block, deadline candidates including Saquon Barkley, Dallas Goedert, Brian Thomas Jr., Breece Hall and Nico Collins, the Chiefs signing Justin Tucker, Kyler Murray and Justin Jefferson at Detroit, Jordan Mason, Patrick Mahomes against Denver, Jonah Coleman and J.K. Dobbins, Jaylen Waddle’s status, Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims, and Panthers at Packers with Christian Watson, Josh Jacobs, Bryce Young, Tetairoa McMillan and Chuba Hubbard.

    In-season tools are live at https://tools.optimusfantasy.com. Build DFS lineups with our optimizer, run the numbers on this week’s slate with our betting tools, and connect your league to our hub for start sit calls, waiver targets and matchup data built around your actual roster. New to Gold Jacket? Try it free for two weeks. Use promo code POD26.

    Talk fantasy with us all week in Discord. Lineup questions, waiver claims, trade offers and live game threads every Sunday: https://discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find us everywhere: https://optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    59 min
  3. The Waiver Wire Show: Fantasy Football Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups and Stashes

    Season 3, Episode 8

    Show notes

    Nate Polvogt and Mike Reedy break down the top fantasy football waiver wire pickups and stashes to target after Week 7.

    The crew hits the streaming quarterbacks led by J.J. McCarthy and Malik Willis, the backfield adds with Kaelon Black and Dylan Sampson plus the banged-up Eagles committee, pass-catchers like KC Concepcion and Caleb Douglas, tight end targets including Darren Waller and Michael Mayer, and the deep-league stashes worth a bid before your Week 8 waivers run.

    Topics covered in this episode: Week 8 waiver wire pickups, QB streamers, RB adds and handcuffs, WR and TE targets, and deep-league stashes.

    0:00 Intro

    2:08 Quarterback Waiver Wire Pickups

    11:20 Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups

    19:22 Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Pickups

    28:55 Tight End Waiver Wire Pickups

    Get our fantasy tools at tools.optimusfantasy.com and save with promo code POD26.

    Join the community on Discord: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find us everywhere: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    37 min
  4. NFL DFS Week 7 Picks 2026 | DraftKings and FanDuel Lineups

    Season 3, Episode 7

    Show notes

    The Optimus Fantasy DFS Show breaks down the Week 7 DFS slate for DraftKings and FanDuel, hosted by Nate Polvogt and Mike Reedy. New episodes every Saturday through the 2026 season.

    Nate and Mike work through the Week 7 DFS player pool position by position: QBs including Jordan Love, Matthew Stafford and C.J. Stroud; RBs including Jahmyr Gibbs, Kyren Williams and Bucky Irving; WRs including Malik Nabers, Jaylen Waddle and Matthew Golden; TEs including Tucker Kraft, Evan Engram and Mason Taylor; plus the DEF streamers worth a look. Cash game core, GPP leverage, stacks and the salary values that shape your lineups, with the verdicts saved for the show.

    0:00 Intro

    1:42 QB Picks - Jordan Love, Matthew Stafford, C.J. Stroud

    8:21 RB Picks - Jahmyr Gibbs, Kyren Williams, Bucky Irving

    15:42 WR Picks - Malik Nabers, Jaylen Waddle, Matthew Golden

    23:13 TE Picks - Tucker Kraft, Evan Engram, Mason Taylor

    28:34 DEF Streamers - Jets, 49ers, Texans

    Get our fantasy tools at tools.optimusfantasy.com and save with promo code POD26.

    Join the community on Discord: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find us everywhere: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    32 min
  5. NFL Week 7 Best Bets and Predictions 2026: Chiefs-Seahawks SNF, Packers-Lions | The Betting Show

    Season 1, Episode 7

    Show notes

    The Betting Show is back with Nate Polvogt and Allen Sandidge of ESPN Richmond for Week 7. New episodes every Saturday morning through the 2026 season.

    Allen and Nate each run their Week 7 cards, then dig into the trap games and the college board. The matchups they're circling include Bengals at Ravens, Dolphins at Jets, Packers at Lions, and Giants at Texans, plus Steelers at Saints from Paris and the Sunday night headliner, Chiefs at Seahawks. Then it's the college bets of the week: Utah at Houston.

    Which way are they leaning? Hit play to get every pick before kickoff.

    Last week (Week 6): 5-4

    Wins: Steelers -2.5, Packers -1, Browns +3.5, BYU +10, Over 47.5 (ND/BYU)

    Losses: Falcons +1, Giants +1, Notre Dame ML, UNLV +1.5

    [00:00] Intro: NFL Week 7 Best Bets

    [01:28] Allen's NFL Week 7 Best Bets: Chiefs-Seahawks SNF, Packers-Lions & More

    [06:55] Nate's NFL Week 7 Best Bets: Steelers-Saints in Paris, Giants-Texans & More

    [12:20] NFL Week 7 Trap Games & Honorable Mentions

    [14:30] College Football Best Bets: Utah vs Houston

    [15:33] Week 7 Final Picks & Outro

    Get our fantasy tools at tools.optimusfantasy.com and save with promo code POD26.

    Join the community on Discord: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find us everywhere: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    16 min
  6. The College Football Show: Week 8 Preview and Best Bets: Houston at Utah Plus AP Top 25

    Season 1, Episode 9

    Show notes

    The College Football Show is back for Week 8, and host Shane Barrett runs through a shaken-up AP Top 25, breaks down the best game on the board, and lays out the bets he is backing.

    Shane opens with the poll: the risers, the fallers, the teams knocking on the door from just outside the rankings, and the ranked squads he has on upset alert, with plenty to sort through after a weekend of chaos at the top. Then it is on to his Game of the Week, Houston at Utah, a top-15 Big 12 showdown under the lights at Rice-Eccles with College GameDay in town. Dual-threat quarterback Devon Dampier and safety Jackson Bennee lead the undefeated Utes against Houston quarterback Conner Weigman and ballhawking defensive back Javion White in a matchup with real College Football Playoff stakes for both. Utah is favored, but Shane sees the game differently and breaks down exactly where the value sits.

    He closes with his offensive, defensive, and special teams players of the week from a wild Week 7. There is a side he loves in the marquee game and plenty more before kickoff, so hit play to get it all first.

    Topics covered in this episode: the AP Top 25 review, Houston at Utah, Devon Dampier vs Conner Weigman, the Week 8 upset watch, the Week 7 players of the week, and Shane’s best bets.

    (00:00) Intro(01:22)AP Top 25 Poll: Risers(08:26)AP Top 25 Poll: Fallers(13:41)Just Outside the Top 25(19:31)Week 8 Upset Alerts(21:52)Game of the Week: Houston at Utah(28:44)Houston vs Utah Betting Lines & My Pick(30:12)Week 7 Players of the Week(32:20)Outro

    Get our tools at tools.optimusfantasy.com and use code POD26.
    Join the Discord: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE
    Find us everywhere: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    33 min
  7. The Optimus Fantasy Show: Colts in Crisis: Ballard Fired, McCarthy Takes Over in New York, Week 7 Preview

    Season 3, Episode 9

    Show notes

    Indianapolis fired its general manager and Los Angeles has two teams in freefall. Nate Polvogt and Kacey Kasem sort out Week 7.

    Chris Ballard is out after a 26-20 home loss to a winless Titans team dropped the Colts to 2-4. Daniel Jones is completing under 60 percent of his passes, no Colts receiver is averaging 50 yards a game, and Jonathan Taylor is carrying the offense. In New York, J.J. McCarthy threw for 243 yards in a single quarter against New Orleans and is in line to start against Houston.

    The Chargers are 0-6 and the Rams lost Davante Adams to a ruptured hamstring for six to 10 weeks on top of a pile of other injuries. The crew works through who inherits targets in both cities.

    Topics covered in this episode: the Chris Ballard firing and the Colts outlook with Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor, Josh Downs and Tyler Warren, J.J. McCarthy taking over for Jameis Winston, Malik Nabers, the Chargers at 0-6 with Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey, Tre Harris and Omarion Hampton, the Davante Adams injury and the Rams receiver room, Terry McLaurin’s injury, Cleveland at Tennessee with Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, Rams at Raiders with Tre Tucker and Michael Mayer, and Packers at Lions with a 53.5 total.

    In-season tools are live at https://tools.optimusfantasy.com. Build DFS lineups with our optimizer, run the numbers on this week’s slate with our betting tools, and connect your league to our hub for start sit calls, waiver targets and matchup data built around your actual roster. New to Gold Jacket? Try it free for two weeks. Use promo code POD26.

    Talk fantasy with us all week in Discord. Lineup questions, waiver claims, trade offers and live game threads every Sunday: https://discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find us everywhere: https://optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    31 min
  8. Dynasty Risers and Fallers Through Week 5: Kenneth Walker III, Matthew Golden and Omarion Hampton | The Optimus Dynasty Show

    Season 1, Episode 5

    Show notes

    Mike Vadala and Cam Templar check in on the 2026 NFL season through Week 5 and break down which dynasty players have gained or lost the most value, plus the coaching and usage changes driving it.

    Kenneth Walker III of the Kansas City Chiefs, Brock Purdy, Isaiah Likely, and Bhayshul Tuten of the Jacksonville Jaguars lead the list of players whose dynasty value has climbed. The surprises include George Kittle’s jump in snap share, Matthew Golden’s efficiency leap with the Green Bay Packers, and Omarion Hampton’s declining role with the Los Angeles Chargers.

    We also look at what new coaches and schemes mean for dynasty: Klint Kubiak and the Las Vegas Raiders with Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, Declan Doyle unlocking Zay Flowers with the Baltimore Ravens, Frank Reich and the New York Jets, and Sean McVay’s three tight end sets with the Los Angeles Rams and Tyler Higbee. Plus, a side bet on whether Jim Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel keep their jobs through the end of the season, with a one-minute plank on the line.

    If you want the edge before your league catches up, this is the show.

    Topics covered in this episode:
    Dynasty value risers through Week 5, including Kenneth Walker III, Brock Purdy, Isaiah Likely, and Bhayshul Tuten. George Kittle’s snap share and touchdown surge. Matthew Golden’s yards per route run and target share jump. Omarion Hampton’s fall in usage with the Los Angeles Chargers. Bhayshul Tuten’s opportunity in Jacksonville. Quarterback surprises Kirk Cousins and Jacoby Brissett. Klint Kubiak’s heavy personnel sets with Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. Declan Doyle’s new role for Zay Flowers. The Kansas City Chiefs’ run-heavy shift with Kenneth Walker III and Eric Bieniemy. Frank Reich’s heavy lineups with the New York Jets. Sean McVay’s three tight end usage and why Tyler Higbee is the tight end to hold for contenders. A side bet on the Harbaugh and McDaniel job watch.

    00:00 Intro

    00:52 Biggest Dynasty Value Risers Through Week 5

    01:27 Brock Purdy Dynasty Value

    03:40 Kenneth Walker III Dynasty Value

    05:18 Isaiah Likely Dynasty Value

    06:38 Bhayshul Tuten Dynasty Value

    09:21 Dynasty Surprises: George Kittle's Snap Share Jump

    10:57 Matthew Golden's Breakout

    13:30 Omarion Hampton's Declining Role

    17:07 Honorable Mentions: Kirk Cousins and Jacoby Brissett

    22:00 Coaching and Usage: Klint Kubiak and the Las Vegas Raiders

    24:43 Declan Doyle and Zay Flowers

    27:27 Kansas City Chiefs Run-Heavy Shift With Kenneth Walker III

    29:16 Frank Reich and the New York Jets

    32:21 Sean McVay's Three Tight End Sets and Tyler Higbee

    36:28 Side Bet: Will Jim Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel Keep Their Jobs?

    Get the DFS optimizer, betting tools, and league hub (start/sit, waiver targets, and matchup data tied to your league) at tools.optimusfantasy.com with promo code POD26.

    Join the free Optimus Fantasy Discord for lineup questions, waiver claims, trades, and Sunday live game threads: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find everything Optimus Fantasy: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    40 min
  9. Week 7 Pickups: Michael Penix, Tyrone Tracy and Top Adds The Waiver Wire Show

    Season 3, Episode 7

    Show notes

    Nate Polvogt and Mike Reedy break down the top fantasy football waiver wire pickups and stashes to target after Week 6.

    The crew hits the streaming quarterbacks led by Michael Penix Jr., the backfield adds with Tyrone Tracy and Samaje Perine, pass-catchers like Germie Bernard and Keenan Allen, tight end targets including Hunter Henry and Michael Mayer, and the deep-league stashes worth a bid before your Week 7 waivers run.

    Topics covered in this episode: Week 7 waiver wire pickups, QB streamers, RB adds and handcuffs, WR and TE targets, and deep-league stashes.

    Get our fantasy tools at tools.optimusfantasy.com and save with promo code POD26.

    Join the community on Discord: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find us everywhere: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    35 min
  10. NFL DFS Week 6 Picks 2026 | DraftKings and FanDuel Lineups

    Season 3, Episode 6

    Show notes

    The Optimus Fantasy DFS Show breaks down the Week 6 DFS slate for DraftKings and FanDuel, hosted by Nate Polvogt and Mike Reedy. New episodes every Saturday through the 2026 season.

    Nate and Mike work through the Week 6 DFS player pool position by position: QBs including Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford and Kirk Cousins; RBs including Kenneth Walker, Ashton Jeanty and Cam Skattebo; WRs including Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and Zay Flowers; TEs including Dalton Kincaid, Dallas Goedert and Isaiah Likely; plus the DEF streamers worth a look. Cash game core, GPP leverage, stacks and the salary values that shape your lineups, with the verdicts saved for the show.

    Get our fantasy tools at tools.optimusfantasy.com and save with promo code POD26.

    Join the community on Discord: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find us everywhere: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    35 min
  11. NFL Week 6 Best Bets and Predictions 2026: Cowboys-Packers SNF, Ravens-Browns | The Betting Show S1E6

    Season 1, Episode 6

    Show notes

    The Betting Show goes solo with Nate Polvogt for a Week 6 breakdown. New episodes through the 2026 season.

    Nate grades last week's card, then runs the Week 6 board: Steelers at Buccaneers, Bears at Falcons, Saints at Giants, Ravens at Browns, and the Sunday night headliner, Cowboys at Packers at Lambeau. Then it's the college bets of the week, with a top-ten showdown as Notre Dame visits BYU, plus UNLV against Air Force.

    Which way is he leaning? Hit play to get every pick before kickoff.

    Get our fantasy tools at tools.optimusfantasy.com and save with promo code POD26.

    Join the community on Discord: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find us everywhere: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    8 min
  12. Week 7 Preview and Best Bets: Notre Dame at BYU, Ohio State at I The College Football Showndiana |

    Season 1, Episode 2

    Show notes

    The College Football Show is back for Week 7, and host Shane Barrett is joined by national college football reporter Thomas Christopher of League Winners for a loaded doubleheader, a full AP Top 25 breakdown, and the bets they are backing.

    Shane opens with the poll: the risers, the fallers, the teams holding their ground, the names knocking on the door from just outside the rankings, and the ranked squads on upset alert. Then it is a Week 7 doubleheader. First, the Game of the Week, Notre Dame at BYU, a top-ten College GameDay showdown in Provo between two undefeated teams. CJ Carr, Jordan Faison, and edge rusher Boubacar Traore lead the Fighting Irish against BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier and Butkus Award contender Cade Uluave. Then the heavyweight Big Ten clash, Ohio State at Indiana, where the Buckeyes and Heisman favorite Jeremiah Smith head to Bloomington to face the defending national champions, with Josh Hoover and his unbeaten Hoosiers riding a long winning streak.

    Shane and Thomas each lock in their picks on both games, then close with the offensive and defensive players of the week from Week 6. Hit play to get it all before kickoff.

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro & Guest Thomas Christopher
    1:49 AP Top 25 Poll: Risers
    13:49 AP Top 25 Poll: Fallers
    19:41 Teams That Held & Just Outside the Top 25
    27:22 Week 7 Upset Alerts
    29:00 Game of the Week: Notre Dame at BYU
    38:48 Ohio State at Indiana Preview
    47:59 Week 6 Players of the Week
    50:49 Outro

    Guest: Thomas Christopher, national CFB reporter, Biletnikoff Award voter, and owner of League Winners. Follow him at @LeagueWinnersFB.

    Topics covered in this episode: the AP Top 25 review, Notre Dame at BYU, Ohio State at Indiana, CJ Carr vs Bear Bachmeier, Josh Hoover vs Jeremiah Smith, the Week 7 upset watch, the Week 6 players of the week, and the best bets.

    Get our tools at tools.optimusfantasy.com and use code POD26.
    Join the Discord: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE
    Find us everywhere: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    53 min
  13. Week 6 Pickups: Woody Marks, Jalon Daniels and Top Adds | The Waiver Wire Show

    Season 3, Episode 6

    Show notes

    Nate Polvogt and Mike Reedy break down the top fantasy football waiver wire pickups and stashes to target after Week 5.

    The crew hits the backfield adds with Woody Marks and the Packers and Eagles committees, the streaming quarterbacks led by Jalon Daniels, pass-catchers like Darius Cooper and Keon Coleman, tight end targets including Chig Okonkwo, and the deep-league stashes worth a bid before your Week 6 waivers run.

    Topics covered in this episode: Week 6 waiver wire pickups, RB adds and handcuffs, QB streamers, WR and TE targets, and deep-league stashes.

    0:00 Intro

    1:23 Quarterback Waiver Wire Pickups

    8:06 Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups

    16:21 Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Pickups

    24:37 Tight End Waiver Wire Pickups

    30:14 Outro

    Get our fantasy tools at tools.optimusfantasy.com and save with promo code POD26.

    Join the community on Discord: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find us everywhere: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    31 min
  14. NFL DFS Week 5 Picks 2026 | DraftKings and FanDuel Lineups

    Season 3, Episode 5

    Show notes

    The Optimus Fantasy DFS Show breaks down the Week 5 DFS slate for DraftKings and FanDuel, hosted by Nate Polvogt and Mike Reedy. New episodes every Saturday through the 2026 season.

    Nate and Mike work through the Week 5 DFS player pool position by position: QBs including Jared Goff, Aaron Rodgers and Jameis Winston; RBs including Chase Brown, Aaron Jones and D'Andre Swift; WRs including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Garrett Wilson and Malik Nabers; TEs including Trey McBride, Sam LaPorta and T.J. Hockenson; plus the DEF streamers worth a look. Cash game core, GPP leverage, stacks and the salary values that shape your lineups, with the verdicts saved for the show.

    Get our fantasy tools at tools.optimusfantasy.com and save with promo code POD26.

    Join the community on Discord: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find us everywhere: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    14 min
  15. NFL Week 5 Best Bets and Predictions 2026: 49ers-Seahawks, Ravens-Falcons SNF | The Betting Show

    Season 3, Episode 5

    Show notes

    The Betting Show is back with Nate Polvogt and Allen Sandidge of ESPN Richmond for Week 5. New episodes every Saturday morning through the 2026 season.

    The guys grade last week's card, then break down the Week 5 board. The games they're circling include Raiders at Patriots, Bears at Packers, Browns at Jets, and Broncos at Chargers, plus the NFC West showdown between the 49ers and Seahawks and the Ravens at Falcons on Sunday night.

    Which way are they leaning? Hit play to get every pick before kickoff.

    Get our fantasy tools at tools.optimusfantasy.com and save with promo code POD26.

    Join the community on Discord: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find us everywhere: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    14 min
  16. Philly Falling Apart: Lane Johnson Retires, Jurgens Traded and a Week 5 Preview | The Optimus Fantasy Show

    Season 3, Episode 9

    Show notes

    Philadelphia's season just changed in 48 hours and the injury report keeps getting longer. Nate Polvogt and Kacey Kasem sort through it for Week 5.

    Lane Johnson announced his retirement and the Eagles traded Cam Jurgens to Baltimore, gutting an offensive line that was already thin. Saquon Barkley did not practice and looks unlikely for Sunday's London game. Is Howie Roseman conceding the season?

    Elsewhere, the injury wave keeps rolling with Lamar Jackson, Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Tee Higgins and Rashee Rice all banged up. Seattle's backfield is a mystery after the Joe Mixon situation fell apart. And Michael Penix Jr. has turned Drake London from WR53 into WR5 and made Bijan Robinson the overall RB1.

    Topics covered in this episode: the leaguewide injury wave, Lane Johnson's retirement and the Cam Jurgens trade, Saquon Barkley's status for London, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert, the Seattle backfield with Zach Charbonnet and Robert Henry Jr., Michael Penix Jr.'s impact on Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts, what is wrong in Detroit with Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown, Isaac TeSlaa, Lamar Jackson's ankle and the Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers fallout, Tank Dell's return, Jayden Daniels back at full practice, and Buccaneers at Cowboys on Thursday night.

    In-season tools are live at https://tools.optimusfantasy.com. Build DFS lineups with our optimizer, run the numbers on this week's slate with our betting tools, and connect your league to our hub for start sit calls, waiver targets and matchup data built around your actual roster. New to Gold Jacket? Try it free for two weeks. Use promo code POD26.

    Talk fantasy with us all week in Discord. Lineup questions, waiver claims, trade offers and live game threads every Sunday: https://discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find us everywhere: https://optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    31 min
  17. Week 6 Preview and Best Bets: Georgia at Alabama Plus AP Top 25 | The College Football Show

    Season 1, Episode 7

    Show notes

    The College Football Show is back for Week 6, and host Shane Barrett runs through a reshuffled AP Top 25, breaks down the biggest game on the board, and lays out the bets he is backing.

    Shane opens with the poll: the risers, the fallers, the teams knocking on the door from just outside the rankings, and the ranked squads he has on upset alert. Then it is on to his Game of the Week, Georgia at Alabama, a top-ten primetime showdown in Tuscaloosa between two unbeaten heavyweights. Heisman contender Keelon Russell, running back Daniel Hill, and linebacker Caleb Woodson lead the Alabama side against veteran Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton, breakout receiver Talyn Taylor, and linebacker Raylen Wilson. The line has already made a dramatic flip, with Georgia opening as the favorite before Alabama moved ahead at home, so Shane breaks down exactly where he sees the value.

    He closes with his offensive and defensive players of the week from a loaded Week 5. There is a side he loves in the marquee game and plenty more before kickoff, so hit play to get it all first.

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro: Week 6 College Football Preview
    1:00 AP Top 25 Poll: Risers
    6:20 AP Top 25 Poll: Fallers
    9:40 Just Outside the AP Top 25
    14:18 Week 6 Upset Alerts
    18:41 Game of the Week: Georgia at Alabama
    26:20 Georgia vs Alabama Betting Lines & My Pick
    27:45 Week 5 Players of the Week

    Topics covered in this episode: the AP Top 25 review, Georgia at Alabama, Keelon Russell vs Gunner Stockton, the Week 6 upset watch, the Week 5 players of the week, and Shane's best bets.

    Get our tools at tools.optimusfantasy.com and use code POD26.
    Join the Discord: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE
    Find us everywhere: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    30 min
  18. Week 5 Pickups: Emanuel Wilson, C.J. Stroud and Top Adds | The Waiver Wire Show

    Season 3, Episode 5

    Show notes

    Nate Polvogt and Cam Templar break down the top fantasy football waiver wire pickups and stashes to target after Week 4.

    The crew hits the backfield adds led by Emanuel Wilson and Tyler Allgeier, the streaming quarterbacks with C.J. Stroud, pass-catchers like Rashid Shaheed and Malik Washington, tight end targets including Zach Ertz, and the deep-league stashes worth a bid before your Week 5 waivers run.

    Topics covered in this episode: Week 5 waiver wire pickups, RB adds and handcuffs, QB streamers, WR and TE targets, and deep-league stashes.

    0:00 Intro

    3:45 Quarterback Waiver Wire Pickups

    10:57 Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups

    23:05 Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Pickups

    36:48 Tight End Waiver Wire Pickups

    42:50 Outro

    ____________________________________________________

    Get our fantasy tools at tools.optimusfantasy.com and save with promo code POD26.

    Join the community on Discord: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find us everywhere: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    44 min
  19. NFL DFS Week 4 Picks 2026 | DraftKings and FanDuel Lineups

    Season 3, Episode 4

    Show notes

    The Optimus Fantasy DFS Show breaks down the Week 4 DFS slate for DraftKings and FanDuel, hosted by Nate Polvogt and Mike Reedy. New episodes every Saturday through the 2026 season.

    Nate and Mike work through the Week 4 DFS player pool position by position: QBs including Dak Prescott, Matthew Stafford and C.J. Stroud; RBs including Christian McCaffrey, Bucky Irving and Aaron Jones; WRs including CeeDee Lamb, Davante Adams and George Pickens; TEs including Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Dalton Schultz; plus the DEF streamers worth a look. Cash game core, GPP leverage, stacks and the salary values that shape your lineups, with the verdicts saved for the show.

    Get our fantasy tools at tools.optimusfantasy.com and save with promo code YT26.

    Join the community on Discord: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find us everywhere: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    29 min
  20. NFL Week 4 Best Bets and Predictions 2026: Chiefs-Raiders, Broncos-49ers | The Betting Show

    Season 1, Episode 4

    Show notes

    The Betting Show is back with Nate Polvogt and Allen Sandidge of ESPN Richmond for Week 4. New episodes every Saturday morning through the 2026 season.

    The guys grade last week's card, then dig into the Week 4 board. The games they're circling include Chiefs at Raiders in a battle of unbeatens, Cowboys at Texans in the Battle of Texas, Cardinals at Giants, Broncos at 49ers in the Shanahan Bowl, and Jaguars at Bengals. They also run through the teams they're steering clear of this week. Then it's the college bets of the week, with UCF at Houston and Army at Louisiana Tech.

    Which way are they leaning? Hit play to get every pick before kickoff.

    Get our fantasy tools at tools.optimusfantasy.com and save with promo code POD26.

    Join the community on Discord: discord.gg/MNWnY5hmgE

    Find us everywhere: optimusfantasy.com/find-us

    17 min