The Ride or Die Tradition
For years, fantasy analyst Matthew Berry has turned the offseason into a ritual of anticipation, unveiling a single player he dubs his Ride or Die each August. The tradition began in 2017 when he staked his reputation on Kareem Hunt, convinced the then‑Ravens back would not only secure a starting role but become a fantasy powerhouse. That bold claim set a precedent: a willingness to back a prospect before the market catches up, even when skepticism looms.
Past Triumphs and the Mechanics of Upside
The formula proved its worth the following year, when Berry’s segment with Chris Simms on Football Night in America spotlighted Jalen Hurts. Despite doubts about the quarterback’s fit in Philadelphia’s offense, Hurts surged to QB1 in fantasy points, rewarding Berry’s confidence with a headline‑making finish. Since then, the Ride or Die label has become a litmus test for identifying hidden value that can outpace average draft position.
Spotting the Next Breakout
At its core, the Ride or Die approach is about spotting athletes whose talent, situation, or scheme suggests they can exceed their projected output. Berry looks for metrics that hint at upside — high target share, efficiency ratios, or usage trends — and pairs them with a narrative of potential that can tip the balance before the draft community fully acknowledges it.
2026 Contenders: Strengths and Situations
This year’s shortlist narrows to three players who embody that upside. Chase Brown, the Cincinnati Bengals’ emerging running back, posted a 17.9‑point average in 2024, ranking as RB6 in points per game across 25 contests. Colston Loveland, the Chicago Bears’ tight end, commands a 25.4% target share and ranks third among his peers in yards per target, signaling a central role in the Bears’ passing attack. Ladd McConkey, a Chargers wideout, has demonstrated elite efficiency, placing in the top ten for yards per target among receivers with at least 200 targets over the past two seasons.
Risks That Could Derail the Leap
Each candidate, however, carries distinct risks. Brown must navigate competition from veteran Samaje Perine and the health of quarterback Joe Burrow, who has faced injury setbacks. Loveland’s opportunity cost comes from a crowded tight‑end market, where other pass‑catching options could siphon targets. McConkey’s upside is contingent on staying healthy amid a deep receiving corps and an offensive line that has shown vulnerability to injuries.
NBC’s New Playbook
Berry’s decision carries added weight because it coincides with his transition to NBC, where the Ride or Die pick will be showcased on a national platform. The stakes are amplified by a promotional partnership: the chosen player will anchor a 30% off FLASH sale for Fantasy Life, tying the analyst’s credibility to both audience engagement and commercial impact.
A Legacy in the Making
Past successes — Kareem Hunt, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler, and Jalen Hurts — all finished inside the top four in fantasy points per game, reinforcing the strategy’s potency when executed with conviction. As the 2026 finalists converge on the final vote, the outcome will not only determine a fantasy champion but also set the tone for Berry’s new role as a leading voice in sports media.