Fantasy Football show for Aug 25, 2025. Worrisome players for fantasy football drafts! Andy, Mike, and Jason name Bust candidates being drafted too high. What could go wrong? Plus, the biggest fantasy football risers and fallers from 2025 preseason action. Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast.
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Nostalgia in Podcasting
“For some reason, YouTube is just algorithmically sending an old episode into people’s feeds.”
- The hosts reflect on their journey from humble beginnings in a small bedroom studio to their current setup, reminiscing about the early days of their podcast. They recognize that YouTube has been sending out old episodes, causing fans to discover their early content.
- Mike revisits the time when Jason controlled the cameras with an iPad, humorously noting how they all have changed since those days. They share light-hearted comments about their younger selves, including Mike’s man bun and their outdated equipment.
Preseason Overview and Fantasy Insights
“Preseason football is over, and we’re going to talk some risers and fallers.”
- The hosts announce the conclusion of the preseason and prepare to discuss players who have risen or fallen in value due to their performances. They highlight the anticipation surrounding fantasy football drafts as the NFL season approaches.
- They introduce a bust segment where each host will identify a player expected to disappoint in the upcoming season, addressing concerns over specific players’ situations in the fantasy context.
Megalobowl Announcement
“It is available to enter right now… The winner receives bragging rights, a spot in the 2026 Listener League, and a UDK for life.”
- The hosts promote the Megalobowl, the largest fantasy football league, which is exclusive to Foot Clan members. They emphasize the ease of entering and describe the perks that include winning bragging rights and a coveted spot in the Listener League.
- The Megalobowl promises an exciting format with open trades and waivers during the playoffs, setting the stage for a competitive season among listeners.
Player Risers and Fallers
“We’re looking at the biggest preseason risers and fallers.”
- The hosts evaluate players who have made significant strides during the preseason, such as Ollie Gordon of the Miami Dolphins. Initially seen as the fourth running back on the roster, Gordon benefitted from injuries to other players, showcasing impressive performance metrics.
- They also mention Ricky Pearsall, who remained healthy, and Marvin Mims, who has participated actively in two-receiver sets, indicating potential value for fantasy drafts.
Player Highlights: Isaac Teslaa‘s Rising Impact
“This dude just keeps getting it done with huge plays and huge blocks.”
- Isaac Tesla, a third-round pick of the Detroit Lions, is creating a significant impression with his performance, including a standout moment where he scored a 30-plus yard touchdown and celebrated with a memorable “worm” dance.
- His ability to perform in crucial moments has raised expectations among fans and analysts, suggesting he could take on a vital role in the team’s offense this season.
- Dan Campbell’s comments indicate that Tesla has the potential to be an impact player, which is noteworthy for a rookie, as they typically take time to find their footing in the NFL.
- Tesla’s skillset extends beyond just catching passes; he is noted for his size, speed, and ability to contribute to multiple aspects of the game, including pass protection.
Potential Concerns: Jameson Williams and Tesla’s Impact
“He doesn’t scare me off of Jamison Williams.”
- The discussion shifts to how Tesla’s emergence might impact other players, particularly Jamison Williams. While there are concerns about overlapping roles, Tesla’s presence could actually enhance the overall offensive dynamic for the Lions.
- The commentary suggests that although Tesla may not be a reliable fantasy pick right away, he is a player to monitor for future potential, especially if he opens up opportunities for quarterback Jared Goff.
- As Tesla continues to gain recognition for his skillful plays, there is a belief that he might complicate the offensive strategies, but ultimately, he does not detract from the value of established players like Williams.
Player Drop-Offs: Joe Mixon and Tyler Shuck
“He’s playing a game of hide-and-seek, and he’s doing it well.”
- Joe Mixon is highlighted as a player whose value is declining sharply within the fantasy landscape, with some analysts noting dramatic drops in his draft stock.
- Tyler Shuck, viewed as a promising rookie, faces criticism due to underwhelming performances and competition from Spencer Rattler, who is favored to start.
- The concern arises that if Shuck cannot secure a starting position soon, the Saints may look for a new quarterback in upcoming drafts, which puts his future with the team in jeopardy.
Rookies to Watch: Jack Bech and Montavian Wicks
“Unfortunately, the opportunity has been taken not by them, but by their teammates.”
- Rookie wide receivers Jack Besch and Montavian Wicks are noted for their significant fall in draft stock despite having had positive expectations coming into the season.
- Both players were anticipated to seize opportunities due to their recent draft capital, yet they have struggled to outperform their teammates, leading to their decline in visibility among fantasy options.
- The segment underlines the volatility of rookie performances where, despite talent, external factors like team dynamics can drastically affect their projected roles and impact.
“Terry McLaurin has agreed to a three-year extension worth over $96 million.”
- Terry McLaurin has secured a significant three-year contract extension, with reports indicating that it could be worth more than $96 million, along with a $30 million signing bonus.
- This deal reflects both his value to the team and the command he has earned as a premier receiver. However, there’s concern about his fitness due to missing preseason training.
- Many are hopeful that he can rebound from this period of inactivity and contribute effectively to the upcoming season.
Running Back Shakeup in Jacksonville
“There are discussions suggesting the Jaguars may want to unload either Travis Etienne or Tank Bigsby.”
- The Jacksonville Jaguars are considering trading one of their prominent running backs, Travis Etienne or Tank Bigsby, which could significantly affect their fantasy football value.
- Such a move would clarify the backfield situation, making it easier for fantasy managers to identify potential starters in the Jaguars’ offense.
- The fan base is particularly excited about this possibility, as it may pave the way for upsides for players like Bashaw Tootin if one of the established backs departs.
Updates on Injuries and Roles
“Najee Harris might be ready for Week 1, which is a surprising turnaround.”
- Injury updates reveal that Najee Harris is expected to potentially return for the season opener, despite having previously been sidelined, which raises questions about his readiness and role in the offense.
- Juwan Jennings is also on track to return but has a concerning history with calf injuries that could impact his fantasy potential.
- This uncertainty with injured players creates a challenging environment for fantasy managers, especially when deciding whether to rely on these players early in the season.
Concerns Around Offensive Lines and Running Back Performances
“Several teams, including the Falcons and Lions, have injury concerns that may impact their running back performances.”
- The injuries and performance issues surrounding offensive lines, specifically the Falcons and Lions, could have a ripple effect on the fantasy value of their running backs.
- With crucial offensive linemen out, the running backs on these teams might struggle to perform effectively, which is essential to consider during drafts and in weekly lineups.
- The discussion highlights the importance of monitoring both player health and team defensive alignments when evaluating running back options in fantasy leagues.
Bust Picks and Importance of Avoiding Disappointments
“It’s important to get these right.”
- The discussion opens with a focus on identifying bust players, despite it being a less favorable topic. The hosts acknowledge the significance of this segment, emphasizing the need to learn from past disappointments that may have derailed seasons. They highlight the importance of consideration when drafting to avoid repeating mistakes from previous years.
“I think you might be really, really disappointed with the ceiling this year.”
- Garrett Wilson is singled out as a potential bust. The analysis positions him as a talented player with a lucrative contract. However, concerns arise regarding his expected performance, particularly given the potential issues with the quarterback and the team’s overall success. While he has shown promise with high target opportunities, the uncertainty with the passing game and limited touchdowns are troubling.
Team and Quarterback Challenges
“It is really hard to trust an erratic passer on a team you don’t believe will win a lot of games.”
- The conversation shifts to discussing Justin Fields and the challenges he presents as a quarterback. The consensus is that Fields may not provide the volume or efficiency needed to support Wilson as a top-tier wide receiver. The hosts express skepticism about the team’s performance and predict that defensive strategies could limit Wilson’s opportunities.
Analyzing Touchdown Potential
“Over the last five years, a top five running back averaged 339 opportunities and 15.8 touchdowns.”
- The statistical analysis reveals the high expectations tied to a top-five running back’s performance, emphasizing the necessity for substantial opportunities and touchdowns to justify draft positions. The hosts relay that recent history shows a concerning trend for running backs on lower-performing teams, illustrating how it might affect Wilson’s fantasy production.
“Ashen Jenty is great, but he is in a situation where you do not expect them to be a 10-win team.”
- Ashen Jenty, currently a running back being drafted as RB5, may not meet expectations due to his team’s lack of offensive firepower. Experts project that his team will struggle to score significantly, reducing the likelihood of him achieving double-digit rushing touchdowns.
- The consensus is that there is an easier path for him to underperform and potentially finish outside the top 10. If this occurs, his draft position would deem him a bust.
“Josh Jacobs is a very good running back and is being drafted well behind Ashen Jenty as a workhorse back on a great offense.”
- In contrast to Jenty, Josh Jacobs has shown proficiency as a workhorse back in a functioning offense. Despite his performance, he is being drafted later than Jenty, which raises questions about drafting strategies for running backs.
- The discussion acknowledges that there are considerable question marks among running backs beyond the top five, emphasizing the need for careful decision-making in the later draft rounds.
The Bigger Picture of Drafting
“At this time of year, you have your rankings, your sleepers, and your can’t-miss picks, but sometimes you need a backup.”
- During draft season, fantasy players often prepare rankings and identify potential stars but should also consider having reliable backups. The unpredictability of player performances mandates these considerations to ensure a well-rounded team.
- It’s crucial to recognize the changing dynamics of player values, as even the best-laid plans for a fantasy team can fall apart unexpectedly.
“My bust pick this year is Patrick Mahomes, superstar quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs.”
- Mike identifies Patrick Mahomes as his bust pick, citing concerns about the direction of the Kansas City Chiefs‘ offense. As Mahomes enters his ninth year and approaches 30 years old, questions rise about his ability to maintain elite fantasy performance.
- Despite his past success, Mahomes has seen a decline in performance metrics such as yards and touchdown rates. The Chiefs are winning games by focusing on defense and ball control rather than heavy offensive output.
Changing Offensive Strategy and its Impact
“The Chiefs have changed who they are as a football team; they’re winning with defense and ball control.”
- The Chiefs have progressively reduced the average depth of target on Mahomes’ throws from 9.1 yards to 6.4 yards. This trend indicates a fundamental change in their offensive strategy, which may limit Mahomes’ fantasy output.
- Mahomes faced challenges last season, failing to place in the top 12 for the first half of the year and finishing with career lows in various passing metrics.
Draft Considerations for Mahomes
“Drafting Mahomes in the fifth round requires a lifetime commitment.”
- With Mahomes being drafted around the fifth round, there is a significant opportunity cost involved. Players worth pursuing in that range may include Dak Prescott and other emerging talents.
- The conversation reflects that while Mahomes once was a must-have due to his remarkable performance, the current draft landscape presents alternatives that may offer better value.
Evaluating Patrick Mahomes‘ Performance Prospects
“Fade Patrick Mahomes at your own peril, but it’s what I’m doing this year.”
- The discussion centers on whether to draft Patrick Mahomes based on his potential performance in the early weeks of the season.
- The panelist believes that it might take a couple of weeks to see if Mahomes can indeed maintain his status as a top quarterback. They speculate that Mahomes could have strong games early on, especially against defenses like the Giants and Baltimore.
- There’s a concern about the possible impact of Rasheed Rice’s suspension on Mahomes’ productivity, which could be detrimental if it coincides with a strong start to the season.
- The uncertainty around Mahomes leads one participant to suggest that they usually skip over drafting him, setting the stage for a controversial stance for the upcoming season.
Insights on Other Notable Draft Picks
“Tyreek makes a lot of sense; he’s going to be a boom or bust pick this year.”
- Among the picks discussed, players like Devon A. Chan, Garrett Wilson, and Saquon Barkley emerged as popular choices, with varying degrees of optimism regarding their health and performance.
- Tyreek Hill is noted for his high variability, indicating he could either perform exceptionally well or underwhelm, making him a risky selection.
- Saquon Barkley, on the other hand, remains a strong choice, as the only significant concern revolves around his injury history, while his past performance demonstrates that he can excel.
Late-Round Target Players
“He may start week one.”
- The hosts encourage considering certain under-the-radar players late in the draft, like Ollie Gordon and Epic Iow Manor, who could be impactful even if not highly ranked.
- These players might not be on the radar of most drafters, but they could present an opportunity to fill bench spots with potential starters.
- The discussion suggests the importance of tracking these lesser-known players who may lead to substantial returns during the season.