Podcast Summary: Fantasy Focus Football – "6 Quarterbacks That Will OUTPERFORM Their ADP"

Episode Details:

• Title: 6 Quarterbacks That Will OUTPERFORM Their ADP | Fantasy Focus 🏈
• Hosts: Field Yates, Stephania Bell, Mike Clay, Liz Loza
• Release Date: August 7, 2025

1. Introduction and Upcoming Events

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in their characteristic banter, lightening the mood before delving into the main topic. Liz Loza announces their upcoming live show:

Liz Loza [01:07]: "We're headed to New York City tonight to do a show live at the Gramercy Theater. Guys, if you aren't able to attend, don't worry because you'll be able to catch the show tomorrow morning on our YouTube channel and on ESPN2 at 2:00pm Eastern."

2. ESPN Fantasy Football Ultimate Draft Weekend in the Bahamas

Field Yates transitions the conversation to the much-anticipated ESPN Fantasy Football Ultimate Draft Weekend:

Field Yates [03:58]: "We're going to have an unforgettable experience in the Bahamas because the ESPN Fantasy Football Ultimate Draft weekend is back for year two."

Highlights of the event include:

• Dates: August 21st to 24th
• Location: Luxurious Bahama resort
• Activities:
  • Beach combine with NFL players like Kyle Rudolph, Gault, Golden Tate, and Todd Gurley.
  • Exclusive events and live draft sessions.
• Host Presence: Liz Loza will be present at the event, offering fans a chance to interact with fantasy experts and NFL players.

3. Main Topic: Six Quarterbacks to Outperform Their ADP

The core of the episode focuses on identifying six quarterbacks poised to exceed their Average Draft Position (ADP) in the upcoming fantasy football season. The hosts aim to provide listeners with strategic insights to gain an edge in their drafts.

3.1. J.J. McCarthy – Minnesota Vikings

Mike Clay introduces J.J. McCarthy as a top pick:

Mike Clay [06:18]: "J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota... his supporting cast is outstanding here with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, G.J. Hawkins, the offensive line is solid..."

Key Points:

• Injury Recovery: McCarthy missed the previous season due to injury but is returning as a promising first-round pick.
• Supporting Cast: Strong receiving options and a solid offensive line.
• Athleticism: McCarthy is highlighted as an above-average athlete for an NFL quarterback, with the potential for rushing touchdowns contributing to his fantasy value.

Field Yates adds:

Field Yates [08:09]: "He is an above average athlete relative to where quarterbacks have been throughout the league... if we have Aaron Jones last year, you probably found yourself wondering why he wasn't scoring touchdowns."

3.2. Drake May – New England Patriots

Field Yates advocates for Drake May:

Field Yates [10:06]: "I'm believing in the dad strength. Him and Brock Purdy, you have my attention."

Key Points:

• Offensive Upgrade: Significant improvements in the Patriots' coaching staff and offensive strategy.
• Supporting Cast Enhancements: Addition of Stefan Diggs and Kyle Williams boosts the receiving game.
• Rushing Potential: May's ability to run adds a valuable dimension to his fantasy performance.

Liz Loza raises concerns about inconsistencies:

Liz Loza [13:27]: "I'm a little bit worried about the weaponry... expecting Kyle Williams to be able to carry that receiving load."

3.3. Kyler Murray – Arizona Cardinals

Liz Loza emphasizes Kyler Murray's potential:

Liz Loza [15:25]: "Kyler can do it this year, and his ADP... because recency bias is a hell of a drug is really depressed."

Key Points:

• Rushing Ability: Murray's dynamic running can significantly boost his fantasy points.
• Team Upgrades: Presence of key wide receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. who can enhance his passing game.
• Consistency: Despite fluctuating performance, his dual-threat capability ensures a high floor.

Mike Clay concurs:

Mike Clay [16:04]: "As long as he's healthy and doing that, and he had career highs in most passing categories last year... I'm with you."

3.4. Justin Herbert – Los Angeles Chargers

Mike Clay discusses Justin Herbert’s underrated status:

Mike Clay [18:38]: "Justin Herbert… going in the 10th round... Caleb Williams, Dak Prescott are guys I have ranked just below him."

Key Points:

• Offensive Stability: Enhanced offensive line and return of key receivers like Keenan Allen.
• Rushing Contribution: Herbert has shown effective runs, especially in the second half of the previous season.
• Consistency: Herbert’s ability to produce steady fantasy points makes him a reliable QB2 with upside.

Liz Loza adds:

Liz Loza [22:41]: "Trevor Lawrence is I think the QB17... his floor is QB13, he should certainly outperform his current draft position."

3.5. Bo Nix – Denver Broncos

Field Yates champions Bo Nix’s potential:

Field Yates [21:18]: "I am very bullish and optimistic on Bo. The 2024 draft class quarterbacks might ruin some things for teams going forward."

Key Points:

• Rushing Upside: Nix has demonstrated explosive running ability, which can translate into significant fantasy points.
• Team Dynamics: Strong offensive line and a revamped coaching staff under Sean Payton.
• Development: With five years of college experience, Nix is expected to elevate his playmaking abilities.

Mike Clay supports:

Mike Clay [22:34]: "He's going to get your starts done... steady improvement is expected."

3.6. Trevor Lawrence – Jacksonville Jaguars

Liz Loza reflects on Trevor Lawrence’s trajectory:

Liz Loza [26:12]: "Trevor Lawrence... QB13 range. His floor is QB13 and he should certainly outperform what he is being drafted at currently."

Key Points:

• Team Upgrades: Addition of receivers like Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter enhances his passing game.
• Coaching Improvements: New offensive coordinator strategies aim to unlock Lawrence’s potential.
• Fantasy Reliability: With a solid floor and potential for higher outputs based on offensive performance, Lawrence is poised to exceed his ADP.

Mike Clay notes his hesitancy but acknowledges potential:

Mike Clay [26:42]: "He is the quarterback in my projections other than maybe J.J. McCarthy that kind of projects higher than I'm comfortable with."

4. Draft Strategy and Considerations

The hosts discuss overall draft strategies, emphasizing the importance of patience with quarterbacks and targeting upside rather than immediate high rankings. They highlight the cyclical nature of quarterback performances and the potential for breakout seasons among the discussed QBs.

Field Yates summarizes:

Field Yates [33:46]: "If you're going to be patient, there are some very intriguing upside plays."

Mike Clay adds:

Mike Clay [38:39]: "Follow the board. Sometimes I don't take one of the big four because we're like, you're great at that."

5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating their confidence in the six quarterbacks discussed, encouraging listeners to consider these QBs as valuable picks who can provide significant returns on their draft investments. They also remind listeners to attend the upcoming draft weekend and stay engaged through their YouTube channel and ESPN2 broadcast.

Liz Loza [66:42]: "Remember NYC and the Bahamas. Those are two places that you would like to be with us. Always check out the YouTube channel. Can you tell the subscribe the YouTube channel."

Notable Quotes

• Field Yates [08:09]: "They were this elite, elite defensive team where they were able to play a style that actually kind of looks like what we think Jim Harbaugh would like to play in his perfect football world."

• Mike Clay [26:42]: "He is the quarterback in my projections other than maybe J.J. McCarthy that kind of projects higher than I'm comfortable with."

• Liz Loza [33:11]: "I'm the highest in the consensus rankings. I have Bo Nix's number eight as QB eight. So to me, yes, those two guys are at the top."

Key Takeaways

• Undervalued QBs: J.J. McCarthy, Drake May, Kyler Murray, Justin Herbert, Bo Nix, and Trevor Lawrence present significant fantasy value.
• Supporting Cast Importance: A strong offensive lineup and receiving corps can elevate a quarterback’s fantasy performance.
• Rushing Contribution: Dual-threat quarterbacks can offer a higher floor and ceiling in fantasy points.
• Draft Timing: Patience and targeting upside QBs can yield substantial returns without overextending early picks.
• Event Participation: Engaging in ESPN’s Ultimate Draft Weekend offers additional insights and opportunities for fantasy enthusiasts.

For a deeper dive into each quarterback and ongoing fantasy strategies, tune into the full episode of Fantasy Focus Football on ESPN's platforms.