Podcast Summary: Fantasy Football Today – Episode 13: Risers & Fallers

Episode Information:

• Title: Fantasy Football Today – Episode 13: Risers & Fallers: Justin Fields, Rico Dowdle, Jalen McMillan, Najee Harris, & More!
• Host: Heath Cummings
• Guest: Davis Matic
• Release Date: March 14, 2025

1. Introduction and Guest Background

The episode kicks off with Heath Cummings welcoming Davis Matic back to the show. Heath prompts Davis to share where listeners can find his work and his current projects.

Notable Quote:

• [01:18] Heath Cummings: "Just remind everybody where they can find your work and tell them what you've been working on."
• [01:38] Davis Matic: "You can check me out pretty much every single day on YouTube at youtube.com/davismatic and then all of my more analytical stuff like rankings, Dynasty Redraft, Best Ball, and some of the more serious work on Patreon at patreon.com/davismatic."

2. Dynasty Rankings Update and Free Agency Impact

Heath delves into the core of the episode by discussing the upcoming March Dynasty rankings update. He highlights the anticipation of new landing spots and introduces the main topics: biggest risers and fallers in dynasty rankings based on recent free agency moves.

Notable Quote:

• [01:38] Heath Cummings: "We’re going to talk about rankings risers and fallers. I have my March Dynasty rankings update coming next week."

3. Biggest Dynasty Winners in Free Agency

Heath initiates the discussion by asking Davis about the biggest dynasty winner from free agency moves so far. Davis identifies Brock Bowers as a premium asset whose value has solidified by securing a full season of consistent quarterback production.

Notable Quotes:

• [02:23] Davis Matic: "Brock Bowers is getting like basically locking down 17 games of competent quarterback production."
• [03:10] Heath Cummings: "What would you put an over/under next year on Adams' target set?"
• [03:50] Davis Matic: "163."

Heath agrees with the target projection for Davante Adams, emphasizing his value as a top-tier wide receiver, especially in a competitive environment like the Rams.

4. Biggest Dynasty Losers in Free Agency

Transitioning to fallers, Heath asks Davis to highlight the most significant loss in dynasty rankings due to free agency. Davis does not shy away from a controversial pick, naming Terry McLaurin as the biggest dynasty loser.

Notable Quotes:

• [04:13] Davis Matic: "The biggest dynasty loser from free agency so far is Terry McLaurin."
• [05:17] Heath Cummings: "Last year is maybe kind of missed by some people. I've always been a little bit lower than consensus on McLaurin in dynasty anyway."

Davis explains that McLaurin's production is likely to decline with the addition of Deebo Samuel, who will take over many of McLaurin's short and intermediate routes, potentially reducing his target volume by approximately 40%.

5. Discussion on Specific Players

Justin Fields and Daniel Jones

Heath and Davis discuss the quarterback landscape, focusing on Justin Fields' rise in rankings and the implications of Anthony Richardson’s potential starting role. They compare Fields' production potential with Daniel Jones' improved situation after signing with the Indianapolis Colts.

Notable Quotes:

• [12:20] Heath Cummings: "Justin Fields goes from QB25 to QB16."
• [13:31] Davis Matic: "Justin Fields has run for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns as a starter before. He had a 30-point game last year."

Davis expresses skepticism about Daniel Jones outperforming Fields, suggesting that while Jones may be a viable QB2, Fields offers higher upside when he is on the field.

Najee Harris and Aaron Jones

The conversation shifts to running backs Najee Harris and Aaron Jones. Heath notes that Harris has moved up in rankings despite appearing older, citing his recent one-year contract. Davis remains cautious, indicating a preference for younger, higher-upside backs.

Notable Quotes:

• [16:38] Heath Cummings: "Najee goes from RB32 to RB26."
• [17:38] Davis Matic: "I have no interest in Aaron Jones or Najee Harris at these prices in Dynasty."

Evan Ingram and Brenton Strange

Heath raises concerns about Evan Ingram’s efficiency and longevity as a tight end, prompting Davis to question his value despite Ingram's target volume.

Notable Quotes:

• [06:02] Davis Matic: "Ingram is not a very good player. His catch rate is below positional average."
• [21:09] Davis Matic: "I would rather have Strange for four more seasons."

6. Followers and Lower-Tier Players

Heath touches on players who have declined in rankings but may hold potential, including Malik Willis and others. The discussion emphasizes the volatility and unpredictability of player performance in dynasty formats.

Notable Quotes:

• [22:16] Davis Matic: "I think you gotta get one [Gardner Minshew]. Yeah, a good novelty jersey is fun."

7. Unsigned Players and Future Implications

The episode examines quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson, pondering their potential destinations and impacts if they sign with new teams. Davis remains largely pessimistic about favorable outcomes for these veterans, citing their declining performance and fit within team dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• [29:52] Davis Matic: "Optimism is minimal. Aaron Rodgers signing with the Jets is impossible."
• [31:58] Davis Matic: "Keenan Allen is potentially at the age where he just wants to avoid rigorous training."

Heath speculates on Aaron Rodgers possibly enhancing new teams’ wide receiver performances but acknowledges challenges in maximizing their fantasy potential.

8. Late-Round and Low-Name Players

In the latter part of the episode, Heath and Davis discuss players with lower rankings and minimal impact potential. They assess whether adding such players is worthwhile or if roster space should be prioritized elsewhere.

Notable Quotes:

• [44:56] Davis Matic: "James Cook is probably the first ever running back to score 17 touchdowns who played less than half of his team’s snaps."
• [46:38] Davis Matic: "Tank Dell would be a great buy if you're tanking, but his long-term viability is questionable."

9. Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Heath and Davis wrap up the discussion by reinforcing their rankings and providing final insights on player selections. Davis promotes his additional resources, including his Patreon for deeper analytical content.

Notable Quotes:

• [45:48] Davis Matic: "James Cook is probably good, but the Bills have not done anything to signal increased usage."
• [47:03] Davis Matic: "All my dynasty stuff is on patreon.com/davismatic and my YouTube channel."

Heath thanks Davis for his contributions and encourages listeners to engage with the show's community for ongoing fantasy football strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• Brock Bowers emerges as a standout dynasty asset, securing value through consistent QB production.
• Terry McLaurin is identified as a significant loss in dynasty rankings due to reduced target opportunities.
• Justin Fields gains substantial upside, positioning him as a top quarterback choice in dynasty formats.
• Concerns persist around the efficiency and longevity of veterans like Evan Ingram and Keenan Allen.
• Emerging players such as Jalen McMillan present potential buy-low opportunities within dynasty leagues.
• The impact of free agency continues to reshape dynasty rankings, emphasizing the need for strategic roster adjustments.

For more in-depth analysis and up-to-date dynasty rankings, follow Davis Matic on his YouTube channel and support his work on Patreon.