Podcast Summary: Fantasy Football Today – Episode 21: Early Sleepers for 2025! Hidden Gems and Late-Round Steals

Release Date: March 31, 2025
Hosts/Analysts: Adam Aizer, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and Crew
Duration: Approximately 65 minutes

Introduction

In Episode 21 of Fantasy Football Today, hosted by Adam Aizer and featuring analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, and Heath Cummings, the team delves deep into the landscape of early sleepers and hidden gems poised to make a significant impact in the 2025 fantasy football season. The episode aims to equip listeners with valuable insights to dominate their leagues through strategic drafting and savvy waiver wire moves.

Bracket Challenge Update

[02:43]
Adam shares a personal update on his bracket challenge, humorously revealing his mid-tier standing:

"I am in 609th place in our bracket challenge. So yep, about 50th percent somewhere around there."

Heath and Dave engage in light-hearted banter about potential April Fool's jokes related to the show, setting a friendly and engaging tone for the episode.

News and Notes

[04:11] - [06:03]
The team transitions to discussing recent NFL news pertinent to fantasy football:

• Shane Steichen's Strategy: Colts' head coach plans to split first-team reps between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson in the offseason.

• Brandon Aiyuk's Roster Status: The 49ers may retain Aiyuk unless a trade occurs by the following day, according to Adam Schefter.

• Dolphins and Ravens Updates: Dolphins' coach Mike McDaniel confirms commitment to Tyreek Hill, while the Ravens have extended head coach John Harbaugh through 2028.

• Texans and Bills Signings: Texans sign linebacker E.J. Speed and the Bills secure cornerback Christian Benford on a lucrative four-year deal.

Dave humorously notes:

"E.J."
"Speed and the Bills signed Christian Benford, cornerback to a four-year, $76 million deal."

Quarterback Sleepers

[06:36] - [11:29]
Heath presents his quarterback sleepers: Justin Fields and Anthony Richardson. The discussion revolves around their potential upside, especially when drafted in the double-digit rounds.

• Justin Fields: Despite fluctuating performances, Fields offers significant rushing upside which can translate into fantasy points. Heath emphasizes his potential despite concerns over accuracy and consistency.

  "Because of their rushing upside they have the potential both of them to... Fields can run for a thousand yards, Richardson can run for 15 touchdowns." ([07:22])

• Anthony Richardson: Seen as a high-upside option if he can outperform Daniel Jones. However, Dave expresses skepticism about his ability to consistently outplay Jones.

  "If he improves there, he's... 100% has league-winning potential." ([09:35])

Dave ultimately prefers Fields over Richardson, citing concerns about Richardson's current ceiling.

"I would pass on him and I would rather have Justin Fields." ([09:53])

Running Back Sleepers

[11:29] - [16:37]
Heath introduces his running back sleepers: Travis Etienne, Jerome Ford, and Jordan Mason.

• Travis Etienne (ETN): Despite injury concerns, ETN's versatility as a pass-catcher makes him an attractive late-round pick. Heath highlights his potential to be a major target in Jacksonville's offense.

  "ETN is far better suited to do that than Bigsby is." ([13:07])

• Jerome Ford: As the Browns' starting RB, Ford remains a reliable option with the potential to ascend if Nick Chubb regains form or if team dynamics shift.

• Jordan Mason: Positioned as a possible flex option, Mason could excel if Aaron Jones experiences a decline due to age or injuries.

Dave adds:

"If Aaron Jones falls off a cliff, Jordan Mason's the feature back for the Minnesota Vikings." ([14:40])

Wide Receiver Sleepers

[17:50] - [34:34]
The discussion shifts to wide receivers with Heath presenting Jacoby Myers, Quentin Johnston, and Marquis Brown as key sleepers.

• Jacoby Myers: With an improved quarterback situation, Myers has the potential to surpass his previous performance levels, making him a valuable bench or flex option.

  "Jacob Myers can be in the 13 PPR point per game range. That's where he was in 2023." ([25:11])

• Quentin Johnston: A third-year receiver showing growth, Johnston could become Justin Herbert's number two option, especially if he continues to develop his connection with the QB.

• Marquis Brown: Coming off a shoulder injury, Brown seeks to reclaim his role in the Chiefs' offense, potentially becoming Patrick Mahomes' primary target if certain contingencies arise.

Dave remarks:

"Marquis Brown... he can be somebody that can pick up some big plays from Josh Allen." ([50:01])

Tight End Sleepers

[34:34] - [40:42]
Heath and the team explore tight end options, listing Zach Ertz and Brenton Strange among others.

• Zach Ertz: Despite previous declines, Ertz remains a solid late-round option due to his consistent target share and potential revival under new team dynamics.

  "Zach Ertz scored 12 and a half or more PPR fantasy points in seven of his last 10 games." ([31:11])

• Brenton Strange: With a history of explosive plays, Strange presents an upside if he can secure a more defined role within the offense.

Dave advises:

"If you're going to wait at that position to try and find somebody to be this year's Bowers, Tucker Craft, Jake Ferguson, and Isaiah Likely are the guys to look for." ([58:00])

Mock Draft Insights

[44:06] - [54:52]
The analysts engage in mock draft scenarios, discussing positional rankings and the relative value of sleepers versus higher-ranked players.

• Quarterback Rankings: Heath considers Anthony Richardson a top-tier option, even placing him above Justin Fields and Dak Prescott based on projections.

  "He is a top 10 quarterback in my projections." ([38:37])

• Wide Receiver Order: Calvin Ridley leads the wide receiver sleepers list, followed by Christian Kirk and Keon Coleman, based on their projected target shares and offensive roles.

  "Calvin Ridley... if we're drafting him in round seven, I do think he can outperform that ADP a little bit and be a capable week-to-week number three receiver." ([50:01])

• Tight End Strategy: The team emphasizes the importance of waiting until the later rounds to draft tight ends, targeting players with potential breakout capabilities like Tucker Craft and Jake Ferguson.

Final Thoughts and Conclusions

[55:57] - [65:14]
As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the discussed sleepers and offer closing remarks to prepare listeners for the upcoming fantasy football season.

Adam expresses concerns about certain quarterback performances but remains optimistic about the identified sleepers' potential to provide league-winning value.

"Zach Ertz 12 and a half or more PPR fantasy points in seven of his last 10 games." ([31:11])

Heath reiterates the value of late-round quarterbacks and the potential for wide receivers like Jacoby Myers to outperform their draft positions.

Dave concludes by encouraging listeners to participate in upcoming fan mock drafts and stay engaged with the podcast for continuous updates and strategies.

"These are the guys that we're looking for later on if I don't get Bowers, McBride, Kittle..." ([58:00])

Notable Quotes

• Adam Aizer [07:22]:
  "Because of their rushing upside they have the potential both of them to... Fields can run for a thousand yards, Richardson can run for 15 touchdowns."

• Dave Richard [09:53]:
  "I would pass on him and I would rather have Justin Fields."

• Heath Cummings [13:07]:
  "ETN is far better suited to do that than Bigsby is."

• Dave Richard [14:40]:
  "If Aaron Jones falls off a cliff, Jordan Mason's the feature back for the Minnesota Vikings."

• Heath Cummings [25:11]:
  "Jacoby Myers can be in the 13 PPR point per game range. That's where he was in 2023."

• Dave Richard [31:11]:
  "Zach Ertz scored 12 and a half or more PPR fantasy points in seven of his last 10 games."

• Heath Cummings [38:37]:
  "He is a top 10 quarterback in my projections."

• Dave Richard [50:01]:
  "Marquis Brown... he can be somebody that can pick up some big plays from Josh Allen."

Conclusion

Episode 21 of Fantasy Football Today provides a comprehensive analysis of potential sleepers for the 2025 season across multiple positions. By dissecting current NFL news, evaluating player performances, and engaging in mock drafts, the hosts offer listeners actionable strategies to unearth hidden gems and secure late-round steals. Whether you're targeting quarterbacks like Justin Fields or Anthony Richardson, running backs such as Travis Etienne, or wide receivers like Jacoby Myers, this episode equips fantasy managers with the insights needed to gain a competitive edge in their leagues.