Fantasy Football Today: A Massive List of Sleepers! Matthew Golden, Keon Coleman, Jaydon Blue and More (08/12 Podcast Summary)

Release Date: August 12, 2025
Host: Adam Aizer
Analysts: Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and others
Platform: CBS Sports

I. Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, host Adam Aizer and analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, and Heath Cummings delve deep into identifying and analyzing a robust list of sleeper picks for the upcoming fantasy football season. Focusing on players who are undervalued in drafts and possess breakout potential, the team provides actionable insights to help listeners dominate their leagues.

II. Top Sleeper Picks

A. Darnell Mooney

• Overview: Darnell Mooney, currently going around pick 100, is highlighted as a high-upside wide receiver who can outperform his average draft position (ADP).

• Key Points:

  • Performance Metrics: Averaged 62 receiving yards per game in 2024, with a 1.3 higher yards per target and 2.8 more yards per catch compared to teammate Darnell Mooney (07:00).
  • Injury Status: Currently dealing with a shoulder injury, but Raheem Morris has indicated a return this season (05:59).
  • Draft Strategy: Recommended to draft aggressively in the double-digit rounds. "I was probably aggressively drafting him pre-injury. Clearly very early drafts, like as early as around 8." – Jamie Eisenberg (06:20)

• Notable Quote:

  "If he hits, you're going to be thrilled about it. And if he struggles or is out longer than you expect, this will be just one of the players that you cut." – Jamie Eisenberg (06:20)

B. Keon Coleman

• Overview: Keon Coleman, going around pick 85-90, is another wide receiver with significant upside, especially in the Jacksonville Jaguars' offense.

• Key Points:

  • Performance Metrics: Ranked third in yards per catch and sixth in ADOT (08:36).
  • Injury News: Recently suffered a wrist injury but is expected to return soon (05:33).
  • Role: Expected to be a primary target in the Jaguars’ passing game, especially with the addition of Amari Cooper (08:55).
  • Draft Strategy: Recommended for late-round drafting with a high upside. "I would still draft him pretty aggressively, but not in round eight." – Jamie Eisenberg (06:20)

• Notable Quote:

  "He's got that upside to go off in any game because of his role as a man beater as a downfield target." – Dave Richard (07:00)

C. Matthew Golden

• Overview: Matthew Golden, a rookie wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, is poised to become the number one target in his team’s offense.

• Key Points:

  • Performance Metrics: In his first preseason game, showed excellent route-running and speed (05:31).
  • Draft Strategy: Suggested to be drafted around round seven due to his potential to be the top target getter for Green Bay. "I think he's going to be the number one target getter for Green Bay." – Dave Richard (05:59)

• Notable Quote:

  "He has a huge opportunity here. Jaden Reed's in a walking boot. They love him." – Jamie Eisenberg (26:34)

D. Tyler Warren

• Overview: Tyler Warren, a tight end for the Indianapolis Colts, is discussed as a sleeper with the potential to lead his team in receiving categories.

• Key Points:

  • Performance Metrics: Outstanding yards after catch and contact, less of a downfield threat but strong in short areas and red zone (31:33).
  • Draft Strategy: Ideal for mid to late-round picks. "I think he can finish as a top 12 tight end." – Dave Richard (32:58)

• Notable Quote:

  "He can lead this team in all the receiving categories. I think he can finish as a top 12 tight end." – Dave Richard (31:33)

E. Drake May

• Overview: Drake May, the rookie quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, is highlighted for his dual-threat capabilities in both passing and rushing.

• Key Points:

  • Performance Metrics: In preseason, showed potential with both passing and running touchdowns (41:16).
  • Draft Strategy: Suitable as a backup quarterback with high upside. "If you are inclined to carry two quarterbacks, May is the best one that you could draft as your second quarterback." – Dave Richard (42:16)

• Notable Quote:

  "He's going to run for a bunch of touchdowns. Did it in the joint practice against Washington, he did it in the preseason game against Washington." – Dave Richard (41:16)

F. Ray Davis

• Overview: Ray Davis, a running back for the Cleveland Browns, serves as a high-end handcuff to James Cook, potentially providing significant value if Cook faces injury setbacks.

• Key Points:

  • Performance Metrics: Scored 18.2 PPR fantasy points in a single game without Cook (42:43).
  • Draft Strategy: Best drafted as a late-round handcuff, primarily in deeper leagues (05:59).

• Notable Quote:

  "The only way he's a sleeper is if James Cook does not practice much before the start of the season." – Dave Richard (44:11)

III. Draft Strategies and Tips

• Sleeper Identification: The analysts emphasize the importance of identifying players who can outperform their ADP by at least two rounds. This involves analyzing player performance metrics, injury statuses, and team dynamics.

• Risk Management:

  • Injury Considerations: Players like Darnell Mooney and Tyler Warren are discussed with a focus on their injury recoveries and how that impacts their fantasy value.
  • Role and Opportunity: Ensuring that sleeper picks have clear roles in their respective offenses to maximize their fantasy output.

• Positional Focus:

  • Wide Receivers: Targeting late-round WRs with high upside and favorable team dynamics.
  • Tight Ends: Balancing between high floor options like Tyler Warren and upside-heavy picks like Kyle Pitts.
  • Running Backs: Identifying handcuffs who can turn into valuable assets if starter RBs face injuries.

• Analyst Recommendations:

  • "Pick one of the onesie positions... it's clearly a harder position to find guys that have breakout potential." – Jamie Eisenberg (17:10)
  • "You're going to draft him and hope for good things if he has a good game or two in the first three weeks of the season." – Dave Richard (13:07)

IV. News and Updates

• Injury Reports:

  • Jordan Love: Underwent a minor thumb procedure and is expected to be ready for Week 1 (25:29).
  • Jacoby Jones: Patrick Mahomes’ potential injury concerns could impact fantasy strategies.
  • Cameron Hayward: Pittsburgh defensive tackle may continue his holdout into the regular season (44:43).

• Player Movements:

  • Matthew Golden's Rising ADP: As injuries like Jaden Reed's occur, Golden's draft stock is expected to climb approximately 10-15 spots (25:15).
  • Kyle Pitts: Despite being a high-profile TE, his ADP remains in the late rounds due to concerns about consistent performance.

• Fantasy League Opportunities:

  • FFT Open Drafts: Listeners are encouraged to join the Fantasy Football Today open drafts and draft-a-thon leagues, with special incentives and the opportunity to compete against industry experts (19:35).

• Upcoming Content:

  • Live Streams and Mock Drafts: Scheduled live streams for mock drafts and fantasy Q&A sessions are announced, providing additional resources for listeners to refine their draft strategies (23:38).

V. Conclusion

The episode concludes with the analysts reaffirming the value of late-round sleepers and the importance of strategic drafting. By focusing on undervalued players with high upside and monitoring injury updates, listeners can gain a competitive edge in their fantasy leagues. The team emphasizes flexibility and readiness to pivot strategies based on real-time developments throughout the season.

Notable Quotes

• Jamie Eisenberg (@02:01):

  "We're gonna give you so many sleepers today."

• Dave Richard (@07:00):

  "Tyler Warren can finish as a top 12 tight end."

• Jamie Eisenberg (@06:20):

  "If he hits, you're going to be thrilled about it. And if he struggles or is out longer than you expect, this will be just one of the players that you cut."

• Dave Richard (@31:33):

  "He can lead this team in all the receiving categories."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to identify and leverage sleeper picks effectively. By providing in-depth analysis, injury updates, and strategic drafting tips, Fantasy Football Today equips listeners with the tools necessary to enhance their teams and secure victory in their leagues.