Fantasy Football Today: "🚨Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers! Is This Great for DK Metcalf?" (June 5, 2025)

Hosts: Adam Azer and Dave Richard
Release Date: June 5, 2025

1. Introduction and Breaking News (00:00 - 00:45)

The episode kicks off with Adam Azer welcoming listeners to a bonus edition of Fantasy Football Today. He introduces Dave Richard, who is dressed in a sharp jacket, freshly arrived from CBS Sports HQ where he was briefed on the latest fantasy news.

• Adam Azer [00:00]: "Welcome to this bonus edition of Fantasy Football Today."

Dave humorously shares a light-hearted moment about J.K. Dobbins having dinner with the Broncos, setting a casual tone before delving into the main topic.

2. Major Announcement: Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers (00:45 - 01:31)

The hosts pivot to the headline news: Aaron Rodgers is reportedly set to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Adam expresses initial surprise, Dave notes that this move had been anticipated throughout the offseason.

• Adam Azer [00:45]: "Big news is Aaron Rodgers is reportedly going to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers."

• Dave Richard [00:56]: "So now this isn't big news because we kind of figured that that was going to happen."

They discuss the implications of Rodgers joining the Steelers, particularly focusing on his role as a super flex quarterback and debating his ranking in fantasy drafts.

3. Impact on DK Metcalf and Steelers' Offense (01:31 - 06:44)

A significant portion of the discussion centers on how Aaron Rodgers' addition affects DK Metcalf's fantasy value. Adam argues that Rodgers' targeting tendencies will benefit Metcalf, potentially leading to a career-high target share.

• Adam Azer [04:14]: "Aaron Rodgers is going to throw the ball to DK Metcalf. I'm going to say DK Metcalf. I think he could have a career high in target share this year."

Dave concurs, highlighting Metcalf's consistent target volume over the past five seasons and projecting solid PPR points despite last year's injury setback.

• Dave Richard [05:19]: "I believe DK Metcalf has had more than 7 targets per game for 5 straight seasons and has been over 15 PPR points once."

They analyze Rodgers' efficiency compared to other quarterbacks and the Steelers' offensive strategy under Arthur Smith, anticipating a balanced approach between running and passing.

• Dave Richard [02:42]: "Rogers actually is gonna like not having to throw the ball 34, 35 times per game."

4. Player Rankings and Draft Strategies (06:44 - 10:22)

The conversation shifts to fantasy rankings, where Caleb Johnson is ranked 25th at running back, just after David Montgomery and Quinshawn Judkins.

• Adam Azer [08:58]: "In our consensus rankings we have Caleb Johnson 25th at running back just after David Montgomery and Quinshawn Judkins ahead of Aaron Jones."

Dave discusses drafting strategies, recommending targeting DK Metcalf in the late rounds due to his expected high target share, and compares him to other receivers like George Pickens and Travis Hunter.

• Dave Richard [07:00]: "Judy over Metcalf. I want to give you a couple of interesting stats."

5. Team and Player Insights (10:22 - 12:00)

The hosts provide additional insights on other players and team dynamics. They touch upon Pat Friarmuth as a streamer tight end and the potential of Roman Wilson if Aaron Rodgers favors him as a target.

• Dave Richard [10:22]: "Friarmouth was always in the streamer tight end category."

Adam shares an interesting statistic about Rodgers being top 10 in running back target rate in four of his last five seasons, highlighting his versatility.

• Adam Azer [08:56]: "Did you know that Aaron Rodgers has been top 10 in running back target rate in four of his last five seasons?"

They also discuss the Jets' defensive strategies and how the Steelers might balance their run and pass game under the new quarterback arrangement.

6. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks (12:00 - 12:21)

As the episode wraps up, Adam summarizes the key takeaways and expresses anticipation for Week 1 performances.

• Adam Azer [12:00]: "All right, well, we get to see them in Action Week 1 on CBS."

Dave and Adam thank each other and the listeners, signing off until the next episode.

Key Takeaways:

• Aaron Rodgers Joining the Steelers: While initially surprising, the move aligns with offseason expectations and is expected to have significant implications for both the quarterback and wide receiver DK Metcalf.

• DK Metcalf's Enhanced Fantasy Value: Rodgers' tendency to target top receivers like Metcalf is projected to boost his target share and PPR points, making him a valuable late-round pick in fantasy drafts.

• Steeler's Offensive Strategy: With Rodgers at the helm, the Steelers are likely to maintain a balanced attack, leveraging their strong running game while capitalizing on Rodgers' passing efficiency.

• Player Rankings and Draft Strategy: Caleb Johnson remains a solid pick at running back, and DK Metcalf should be considered a late-round high-reward option. Other receivers like George Pickens and Travis Hunter are also discussed as potential options depending on team needs.

• Team Dynamics and Future Moves: The possibility of the Steelers adding more receivers or tight ends could impact current player values like Pat Friarmuth and Roman Wilson.

Notable Quotes:

• Adam Azer [04:14]: "Aaron Rodgers is going to throw the ball to DK Metcalf. I'm going to say DK Metcalf. I think he could have a career high in target share this year."

• Dave Richard [05:19]: "I believe DK Metcalf has had more than 7 targets per game for 5 straight seasons and has been over 15 PPR points once."

• Adam Azer [08:56]: "Did you know that Aaron Rodgers has been top 10 in running back target rate in four of his last five seasons?"

This episode of Fantasy Football Today offers in-depth analysis of Aaron Rodgers' move to the Steelers and its positive ramifications for DK Metcalf's fantasy prospects. The hosts provide valuable insights into player rankings, draft strategies, and team dynamics, making it a must-listen for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to optimize their teams for the upcoming season.