Adams to the Rams! DK to the Steelers! Aaron Jones Back to the Vikings! (03/09 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

Fantasy Football Today: Adams to the Rams! DK to the Steelers! Aaron Jones Back to the Vikings! (03/09 Fantasy Football Podcast) Summary

Release Date: March 10, 2025

Hosts and Analysts:

• Adam Aizer (Host)
• Jamey Eisenberg (Analyst)
• Chris Richard (Analyst)
• Dave Richard (Analyst)

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1. Major Player Movements and Trades

Devonte Adams to the Los Angeles Rams

• Details: Devonte Adams has been traded to the Los Angeles Rams for two years and $46 million, including $26 million guaranteed ([02:55]).
• Analysis:
  • Jamey Eisenberg: Praises the move as beneficial for Adams, highlighting the Rams as a great location needing his talent. However, raises concerns about his fantasy viability, stating, "I don’t love any of these three as fantasy options" ([03:12]).
  • Chris Richard: Emphasizes the magnitude of DK Metcalf’s contract with the Steelers, highlighting its impact on fantasy drafts ([03:14]).

DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers

• Details: DK Metcalf has been acquired by the Steelers from Seattle in exchange for a second-round pick and a swap of late-round picks. Metcalf is now under a five-year, $150 million deal ([02:58]-[03:00]).
• Analysis:
  • Jamey Eisenberg: Notes that Metcalf fulfilled his desire to join a warm-weather team with a competent quarterback, enhancing his fantasy potential ([03:31]).
  • Chris Richard: Points out the steep annual salary of Metcalf compared to other elite wide receivers, raising questions about his long-term fantasy value ([03:36]-[04:20]).

Aaron Jones Back to the Minnesota Vikings

• Details: Aaron Jones returns to the Vikings on a two-year contract worth $20 million, with $13 million guaranteed ([25:39]-[25:44]).
• Analysis:
  • Jamey Eisenberg: Highlights Jones’s productive season but expresses concerns about his longevity and injury history, advising caution when drafting him as a primary RB ([26:03]-[26:14]).
  • Chris Richard: Suggests that Jones may best serve as a RB2, emphasizing the depth of running backs available in the draft and the potential for Jones to be overshadowed by younger talent ([28:22]-[28:35]).

2. Fantasy Rankings and Player Evaluations

Ranking Devonte Adams, DK Metcalf, and Aaron Jones

• Discussion: The trio is considered for drafting in the later rounds (round four or five) with differing perspectives on their fantasy worth.
  • Adam Aizer: Prefers Adams over Metcalf but remains cautious due to Adams's age and recent team changes ([04:54]-[05:00]).
  • Chris Richard: Aligns with Adam, ranking Adams above Metcalf and emphasizing Adams's role as a slot receiver ([04:55]-[05:01]).

Devonte Adams vs. Cooper Kupp

• Analysis:
  • Jamey Eisenberg: Believes Adams can fill Kupp’s role effectively but remains wary of Adams's age, suggesting he may be more valuable in later draft rounds ([09:12]-[15:30]).
  • Chris Richard: Advocates for Adams's potential within the Rams' offense, especially as a red-zone threat, despite his advancing age ([16:16]-[16:30]).
  • Notable Quote:
    • Chris Richard: "In 2025, the role of Cooper Kupp will be played by Devonte Adams, and I don't think that's a shock." ([16:22])

George Pickens vs. DK Metcalf

• Discussion: Debates the fantasy value between Pickens and Metcalf, considering team dynamics and target shares.
  • Adam Aizer: Highlights Pickens's inconsistent snap counts and questions his target share compared to Metcalf ([07:37]-[11:10]).
  • Jamey Eisenberg: Supports maintaining Pickens in top rankings but acknowledges potential volatility ([14:09]-[16:28]).

3. Contracts and Their Impact on Fantasy Value

• Devonte Adams: His two-year, $46 million deal with $26 million guaranteed raises questions about his long-term fantasy viability, especially at age 32 ([03:12]-[04:25]).
• DK Metcalf: The five-year, $150 million contract positions him among the highest-paid receivers, potentially limiting future contract flexibility and impacting fantasy expectations ([03:31]-[04:20]).
• Aaron Jones: The two-year contract with modest guarantees reflects his current role but suggests limited upside in future seasons ([25:39]-[26:14]).

4. Quarterback Considerations and Offensive Schemes

• Pittsburgh Steelers: Speculation around the Steelers' quarterback situation affects DK Metcalf's fantasy output. Possible scenarios include Justin Fields staying or new quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers joining ([05:03]-[07:56]).
• Seattle Seahawks: Uncertainty remains regarding Geno Smith's role and its impact on wide receivers like JSN ([07:37]-[08:18]).
• Notable Insight: The alignment between quarterbacks and receivers is crucial. Jamie emphasizes the importance of Stafford and Adams syncing up for optimal fantasy performance ([14:09]-[15:30]).

5. Running Back Outlook: Aaron Jones

• Performance Review: While Aaron Jones had a productive season, averaging RB19 points per game in non-PPR and full PPR formats, concerns about his touchdowns and yardage persist ([25:37]-[28:22]).
• Fantasy Strategy:
  • Adam Aizer: Recommends drafting Jones cautiously as a RB2 rather than a primary back, considering his age and injury history ([26:03]-[26:14]).
  • Jamie Eisenberg: Highlights Jones’s resilience and production but advises understanding the risks associated with his contracts and potential workload limitations ([27:28]-[28:22]).
  • Chris Richard: Views Jones as a subtle RB2 option, suggesting that other running backs might be preferable in higher draft positions ([28:22]-[29:22]).

Notable Quote:

• Adam Aizer: "He did have five or more targets in each of his last four games, including the playoffs. But that's a big deal." ([30:02])

6. Additional Player Insights and Draft Strategies

• Jacoby Myers vs. Devonte Adams/DK Metcalf:

  • Jamey Eisenberg: Prioritizes Adams over Myers and Metcalf, suggesting Myers is a reliable option but not surpassing the top two ([22:25]-[23:00]).
  • Chris Richard: Prefers Metcalf over Myers but acknowledges the close competition between the players ([22:41]-[23:00]).

• Fantasy Quarterback Considerations:

  • Stafford vs. Geno Smith: Discusses the potential fantasy points based on rushing yards and touchdowns, with a preference for Stafford's consistent passing over Geno Smith's increased rushing potential ([23:24]-[24:22]).

7. Final Thoughts and Recommendations

• Devonte Adams: Despite age concerns, Adams remains a valuable asset in the Rams' offense, especially if he can thrive in a role similar to Cooper Kupp. Best drafted in mid to late rounds for potential top 20 receiver value ([15:30]-[16:28]).
• DK Metcalf: High contract cap may limit his fantasy ceiling, but his integration into the Steelers' offense offers solid mid-round value ([03:31]-[04:20]).
• Aaron Jones: Solid RB2 option with risks tied to age and injuries. Ideal for later rounds or as a backup option in drafts ([25:39]-[29:23]).
• Strategic Drafting: Emphasizes the importance of understanding player roles, team dynamics, and contract implications to maximize fantasy team performance.

Closing Remarks: The podcast concludes with discussions about upcoming episodes and the continuous evolution of player statuses, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for the latest fantasy football insights.

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Notable Quotes:

• Jamey Eisenberg ([03:12]): "I like the move for Adams. I think this is a good signing to, to a great location and a team in need."
• Chris Richard ([16:22]): "In 2025, the role of Cooper Kupp will be played by Devonte Adams, and I don't think that's a shock."
• Adam Aizer ([25:37]): "Aaron Jones did not have a great year, man. He was RB19 per game in both non and full PPR."

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions, analyses, and insights shared by the hosts and analysts of "Fantasy Football Today," providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and fantasy football enthusiasts seeking to optimize their team strategies.

Transcript

[Adam]

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[Jamie]

Yep, that's it.

[Chris]

Just 150 million bucks.

[Adam]

And Aaron Jones to. He and I have the same contract. Unbelievable. Aaron Jones, two years, $20 million, 13 million guaranteed. Back with the Minnesota Vikings. Jamie doesn't seem to like any of it.

[Jamie]

No, I do actually. I like the move for Adams. I think this is a good signing to, to a great location and a team in need. I don't love any of these three as fantasy options. I do like that DK Metcalf got his wish. He went to someplace warm with a good quarterback. So he really got everything that he really, you know, was looking for.

[Chris]

Well, he got what he really wanted. Oh yeah, of course, that's the Azer contract. Five years, 150 million.

[Jamie]

Yeah, but he was going to get, he was going to get paid. I mean this is an overpay, but he was gonna get paid.

[Chris]

Yeah, yeah.

[Adam]

Well, so what? The top wide receivers make about 40 million a year, right? Close to that. Over 35.

[Jamie]

I mean the elite.

[Adam]

Yes, yeah, the elite. The elite. So 5. And the thing is. And then we'll just say this now say it again throughout the week. When you see a contract at this point, you don't know what it really is. It could have three years where the money is guaranteed out of five or something like that. And you know, you take the Daniel Jones contract for example. It was not a four year, 160 million dollar deal. It was basically a two year deal with a little bit of a buyout after two years. So you don't know how it's written. And just keep that in mind.

[Jamie]

Adams is a one year, $26 million deal.

[Adam]

Okay. Is that what it is?

[Jamie]

Two years for 46?

[Chris]

Okay, so NDK is now tied for fifth on average per year among wide receivers. He's tied with Tyreek Hill and Brandon Ayuk.

[Jamie]

Chris Godwin's very happy right now.

[Chris]

That's a great call.

[Adam]

T. Higgins is happy and all right, anyway, let's do this. Let's rank a few players who are going to be Drafted in round four later, conservatively, let's say Devonte Adams, DK Metcalf and Aaron Jones.

[Jamie]

Yes.

[Chris]

Yeah, that would be my order as well.

[Adam]

Adams over Metcalf.

[Chris]

Yes. Okay.

[Jamie]

Who's the quarterback in Pittsburgh?

[Adam]

Yeah, I'm sure we'll do another podcast tomorrow. We will do another podcast on Monday. I don't know when y'all are hearing this. We'll do another podcast on Monday and we'll probably know who the quarterback will be. Possibly know who the quarterback will be, but it seems like it's going to be Justin Fields, Right?

[Jamie]

Oh, I mean, that would, that would make the most sense from Pittsburgh standpoint, but it wouldn't help the fantasy outlook for Metcalf or at least as of now, George Pickens if he stays. So I think you're looking at it like if you, if you're pie in the sky for those guys to maximize their fantasy value, you probably want them to go get Aaron Rodgers or Sam Darnold or Russ.

[Adam]

Oh, man. Two wide receivers fighting for targets from Justin Fields, who's just not going to throw a lot and is going to run for a lot of touchdowns. I mean, that is with a play.

[Chris]

Caller who doesn't like to throw the ball to begin with.

[Adam]

Yeah, that's no good.

[Chris]

Yeah, this is, this is.

[Jamie]

I mean, to be honest, the only benefit right now is their running back room is empty.

[Adam]

By the way, who do you guys like better, George Pickens or DK Metcalf?

[Jamie]

I think it tells you the Steelers like Metcalf better.

[Chris]

Right?

[Adam]

Okay. So.

[Chris]

So they just, they just told us they're not paying George Pickens after this year. Pickens is entering a contract year, I believe. He didn't get an extension last year, so this should be it. I can double check it, but I'm reasonably sure that that's the case. And so they're either going to keep him on the cheap contract and he'll, he'll moan and pout and all that stuff, being the number two receiver in Pittsburgh, or if they can find a team that can, you know, kind of look at him the same way that they looked at DK and say, all right, George Pickens is our long term solution. Let's trade for him and let's give him a contract extension, then he's gone. And he might be gone either way. I'm not sure if he's. I don't know if that coaching staff is. Is big fan of George Pickens anymore. So DK is going to be the number one guy. It's probably going to mean somewhere in the neighborhood of seven to seven and a half targets per game. That might be even a little optimistic. That's what Pickens had last year was 7.54. And then I think like twice in the four or five years prior did any Steelers receiver have like eight plus targets per game. And Arthur Smith's track record with wide receivers is terrible. And we, yeah, I, I think we're kind of hoping that it's Russell Wilson at quarterback and even that's not that great. So I'm, I'm. I'm ready to look at. DK is no better than a number 3 fantasy receiver, probably around 6 pick. I'm hoping dudes in my league see his name and get a little excited and they take him before I would settle for him.

[Adam]

I don't really want to talk too much about the Seahawks right now just because there's so much uncertainty, but obviously JSN has a huge opportunity as, as we sit here right now. But we don't know who his quarterback's going to be. I, I mean, I think we do okay with Darnold.

[Chris]

Yeah.

[Adam]

So when you look at like Darnold to Geno Smith, we could start there. Well, no, no, you know, not going to do it because we're going to.

[Chris]

Want to wait till it's official. That's fine.

[Adam]

Let's just wait till it happens. So why don't we focus on the, on the stuff that's actually happened now? How big of a difference you don't.

[Jamie]

Want to talk about JSN with no quarterback but DK Metcalf with no quarter?

[Adam]

Well, he just got traded. DK Metcalf, like there's news, but I.

[Jamie]

Mean, look, there's still, there's still similarities, you know, situation.

[Adam]

Yeah, yeah, I sure. I mean we can talk about anything, but let's talk about this. What's the difference right now between Devonte Adams and Cooper Cup?

[Chris]

One's going to be playing in the Rams offense and the other one's going to be playing in the Jazz.

[Adam]

As it relates to Pukinakua. I'm sorry, as it relates a little.

[Chris]

Part of it out there.

[Jamie]

Which. Which version of Cooper Cup? The last eight games of Cooper cup or the career of Cooper cup or the, the career of Cooper cup with booking Nico.

[Adam]

Yeah, let's say the last couple of seasons. I mean it's two very different versions of Cooper Cup.

[Jamie]

I mean, you go back to see that's the thing though. It's cup was not really healthy in 2023 when Nakua had his breakout season and then they barely played together where Cooper cup looked like Cooper Cup. So the final eight games Cooper cup was miserable last year including the playoffs.

[Chris]

Yes, that's for sure.

[Jamie]

And so is, is Devonte Adams significantly better than that? You would hope so. I look at it this way. Matthew Stafford has kind of shown us when he has a guy, at least with the Rams and McVeigh when he has a guy, he leans on that guy. There could still be a second player that gets production because you go back to the Week 8 through 12 last season when they both came back and both were successful. Cup had the, excuse me. Nakua had the game where he got ejected. But the first four games or so they both were excellent and Stafford was excellent. And then cup just tailed off and Nakua took off. And so I look at it this way. Devonte Adams is going to be 33 in December. So we'll call him a 32 old receiver. This is the, the, the, the year where these guys just completely fall off the track record. Just the last 10 years of, of wide receivers age 32 or older is, is pretty miserable. Certainly from a high end production. You know, Adams I think will still be good. I just don't think he'll be great. So you have Nakua in his prime, goes from 17 plus points per game as a rookie, 18 plus points per game last year in a, you know, choppy season because he missed you know, four of the first five games or five of the first six games with knee injury. To me Naku is the guy there. And so Adams is going to be a good piece. He'll, he'll certainly have a productive season. But I think if you're expecting him to be what he was in the final seven, eight games with the Jets, I think you're going to overvalue him again. His age, his best seasons. I know he had the, the production with, with Carr, but he was 180 targets with Derek Carr. He's not getting 180 targets with Matthew Stafford. I still think Naku is going to lead the team in target. So you're talking about Nakua in the final 10 games of the season last year. Average 11 targets per game. I don't know if that changes. Maybe maybe 10. I don't think he's going from 11 to seven or eight and I think seven or eight.

[Adam]

Nakua, you're going to sit. You're saying 10 targets per game?

[Chris]

Yeah, yeah, almost 10 targets per game.

[Jamie]

Last year in his final 10 games of the season, including the playoffs, he was 11.2 targets per game.

[Adam]

Yeah. So I mean, I look at like Pukinaku is season. Week one, he plays 32% of the snaps, comes back in week eight, plays 57% of the snaps. Week nine, 35% of the snaps, gets ejected after that. You know, I would say normal snapshare. Back to that in a minute here for Pukinakua. But let's say his normal snapshare from, from last year. So that's week 10. On, I think the final eight games, not including the playoffs, he was on pace for 189 targets, 142 catches, 1,781 yards, six touchdowns. That is Pukinakua. That is, you know, top five pick. Right. Like, incredible. You notice though, the touchdowns are not there now. Just a couple things real quick. 75. He was not playing. He was not playing. And I think maybe because he got hurt. Right. And missed so much time, he's not playing a normal snapshare. That was his normal snapshare for last year, but he was usually around 75, 80% of the snaps. Compared to his rookie season, he's playing about 90% of the snaps. So this was a guy who I didn't even realize until today. Just some of these things where you just look it up and oh, I didn't know Pukinakui wasn't playing his full snapshare. So that's one thing to note. I think a concern of mine here is just red zone, green zone, end zone. I don't know what to expect from Devonte Adams at this point. Jamie. I also very much fear 32 year old wide receivers. I also thought Derrick Henry was going to be a bust and Aaron Jones was going to be terrible. And James, like maybe we just need to. It's 20, 25 and guys are better at older ages and we need to stop thinking about that. I don't know.

[Jamie]

And he could be one of the greats. Yeah, he could be Larry Fitzgerald. He could be Jerry Rice. He could be, you know, one of these guys that excels into his mid-30s, maybe late-30s. But when you see a guy move from team to team to team.

[Adam]

Yeah.

[Jamie]

There's reasons for it, you know. And is it decline in production? Well, he didn't really decline last year. Is it, you know, change in philosophy because of the team? That's probably the case because the jets bring in a whole new, you know, regime there. So he wants to be on the West Coast. He's leaving the guy who's had he's had the most success with and I think if you break up his season, granted small sample size, the first three games with Gardner Minshew and Aiden O'Connell and nobody's going to suggest that those guys are Matthew Stafford Clearly. But those three games he was 14.9 PPR points per game. Now is he closer to that or is he closer to the 17 + points per game that we saw with the Jets? Well, you probably put in the middle, right? So say 15, 16 points per game. That's awesome.

[Adam]

That's great. I mean that's a stealing round four or five. Yeah, but what I was going to say was he's always been Devonte Adams has always been. Over the last three years, I think since leaving Green Bay, he's averaged 26 red zone targets per season. That's insane. He's always been a red zone, end zone, green zone guy. Pukinakua hasn't. So I think on one hand we've seen Puka be elite even without big touchdown totals. On the other hand, I, you know, this is where Cooper cup really shined. He was the end zone guy for Matthew Stafford. Does Adams fill that role? Does more go to Nakua? And I'll end my rant by asking you, is Puka Nakua Still a top 5 wide receiver? Any change in the rankings for him.

[Jamie]

He may drop to like five to six or seven at worst. He's still a first round pick for me. I just look at the, the track record of Stafford since Nakua has been on the field with him. And again, yes, cup in and out of the lineup injured, not the same guy declining. But I think you look at Stafford, what he did with cup before Nakua was there, he, he, he leans on a player like this. And this is where McVeigh and why this marriage should work if Adam stays healthy. Adams is a route running master. I mean, you know, he gets off the line of scrimmage as, as well as anybody still at his age. You ask receivers who they marvel their, their, you know, game after in terms of how they get off the line of scrimmage and break press coverage. It's Devonta Adams because he does it without his hands. I mean his footwork is amazing. And so these are the things that you have to say, okay, are they going to decline? Because at his age it didn't seem to be the case last year. But again he was also with a quarterback who he was very in sync with. So I think the, the quicker Stafford and Adams get on the same page, how much does the target share maybe shift a little bit? How much more do they add to this receiving core? Because, you know, they bring back Tutu out. Well, felt like a little overpay to give them 1 year, 10 million dollar deal for a guy they never really used. But you have that is now your third receiver. It's great for the top two guys because they're probably going to get so much attention.

[Adam]

Yeah.

[Jamie]

So. And I think also part of the touchdown problem for Nakua is they run the ball when they're down there, you know, so this is where Kyron Williams success comes into play. So it's a great signing. It's just a matter of, I think if you value Adams the right way, if you're expecting him to be a top 12 receiver like he was last year. Again, the track record of guys 32 years or older, there's been four guys in the last 10 years that have been top 10 at that position. Top 20. There's, I'm sorry, three guys top 10, four guys top 20. So it's not in his favor to finish in that range. But if you're expecting a top 20 receiver, I think you're. You're going to be on the cusp. And so round five, six, seven. I think that's a good spot to gamble on him. But like you said, you know, first four rounds, I don't know. And I don't think it hurts Nakua personally. So you gotta knock him down a peg or two a little bit just because he should be better in terms of Adams over what Cooper cup was. But I still think we're looking at a guy in this offense. 10 plus targets per game. I like that setup pretty good. Can.

[Chris]

Can I make the bull case for Devonte?

[Adam]

Yes. Can I take a break first, please? All right, we're gonna take a quick break here. Dave, I want to hear, Dave, if you're moving Puka Nakua at all and then be bullish on Devonte Adams. We'll be right back.

[Dave]

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[Chris]

In 2025, the role of Cooper cup will be played by Devonte Adams, and I don't think that that's a shock. I think seeing Devonte Adams work primarily in the slot is something he can do. I think it's probably where he should be based on his lack of breakaway speed. I mean, you saw it at times last year with the jets, but Jamie, I thought you said it perfectly. His route running is still great, his hands are still great. He can be that red zone threat, he can be the third down money down target for Matthew Stafford and he can lead this team in touchdowns. And I hate the fact that he's 32 going on 33, but I love the fact that Devonte Adams is now going to be in a role where he doesn't have to shoulder everything and he doesn't have to be the top target getter. But he can still do all the things. He can literally take Cooper Cup's role and flourish in it and be that top 20 type of receiver. I don't think he's going to last till round six or seven. I think round five is going to be the time he's going to be one of the number two wide receivers that I I'm going to say like on the border of settling for because I don't think I'd necessarily settle for him. I'm kind of excited about this. I know what to expect from this offense. I think they're moving in the right direction. I'm a little curious who their backup quarterback is going to be because if Stafford misses time, that could be a disaster. But I, I think Devonte Adams proved last year, especially once he got on the same page with Rogers, and I think that that might have actually been an issue, a Rogers issue, not an Adams issue, that he can still play in this league. And I think he fits perfectly what the Rams are looking to replace in Cooper Cup. I'm excited about him. As for Puka, I'm. I kind of changed keeping him at wide receiver 3 in my rankings from pen to pencil. I want to see what happens in New York with Malik Neighbors certainly keeping the door open with Amun Ross, St. Brown in Detroit, other wide receivers that could jump up there. But Puka's probably for now, he's number three. Will he be top five even by the time we get to August? I can't say for sure that he will, but he'll be like a top 15 pick probably no matter what. But I, I do see what you see. A lot of volume, a lot of catches here. Here's some trivia for you guys who scored more points in non PPR last year on a per game basis between Puka, Nakua and Devonte Adams in non.

[Adam]

Ppr, I'm still going to say it's Puka, but I know Puka was like number 9 per game and non PPR number 4 per game in full PPR. So big difference. I'm still going to say Puka.

[Chris]

I'll say Adam, it's Puka by four tenths of a point.

[Adam]

Yeah, they were four touchdowns. You know that's, that's, that's the one.

[Chris]

That's the thing that I would be worried about the most with Nakua.

[Jamie]

I wonder though if you azer stat that though the games that Nakua left early so the game.

[Adam]

So he was only on Pace for six touchdowns in the eight games that he played 75 or more of the snaps in 2023 he caught six touchdowns in 17 games. He did have a rushing touchdown last year though. I forgot about that. But, but so let's see. In 11 games, 28 games now some of them he left a little early. So let's say 25 career games that he hasn't left early, nine touchdowns. Whereas Devonte Adams reliably scores eight touchdowns every year. I mean he's, let's see one season for Adams in his last nine with fewer than eight touchdowns. And I'm pretty sure he got hurt that year he caught five. So it's it's interesting, but again, I, I'm encouraged by the fact that pukinakua in full PBR has been an absolute stud, top 5 caliber wide receiver, even without the touchdown. So I think that shows you what his potential is. And I guess, you know, to wrap it up. I mean, I almost feel like we don't love Devonte Adams at this stage in his career, but you couldn't have asked for a much better landing spot. Is that a fair way to wrap it up?

[Chris]

Yes, perfect.

[Jamie]

Way 100. And. And he's never played indoor. No, I'm sorry. Played the Raiders. Excuse me. So it's, it's a, it's a surface that should help him. It's a, it's a quarterback and a coach that should help him. It's a, it's a, it's a great signing, you know, so hopefully he stays healthy. You just gotta. If he was, if he was 28, like, we'd be through the moon for this.

[Adam]

Let me throw another wide receiver in this mix here. With Devonte Adams.

[Chris]

You wouldn't be available if he were 28.

[Adam]

Yeah, with Devonte Adams, DK Metcalf. How about Jacoby Myers, who was wide receiver 24 per game last year in full PPR and just gets, just got Geno Smith. Would you take Jacoby Myers over Adams or Metcalf?

[Jamie]

I would probably rank Adams, Myers Mecca.

[Chris]

I, I think I'd probably take Metcalf over Myers, but that's, that's where it's close. Adams is ahead of both those guys.

[Adam]

Myers over Pickens.

[Jamie]

Yeah, I think we're there with the receiving core. Myers over Pickens.

[Chris]

Yeah, for now. For now. I mean, what happens if Pickens is traded to, you know, Tennessee or something like that and he's their number one receiver? Sure might be hard to do that.

[Adam]

It'll be a fun week here. Gonna be a fun week.

[Chris]

And one thing, that script is always good, Adam.

[Adam]

Like Matthew Stafford or Geno Smith. Let's say we're in a two QB league. Stafforder. Geno.

[Jamie]

So Stafford, in the final 12 games of the season, he averaged 19.7 fantasy points per game. And that's with three stinkers where he had less than 10 PPR. 10 fantasy points. I hate saying 10 fantasy points. So once he got those guys back from week eight on, he was pretty good.

[Adam]

He was good.

[Chris]

When you say guys, that's not just receivers, it's offensive line too. Like everything came together for LA, but.

[Adam]

With Geno Smith, you could be talking about 250 more rushing yards. And how many rushing touchdowns has he had the last few years? Not many. One or two, but 250 more rushing yards and two more rushing touchdowns. That's like the equivalent of what, six touchdowns in, in a six point per passing touchdown league. So it's just, you know, something to think about. Stafford gives you almost nothing with his legs and they also got super run heavy toward the end of last year. I hope that doesn't continue.

[Chris]

They were beat up. Quarterback was beat up for sure.

[Adam]

All right.

[Chris]

And I remember Matthew Stafford's last game. He threw quite a bit.

[Adam]

You know what I think is going to be interesting as we see where like Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers and all these guys like one of those guys seems like they're going to the Giants. If you, if you are in a dynasty league, super flex or not. Is Cam Ward going to sit. Is Shadur Sanders going to sit for the first year of their career?

[Jamie]

You know, I think if one goes to Cleveland, no, but it could happen if they sign Cousins.

[Chris]

Same thing with Tennessee.

[Adam]

Yeah, it's a very realistic Tennessee.

[Chris]

He's starting.

[Adam]

Yeah, but if he goes to the Giants, I don't think he necessarily will.

[Jamie]

I think they don't have a veteran.

[Adam]

No, I think they're gonna. I think, I think it's very realistic that Aaron Rodgers and Cam Ward are on the Giants or Aaron Rodgers and Shadow Sanders are on the Giants. Right now, as we sit here Sunday night, it looks like it's Rogers or Wilson. According to one of the beat writers for the Giants, it looks like Rogers or Wilson is the most likely scenario for the Giants. But they are getting a veteran quarterback, it seems. We'll see. But it's not, not going to be great to veto. Forget DeVito. Whatever. All right, guys, thank you. Good stuff. Fun stuff. Jamie's going.

[Jamie]

We didn't talk about Aaron Jones.

[Adam]

Aaron Jones back to the Vikings. Two years, 20 million, 13 million guaranteed.

[Chris]

Good for you, Aaron.

[Adam]

He had a really good year for them.

[Chris]

He did 13 million in a year where there's, you know, five really good running backs in the draft and another maybe 10 who are serviceable. Well, it seems like a lot for a guy who you might phase out by November, I think.

[Jamie]

Look, it's. It's another situation where it's, it's a team coming off a pretty solid offensive season and you're going to have most likely young quarterback in J.J. mcCarthy. So having a presence like Aaron Jones makes some sense. So true. At his age, coming off of the season that he just had, you're Asking him which was career year for him, I mean, most carries, most snaps, most second most yards from scrimmage. So he was, he was very productive and he was, he was a good fantasy option. And I think the one thing that was impressive to me was every time he was hurt, he fought through it. He had the one situation where they had the bye week and he came back afterwards. So I think we thought that he might not be healthy, but it was, it was fairly impressive that he didn't miss any time. So who knows how much of the money was a motivating factor to, to play through it, but it was an impressive season. Can he do it again at this age? You know, so if you're, if you're gonna be drafting him, I think as a slam dunk starter, I don't love that. If you're drafting him as, you know, a hero RB0 RB approach and he's, you know, your second running back, I don't know if I'd love him as my first. But your second running back, then you just gotta understand there may be some missed time. He may give you, you know, half a season of, you know, hopefully positive production. But again, running backs at this age, especially with his injury, track record, like, they just make me so nervous. The year before, his last year in Green Bay, he missed so much time with ankle, with knee issues, but definitely ankle issue early in the season. Hamstring issues. It was, it was certainly problematic in 2023, but was great last year. So hopefully stays healthy again.

[Adam]

Look at this comment from Jay James. Aaron Jones did not have a great year, man. Look, I mean, did he have an all pro year? No, but he actually averaged as many fantasy points per game as Bucky irving. He was RB19 per game in both non and full PPR. He scored only 7 touchdowns in 17 games. Only 5 of those were rushing touchdowns. What did he average 4 and a half yards per carry or something like that, which was a career low for him? Well, yeah, it's exactly what it was. He is a good player and I do think he had a good year. He didn't. Maybe he didn't have a great year, but he had a good year and was a very solid running back. It's just, they're just, he's just not going to get that many touches. But I actually think, I don't know. Unless he completely falls off a cliff. I don't, I don't know what the bust case is like, you know, he's not going to be drafted that high. I don't Think. Right, right.

[Chris]

Like, it's good that he's staying in Minnesota. That's a good offense. There's, you know, lots of points to be scored, theoretically, at least, just knowing the track record of Kevin O'Connell, but I, I just, I don't know. No one's gonna be excited to take Aaron Jones. At best, he'll be a subtle 4 RB2. But I bet with. With the rookie, Rookie running backs again pointing my finger at Ashton Jante and Omarion Hampton and. And Caleb Johnson, the Ohio State guys, I'm probably going to repeat those names a ton over the next month. They all might get drafted ahead of Aaron Jones and fantasy, so that'll push him into the number three range and that's fine. That's exactly what Jamie was talking about. If you're going 0 RB or Hero RB, you can draft Aaron Jones and you can roll with him in September, and then if you've got anything left from him in October, plus, good for you. But at that price that you'll get him at in the draft, if you're drafting him as a number three running back, there's no problem with that. Just don't overvalue him. Don't reach for him.

[Jamie]

It's also one of those teams where you want to see who the backup is because if he does suffer an injury, miss anytime, like Dave said, explosive offense. Yeah, I think that will be somewhat frustrating is if this is one of the teams. I know they don't have a lot of draft picks, but if they do spend an early pick, one of the early picks on a running back and then we have the headache of what happens early in the season and you're just waiting and waiting and waiting. And we have the Trey Benson, Blake Coram, you know, scenario where these guys don't get.

[Chris]

Yeah, that would suck. Yeah.

[Jamie]

Playing time that they. They may deserve as a rookie.

[Adam]

Yeah. So this is a team that's.

[Chris]

This is a team that's trading out around one in the draft.

[Adam]

Schaefer informing us that they have three picks in the entire draft.

[Chris]

Right. They're trading down in round one.

[Adam]

Yeah. So here's the bus case for Aaron Jones. Last four games of the season, including the playoffs, he averaged 12 carries per game. Actually last three games, only three. So it's not that bad. But 12 carries per game would be bad. It's only three games. He did have a lot of catches in those games, though. A lot of targets. In fact, he had five or more targets in each of his last four games, including the playoffs. But that's a big deal.

[Jamie]

I think the best case is McCarthy stinks and the offense progresses. And he's also going to be 31.

[Adam]

Yeah.

[Chris]

Yeah, that's a pretty big bus case.

[Adam]

We good done with this little bonus show.

[Chris]

Any big moves since?

[Jamie]

We still have something in an hour, so who knows?

[Chris]

All right.

[Adam]

Yeah, I think we're probably done for the night, but if anything, we might reconvene tomorrow Monday morning.

[Chris]

And if not, can we commit to a time Monday afternoon?

[Adam]

Three o'clock, I think.

[Chris]

Oh, that's tea time.

[Adam]

Te player.

[Chris]

T E E T E A Hey, I don't play golf. Nothing makes me angrier than golf.

[Adam]

All right, everybody, thanks for hopping on for this bonus podcast. We will talk to you tomorrow as things develop. And have a good one. See you later on Fantasy Football tonight.

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