Fantasy Football Today - Episode: Best Early Values! Dave and Jamey's Favorites (07/22 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Released on July 22, 2025

Host and Analysts:

• Adam Aizer (Host)
• Dave Richard (Analyst)
• Jamie Eisenberg (Analyst)
• Heath Cummings (Analyst)

1. Fundraising for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

At the outset of the episode, Dave Richard proudly announces, “[...] over $40,000 money raised for St. Jude” (03:23). This impressive milestone was achieved through listener participation in the FFT Open draft event. The hosts express gratitude towards contributors, highlighting the community’s support and encouraging more listeners to join upcoming events to continue fundraising efforts.

2. Spotlight on Favorite Early Draft Values

The core of the episode revolves around identifying and discussing the best early-round draft values based on varying Average Draft Positions (ADPs).

a. Bucky Irving and Stefan Diggs

Jamie Eisenberg initiates the conversation by spotlighting Bucky Irving, expressing surprise at his low ADP:
“...letting a running back like this fall into round four. I think he's around two pick” (04:17). Jamie believes Irving is undervalued at his current draft position, projecting him to become a lead running back in Tampa Bay’s offense.

Transitioning to Stefan Diggs, Jamie conveys optimism despite Diggs’s current low ADP of 111th overall on CBS:
“He's going to be the number one receiver for an ascending quarterback in Drake May” (06:15). Jamie anticipates a significant rebound for Diggs, forecasting increased target volume and improved offensive dynamics under new coaching strategies.

Dave Richard concurs, noting, “Bucky Irving is more like 20th overall so...” (05:59), reinforcing Jamie’s confidence in Irving’s potential and cautioning about the high stakes of drafting him early.

b. Darnell Mooney and Justin Fields

Heath Cummings shifts focus to Darnell Mooney and Justin Fields, citing Mooney’s enhanced role in the Falcons’ offense:
“I think he's going to get about a 20 to 30 target boost because of this offense” (12:16). Heath is bullish on Mooney’s prospects, expecting significant target volume and improved performance metrics.

For Justin Fields, Heath emphasizes his upside as a quarterback:
“For me, He's a top 10 quarterback, so if I can get him outside the top 12, I’ll be thrilled about that” (12:16). Fields is seen as a high-value pick with the potential to deliver elite fantasy performance.

Dave Richard adds perspective on QBs, highlighting the depth of the position:
“There are so many guys [...] at least, that you find someone off the waiver wire” (55:15). This underscores the strategic advantage of targeting high-upside quarterbacks like Fields and Mooney.

c. Additional Value Picks

The discussion extends to other promising players:

• Dak Prescott (26:30): Rated as QB12 with strong returns on health and offensive improvements.
• Jordan Mason and Javante Williams (29:25): Highlighted as potential breakout running backs with increased roles.
• Alvin Kamara (40:20): Praised for his pass-catching abilities despite being 30 years old, emphasizing his consistent target volume.
• J.K. Dobbins (58:07): Noted for his potential resurgence in Denver as a reliable RB2.

3. News and Notes

The hosts delve into recent NFL developments impacting fantasy football:

• Stefan Diggs: Cleared to practice with updates on his integration into the Patriots’ offense.
• Contract Extensions: Green Bay signed right tackle Zach Tom to a lucrative four-year, $88 million extension, boosting the Bucks' offensive line stability.
• Injury Reports: Tristan Wurfs may return sooner than expected, potentially influencing the Bears’ offensive strategy.
• Cincinnati’s QB Situation: With Chase Brown becoming a focal point, the Bengals’ offense is expected to evolve, enhancing Brown’s fantasy value.

4. Listener Mailbag and Debates

Engaging with listeners' questions, the podcast addresses strategic scenarios:

a. Backup Players Becoming Starters

Question: What if the number two wide receivers and running backs become the starters? How would that affect top rankings?

Heath Cummings responds by highlighting the adaptability of players like Charbonnet and T. Higgins, suggesting they could climb significantly in rankings should they step into primary roles.

b. Alvin Kamara’s Value Debate

A heated discussion arises around Alvin Kamara, with Jamie Eisenberg defending his value in PPR leagues despite concerns about his team’s offensive struggles. Jamie argues, “[...] he can still come through in a big way in full PPR” (46:39), while Dave Richard and Heath Cummings express cautious optimism, emphasizing Kamara's consistent target volume and potential for high PPR points.

5. Strategic Insights and Recommendations

Throughout the episode, the analysts offer actionable advice for fantasy managers:

• Diversify ADP Sources: Dave Richard encourages using multiple ADP sources to identify undervalued players, noting variations between Fantasy Pros, CBS, and Football Guys.
• Target High-Upside QBs Late: Advocates like Heath suggest waiting on quarterbacks, focusing early picks on elite running backs and wide receivers.
• Monitor Injury Reports and Team Dynamics: Keeping abreast of player health and team strategy shifts can unveil hidden value picks like Stefan Diggs and Alvin Kamara.

6. Upcoming Events and Promotions

The hosts promote upcoming events, including a live mock draft event to support St. Jude, and encourage listeners to participate for a chance to win league spots.

Heath Cummings mentions, “Tonight, 7pm Eastern, YouTube.com fantasy football today live stream with the mock draft” (17:33), urging fans to join and engage with the community.

Notable Quotes:

• Jamie Eisenberg (04:17): “Bucky Irving, 42.4 on CBS. What the hell are you guys thinking letting a running back like this fall into round four.”
• Jamie Eisenberg (06:15): “I like Drake May to improve. I actually am going to attend their joint practice.”
• Heath Cummings (12:16): “Justin Fields... He's a top 10 quarterback, so if I can get him outside the top 12, I'll be thrilled about that.”
• Dave Richard (37:08): “Because teams don't prioritize running back a lot of good talent at that position, this is really more over the last few years they start to fall into day three.”

Conclusion:

This episode of Fantasy Football Today provides a comprehensive analysis of early-round draft values, emphasizing the importance of identifying undervalued players through diverse ADP sources. The hosts offer strategic insights, backed by detailed discussions and listener interactions, ensuring fantasy managers are well-equipped to make informed decisions for their upcoming drafts. The commitment to community and charitable fundraising adds a commendable dimension to the podcast’s engagement.

#FantasyFootball #BestDraftValues #FFT2025 #StJudeFundraising #CBSsports #FantasyPros #DraftStrategy

<a id="timestamp-0323"></a> [03:23] – Dave Richard announces the fundraising milestone for St. Jude.

<a id="timestamp-0417"></a> [04:17] – Jamie Eisenberg discusses Bucky Irving’s undervalued draft position.

<a id="timestamp-0615"></a> [06:15] – Jamie anticipates a rebound for Stefan Diggs in the Patriots’ offense.

<a id="timestamp-1216"></a> [12:16] – Heath Cummings highlights Darnell Mooney and Justin Fields as top early-value picks.

<a id="timestamp-1733"></a> [17:33] – Heath Cummings promotes the live mock draft event for St. Jude.

<a id="timestamp-3708"></a> [37:08] – Dave Richard emphasizes the undervaluation of running backs like Alvin Kamara.

<a id="timestamp-4639"></a> [46:39] – Jamie Eisenberg defends Alvin Kamara’s value in PPR leagues.