Podcast Summary: Fantasy Football Today - "Busts! Saquon Barkley, Joe Mixon, Lamar Jackson and More Big Names" (Released August 13, 2025)

Hosted by Adam Aizer along with analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, and Heath Cummings, this episode dives deep into the potential busts for the upcoming fantasy football season. The discussion centers around high-profile players who may not meet their draft expectations, providing listeners with critical insights to refine their draft strategies.

1. Introduction to Quarterback and Running Back Busts

The episode begins with the hosts revisiting last year's prediction where Saquon Barkley was labeled a bust—a call that proved accurate. They express intent to re-evaluate similar high-profile players for the current season.

Jamie Eisenberg ([01:53]):

"Last year, we called Saquon Barkley a bust. That worked out so well we're gonna double down and do it again this year."

2. Running Back Busts: Alvin Kamara and Aaron Jones

Discussion Highlights:

• Alvin Kamara: Analysts question Kamara's viability due to his age (30 years) and declining efficiency. Concerns include reduced receptions and the impact of his team's offensive strategies under Kellen Moore.

  Adam Aizer ([02:41]):

  "He's still around higher than I want to draft him. So I think he's still about three picks higher than what our consensus rankings have him at."

  Heath Cummings ([05:11]):

  "I have him ranked in round three, but it's late round three."

• Aaron Jones: Positioned similarly on the bust list, Jones's ADP (Average Draft Position) is scrutinized for being too high relative to his projected performance.

  Jamie Eisenberg ([07:28]):

  "I have him at 70 even."

3. DeAndre Swift and TJ Hawkinson as Running Back Concerns

DeAndre Swift: Discussed as a potential bust primarily due to inconsistent offensive reports and a crowded backfield in Chicago.

TJ Hawkinson: Identified as a tight end bust relevant to running back opportunities, highlighting the challenges in maintaining consistent production.

Dave Richard ([07:37]):

"He doesn't need them. That's the point. But if he thinks I need him."

4. Quarterback Busts: Saquon Barkley and Lamar Jackson

Saquon Barkley: Barkley remains the centerpiece of the bust discussion, with historical data suggesting a significant decline in performance for running backs with over 400 touches.

Jamie Eisenberg ([17:25]):

"Anytime you see a running back over 400 carries... they tend to break down the following year."

Dave Richard ([23:09]):

"75% are saying top six, but 50% overall picks four through six."

Lamar Jackson: Despite recent successes, Jackson is flagged due to overdrafting and the potential regression of his touchdown rates.

Jamie Eisenberg ([35:40]):

"Think Jackson is going to replicate what he did last year at his number."

Heath Cummings ([66:02]):

"As great as we're hyping up Daniels, you know, Burrow is better."

5. Wide Receiver and Tight End Busts: DJ Moore and Sam LaPorta

DJ Moore: Moore is considered a mystery due to fluctuating performance metrics and his team's inconsistent offensive rankings.

Jamie Eisenberg ([50:48]):

"He's still in the wide receiver three territory for me."

Heath Cummings ([54:38]):

"He gets 8.2 targets per game, but his team ranks 28th in scoring."

Sam LaPorta: A tight end whose draft position is questioned based on target share and role uncertainty within his team's offense.

Jamie Eisenberg ([58:24]):

"He just feels like a settle for a guy that could be more of a flex than a number two running back."

6. Additional Busts: Bree Hall, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Mixon

Bree Hall: Debated as a bust due to potential reduced role and inconsistent performance metrics.

Heath Cummings ([42:10]):

"How many games do you think he will have 15 or more touches in this year?"

Patrick Mahomes: Despite his elite status, Mahomes is questioned for being drafted too early given the availability of other quarterbacks with similar or better projections.

Jamie Eisenberg ([60:32]):

"If you don't like the other players on the board and you need to fill that position..."

Joe Mixon: Marked as a bust because of injury concerns and split carry responsibilities, leading to potential underperformance.

Jamie Eisenberg ([55:45]):

"He's gonna scooter in."

7. News and Updates

Throughout the episode, the hosts share updates on player statuses, including injuries, team changes, and contract extensions, which further influence their bust projections.

Jamie Eisenberg ([27:19]):

"James Cook signed a four-year, $48 million extension with $30 million guaranteed."

Dave Richard ([33:09]):

"Najee Harris is practicing and could be ready for week one."

8. Listener Engagement and Draft Strategies

The hosts engage with listener polls and encourage fans to participate in draft strategies, emphasizing the importance of timing and player selection based on ADP.

Dave Richard ([23:09]):

"Where are you taking Saquon Barkley in a PPR league?"

Heath Cummings ([24:05]):

"If you think we're full of crap. Find the person picking in the top six in your league..."

9. Closing Remarks and Future Content

The episode concludes with teasers for upcoming live-streamed breakout session episodes focusing on different positions, further assisting listeners in making informed draft decisions.

Dave Richard ([26:01]):

"Tonight. Today is Wednesday. We are doing the breakouts bonanza today."

Key Takeaways:

• High-Profile Busts: Alvin Kamara, Aaron Jones, DeAndre Swift, TJ Hawkinson, Saquon Barkley, and Lamar Jackson are primary concerns due to declining performance metrics, injury histories, and overdrafting.

• Strategic Drafting: Emphasis on understanding ADP, timing of player selection, and balancing risky picks with reliable performers.

• Player Updates: Continuous monitoring of player statuses is crucial, as injuries and team dynamics can significantly impact fantasy performance.

• Future Content: Upcoming episodes will offer position-specific breakout analyses, providing deeper insights for fantasy managers.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to navigate the complexities of player performance and draft strategies to enhance their league dominance.