Consensus PPR Top 12 (Part One)! Who Are Our Top Six Players? (06/23 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Podcast Summary: Fantasy Football Today – Episode: Consensus PPR Top 12 (Part One)! Who Are Our Top Six Players? (06/23 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Release Date: June 23, 2025

In this engaging episode of Fantasy Football Today, hosted by Adam Aizer and featuring analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, and Heath Cummings, the crew dives deep into the Consensus PPR Top 12 Rankings, focusing primarily on the Top Six Players. This comprehensive discussion offers valuable insights, thorough analysis, and spirited debates to help fantasy managers make informed decisions for their upcoming drafts.

1. Introduction to Consensus PPR Top 12

The episode kicks off with the hosts setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of the top twelve players in PPR (Points Per Reception) leagues. The focus is on identifying who made the cut, debating the rankings, and discussing the potential impact of each player on fantasy teams.

Jamie Eisenberg outlines the current Top 12 PPR Rankings:

Bijan Robinson
Jamar Chase
Justin Jefferson
Saquon Barkley
CD Lamb
Jameer Gibbs
Malik Neighbors
Puka Nacua
Devon Achane
Ashton Genti
Aman Ross
Christian McCaffrey

He notes the balance between running backs and wide receivers in the top six, emphasizing the strategic considerations for fantasy managers.

2. Debate Over the Top Six Players

The heart of the episode revolves around a spirited debate among the analysts about the Top Six players, addressing their performance, potential, and ranking justifications.

a. Jamar Chase vs. Bijan Robinson

Dave Richard and Heath Cummings place Jamar Chase at number two in the consensus rankings, recognizing his outstanding performance last season where he scored 40 more PPR points than any other non-quarterback.

Heath Cummings remarks at [04:57]:
"Chase is just as… Just has just as much upside... he has a chance to repeat as number one non-quarterback and have another dominant season."

Jamie Eisenberg supports this by highlighting Chase's consistent high performance and the reliance on his quarterback, Joe Burrow, emphasizing the lack of a strong defense in Cincinnati that benefits Chase's production.

Jamie Eisenberg at [08:39]:
"Chase leads that group. And so if you're a fantasy drafter that wants to get in on those seven to nine wide receivers, then I think you really do have to lean toward Chase."

Conversely, Adam Aizer favors Bijan Robinson as the number one running back in his personal rankings due to his impressive usage and production in the Falcons' offense.

Adam Aizer at [25:05]:
"I think people see what Saquon did last year and average 23 PPR points per game, and they gravitate toward it. ... Bijan's just awesome."

Heath Cummings counters by prioritizing Chase’s consistency and potential over Robinson’s upside.

Heath Cummings at [25:11]:
"I would much rather have Chase and Kyron and Chase Brown than bijan and McConkey and rushy rice."

b. Christian McCaffrey vs. Saquon Barkley

The discussion then shifts to Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley, two top-tier running backs with differing risk profiles.

Adam Aizer expresses concerns about McCaffrey's workload with the 49ers potentially limiting his usage to preserve him for playoff runs.

Adam Aizer at [07:42]:
"I'm a little bit nervous about getting him [McCaffrey] on my team as fast as possible... I don't think the 49ers are going to scale back his workload."

Dave Richard concurs, highlighting the historical decline in performance for running backs with heavy workloads.

Dave Richard at [08:39]:
"He's 29 years old, coming off a really disappointing year... he's possibly getting relegated to a touchdown or bust type of fantasy running back."

On the other hand, Jamie Eisenberg argues for McCaffrey's higher career floor compared to Barkley, citing McCaffrey's consistent production despite injuries.

Jamie Eisenberg at [56:31]:
"I think McCaffrey has more upside and a higher floor than Barkley."

c. CD Lamb and Jameer Gibbs

The analysts also delve into the rankings of CD Lamb and Jameer Gibbs, discussing their roles in their respective offenses and potential for fantasy impact.

Heath Cummings praises Lamb’s versatility and the addition of George Pickens, enhancing Lamb's value without significantly impacting his target share.

Heath Cummings at [42:25]:
"Pickens is not the type of guy that you worry about infringing on an alpha number one's target share."

Jamie Eisenberg underscores Lamb's consistent performance when healthy, projecting a strong floor for his fantasy points.

Jamie Eisenberg at [41:17]:
"Over the last three years, CD Lamb averaged 18.3 PPR points per game... potentially a top five overall pick."

Regarding Jameer Gibbs, opinions vary. Adam Aizer lauds Gibbs’ upside and potential increased usage as Montgomery ages, positioning him as a top-six pick.

Adam Aizer at [47:17]:
"He is absolutely in the conversation of being a top six pick, if not a top four pick. I’m going to bank on his upside and his usage going up."

Dave Richard remains slightly more cautious, concerned about the consistency of Gibbs' production when sharing the backfield with Montgomery.

Dave Richard at [48:57]:
"The first 13 games... 233 carries and 44 catches for Jameer Gibbs... that’s just what I wanted to bring up."

3. Statistical Insights and Rankings Justifications

The hosts present data to support their rankings, comparing Average Draft Position (ADP) with actual performance metrics over the past four seasons.

Jamey Eisenberg shares his analysis showing that top running backs in ADP are slightly safer picks compared to wide receivers, with 56.3% of running backs drafted in the top 12 finishing in the top 12, versus 52% for wide receivers.

Jamey Eisenberg at [17:40]:
"Running backs drafted as top 12 guys have a higher hit rate than wide receivers... So that’s why I thought that the data showed that running backs were better were safer than wide receivers."

However, Dave Richard suggests re-evaluating the study based on end-of-season performances, considering injuries and missed games.

Dave Richard at [19:08]:
"People believe running backs miss more games due to injury... but that’s why you have to look at end-of-season standings."

Jamie Eisenberg emphasizes the importance of considering both raw performance and consistency, arguing against the notion that wide receivers are inherently safer picks.

Jamie Eisenberg at [19:42]:
"I just think that we should get out of the mindset that wide receivers are safer than running backs."

4. Special Focus: Jamar Chase and Justin Jefferson

The episode dedicates significant discussion to Jamar Chase and Justin Jefferson, analyzing their performance trends and future prospects.

Dave Richard lauds Chase's remarkable season, questioning why he isn't the consensus number one pick, considering his impressive stats.

Dave Richard at [27:59]:
"If he does what he did last year, then he should be the number one pick."

Justin Jefferson is scrutinized for his slightly lower PPR average, but Heath Cummings and Jamie Eisenberg defend his ranking by highlighting his unique role and the dynamics of the Lions' offense.

Heath Cummings at [34:11]:
"Justin Jefferson is on pace to have another huge year... he’s thrived in the system to such a level that it’s hard to overlook."
Adam Aizer at [35:07]:
"We’ve seen Bijan play well against Tampa... Justin Jefferson has consistent high-volume receiving which makes him an appealing third pick."

5. Overarching Themes and Strategic Takeaways

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of balancing risk and reward, considering factors such as player health, offensive systems, and positional depth. They debate whether to prioritize running backs with high upside or wide receivers with safer floors, providing listeners with nuanced perspectives to tailor their draft strategies.

Key Takeaways:

Bijan Robinson and Jamar Chase are at the forefront of their rankings, each offering unique strengths.
Christian McCaffrey presents a high risk-reward scenario, with potential for massive points but concerns about workload and injuries.
Saquon Barkley remains a strong contender but carries risks related to his heavy usage and age.
CD Lamb and Jameer Gibbs offer solid options with differing degrees of stability and upside.
The debate between running backs and wide receivers in terms of safety and upside continues to be a pivotal theme.

6. Closing Remarks and Teasers for Upcoming Episodes

As the episode concludes, the hosts tease the continuation of the Consensus PPR Top 12 Rankings, promising further exploration of players ranked 7 through 12. They also hint at upcoming segments on waiver wire pickups, trade evaluations, and listener mailbags, ensuring that listeners remain engaged and informed throughout the fantasy football season.

Adam Aizer wraps up with excitement for future discussions:

Adam Aizer at [37:47]:
"We'll be right back on FFD... talking about the rest of the top 12."

Notable Quotes:

Heath Cummings [04:57]:
"Chase is just as… Just has just as much upside... he has a chance to repeat as number one non-quarterback and have another dominant season."
Adam Aizer [25:05]:
"I think people see what Saquon did last year and average 23 PPR points per game, and they gravitate toward it... Bijan's just awesome."
Jamie Eisenberg [19:42]:
"I just think that we should get out of the mindset that wide receivers are safer than running backs."
Dave Richard [27:59]:
"If he does what he did last year, then he should be the number one pick."

Conclusion:

This episode of Fantasy Football Today offers a thorough and dynamic exploration of the Consensus PPR Top 12 Rankings, providing fantasy managers with the necessary insights and debates to navigate their drafts effectively. With a balanced mix of statistical analysis and expert opinions, listeners are well-equipped to make strategic decisions to dominate their leagues in the upcoming season.