Fantasy Football Today: Episode Summary - "Derek Carr Retires! Plus Five Players We Don't Talk About Enough" (Released May 12, 2025)

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, hosted by Adam Aizer and featuring analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, and Heath Cummings, the team delves deep into significant NFL news and under-the-radar fantasy football players. The primary focus revolves around Derek Carr's retirement and its ramifications for the New Orleans Saints, alongside an exploration of five lesser-discussed players who could impact fantasy leagues.

1. Derek Carr's Retirement and the New Orleans Saints’ Quarterback Situation

The episode kicks off with breaking news: Derek Carr has announced his retirement due to a lingering shoulder injury. This development leaves the New Orleans Saints in a precarious position regarding their quarterback lineup.

Heath Cummings (00:31):

"Derek Carr retiring due to his shoulder injury. Just some other quick notes. The Saints signed Trey Sermon, Travis Hunter..."

Adam Aizer (03:00):

"I think we ought to let everybody have a turn, maybe just rotate one every quarter or be great to see Taysom Hill in that role."

Key Points Discussed:

• Quarterback Options: The team debates potential successors, including Taysom Hill, Tyler Shuck, and Spencer Rattler. Adam expresses skepticism about Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins joining the Saints, highlighting concerns over draft pick costs and overall team competitiveness.

• Offensive Concerns: With Carr's departure, there's apprehension about the Saints' offensive prowess. Heath analyzes past seasons, noting that even with historically weak offenses, there have been standout fantasy performers like Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor. However, this year’s scenario appears more daunting.

Dave Richard (04:51):

"It makes me scared for a lot of Saints players... the whole offense, his age."

2. Analyzing Alvin Kamara's Fantasy Value Amid Offensive Changes

Alvin Kamara's performance is under scrutiny due to the uncertainty surrounding the Saints' offense.

Lonzo Ball (08:34):

"He's been extremely productive in the format that matters most for most leagues, which is PPR."

Adam Aizer (09:41):

"Alvin Kamara caught 85 passes and finished as a top 12 running back in PPR. I think he has top five upside in full PPR."

Key Points Discussed:

• Performance Metrics: Despite potential downturns in rushing production, Kamara remains a valuable asset in PPR formats due to his receiving capabilities.

• Future Projections: Adam underscores Kamara's resilience, suggesting that his fantasy value remains strong as long as the Saints can manage their offensive strategy effectively.

3. Chuba Hubbard: Potential Bust or Hidden Gem?

The discussion shifts to Chuba Hubbard of the Carolina Panthers, exploring his consistency and future outlook.

Heath Cummings (18:26):

"Is anybody worried that if there is a version of Mike Davis, Miles Gaskin, Alexander Madison, that it could be Chuba Hubbard?"

Dave Richard (19:32):

"He scored 11 touchdowns. That absolutely helped... he averaged 16.1 PPR points per game."

Key Points Discussed:

• Current Season Performance: While Hubbard showed promise last year, recent performances have been inconsistent, leading to concerns about his reliability.

• Team Dynamics: The addition of Rico Dowdle and Trevor Etienne introduces competition in the backfield, potentially limiting Hubbard's touches and overall fantasy output.

• Prospects: Lonzo Ball suggests that unless significant changes occur, Hubbard might not maintain his expected fantasy performance, labeling him as a possible bust in the first four rounds.

Jonah Ball (21:07):

"There’s only one thing that I would add is, is it Rico or is it Rico and Trevor Etienne?"

4. Devon Hn: A Surefire First-Round Pick?

Devon Hn emerges as a strong candidate for first-round fantasy drafts, with the Dolphins' offensive strategy playing a crucial role.

Heath Cummings (26:06):

"Devon Hn... averaged around 22 fantasy points per game with two touchdowns."

Lonzo Ball (27:28):

"He's the top five running back or top six at this worst case scenario."

Key Points Discussed:

• Offensive Role: Under new running backs coordinator Mike McDaniel, Hn is poised to be the Dolphins' primary back, especially in the passing game.

• Health and Volatility: Concerns remain about Hn's dependence on quarterback performance and his health, but his upside in PPR formats makes him a desirable pick.

Adam Aizer (31:12):

"He is one of three running backs I project to score 300 PPR fantasy points over 17 games."

5. Tony Pollard: Solidifying His Position in the Middle Rounds

Tony Pollard's fantasy prospects are evaluated, particularly his efficiency and role within the Tennessee Titans.

Heath Cummings (37:27):

"Tony Pollard was the number 22 running back per game in PPR last year."

Dave Richard (40:11):

"In a situation as they've illustrated, much better environment around him."

Key Points Discussed:

• Performance Analysis: Despite a low touchdown count, Pollard's yardage and touches make him a reliable mid-round pick.

• Team Improvements: Enhancements to the Titans' offensive line and coaching may provide Pollard with more opportunities to excel.

Lonzo Ball (42:55):

"In a situation as they've illustrated, much better environment around him."

6. Jalen Waddle: Overlooked Talent or Risky Bet?

Jalen Waddle's inconsistent performance raises questions about his fantasy reliability.

Heath Cummings (44:50):

"He was fourth fiddle."

Dave Richard (45:25):

"He's definitely not going to be the top target getter as long as Tyreek Hill is."

Key Points Discussed:

• Performance Fluctuations: While Waddle has demonstrated high potential, his lack of consistent targets and injuries last season dampen his reliability.

• Offensive Strategy: The Dolphins' focus on pass protection and the usage of other receivers may limit Waddle's fantasy upside unless significant changes occur.

Adam Aizer (31:33):

"He's one of three running backs I project to score 300 PPR fantasy points over 17 games."

7. Jordan Love: Low Preference in Fantasy Drafts

Jordan Love's ranking takes a hit due to inconsistent performance and a lack of offensive support.

Heath Cummings (50:09):

"Does anybody view Jordan Love as having big upside as a guy who finished his QB7 per game in 2023?"

Adam Aizer (52:11):

"He probably is a little bit responsible for that as well... he's a borderline QB one."

Key Points Discussed:

• Performance Decline: Love's passer rating and rushing yards have dropped, making him a less attractive option for fantasy quarterbacks.

• Offensive Support: Despite having Matthew Golden as a potential standout receiver, overall offensive struggles hinder Love's fantasy performance.

Dave Richard (54:07):

"It's another easy... something that the coaching staff should try and solve because there's no question about the talent of this guy."

8. Mailbag and Listener Engagement

The latter part of the episode includes a brief segment showcasing listener engagement, addressing questions submitted via emails and social media.

Heath Cummings (17:15):

"We have a mailbag coming up on Thursday. Don't forget about that."

Key Points Discussed:

• Audience Interaction: The hosts encourage listeners to contribute questions for future episodes, emphasizing community engagement and personalized advice.

Conclusion

This episode of Fantasy Football Today provides a comprehensive analysis of recent NFL developments, particularly focusing on the New Orleans Saints' quarterback dilemma following Derek Carr's retirement. The hosts offer insightful evaluations of key players like Alvin Kamara, Chuba Hubbard, Devon Hn, Tony Pollard, Jalen Waddle, and Jordan Love, aiding fantasy football enthusiasts in making informed draft and roster decisions. Through detailed discussions, notable quotes, and expert projections, the podcast ensures listeners are well-equipped to dominate their fantasy leagues.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Heath Cummings (05:12):

  "With Derek Carr retiring, who do you want to see be the quarterback of the Saints this year?"

• Adam Aizer (09:41):

  "Alvin Kamara caught 85 passes and finished as a top 12 running back in PPR."

• Dave Richard (40:11):

  "In a situation as they've illustrated, much better environment around him."

• Heath Cummings (44:50):

  "He was fourth fiddle."

This structured summary encapsulates the episode's critical discussions, providing valuable insights for both regular listeners and those who haven't tuned in yet.