Fantasy Football Today: "DO NOT DRAFT LIST! 12 Players We're Avoiding in 2025" (02/17 Fantasy Football Podcast) Summary

Release Date: February 18, 2025

Welcome to another insightful episode of Fantasy Football Today, hosted by Adam Aizer alongside analysts Dave Richard, Jamie Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and other crew members. In this episode, the team delves deep into their "Do Not Draft" list, spotlighting twelve players they advise fantasy managers to avoid in the upcoming 2025 season. Here's a comprehensive summary of their discussions, key points, and expert opinions.

1. Introduction to the Do Not Draft List

At the outset, Adam Aizer sets the stage by introducing the primary topic: the Do Not Draft list comprising twelve players. These players are categorized into four from each analyst—Jamie Eisenberg, Dave Richard, and Heath Cummings. The list is based on projected Average Draft Positions (ADP) and expected performance declines.

Key Points:

• The list is not absolute; it’s contingent on drafting costs.
• Emphasis on players who may not fit well within fantasy teams due to age, performance inconsistencies, or team dynamics.

2. Jamie Eisenberg’s Do Not Draft List

Jamie Eisenberg presents his selection of four players to avoid:

• James Conner (RB, Arizona Cardinals)
• Mike Evans (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
• Devonte Adams (WR, Las Vegas Raiders)
• Travis Kelsey (TE, Kansas City Chiefs)

Discussion Highlights:

• James Conner: At [04:53], Jamie mentions Conner's age (30 years) and inconsistent performance due to injuries. Despite solid metrics when healthy, Conner's two missed games last season raise concerns about his reliability.

  Jamie Eisenberg [04:53]: "He could have been a top 10 fantasy receiver, but his injury history makes him more of a top 15 guy."

• Mike Evans: Jamie expresses hesitation in drafting Evans around round three due to potential uncertainty with Chris Godwin’s injury recovery.

• Devonte Adams: Jamie is skeptical about Adams’ future performance, especially with potential quarterback changes affecting his target volume.

• Travis Kelsey: While historically a top tight end, Jamie points out Kelsey's declining touchdown production, making him less valuable in non-PPR formats.

3. Dave Richard’s Do Not Draft List

Dave Richard outlines his four players:

• DeAndre Swift (RB, Detroit Lions)
• J.K. Dobbins (RB, Baltimore Ravens)
• George Pickens (WR, Pittsburgh Steelers)
• Anthony Richardson (QB, Indianapolis Colts)

Discussion Highlights:

• DeAndre Swift: Dave cites inconsiderate utilization and competition within the Lions' backfield as primary concerns. He questions Swift's role as a reliable RB2.

  Dave Richard [24:55]: "He only had five games with 15+ PPR points last season. I'm hesitant to trust him as a starter."

• J.K. Dobbins: Concerns revolve around Dobbins' injury susceptibility and uncertain team dynamics. His performance is seen as volatile, making him a risky pick.

• George Pickens: While Pickens has elite play-making ability, Dave doubts his consistency and whether he can secure the number one receiver spot on the Steelers.

• Anthony Richardson: Richardson is viewed as an unproven quarterback with too many variables affecting his fantasy output. Dave advises caution, prioritizing more stable QBs like Justin Herbert over Richardson.

4. Heath Cummings’ Do Not Draft List

Heath Cummings shares his selections:

• Christian McCaffrey (RB, San Francisco 49ers)
• Jared Goff (QB, Detroit Lions)
• Sam LaPorta (TE, Chicago Bears)
• David Montgomery (RB, Detroit Lions)

Discussion Highlights:

• Christian McCaffrey: Heath is particularly cautious about McCaffrey's declining performance due to multiple lower-leg injuries and advancing age (29 years).

  Heath Cummings [39:28]: "Christian McCaffrey is not Christian McCaffrey anymore."

• Jared Goff: While Goff had a solid season, Heath feels he has plateaued and may not offer significant upside compared to elite QBs. His reliance on high-yardage touchdowns is seen as a limitation.

• Sam LaPorta: Despite a promising rookie year, Heath is unsure about LaPorta’s continued production amidst a shifting offensive scheme and increased competition.

• David Montgomery: At 28, Montgomery faces potential marginalization in the Lions' backfield, especially with the introduction of Jameer Gibbs and a new offensive coordinator.

5. In-Depth Player Analysis

The panel engages in detailed analysis of each player on their respective lists, discussing metrics, team dynamics, injury history, and potential future performance.

Key Players Discussed:

• Travis Kelsey: Concerns about declining efficiency and reduced target volume.

• Mike Evans: Uncertainty surrounding target distribution post Godwin's injury.

• Devonte Adams: Potential decrease in target volume due to quarterback changes and team dynamics.

• DeAndre Swift: Limited role in the Lions' offense and competition with emerging backs like Jameer Gibbs.

• Anthony Richardson: Predicted inconsiderate performance due to unproven quarterback mechanics.

6. Age and Performance Declines

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the age-related performance declines, especially for wide receivers like Mike Evans and Devonte Adams and running backs like James Conner. The panel debates the impacts of turning 32 on WRs and the natural decline that age brings.

Notable Insights:

• Age Impact: Players turning 32, such as Devonte Adams and Mike Evans, are highlighted as entering a "dangerous year" for fantasy performance.

  Adam Azer [23:38]: "Adams and Evans are both going to be 32. That's a dangerous year."

• Running Backs: James Conner's productivity is questioned due to his age and injury history, despite solid yardage and touchdown numbers when healthy.

7. Team Dynamics and Future Outlook

The analysts examine how team changes, such as quarterback shifts and offensive coordinator alterations, affect player performance. Specifically:

• Bengals: Potential fluctuations in quarterback position with Matthew Stafford trade rumors and Kirk Cousins possibly moving to the Browns.

• Jets: Uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers' future and the release implications.

• Raiders: Release of Gardner Minshew and its impact on Devonte Adams.

• Lions: New offensive coordinator’s influence on Sam LaPorta and David Montgomery's roles.

8. Concluding Remarks and Future Episodes

The episode wraps up with the host reiterating the Do Not Draft lists from each analyst and previewing upcoming topics, such as free agency previews and second-half performance analyses.

Final Thoughts: The panel emphasizes the importance of monitoring ADP and adjusting strategies accordingly. They advise fantasy managers to remain vigilant about player health, team dynamics, and age-related performance declines when building their rosters.

Upcoming Topics:

• Free Agency Preview: Scheduled for Thursday.
• Best and Worst Second Half Performers: Set for the following day, analyzing late-season trends.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jamie Eisenberg [04:53]: "He could have been a top 10 fantasy receiver, but his injury history makes him more of a top 15 guy."

• Heath Cummings [39:28]: "Christian McCaffrey is not Christian McCaffrey anymore."

• Adam Azer [23:38]: "Adams and Evans are both going to be 32. That's a dangerous year."

• Dave Richard [24:55]: "He only had five games with 15+ PPR points last season. I'm hesitant to trust him as a starter."

Conclusion

This episode of Fantasy Football Today provides a critical analysis of twelve players to avoid in fantasy drafts for the 2025 season. By examining factors such as age, team dynamics, injury history, and projected performance, the panel equips fantasy managers with valuable insights to make informed drafting decisions. Stay tuned for their future episodes to continue gaining an edge in your fantasy leagues.