Fantasy Football Today: DO NOT DRAFT LIST! Plus Big News Updates (07/28 Fantasy Football Podcast) – Detailed Summary

Release Date: July 28, 2025
Hosts: Adam Aizer, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with Adam Aizer welcoming back the cast—Heath Cummings, Jamie Eisenberg, and Dave Richard—to discuss the critical "Do Not Draft" list for the upcoming fantasy football season. The hosts express excitement about helping listeners navigate their drafts to dominate their leagues.

2. Revisiting Last Year's "Do Not Draft" List

Adam reflects on the previous year's "Do Not Draft" list, highlighting how certain predictions panned out:

• Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes were initially on the list but both outperformed expectations.
• Aaron Jones was ranked as a potential bust, finishing as RB19, though Jamie clarifies that the issue was drafting him too early rather than his performance.
• Zay Flowers was also previously flagged, with Heath noting, “You’ll hear his name again” (04:43).

3. Current "Do Not Draft" List

The core of the episode centers around identifying players to avoid in drafts. The hosts meticulously break down each player, providing analysis backed by statistics and performance trends.

a. Saquon Barkley

• Current ADP: Third overall, ranked as RB2 on Fantasy Pros.
• Hosts' Consensus:
  • Jamie: Suggests drafting Barkley no higher than fifth running back, eighth overall (08:08).
  • Heath: Positions him as RB3 or fifth overall.
• Key Points:
  • History of decline after high workload seasons.
  • Concerns about injury risks and workload sustainability.

Notable Quote:

Jamie: “There are five of the seven running backs that were 28 or older who declined by at least five PPR points per game the following year. That would be bad for Saquon…” (06:34)

b. Kyron Williams

• Current ADP: 23rd turn, RB11 on Fantasy Pros.
• Hosts' Opinions:
  • Jamie: Values him as a round five pick, citing his role as a workhorse and potential RB2.
  • Heath: Views him as a great value in the middle rounds.
• Key Points:
  • High workload with 351 carries last season.
  • Decline in efficiency metrics.
  • Uncertain offensive outlook with Matthew Stafford's injuries.

Notable Quote:

Jamie: “He’s a great value because no matter the ADP, people are going to draft him around the 20th to 35th pick.” (10:54)

c. Joe Mixon

• Current ADP: Round seven, with considerations to sink him down further.
• Hosts' Concerns:
  • Foot injury status for week one.
  • Competition from teammates and potential reduced workload.
• Key Points:
  • History of injuries impacting early-season performance.
  • Backup options may limit Mixon's effectiveness.

Notable Quote:

Dave: “I'm probably not drafting Joe Mixon at all this season.” (27:44)

d. Breece Hall

• Current ADP: 33rd overall, RB14.
• Hosts' Consensus:
  • Jamie: Avoids drafting him early due to uncertain reception totals and offensive changes.
  • Heath: Views him as a swing pick with potential but not reliable enough for higher rounds.
• Key Points:
  • Concerns about reduced targets and sharing the backfield.
  • Potential for inconsistency based on offensive strategies.

Notable Quote:

Jamie: “He’ll need to prove himself to the front office and coaching staff. At his cost, he’s not horrible, but I’m sticking other players in that range.” (40:09)

e. Aaron Jones

• Current ADP: 68th overall, RB26.
• Hosts' Discussion:
  • Jamie: Emphasizes age and workload concerns, predicting a timeshare scenario.
  • Heath: Agrees, noting expectations for reduced production and increased competition for touches.
• Key Points:
  • Older age and potential decline in performance.
  • Coaching strategies likely to limit his role.

Notable Quote:

Jamie: “He’s an older running back coming off a career-high in carries… his coach wants to use him in a timeshare, which affects his fantasy value.” (41:30)

4. Additional Key Players on the "Do Not Draft" List

Brock Bowers (Tight End)

• Current ADP: 19th overall.
• Hosts' Views:
  • Adam: Questions the value at such a high pick.
  • Jamie: Avoids spending a precious pick unless absolutely certain.
• Key Points:
  • Potential for high drafting but uncertain breakout performance.
  • Risk of limited targets and competition within the team.

Notable Quote:

Dave: “I don’t want to spend a pick on him because I don’t think he’s going to provide the Travis Kelce-style edge everyone expects.” (49:52)

5. News and Updates

After discussing the "Do Not Draft" list, the hosts transition to "News and Notes," covering recent player injuries and team updates that impact fantasy football strategies.

a. Player Injuries:

• Justin Jefferson: Hamstring strain, expected to miss some time.

  Adam: “Justin Jefferson's gonna miss some time with a hamstring strain…” (23:41)

• Matthew Stafford: Back soreness, missing practice but expected for Week 1.

  Jamie: “Damian Pierce is on the PUP list for the Texans. I wouldn’t overlook the Stafford injury for a guy that’s had some spinal issues.” (24:29)

• Joe Mixon: Foot injury jeopardizing Week 1 availability.

b. Team Strategies:

• Carolina Panthers: Adjustments in offensive strategies affecting key players like Brandon Bowe and Kyle Pitts.
• New England Patriots: Updates on Receivers like Stefan Diggs and Brian Thomas due to injuries.

Notable Quote:

Jamie: “You have to have two balls in the air at the same time. If you’re juggling, can’t just throw one the other hand, then throw another.” (69:21)

6. Listener Engagement and Promotions

The hosts engage with listener emails and promote ongoing activities, including:

• Draftathon: A fundraising event supporting St. Jude, with opportunities to bid on draft spots and participate in mock drafts.
• Podcast Awards: Encouraging listeners to nominate "Fantasy Football Today" for Best Sports Podcast.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts emphasize the importance of being strategic with the "Do Not Draft" list and staying updated with player news to make informed decisions. They also share humorous moments, such as Adam’s unsuccessful juggling attempt, to keep the conversation light and engaging.

Notable Quote:

Heath: “I need a ruling from Jamie because I think he turns 32, like week eight.” (67:20)

Summary

In this episode of "Fantasy Football Today," the hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of the players to avoid in the upcoming fantasy drafts. They meticulously evaluate each player's current performance, historical trends, and potential risks, offering listeners valuable insights to refine their draft strategies. Additionally, the hosts keep the audience informed with the latest news and updates, ensuring that fantasy managers are well-equipped to dominate their leagues.

Key Takeaways:

• Saquon Barkley and Joe Mixon are primary targets to avoid due to injury risks and declining performance.
• Kyron Williams presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario, best drafted in middle rounds.
• Breece Hall and Aaron Jones also pose concerns related to workload and age.
• Staying updated with player news and team strategies is crucial for making informed draft decisions.

By heeding the hosts’ recommendations and staying vigilant with ongoing player developments, listeners can enhance their chances of securing a winning fantasy football team this season.