FFT Express: 8 Rebound Players for 2025 – Comeback Season Loading! (07/31 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

Fantasy Football Today: FFT Express Episode 8 – Rebound Players for 2025

Release Date: August 1, 2025

In the eighth episode of FFT Express from Fantasy Football Today, CBS Sports’ host Adam Aizer and fellow analysts Dave Richard and Jamey Eisenberg delve into the "Rebound Players for 2025", identifying key NFL athletes poised for a resurgence in the upcoming fantasy football season. This comprehensive discussion spans quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends, offering insightful analysis and strategic advice for fantasy managers aiming to dominate their leagues.

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1. Understanding the "Rebound List"

The episode kicks off with the introduction of the "Rebound List," a term creatively coined by the analysts, drawing an analogy to basketball legend Dennis Rodman’s exceptional rebounding skills. Unlike a list of unconventional or eccentric players, the Rebound List focuses on athletes expected to significantly improve their performance in the 2025 season.

Analyst 1 (Adam Aizer) introduces the concept:
“Dennis Rodman list for 2025 right now on FFT Express. You like that the Dennis Rodman list.”
(00:30)

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2. Quarterbacks Positioned for a Comeback

Kyler Murray vs. Justin Fields

A significant portion of the discussion centers on quarterback prospects, particularly Kyler Murray and Justin Fields. The analysts compare their performances and potential trajectories:

Analyst 2 (Dave Richard) highlights Murray’s adaptability:
“If, if chemistry is developed along with what he's already developed with Trey McBride, there could be some good passing numbers ahead for Kyler.”
(01:49)

Conversely, Analyst 1 expresses skepticism about Fields:
“Our Justin Fields love might be going a little too far... but I think a bounce back year is in store for for Kyler Murray.”
(02:16)

Patrick Mahomes

While Patrick Mahomes is acknowledged as an obvious candidate for a bounce-back season, the analysts briefly touch upon his consistent high performance, indicating that he remains a reliable option without delving deeply into potential fluctuations.

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3. Running Backs Ready to Rebound

The conversation shifts to running backs, with a focus on both established stars and emerging talents:

Christian McCaffrey

Analyst 1 fervently supports McCaffrey’s return:
“That I would take him third overall. I don't think anybody else is really doing that.”
(09:06)

He emphasizes McCaffrey’s indispensable role and potential high returns if drafted early.

Travis Etienne and Javante Williams

Both players are highlighted as valuable mid to late-round picks due to their opportunity for increased workload:

Analyst 2 states:
“Both of these guys will have opportunities. A lot of bugs buzz about Tank Bigsby, but I think ETN is going to rotate with him.”
(03:32)

Additional Candidates: Tank Bigsby and Isaac Arundo

Tank Bigsby is mentioned as part of a potential committee backfield, while Isaac Arundo is suggested as a strategic late-round pick for teams prioritizing the 49ers’ offensive dynamics.

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4. Wide Receivers Poised for Upswing

The analysts identify three wide receivers expected to make significant strides:

Tyreek Hill

Analyst 2 underscores Hill’s enhanced role in the Dolphins' offense:
“Tyreek Hill is going to benefit... with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.”
(07:38)

He discusses Hill’s healthy status and the improved offensive line as key factors for his increased target share.

Marvin Harrison Jr.

Harrison Jr.'s versatility is a focal point:
“The catches should be up. And I think the chemistry that we've seen at least in in highlights from practice from Kyler Murray... could make a big jump.”
(06:07)

His ability to adapt to shorter routes and red-zone targets is expected to elevate his fantasy value.

DK Metcalf

Analyst 2 anticipates Metcalf’s resurgence in Pittsburgh:
“DK Metcalf is going to be the number one target getter in Pittsburgh provided that he stays healthy.”
(06:10)

His potential to regain his form alongside Aaron Rodgers makes him a top-wide receiver bulletin.

---

5. Tight End Evan Ingram

Analyst 2 touches upon tight end prospects, specifically Evan Ingram:
“Just the only one is Evan Ingram and I wasn't going to talk much about him because we talked a lot about Evan Ingram on Thursday...”
(08:35)

Ingram is acknowledged as a valuable option, though the discussion suggests that further details were covered in a previous episode’s tight end preview.

---

6. Draft Strategies and ADP Insights

A significant discussion revolves around Average Draft Position (ADP) and how it influences drafting decisions:

Analyst 1 considers Tyreek Hill’s ADP:
“Tyreek hill is going 29th... Round three.”
(08:26)

He debates whether Hill’s performance justifies drafting him later than his intrinsic value, while Analyst 2 remains cautious:
“I’d be nervous in saying that he’d beat adp.”
(08:04)

They analyze the balance between a player’s past performance, potential upside, and current draft trends, advising managers to weigh ADP against personal confidence in the players’ abilities to rebound.

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7. Final Thoughts on Rebound Candidates

As the episode wraps up, Analyst 1 reiterates the importance of strategic drafting:
“It means spending that type of first round pick capital on Christian McCaffrey and backing it up with Isaac Garrendo.”
(09:21)

The hosts emphasize a balanced approach, advocating for securing high-potential players early while identifying valuable opportunities in the later rounds to maximize team performance.

---

Conclusion

This episode of FFT Express serves as a crucial guide for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to capitalize on the 2025 season’s emerging opportunities. By meticulously analyzing potential rebound players across key positions and evaluating draft strategies through the lens of ADP, Adam Aizer and his team provide listeners with actionable insights to enhance their fantasy football rosters. Whether it’s leveraging the resurgence of star players like Christian McCaffrey and Tyreek Hill or uncovering hidden gems in the mid to late rounds, this episode equips fantasy managers with the knowledge to make informed decisions and secure a competitive edge in their leagues.

Transcript

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[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

Dennis Rodman list for 2025 right now on FFT Express. You like that the Dennis Rodman list.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

Does that mean like the wildest, craziest, freakiest players in the NFL?

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

No, it means they're going to rebound.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

It could be the Charles Barkley list.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

Well, you're a Bulls fan and I thought I'd throw that, man. I think Robin was the best rebounder I ever saw.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

He was outstanding, really worked hard at his craft. There's all kinds of stories about it. Fantastic. And he's. And he wasn't the biggest dude either. You know, for a power forward he was like 6 7.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

Yeah, a little wiry too. So anyway, who else is gonna rebound? Well, who's Gonna rebound in 2025?

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

Well, he's not 6 7, but Kyler Murray is certainly somebody who is talking like he's heading to says he wants to run more. The connection with Marvin Harrison Jr. Take it for what you will. It's training camp. A lot of it is one on one. Some team drills obviously and it's not full contact, it's against Arizona secondary but they're connecting. And if, if that, if that chemistry is developed along with what he's already developed with Trey McBride, there could be some good passing numbers ahead for Kyler. But he'll also run and we already know that he's a rushing threat in the red zone. Now he says he wants to run a little bit more. I'm starting to compare him a little bit with Justin Fields and I think I might end up taking Kyler over Justin Fields because I think there could be more upside with Kyler on a week to week basis than Fields. I like the situation better for Kyler, certainly the track record a little bit better for Kyler as a thrower compared to Justin Fields. It's something I'm toying with but I think a bounce back year is in store for for Kyler Murray.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

I think our Justin Fields love might be going a little too far. Specifically Heath and Jamie and I'll bring that up with Heath and Jamie and I understand statistically it makes sense. But I agree with you on Kyler. He didn't even have that bad of a year last year. He was QB12 per game. I think a lot, a lot of.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

It is weighted by week 18.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

18, absolutely.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

He had a monster week 18. It was just a, and a fun way for them to end the season. It was their super bowl and he kicked ass. But it's, it's it. I don't think you should count that game. And if you don't count that game, he was under 20 fantasy points per game.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

I count that game because. Not like he played against second string, he played against some backups but anyway.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

He played against disinterested backups. I don't, I don't know if it's.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

Against disinterested starters maybe, but up starters, backups too. Yeah.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

All right.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

Anyway, who else you got?

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

Well, let's move on from quarterback because Patrick Mahomes, kind of an obvious name as a bounce back candidate. Back to back years, under 21 fantasy points per game. Although he had stretch in 2024 where he was putting up good numbers. Do not forget about that. You can listen to our quarterback preview to hear just that little sliver of information on Patrick Mahomes running back Christian McCaffrey. Obvious bounce backhanded. I don't think we have to talk about him. Two running backs, I don't know if I'm gonna say that they're gonna bounce back for sure, but they're gonna have the opportunity and that's Travis ETN in Jacksonville and Javante Williams in Dallas. And I bring them up because we're always on the hunt for, for running back value in the mid to late rounds and I, I can't help myself with these guys because of opportunity. To me that's the number one thing that matters in fantasy football. If you have a chance to get the football, then you've got a chance to put up fantasy points. Both of these guys will have opportunities. A lot of bugs buzz about Tank Bigsby, but I think ETN is going to rotate with him. I think it will be a committee in Jacksonville. Good value on these guys, at least according to adp. You draft them, you put them on the bench and you wait and see what happens. By no means should you reach for them, but they are absolute bounceback candidates at running back.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

All right, how about we take a little break and get some more bounce back candidates, some more rebounders after this on FFT Express.

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[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

That was a quick break.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

It was a quick break. You guide us Dave.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

Wide receivers three names. They're all big names, so no BS like Javante Williams or Travis etn. Okay? This is the meat of what you dialed in for. Tyreek hill, Marvin Harrison Jr. D.K. metcalf. Tyreek is the most obvious bounce back candidate. He's healthy. The Dolphins offense should be a lot better. I saw them practice on Tuesday. The offensive line looked a little bit better than I expected and Tyreek should be able. I don't know if he's going back to 10 targets per game, Adam, but he was in the seven target per game range last year. They weren't great targets obviously. Achan and John who Smith were soaking it up. I think Tyree Kill can bounce back to a degree. I think he's a borderline number one. Number two fantasy wide receiver somewhere around like wide receiver 12, wide receiver 13. That's obviously what that means. Draft accordingly late round two into early round three Marvin Harrison Jr. Again the highlights are looking great. The hope is that the Cardinals change how they use him. They don't deploy him 15 plus yards downfield. They use him more in the intermediate area and closer to the line of scrimmage. His adot might come down, his targets might go up. The catches should be up. And I think the chemistry that we've seen at least in in highlights from practice from Kyler Murray again, I think that matters and I think if they're on the same page, that'll really Come into play in the red zone. And that's where I think Marvin Harrison Jr. Who scored eight touchdowns last year, could make a big jump. And DK Metcalf is going to be the number one target getter in Pittsburgh provided that he stays healthy. He was averaging well north of seven targets per game in the first half of last year. Averaged more than 15 PPR points per game. This is in Seattle and, and he was, he was rocking. He was off to a good start, definitely a wide receiver two type of start. And then he got hurt in the second half of last year. He just wasn't the same guy. He's healthy now. We know that Aaron Rodgers locks on to his number one receiver. It's not going to be Calvin Austin, it's not going to be Roman Wilson. It's not going to be John who Smith and I. The Steelers will throw just a little bit more than they have in prior seasons and certainly in Arthur Smith's tenure. Probably going to see a lot of passing here. With Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. DK Metcalf is going to benefit. He's going to be in for a bounce back here.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

And Tyreek Hill, just go back to him. So he only had 122 targets in 17 games last year. But in the games he played with Tua he was on pace for 134 targets. Now that's not, that's not 170 targets like previous seasons. But if I'm getting Tyreek hill in the second round, maybe even the third round and I can get 134 targets, I do think he will beat ADP even with that.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

That's about eight targets per game. I, I'd be nervous in saying that he'd beat adp.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

Well, it depends if you think he's still going to be a great player.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

Because yeah, I think he'd beat being like a middle of a third round pick. I'm not quite sure where his ADP is right now.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

I'm not either, Dave, but I have ADP available and why don't you throw.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

A number at us? We got a minute here.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

Tyreek hill is going 29th.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

Okay, I'm in.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

Round three.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

I'm in.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

Okay, you got a tight end. Bounce back.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

Just the only one is Evan Ingram and I wasn't going to talk much about him because we talked a lot about Evan Ingram on Thursday. What day is. Say it's Thursday. Thursday we talked about Evan Ingram. It's our tight end preview. It's a can't miss show. An amazing ending. Highly Recommend you go back and see it and hear it and take it to heart. A lot of Evan Ingram talk in there. Okay.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

I guess I'll try to look for another rebounder and I will say, yeah, McCaffrey is the, the, you know.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

Oh, yeah, like, what do we need to say about him? What could we say?

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

That I would take him third overall.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

Okay.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

I don't think anybody else is really doing that.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

When you do Adam, when you do that, are you going to prioritize taking Isaac Arundo?

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

Yeah, for sure.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

I think you have to. And I know that that practice isn't commonly accepted in fantasy, but that 49ers offense, we know what the track record is of running backs in it. We saw Garendo thrive in it last year. I love their schedule. I want the running back on the 49ers offense. It means spending that type of first round pick capital on Christian McCaffrey and backing it up with Isaac Garrendo. But if you Even don't get McCaffrey, you could target Garendo yourself. Say you draft Bijan Robinson in round one and you get to round eight and Garendo's there. Go ahead, take him. Okay.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

Thank you very much, Dave. Richard.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

We'll be back. You're welcome, Adam Mazer.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

Yeah. Thank you very much, Miss Lippy. We'll be back on Friday with another edition of Fantasy football.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 2]

Today.

[Robert Half Representative]

Paramount Podcasts.

[Fantasy Football Analyst 1]

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