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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.