FFT Express - Dave Richard’s 2025 All-Breakout Team REVEALED!

Podcast: Fantasy Football Today Express
Date: August 27, 2025
Hosts: Jamie Eisenberg & Dave Richard

Overview

This episode of FFT Express dives deep into Dave Richard’s 2025 All-Breakout Fantasy Football Team, with Jamie Eisenberg joining to break down Dave's selections at each position. The focus is on actionable player recommendations that fantasy football managers can use to clinch league victories in 2025—covering rising stars, strategic draft rounds, and the reasoning behind each breakout pick. The show is energetic, fast-paced, and assumes listeners are passionate, competitive fantasy league participants.

Key Breakdown & Insights

Quarterback Breakout: Drake Maye

• Analysis:
  Jamie credits Dave for being bullish on Drake Maye before most. Maye’s preseason performance and improvements in the Patriots’ offense set him up for significant fantasy value.
• Supporting Stats & Arguments:
  • Finished 2024 with 18.6 fantasy points per game over his final 11 games (6-pt passing TD, [02:38]).
  • Projected for ~630 rushing yards over a full healthy season—third among QBs behind only Lamar Jackson and Jaden Daniels (Dave, [03:33]).
  • Improved supporting cast (Demario Douglas, tight ends, Kon Booty, Travion Henderson).
  • Favorable early schedule (Week 1 vs. Las Vegas, Week 2 vs. Miami).
• Notable Quote:
  “I do not mind beginning the year with him as my starter because of who they play.” – Jamie Eisenberg ([02:38])

Running Back Breakouts: Bucky Irving & Jordan Mason

• Bucky Irving (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
  • Breakout based on strong finish (14.4 PPR ppg over 2024, 18.1 in last 8 incl. playoffs, mostly on <60% snap share; Jamie, [04:09]).
  • Anticipates more playing time and a shot to maintain or beat his end-of-2024 production.
  • Draftable in Round 2, with possible value in Round 3 depending on drafts ([06:29]).
  • Ranking context: Only Achan, Jacobs, Chase Brown ranked ahead in full-PPR; Irving could slide even higher (Jamie, [06:04]).
  • Notable Quote:
    “I think Bucky Irving plays just a little bit more than he did last year. That gives me hope that he can meet or exceed the 18 PPR points per game that he had last year.” – Jamie Eisenberg ([04:09])
• Jordan Mason (Minnesota Vikings)
  • Expected to overtake Aaron Jones as Minnesota skews younger in their backfield ([04:09]).
  • Fits a power running, “gap” style the Vikings seek; seen as a high-value touch candidate, especially for carries ([04:09]).
  • Draft window: Round 7–8.

Wide Receiver Breakouts: Marvin Harrison Jr. & Jameson Williams

• Marvin Harrison Jr. (Arizona Cardinals)
  • Bulked up in offseason; may run shorter routes, but volume expected to rise as Kyler Murray is dedicated to targeting him.
  • Projects 7+ targets/game (was 6.8 last year) with TD upside; more valuable in PPR but will also be strong non-PPR due to red zone work ([09:09]).
  • Possible steal in Rounds 4–5.
  • Notable Discussion:
    “He’s PPR dependent.” – Jamie Eisenberg
    “I almost think he might be better in non-PPR than PPR.” – Dave Richard ([09:09])
• Jameson Williams (Detroit Lions)
  • Averaged 15 PPR points per game over last 8 games in 2024; expected step forward with high ceiling due to his explosiveness ([07:36]).
  • Lions’ new coordinator unlikely to hamper offense’s productivity.
  • Draftable in Rounds 4–5.

Flex: Ricky Pearsall (San Francisco 49ers)

• Had a big finish to 2024 with an average of 18 PPR points in his last three games ([07:36]).
• With continued injury woes among 49ers receivers, Pearsall has a chance to command 7–8 targets/game—rare for a San Francisco WR.
• Strong candidate for a hot start and solid overall production.
• Notable Quote:
  “It’s rare to see a receiver in San Francisco see eight targets plus per game. I think he can get close to that...” – Jamie Eisenberg ([07:36])

Tight End Breakout: Tucker Kraft (Green Bay Packers)

• Dave picks Kraft over more hyped early picks like Tyler Warren, focusing on great late-round TE value ([10:44]).
• Kraft was hyper-efficient late last season and could be the Packers’ No. 2 target, especially with rookie Matthew Golden and a banged-up Jaden Reed.
• LaFleur wants Kraft more involved after not utilizing him enough in 2024.
• LaFleur’s offense is Kittle-esque, giving Kraft touchdown and yardage upside ([10:44]).
• Notable Quote:
  “If you whiff on McBride and Bowers and the George Kittle early on in your fantasy drafts... you could take Tucker Kraft and I think he can help you at bare minimum get double digit PPR points week in and week out.” – Jamie Eisenberg ([10:44])

Drafting the All-Breakout Team: Average Draft Rounds ([12:00])

Jamie and Dave walk through a plausible draft construction that lands all breakouts—no first-rounders required:

• 2nd Round: Bucky Irving
• 4th: Marvin Harrison Jr.
• 5th: Jameson Williams
• 6th: Ricky Pearsall
• 7th: Jordan Mason
• 8th: Tucker Kraft
• QB Drake Maye can be had even later.
• Tight end flyer alternative: Tyler Warren (8th or 9th).

Summary Note: This structure shows that managers can realistically build a roster full of upside without over-reaching.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “He himself has a year’s worth of experience and the offensive line, especially the right side of that offensive line, should be better. These are all improvements for Drake Maye over last year.” – Jamie Eisenberg ([02:38])
• “Drafting Jordan Mason, we’ve started to see it late Round 7, Round 8... I think he’s going to be worth that ADP.” – Jamie Eisenberg ([04:09])
• “Imagine him (Kraft) filling the role of George Kittle, maybe not to the same type of hyper efficiency…but this is still a great tight end to take late.” – Jamie Eisenberg ([10:44])
• “Bucky’s the only one that you’re taking in the first two rounds and should have an opportunity for all these players... No first-round picks, you get a stud, still get Bucky Irving...” – Dave Richard ([12:00])

Quick Reference Timeline

• Drake Maye (QB): 02:38–03:33
• RBs (Irving/Mason): 04:09–06:38
• WRs (Harrison Jr./Williams): 07:36–09:27
• Flex (Pearsall): 09:27–10:44
• TE (Tucker Kraft): 10:44–11:58
• Draft strategy recap: 12:00–13:45

Final Thoughts

The episode provides a detailed, actionable, and forward-looking roster strategy focused on late-round and mid-round breakouts, helping fantasy managers optimize draft value for 2025. With expert analysis and clear draft blueprints, listeners can build a competitive team heavy on upside without paying premium prices.