Fantasy Football Today: FFT Express - Dave Richard’s All-In List! 12 Must-Draft Players for 2025! (08/12 Fantasy Football Podcast) Release Date: August 13, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, hosted by CBS Sports' Adam Aizer, the focus is squarely on preparing listeners for the upcoming 2025 fantasy football season. The episode centers around Dave Richards’ All-In List, featuring 12 must-draft players who are poised to make significant impacts on fantasy rosters. Co-host Evan joins Dave to delve into the specifics of each player, offering valuable insights and strategies to help fantasy managers dominate their leagues.
Dave Richards' All-In List Overview
Dave Richards kicks off the discussion by unveiling his 12-player list, emphasizing a noteworthy absence of running backs—a departure from his usual preferences. He explains:
“There are no running backs on this list, which is weird for me, because I like running backs, but I just think that everybody knows about all the running backs, and you just target them at ADP and I think you'll be okay.”
[02:10]
Instead, Dave focuses on quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends, identifying players who offer high upside and consistent performance, ensuring fantasy managers have a competitive edge.
Wide Receiver Recommendations
Dave highlights six wide receivers who are not only reliable but also undervalued in standard draft positions. These receivers are excellent targets for mid to late-round picks and can serve as strong second-option receivers on fantasy rosters.
-
Xavier Worthy (Kansas City)
“Xavier Worthy... Speed. They want to throw downfield. Patrick Mahomes is his quarterback. Enough said.”
[02:35]
Xavier is praised for his speed and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, making him a dynamic threat in the Kansas City offense. -
Tedro McMillan
“Tedro McMillan... unique talent, unique traits. Going to be the number one target for Bryce Young. Bryce Young looks good. I would love to have Tedro McMillan even as soon as round four and full PPR.”
[03:00]
Tedro stands out for his unique skill set and his role as the primary target for emerging quarterback Bryce Young. -
Jameson Williams
“Jameson Williams... more that he can do this year after what he did last year... very excited about him.”
[03:20]
Jameson is expected to build on his previous performance, offering increased value and potential breakout opportunities. -
Calvin Ridley
“Calvin Ridley... in sync with Cam Ward. Fingers crossed that he stays healthy.”
[03:35]
Calvin’s synchronization with quarterback Cam Ward makes him a reliable target, contingent on maintaining his health. -
Ricky Piersall
“Ricky Piersall... the 49ers tend to run the ball a lot that and spread around targets to their wide receivers... tremendous talent.”
[04:00]
Despite concerns about target volume, Ricky’s talent shines, especially with potential injuries in the 49ers' receiving corps. -
A Mecka Abuka
“A Mecka Abuka... when Chris Godwin's out he's going to be an outside receiver... unique player for the Bucks... should be second on the team in targets.”
[04:15]
Abuka is touted for his ability to step up in Chris Godwin’s absence, ensuring significant target volume and fantasy value.
Additional Mention: Cortland Sutton
“Cortland Sutton... his film looked good from his preseason game... looking really good.”
[06:05]
While not part of the initial 12, Cortland Sutton is acknowledged for his impressive preseason performance, hinting at future inclusion.
Quarterback Recommendations
Dave identifies three quarterbacks who are undervalued and possess the potential to deliver consistent fantasy points:
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Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City)
“Patrick Mahomes... Weird to not see him as a top five fantasy quarterback... I could see Mahomes having a very good year.”
[06:44]
Despite recent seasons affecting his ranking, Mahomes' consistent performance and offensive support make him a cornerstone for fantasy teams. -
Baker Mayfield
“Baker Mayfield, monster year... Josh Grizzard is the new play caller... he said... he’s got all these other great receivers.”
[07:00]
Baker is projected to have a strong season with a revamped offense and improved receiving options, making him a valuable addition in later rounds. -
Jared Goff
“Jared Goff is criminally undervalued... they're just names that are just criminally undervalued.”
[07:45]
Goff is highlighted as a sleeper quarterback who could outperform his draft position, offering significant upside.
Dave provides compelling statistics to back his claims:
“It's 24 fantasy points per game in his last 10 games of 2024... averaging 25.8 fantasy points in his last three when Xavier Worthy got hot, and then 25.1 in three playoff games.”
[08:11]
Tight End Recommendations
The tight end position receives particular attention, with Dave emphasizing three names poised to excel:
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Tyler Warren (Indianapolis)
“Tyler Warren... bullish on him, certainly trying to get him in the round 10 range... finish as a top 12 tight end.”
[09:20]
Despite concerns about the Indianapolis offense, Tyler is expected to be a reliable short-area target, potentially ranking among the top tight ends. -
Zach Ertz
“Zach Ertz... number two target getter... Jane Daniels really leans on him a lot.”
[10:00]
Ertz is valued for his consistent target share and ability to contribute significantly to fantasy scores throughout the season. -
Tucker Kraft (Green Bay)
“Tucker Kraft... type of receiving skill set that George Kittle has... if they start feeding him six targets per game, you're going to see Tucker Kraft have a very good year.”
[10:00]
Kraft is noted for his playmaking ability, with potential for increased targets making him a valuable late-round pick.
Dave also mentions:
“Matthew Golden has stepped up so much. Golden should be on this list, Adam, for crying out loud. But Tucker Kraft still has a chance to be the number two target getter.”
[10:34]
Acknowledging Matthew Golden's improvement, Dave still maintains optimism for Kraft’s role in the Green Bay offense.
Draft Strategies and ADP Considerations
Evan collaborates with Dave to outline strategic approaches to drafting these players based on their Average Draft Position (ADP):
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Early Rounds (Rounds 4-6): Target high-upside wide receivers like Xavier Worthy, Tedro McMillan, and Jameson Williams. “You might have to go four or five rounds... Worthy, McMillan, and Jameson Williams's ADP is kind of settled into about the five, six turn.”
[04:58] -
Middle Rounds (After Round 6): Focus on securing Calvin Ridley and Ricky Piersall. “Maybe wait a few rounds and then grab Calvin Ridley, then maybe wait around or later in that same round, you know, if you don't get Ridley, Ricky Piersal.”
[05:16] -
Late Rounds (Rounds 8-12): Target tight ends like Tyler Warren, Zach Ertz, and Tucker Kraft, leveraging their potential upside. “I'm here trying to get him in the round 10 range... finish as a top 12 tight end.”
[09:20]
Dave emphasizes the importance of flexibility and being prepared to adjust based on draft flow and player availability.
Final Thoughts and Conclusions
Dave and Evan wrap up the discussion by reiterating the value of their All-In List, highlighting the balanced approach of targeting underappreciated yet high-potential players across key positions. Dave concludes:
“Receivers, just to keep in mind, the position is just a little wonky this year. I think these guys have a chance to get some better than expected target volume.”
[05:51]
Evan adds a touch of humor while affirming the strength of the list:
“I love the list. I would add Cortland Sutton, I think would be guy that I really want.”
[06:05]
The episode underscores the importance of strategic drafting, emphasizing players who might offer significant returns relative to their draft positions. Listeners are encouraged to consider these recommendations seriously to gain a competitive advantage in their fantasy leagues.
Key Takeaways
- Wide Receivers: Focus on Xavier Worthy, Tedro McMillan, Jameson Williams, Calvin Ridley, Ricky Piersall, and A Mecca Abuka for mid to late-round picks.
- Quarterbacks: Patrick Mahomes remains a top-tier QB, with Baker Mayfield and Jared Goff presenting valuable mid-round options.
- Tight Ends: Tyler Warren, Zach Ertz, and Tucker Kraft offer substantial upside for late-round selections.
- Draft Strategy: Prioritize high-value, undervalued players in multiple positions, ensuring a balanced and potent fantasy roster.
By adhering to Dave Richards’ All-In List and implementing the discussed strategies, fantasy managers can position themselves for a successful and championship-winning season.
Notable Quotes:
- “There are no running backs on this list... target them at ADP and I think you'll be okay.” — Dave Richards [02:10]
- “Xavier Worthy... Patrick Mahomes is his quarterback. Enough said.” — Dave Richards [02:35]
- “It's 24 fantasy points per game in his last 10 games of 2024...” — Dave Richards [08:11]
- “Zach Ertz... number two target getter... Jane Daniels really leans on him a lot.” — Dave Richards [10:00]
Tune in to Fantasy Football Today for more expert analysis, rankings, and strategies to dominate your fantasy football league!