FFT Express - Dave Richard’s All-In List! 12 Must-Draft Players for 2025! (08/12 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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):

• 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!

Transcript

[Host]

You all know I've been running an Airbnb for a while now, and it's been a great way to make use of my extra space, especially when I'm traveling. And I've got some great trips coming up. First, I'm heading to Pinehurst, North Carolina for an annual golf trip with the crew. Always a blast. Then I'm swinging down to my old stomping grounds in Gainesville, Florida, to catch a Gators game and slide into my favorite Mexican spot, La Tienda, for some steak tacos. What I love is that with the Airbnb co host network, I don't have to think twice about what's happening back home. I found a local pro who handles everything, Creating the listing, managing bookings, messaging guests, even being there in person if anything comes up. I get to enjoy the trip, be in the moment, and know everything's running smoothly. So whether you already host like I do or you've got a space just sitting empty while you're away, this is a total game changer. Find a co [e-mail] host ready to level up.

[Chumba Casino Ad]

Champa Casino is your playbook to fun. It's free to play with no purchase necessary. Enjoy hundreds of online social games like blackjack, slots and solitaire anytime, anywhere, with fresh releases every week. Whether you're at home or on the go. Let Chumba Casino bring the excitement to you. Plus, get free daily login bonuses and a free welcome bonus check. Join now for your chance to redeem some serious prizes. Play Chumba Casino today. No purchase necessary. VGW Group void board prohibited by law 21/TNC supply Dave Richards all in list.

[Evan]

Must draft players for 2025 right now on FFT Express. Welcome, everybody. Evan. Sorry.

[Dave Richards]

Now I'm doing draft them, draft them, draft them. And your fantasy drafts. This year they're gonna be going.

[Evan]

They're gonna play on Sunday. Sunday, Sunday. All right, so these. These are players that Dave's loving.

[Dave Richards]

Hopefully, they won't be grave diggers for your fantasy team.

[Evan]

Nice. Okay, my throat's hurting me right now. Who do you want to kick off this list with?

[Dave Richards]

I've got 12 names. We're gonna go very quickly through them. There are no running backs on this list, which is weird for me, because you know that 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. There are some sleepers, obviously, later on. I guess we could put Braylon Allen on there now as a guy that I'm excited about. But dealer's choice, Adam. Quarterbacks, receivers, tight ends, receivers. Six names. And again, these are not sleepers. These are just guys that I'm trying to get on my fantasy team and none of these receivers are top 12. So these are all guys that I'm excited to get and potentially would view as wide receiver twos for my fantasy team. And I think it'll help you out, especially because I think there's just kind of a consensus that there aren't a lot of great wide receiver twos and the position drops off a cliff. I think these guys will over deliver Xavier Worthy in Kansas City. Speed they want to throw downfield. Patrick Mahomes is his quarterback. Enough said. Tedro McMillan we saw him look good in the preseason game. He's looked good in practices and joint practices. 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. Jamison Williams. I think there's more that he can do this year after what he did last year. Very excited about him. Excited about Calvin Ridley. I've seen him practice, I've seen him play. He's in sync with Cam Ward. He's going to be the guy that Cam Ward goes to. Fingers crossed that he stays healthy. Ricky Piersol. Little bit worried about the upside for pearsall because the 49ers tend to run the ball a lot that and spread around targets to their wide receivers. But we talked about this on the main show. A lot of wide receivers are hurt right now for the 49ers. It could mean some targets going up, up, up for Ricky Pearsall at least to begin the season and he's a tremendous talent. Last name at wide receiver. A Mecca Abuka. Just someone who continues to make plays for the Bucks in practice and in games. Saw him firsthand, talk to him after practice. I just think that he's going to be a unique player for the Bucks in that when Chris Godwin's out he's going to be an outside receiver. Should be second on the team in targets when Chris Godwin comes back. There's no guarantee that Godwin's going to play a full amount of snaps and there's no guarantee that Godwin is going to be the same guy that we saw at the beginning of last year. I think Abuka will still be second on the team in targets and receiving yards and all that good stuff. Love getting him with a mid round.

[Evan]

Pick all right, so hopefully it can be more like a late round pick for Abuka, whose ADP is still in the hundreds.

[Dave Richards]

Yeah, I'd be surprised if it stays that way.

[Evan]

So, okay, the names again. Xavier worthy, Ted Roll McMillan. I might forget one.

[Dave Richards]

Jameson Williams, Calvin Ridley, Ricky Piersall and Ameka Abuka.

[Evan]

And the cool thing about this is that they're all. Except for. All right, the first three, you might be able to get two of them. You might be able to go round five, six with Worthy. Or if you really want them, you can go four or five. Worthy, McMillan. And Jameson Williams's ADP is kind of settled into about the five, six turn.

[Dave Richards]

Yep.

[Evan]

There's a possibility you can get two of them. You might have to go four or five rounds. Four or five. Are you comfortable with that or is that a little early?

[Dave Richards]

I'm. I'm fine with that because I think that there's top. Do I want to say top 15? Sure, I'll say top 15. Upside with Worthy and McMillan. Jameson, I have a harder time seeing top 15 because I mean St. Brown's there, Gibbs is there, but top 20, top 24. Yeah.

[Evan]

And maybe you can get there, 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 Piersol and then wait a round or two and get a Buka. That's the way it's falling right now. Yeah.

[Dave Richards]

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.

[Evan]

I love the list. I would add Cortland Sutton, I think would be guy that I really want.

[Dave Richards]

And you know what? His film looked good from his preseason game. He was. He started a little slow, but by, by maybe like his fifth snap, sixth snap, he was looking sharp. He looked really good.

[Evan]

Okay, take a break here and find out the other six names on Dave's list. We'll be right back.

[Paramount Plus Ad]

Now streaming on Paramount plus it's an all new season of adventures.

[Dave Richards]

We have to stop this invasion, get into this shit.

[Paramount Plus Ad]

This crew is a team. We are going to find our way out of this. Star Trek Str. New worlds. New season. Now streaming on Paramount plus okay, Dave.

[Evan]

Is drinking water and he is good to go now.

[Dave Richards]

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, Jared Goff. Guys that are not going to run for a lot of yards, but guys who should throw for a lot of yards and certainly a lot of touchdowns. Mahomes. It's just Weird to not see him as a top five fantasy quarterback. I think it's simply because of the last two seasons. But we know that those last two seasons have all kinds of asterisks around them. I'm still not sure what this run game is going to look like for Kansas City, but I certainly doubt that they're going to lean on it when they've got Patrick Mahomes as their quarterback. I could see Mahomes having a very good year. And don't forget, like I think it was his last 12 games, he averaged 12 or not 12, 24 fantasy points per game in six point. Baker Mayfield, monster year. It took me seeing him in practice and seeing his receivers to realize, okay, this offense isn't going to miss a beat. Josh Grizzard is the new play caller. He's the one that designed their third down plays last year. They want to get the ball to Mike Evans a lot. Baker said as much on Sirius XM NFL Radio. He's got all these other great receivers, young receivers in a booka and Jaylen McMillan. Yeah, I just, I think that Baker's going to have another good year and you're getting him a couple of rounds potentially after Patrick Mahomes and Jared Goff is going several rounds after that. I think Jared Goff is like one of the sleepers that you were talking about on the main show, Adam. Guys who are, who are name guys, they've already broken out. They're just, they're names that are just criminally undervalued. And I think Jared Goff is criminally undervalued.

[Evan]

Yeah, Mahomes makes me lose sleep at night because, you know, I, I think the fact that to me, the biggest difference in my home's last two years has just been the lack of explosive plays. They've become a very conservative offense. They haven't necessarily had the personnel to stretch the field. You know, this was without Tyree Kill. First year was juju Smith, Schuster, obviously Kelsey slowing down, not making the, the explosive plays. But Worthy will hopefully fix that and Marquis Brown could fix that and everything. I mean, we've seen it, seen it so many times, heard it so many times. They want to get back to doing that. If they do, you might, you might again have the fantasy MVP in Mahomes.

[Dave Richards]

Let me fix my mistake from earlier. It's 24 fantasy points per game in his last 10 games of 2024, he averaged 25.8 fantasy points in his last three when Xavier Worthy got hot, and then 25.1 in three playoff games. We're drafting a quarterback in round six who's averaging 24, 25 fantasy points per game. Man, that's sweet. And he did it for the majority of the year. I'm going to have a lot of Patrick Mahomes this year.

[Evan]

Okay, let's get down to get on to the tight ends then.

[Dave Richards]

Tyler Warren is a name that I've been talking about since before the draft. I'm not backing down at all just because he's in Indianapolis. The quarterbacks stink, but they need a guy who's a short area target. I think he can do that for them. I've been very bullish on him, certainly trying to get him in the round 10 range, just like I did with Brock Bowers last year. Can he? He's not going to be as good as Bowers, but I think he can finish as a top 12 tight end. I think Zach Ertz can finish as a top 12 tight end. And the longer that Terry McLaurin holds out, the more I love Zach Ertz. Could really be a tight end that begins the season in your starting lineup. Whether he ends the season in your starting lineup remains to be seen. But he's. He's going to be the number two target getter, not Debo in that offense. Jane Daniels really leans on him a lot. And then the last name is Tucker Kraft talked about him a lot, too. I am losing a little bit of love with Kraft because Matthew golden has stepped up so much. Golden should be on this list, Adam, for crying out loud. But Tucker Craft still has a chance to be the number two target getter. And I think the coaching staff in Green Bay does want to make Tucker Craft a thing. He's got the type of receiving skill set that George Kittle has as far as making plays after the catch. We saw it last year. He just didn't get a lot of volume last year. So if they flip the switch and they start feeding him six targets per game, you're going to see Tucker Kraft have a very good year.

[Evan]

Yeah, like I'm the one who told you to take golden off the list or something like that.

[Dave Richards]

It's all your fault, as usual.

[Evan]

I didn't do anything. Wasn't, wasn't.

[Dave Richards]

It wasn't me. I should have added in the list. So there 13 names, a baker's dozen.

[Evan]

There you go. Call that the shaggy portion of the episode because it wasn't me. We'll talk to you tomorrow. Actually, Thursday we're back on Express. We'll talk to you tomorrow on ffd. See you later, everybody.

[Chumba Casino Ad]

Paramount Podcasts.