Podcast Summary: Fantasy Football Today – "FFT Express - Don’t Forget These 5 Names on Draft Day: Kupp, Samuel, & More! | Heath Cummings’ Picks!"

Release Date: August 8, 2025

Hosts: Adam Aizer, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and the Fantasy Football Today (FFT) crew.

Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, host Heath Cummings leads a focused discussion on five pivotal players fantasy managers should keep on their radar during draft day. The session is part of the "FFT Express" segment and provides in-depth analysis and strategic insights to help listeners dominate their fantasy leagues. The conversation is dynamic, featuring co-host interactions that enhance the depth of the analysis.

Key Players to Watch on Draft Day

1. Jordan Love – Quarterback, Green Bay Packers

Timestamp: [01:32]

Heath Cummings kicks off the discussion by highlighting Jordan Love as a must-draft quarterback. Love, who operated under a pass-heavy system last year, showed promising statistics before his injury—throwing for 4,100 yards and 32 touchdowns in 17 games.

Co-host Insight: "Jordan Love will be a top 12 quarterback again. And now he's not a bust. You don't have to draft in round six like you did last year." ([02:08])

This improvement is partly attributed to the Packers' strategic addition of wide receiver Matthew Golden in the first round, which is expected to increase Love's pass volume and overall efficiency.

2. Tony Pollard – Running Back, Dallas Cowboys

Timestamp: [02:26]

Next, the conversation shifts to Tony Pollard, a running back who has consistently surpassed the thousand-yard mark over the past three seasons. Pollard's dual-threat capability as both a rusher and receiver makes him a valuable asset.

Co-host Analysis: "He's never had a year where he was below 4 yards per carry. If there's an actual threat of a passing game, we may see a return to efficiency where he averaged over five yards per carry in three of his first four years." ([03:10])

Heath reflects on Pollard's role within the Cowboys' offense, noting his potential for increased touchdowns and improved efficiency in a more balanced offensive attack.

3. Jacoby Meyer – Wide Receiver, Las Vegas Raiders

Timestamp: [04:32]

Jacoby Meyer emerges as a sleeper pick, especially in PPR (Points Per Reception) formats. Though he may not grab immediate headlines, Meyer's consistent performance positions him close to the top 30 wide receivers.

Co-host Recommendation: "He's a good candidate to be that guy... Probably going to see 110 to 120 targets, definitely going to catch two-thirds of them because he does it every year." ([04:32])

With an upgraded quarterback and offensive coordinator, Meyer is poised to become the primary receiving target for the Raiders, especially with the addition of Brock Bowers.

4. Cooper Kupp – Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks

Timestamp: [06:21]

Despite concerns over age and recent performance dips, Cooper Kupp remains a high-value pick in deeper rounds. At 32 years old, Kupp's persistence and role within the Seahawks’ offense make him a strategic late-round acquisition.

Co-host Strategy: "Cooper Kupp falls to round eight, round nine of drafts could very easily be a low end number two in full PPR." ([06:21])

Kupp's healthy status and significant role in Clint Kubiak's offense ensure his continued relevance, especially in the slot position.

5. Deebo Samuel – Wide Receiver, Washington Commanders

Timestamp: [08:11]

Deebo Samuel is discussed as a resilient option despite a challenging previous season marred by injuries. His guaranteed salary and incentives for the current season signal confidence from the Commanders, making him a viable pick for high-end wide receiver three.

Co-host Commentary: "Deebo Samuel is going to have a great chance to build rapport with Jaden Daniels when McLaurin's back. I do expect he will be an exceptional combination of an underneath guy, an over-the-top guy with Deebo handling 25 to 35 rush attempts." ([08:53])

Samuel's dual-threat ability as both a receiver and runner adds significant value, especially in PPR leagues.

In-Depth Analysis and Strategic Insights

Throughout the episode, Heath Cummings and his co-host delve into detailed analyses of each player's potential impact on fantasy rosters. They assess factors such as offensive schemes, player health, and role within the team to provide listeners with actionable insights. For instance, Jordan Love's ascent is closely tied to the Packers' offensive strategy, while Tony Pollard's versatility makes him a cornerstone for the Cowboys' backfield.

Heath Cummings' Reflection: "Love it. All right, give me another player that we can't forget about." ([02:26])

This collaborative dynamic ensures a comprehensive evaluation of each player, considering both statistical performance and situational factors.

Addressing Concerns and Providing Recommendations

The co-hosts don't shy away from discussing potential drawbacks or concerns. For example, with Cooper Kupp, age is a consideration, but Heath counters this by emphasizing Kupp's ongoing role and health status.

Heath Cummings on Kupp: "You know, how good 171 targets you said was this place is. Pukinakua was still amazing in that stretch... But yes, Kupp, that is good to see." ([07:12])

Similarly, the discussion on Deebo Samuel acknowledges his injury history but balances it with his proven ability to bounce back and the team's commitment to his role.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Heath Cummings reiterates the importance of these five players in draft strategy, offering listeners a clear roadmap for making informed decisions. The engaging dialogue between Heath and his co-hosts provides a nuanced perspective, ensuring that fantasy managers are well-equipped to navigate their drafts successfully.

Heath Cummings' Closing Remark: "Thank you, Heath Cummings. Don't forget about Heath. And we'll be back tomorrow with another edition of FFT Express. See ya." ([09:23])

Listeners are encouraged to integrate these insights into their draft plans to enhance their chances of winning their fantasy leagues.

Notable Quotes

• Co-host on Jordan Love: "Jordan Love will be a top 12 quarterback again. And now he's not a bust. You don't have to draft in round six like you did last year." ([02:08])

• Co-host on Tony Pollard: "If there's an actual threat of a passing game, we may see a return to efficiency where he averaged over five yards per carry in three of his first four years." ([03:10])

• Co-host on Jacoby Meyer: "He's a good candidate to be that guy... Probably going to see 110 to 120 targets, definitely going to catch two-thirds of them because he does it every year." ([04:32])

• Co-host on Cooper Kupp: "Cooper Kupp falls to round eight, round nine of drafts could very easily be a low end number two in full PPR." ([06:21])

• Co-host on Deebo Samuel: "I do expect he will be an exceptional combination of an underneath guy, an over-the-top guy with Deebo handling 25 to 35 rush attempts." ([08:53])

Final Thoughts

This episode of Fantasy Football Today offers valuable insights for fantasy managers preparing for their drafts. By spotlighting five key players and providing thorough analyses backed by data and strategic thinking, Heath Cummings and his co-hosts deliver content that is both rich and actionable. Whether you're a seasoned manager or new to fantasy football, this episode equips you with the knowledge to make informed and competitive draft choices.