Fantasy Football Today: FFT Express - Jamey Eisenberg’s 2024 All-Rookie Team Revealed!
Release Date: January 18, 2025
In the inaugural episode of the Fantasy Football Today podcast series, hosted by CBS Sports' Adam Aizer and featuring analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and other team members, listeners are treated to a comprehensive unveiling of Jamey Eisenberg’s 2024 All-Rookie Team. The episode, titled "FFT Express - Jamey Eisenberg’s 2024 All-Rookie Team Revealed!", delves into the standout rookie performances of the NFL season, offering valuable insights for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to dominate their leagues in 2025.
Team Composition and Selection Process
Jamie Eisenberg kicks off the segment by introducing the All-Rookie Team, expressing confidence in the selections:
"Some pretty good names on this list right now on FFT Express. Well, Jamie, I think not to belittle you or anything, one of your easier assignments."
[01:55]
Adam Mazer elaborates on the selection structure, highlighting that the Flex position was the primary challenge:
"Really the only tough call was at the flex. So we did quarterback, two running backs, three receivers, tight end and flex. And flex was really the only difficult decision."
[02:12]
Quarterback Selection: Jayden Daniels
The debate centers around the quarterbacks, with a playful hint from Jamie about the QB whose name rhymes with "maiden manuals":
"But if you're ready to see it in person. Scheduling a tour is just a tap away."
[02:35]
Adam Mazer identifies Jayden Daniels as the definitive quarterback selection:
"Jayden Daniels had a chance to be special. He was one of my breakout candidates this year and he more than delivered."
[02:43]
He contrasts Daniels with Bo Nix, acknowledging Nix's strong performance but ultimately favoring Daniels for his elite rushing ability:
"Jayden Daniels had a chance to be special. He was one of my breakout candidates this year and he more than delivered."
[02:43]
Running Backs: Bucky Irving and Tyrone Tracy
Jamie Eisenberg anticipates less obvious selections for running backs, naming Bucky Irving and Tyrone Tracy:
"Bucky Irving's gonna be one of them. And the other one is Tyrone Tracy."
[03:38]
Adam Mazer discusses the rationale behind these picks, mentioning the disappointment with other potential candidates and the consistent performance of Irving and Tracy:
"It was pretty, pretty lucky to have the performances that they gave you because they both finished as top 24 running backs."
[03:46]
He underscores Bucky Irving's standout performance, highlighting his transition from a waiver wire acquisition to a near first-round pick:
"Bucky Irving was a superstar as we saw and as we've been talking about, you know, borderline first round pick going into 2025 certainly going to be no worse than a second round pick."
[03:46]
Wide Receivers: Malik Neighbors, Brian Thomas Jr., and Lad McConkey
Jamie Eisenberg confidently names the wide receivers selected for the team:
"Wide receiver, we know it's going to be Malik Neighbors, Brian Thomas Jr. And Lad McConkey. Pretty, pretty, pretty good group there, that trio."
[04:53]
Adam Mazer provides detailed insights into each receiver's performance and potential:
"Neighbors the highest at fourth if I'm not mistaken. You know, top eight for all of us, you know, that did these rankings."
[05:02]
He discusses Brian Thomas Jr.'s role amidst a recovering receiving corps and Lad McConkey's adaptability in the Chargers' offense:
"McConkey should continue to be the go-to guy. And it was, you know, lot changed with the Chargers, but for what Keenan Allen was to Justin Herbert, McConkey kind of slid into that role and was pretty successful."
[05:02]
Tight End: Brock Bowers
Jamie Eisenberg asserts that selecting Brock Bowers is straightforward:
"Alright, Brock Bowers, easy call at tight end."
[07:20]
He engages Adam Mazer in a discussion about the potential Offensive Rookie of the Year award between Jayden Daniels and Brock Bowers:
"If you were voting for offensive rookie of the year, not for fantasy, but just in general, would you vote for Jaden Daniels or Brock Bowers?"
[07:20]
Adam Mazer initially leans towards Bowers but clarifies his stance:
"Probably Bowers, but I don't know if he's the. These are the only two choices."
[07:35]
As the discussion unfolds, both agree on the exceptional seasons both rookies had, with a slight edge to Daniels for leading his team effectively:
"Jayden Daniels had a chance to be special. He was one of my breakout candidates this year and he more than delivered."
[07:57]
Flex Position: Xavier Worthy Over Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Flex position sparks a lively debate, with Jamie Eisenberg initially proposing Marvin Harrison Jr.:
"I think it's gonna be Marvin Harrison Jr."
[08:21]
Adam Mazer counters by favoring Xavier Worthy, citing Worthy's pivotal role in the playoffs:
"Xavier Worthy got somebody who was building towards something and completed the job. Marvin Harrison... his rookie season numbers are almost identical to his father's."
[08:29]
Jamie challenges this choice by comparing their fantasy points, ultimately supporting Worthy's selection due to his consistent performance and clutch playoff contributions:
"They averaged the exact same amount of fantasy points per game in full PPR 11.7 each... Worthy, 20 carries, 104 yards and three touchdowns rushing."
[09:14]
Adam acknowledges Jalen McMillan as another consideration but explains why Worthy stood out:
"Unless they have a dramatic upgrade, let's say they go out and get T. Higgins or you know, make some sort of big splash, Chris Godwin, something like that."
[10:26]
Discussion on Potential Flex Candidates
Jamie Eisenberg speculates on other potential Flex candidates, highlighting Jalen McMillan's late-season surge:
"Jalen McMillan... he was awesome down the stretch."
[10:24]
Adam Mazer reaffirms his final choice, emphasizing Worthy's impact during crucial moments:
"If you started him, you won some leagues. If you started Harrison, you probably were bounced out in the first round."
[09:39]
Conclusion and Additional Resources
Wrapping up the episode, Jamie Eisenberg invites listeners to explore more All-Rookie Team analyses, including first, second, and third teams, as well as other fantasy content available on CBS Sports' platforms:
"You can see it all. CBSSports.com fantasy you can also see our mock drafts that we've done recently, rankings for 2025. We have some great content there."
[10:33]
Adam Mazer signs off with well-wishes, reinforcing the podcast's role as a comprehensive resource for fantasy football enthusiasts:
"Have a great weekend, everybody, and thanks a lot for watching. Listening to FFT."
[10:33]
Key Takeaways:
- Jayden Daniels emerges as the top rookie quarterback with exceptional rushing stats.
- Running backs Bucky Irving and Tyrone Tracy are standout selections due to their consistent performance.
- Wide receivers Malik Neighbors, Brian Thomas Jr., and Lad McConkey form a formidable trio, each bringing unique strengths to their teams.
- Brock Bowers secures the tight end spot, with significant debate surrounding the Offensive Rookie of the Year.
- Xavier Worthy is chosen as the Flex over Marvin Harrison Jr., primarily for his impact in high-stakes games.
For more detailed analyses, mock drafts, and rankings, fans are encouraged to visit CBSSports.com Fantasy and explore the extensive content curated by the Fantasy Football Today team.