Fantasy Football Today: FFT Express - Toughest Players to Rank Before Training Camp! Rice, Addison, Godwin, & More!

Release Date: July 25, 2025

Hosted by Adam Aizer alongside analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and the rest of the Fantasy Football Today (FFT) crew, this episode delves deep into the complexities of ranking players before the crucial training camp period. The discussion centers around key players whose performances are shrouded in uncertainty due to various factors such as injuries, suspensions, and team dynamics.

1. Introduction to Challenging Rankings

Timestamp: [01:01]

Adam Aizer kickstarts the episode by highlighting the focus on players who present significant challenges in pre-training camp rankings. The conversation sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of individuals like Rasheed Rice, Jordan Addison, and Chris Godwin, among others.

2. Rasheed Rice and Jordan Addison: Suspense and Potential

Timestamp: [01:27] - [05:31]

Jamey Eisenberg discusses the prospects of wide receivers Rasheed Rice and Jordan Addison:

• Rasheed Rice

  • Anticipated to start in three-plus games, Rice is valued as a high-end wide receiver three.
  • Eisenberg: "The earliest I would consider him is round five. I would prefer round six, but it's one of those you just kind of play the board." ([01:27])
  • Positioned just behind receivers like Travis Hunter and Chris Godwin, Rice's availability is contingent on others' health and performance.

• Jordan Addison

  • Entering his third year in a potent passing offense with a promising quarterback situation.
  • Eisenberg: "He was already a wide receiver three for me and now he's a borderline wide receiver four again expecting a three plus game suspension." ([01:59])
  • His potential is tied to touchdown production, making his ranking somewhat speculative until more information is available.

The analysts emphasize the uncertainty surrounding both players, making them tricky yet potentially rewarding picks in the middle to late rounds.

3. Chris Godwin's Injury and Its Impact on Rankings

Timestamp: [02:20] - [05:12]

The discussion transitions to Chris Godwin, who recently underwent an ankle cleanup procedure, casting doubt on his availability at the season's start.

• Eisenberg: "Godwin's not out for the year, and so more the curiosity for Godwin and Abuka's role." ([02:48])

Impact on the Buccaneers' Wide Receivers:

• Mike Evans remains a solid receiver at 21, though concerns about age persist.
• Mecca Abuka sees a rise in rankings due to potential playing time increase.
• The interplay between Godwin and Abuka creates a dynamic where Godwin is favored as the primary slot receiver based on past performance and compatibility with quarterback Baker Mayfield.

The analysts highlight the delicate balance in the Buccaneers' receiver lineup, emphasizing that Godwin's health status will significantly influence Abuka's fantasy value.

4. Jalen McMillan and Emerging Backup Roles

Timestamp: [04:12] - [05:31]

Eisenberg brings attention to Jalen McMillan's role within the Buck's offense:

• Eisenberg: "He plays like a Rashad Bateman, score seven touchdowns or so." ([05:20])

McMillan is viewed as a potential sleeper pick, offering occasional high-reward performances. However, his consistency remains a concern, making him a candidate for active monitoring and selective roster inclusion.

5. The Chicago Bears: Wide Receivers and Running Backs Conundrum

Timestamp: [06:13] - [10:05]

The Bears' roster presents multiple challenges in player rankings:

• Wide Receivers:

  • DeAndre Swift is a polarizing figure, with rankings ranging from 15th to 29th depending on the analyst.
  • Other receivers like Roshan Johnson and DJ Moore add to the uncertainty, making it difficult to pinpoint consistent fantasy value.

• Running Backs:

  • Joe Mixon faces hurdles with ankle issues and increased competition from Nick Chubb's return.
  • The depth at running back heightens concerns about production and injury risks.

Eisenberg: "It's just a very difficult team to sort of nail down. Exactly. Until I think we see some more reports out of training camp." ([06:13])

The Bears' instability in both receiving and backfield positions makes them a tricky team to draft from, warranting cautious consideration.

6. Joe Mixon: A Closer Look at an Uncertain Asset

Timestamp: [07:36] - [08:12]

Adam Aizer introduces Joe Mixon into the discussion as a tough-to-rank player:

• Mixon's potential is hampered by ongoing ankle issues and the looming return of Nick Chubb.
• Despite being a high performer when healthy, Mixon's reliability is questionable due to his injury history and the team's offensive line struggles.

Eisenberg: "Could we start to see a little bit of a fall off? And it's not just they added one running back, they added two." ([08:12])

The debate centers on whether Mixon can reclaim his top-tier status or if his value will diminish in a crowded and injury-prone backfield.

7. Navigating the 49ers' Receiving Depth

Timestamp: [10:05] - [12:12]

The conversation shifts to the San Francisco 49ers' receiving corps, highlighting the uncertainty between:

• Jesper Jennings and Amon-Ra St. Brown: Both are valid considerations, with Jennings showing promise post-injury.
• Bryan Edwards and Deebo Samuel: Their performances are influenced by their roles in the offense and overall team dynamics.

Eisenberg: "It's a very difficult team to sort of nail down. Exactly. Until I think we see some more reports out of training camp." ([10:05])

Aizer's Perspective:

• Prefers Pearsall over Jennings based on athleticism and fit within the 49ers' offense.
• Aizer: "I like them both, but I like Pearsall better if the injury lingers into August then I think, you know, you've brought it up so many times." ([10:49])

The 49ers' receiver rankings remain fluid, contingent upon injury recoveries and preseason performances.

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [12:12]

As the episode wraps up, the analysts reiterate the complexity of pre-training camp rankings. They emphasize the importance of staying updated with the latest news and being prepared to adjust strategies as more information becomes available.

Adam Aizer: "Thank you Jamie and we will talk to you all tomorrow on Fancy Football Today."

Key Takeaways:

• Injury and Team Dynamics: Player rankings are heavily influenced by injuries and the overall team strategy, making pre-season predictions challenging.
• Middle to Late-Round Gems: Players like Rasheed Rice, Jordan Addison, and Jalen McMillan offer potential upside but come with inherent risks.
• Positional Depth: Teams with crowded rosters, such as the Bears and 49ers, present additional hurdles in pinpointing reliable fantasy assets.
• Stay Informed: Continuous monitoring of training camp developments is crucial for making informed draft decisions.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for fantasy managers navigating the murky waters of player rankings before training camp, offering nuanced insights and expert opinions to aid in league domination.