Fantasy Football Today: Episode Summary – "Jordan Addison and Rashee Rice News and a Mailbag!" (Released July 18, 2025)

In this engaging episode of Fantasy Football Today hosted by Adam Aizer alongside analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, and Heath Cummings, the team delves deep into the latest developments impacting fantasy football enthusiasts. From player news and suspension impacts to listener interactions and strategic insights, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to dominate their fantasy leagues.

1. Mailbag and Listener Stories

The episode kicks off with a heartfelt email from Keaton, a long-time listener who recently became a father. Keaton shares his emotional journey of bringing his daughter, Elizabeth, home after a challenging 35-week birth and a 17-day stay in the NICU. He expresses gratitude for the podcast's community support, highlighting how Fantasy Football Today provided comfort during a difficult time.

Notable Quote:

"Nothing prepares you to see your child have to fight like that. Listening to your show is always one of the highlights of my days." – Keaton [02:05]

The hosts congratulate Keaton and his newborn, reinforcing the podcast's supportive community ethos.

2. Player News and Suspension Impacts

A significant portion of the discussion centers on recent legal issues involving Jordan Addison and Rashee Rice, both of whom face suspensions that could affect their fantasy football value.

• Jordan Addison: Pleaded no contest to reckless driving with alcohol involvement, potentially facing a three-game suspension. His ADP (Average Draft Position) previously stood at WR30 (72nd overall), but his suspension could drop him to WR39.

• Rashee Rice: Sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years probation due to a multi-car crash in 2024. With a possible three-game suspension, Rice's ADP may decline from WR13 to WR26.

Impact Analysis: Heath Cummings explains the ripple effects these suspensions could have on player rankings and draft strategies. While Dave Richard has adjusted his rankings, dropping Rice and Addison by several rounds, Jamey Eisenberg anticipates further declines as drafts progress.

Notable Quote:

"Anybody doing these early drafts, you have to sort of adjust for it." – Dan Schneier [09:13]

The analysts debate whether the market has overreacted to the suspensions, drawing parallels with past suspensions like Julian Edelman and Alvin Kamara, who proved to be steals despite early setbacks.

3. Strategic Insights and Draft Strategies

The hosts provide comprehensive strategies on how to navigate drafts considering the suspensions and other player news:

• Handling Suspended Players: Emphasize the importance of roster flexibility, ensuring that suspended players are not placed on the injured reserve and that bench spots are utilized effectively to cover potential absences.

• Adjusting ADP and Rankings: Heath details how he adjusted his rankings, showcasing significant drops for Rice and Addison, while Jamey warns that similar players might see deeper declines as the draft continues.

• Drafting in Shallow Leagues: The team discusses strategies for shallow leagues (e.g., two-receiver, two-running back flex leagues), suggesting flexibility in drafting strategies and the potential benefits of middle-round picks like Jaden Daniels.

Notable Quote:

"You are buying at least two of the top players, two of the top 10 most expensive players. I think that strategy is completely lost if you're not going to spend at quarterback." – Dan Schneier [10:45]

4. Player Highlights and Potential Breakouts

The episode shines a spotlight on emerging players and late-round sleepers who could provide significant value:

• Trey Harris: With Mike Williams' retirement from the Chargers, Harris is highlighted as a potential breakout star. Jamie Eisenberg praises Harris as "the best kept secret right now in fantasy." [23:02]

• Josh Downs and Zay Flowers: Both receivers are discussed as undervalued assets with high upside, especially in dynamic offenses like those of the Chiefs and Raiders.

• Late-Round Picks: The team encourages targeting rookies and undervalued players in the later rounds, citing their potential to outperform their ADP with the right team dynamics.

Notable Quote:

"Josh Downs, I think I was just wrong about him. The last times we talked about him really good." – Dan Schneier [65:34]

5. Listener Questions and Host Responses

The mailbag segment addresses a variety of listener questions, offering tailored advice:

• Median Scoring Leagues: Maggie from the audience inquires about median scoring formats. Jamey Eisenberg passionately advocates for median scoring, emphasizing its fairness and ability to mitigate the impact of tough weekly matchups.

  Notable Quote:

  "It's not just about the luck of the scheduling... you reward the teams that are actually playing the best." – Jamey Eisenberg [32:23]

• AI in Draft Strategies: A listener asks about incorporating AI into draft strategies. While Dave has experimented with AI for auction leagues, Jamey expresses interest but hasn't fully integrated it yet.

  Notable Quote:

  "I'd love to figure out how I can track [managers'] spending habits." – Jamey Eisenberg [36:03]

• Kicker Strategies: For drafting kickers, Jamey suggests targeting kickers from teams with high point spreads and favorable matchups each week.

  Notable Quote:

  "Take the kicker off the waiver wire who is at home and has the highest point spread." – Jamey Eisenberg [49:12]

• Player Comparison: Comparisons between players like Jabrill Peppers and Josh Allen for dynasty leagues are discussed, emphasizing the importance of situational talent over raw stats.

6. Community and Charity Efforts

The podcast continues to highlight its philanthropic efforts, particularly raising funds for St. Jude. The team acknowledges the contributions from listeners participating in Draftathon, having raised over $3,000 with ongoing efforts to support the cause.

Notable Quote:

"All of you who purchased a spot. We'll have another listing next week... all goes to St. Jude." – Dan Schneier [32:17]

7. Closing Remarks and Highlights

As the episode winds down, the hosts share personal anecdotes and engage in light-hearted banter, reinforcing the camaraderie that makes Fantasy Football Today a beloved resource for fantasy enthusiasts.

Notable Quote:

"I did not have time for your email. My apologies." – Dan Schneier [72:09]

The team encourages listeners to tune in next Monday for more insights and to continue supporting their charitable initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

• Adjust Draft Strategies Based on Suspensions: Players facing suspensions like Jordan Addison and Rashee Rice may drop in ADP, presenting potential draft value for savvy managers.

• Explore Late-Round Sleepers: Targeting undervalued players like Trey Harris and Josh Downs in the later rounds can provide significant upside.

• Embrace Community and Charity: Active listener participation not only enriches the community but also supports important causes like St. Jude.

• Consider Median Scoring Formats: Jamey Eisenberg strongly recommends median scoring leagues for a fairer and more rewarding fantasy football experience.

• Stay Informed on Player News: Continuously monitor player developments, including retirements and legal issues, to make informed draft and lineup decisions.

Fantasy Football Today continues to deliver comprehensive analysis, strategic advice, and a supportive community atmosphere, making it an indispensable resource for fantasy football players aiming to excel in their leagues.