Fantasy Football Today: Mailbag! Why is Bijan RB1? Who are our Favorite Mid-Round Picks? Released March 27, 2025

Hosts:

• Adam Aizer
• Dan Schneier
• Jamie Eisenberg
• Heath Cummings

Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, the hosts dive into their mailbag to address listener questions, focusing primarily on player rankings, mid-round picks, and strategic decisions in various league formats. The discussion is enriched with expert insights, personal anecdotes, and a touch of humor, ensuring both seasoned fantasy managers and newcomers gain valuable perspectives.

Mid-Round Pick Strategies

Email from Celeste, Howie, Brett, and Eric

Listeners Howie, Brett, and Eric inquire about valuable mid-round running backs (RBs) or wide receivers (WRs) who might retain their value without being overhyped in the offseason.

• Xavier Worthy emerges as a favorite, praised for his potential and versatility.

  • Dan Schneier (05:37): "I love Xavier Worthy so I could definitely put Xavier Worthy in that."

• Christian Kirk is highlighted for his role in his offense, especially given the concentration of targets on key players.

  • Dan Schneier (06:47): "Christian Kirk could be really good in that offense, especially given the situation they have at receiver."

• Other notable mentions include Roma Dunes, Trey Benson, and Cortland Sutton, each discussed with varying degrees of optimism regarding their future performance and draft position.

Keeper League Decisions

Email from Corey, a first-time emailer

Corey seeks advice on keeper league strategies, emphasizing the importance of selecting reliable RBs for a one QB4-player keeper league.

• Adam Aizer (07:26): "For me, it's Taylor, Hall, and Irving."
• Jamie Eisenberg (08:06): "Bahce Hall versus Worthy…"

Discussions revolve around balancing immediate performance with long-term potential, debating the merits of keeping high-upside players versus those who offer consistency.

Devonte Smith's Potential with the Eagles

Email from Justin, an Eagles fan

Justin raises concerns about Devonte Smith's usage in Philadelphia's offense, especially if Dallas Goddard's presence changes.

• Jamie Eisenberg (09:25): "I think Devonte Smith as a very good number three receiver that has the chance to pop certain weeks."
• Adam Aizer (11:12): "It's still not a lot of targets, but it's great production."

The hosts analyze Smith’s performance in games where key teammates were absent, debating whether his touchdown streak without Goddard indicates untapped potential or situational performance.

Late-Round Tight End Options

Email from Jim

Jim is on the hunt for reliable late-round tight end (TE) options that can outperform their draft position.

• Jamie Eisenberg (55:56): Recommends players like Cole Kmet, Jake Ferguson, and Tucker Carpenter.
• Dan Schneier (56:35): Suggests considering Evan Engram and other prospects showing promise.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of scouting TE depth and targeting those with favorable team situations or emerging roles.

RB1 Rankings: Bijan Robinson vs. Saquon Barkley vs. Christian McCaffrey

Question from Daniel

Daniel questions why Bijan Robinson is often ranked above Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey in early rankings, despite Bijan's slightly lower average PPR points in the previous year.

• Adam Aizer (43:54): "He will have averaged the fewest PPR fantasy points per game in the previous year for RB1 in ADP in at least eight years."

• Jamie Eisenberg (46:13): "I split up... he's in the conversation for that point of the season."

• Dan Schneier (49:00): "It's Barkley. ... Christian McCaffrey as RB2."

The hosts discuss Bijan's performance trajectory, his increasing workload, and how team dynamics could influence his ranking. They weigh historical performance, injury risks, and potential upside against established stars like Barkley and McCaffrey.

Evaluating Draft Capital vs. On-Field Production

Question from Mike Lawrence

Mike asks about the balance between a player's draft position and their actual on-field performance, specifically regarding players like Bucky Irving and Isaiah Pacheco.

• Jamie Eisenberg (37:10): Emphasizes the impact of consistent coaching and system stability on a player's performance.

• Adam Aizer (40:43): Highlights Irving's performance relative to draft capital, questioning the weight given to his fourth-round pick.

The discussion centers on determining when a player's current production should overshadow their draft position, considering factors like coaching changes, offensive schemes, and individual growth.

Listener Stories and Lighthearted Banter

Throughout the episode, the hosts share personal stories, such as Dan Schneier's amusing experiences while traveling and interactions with family. These segments add a relatable and entertaining layer to the podcast, fostering a sense of community among listeners.

Notable Quotes

• Jamie Eisenberg (09:25): "Devonte Smith as a very good number three receiver that has the chance to pop certain weeks."

• Dan Schneier (49:00): "It's Barkley. ... Christian McCaffrey as RB2."

• Adam Aizer (43:54): "He will have averaged the fewest PPR fantasy points per game in the previous year for RB1 in ADP in at least eight years."

Conclusions and Takeaways

• Bijan Robinson's Potential: Despite a modest PPR average, Bijan's increasing role and team’s evolving run strategy position him as a top RB1 contender.

• Mid-Round Gems: Players like Xavier Worthy and Christian Kirk offer balance between safety and upside, making them valuable additions in mid-round selections.

• Strategic Keeper Decisions: Balancing current performance with future potential is crucial, especially in keeper and dynasty leagues.

• Evaluating TE Depth: Late-round tight end strategies should focus on players with emerging roles and favorable team contexts.

• Draft Capital Considerations: While draft position offers a reference point, on-field performance metrics and team dynamics should guide final decisions.

Overall, the episode provides comprehensive insights into optimizing fantasy football strategies, emphasizing informed decision-making based on player performance trends and league-specific nuances.

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