Fantasy Football Today: QB Tiers and Quinshon Judkins Reaction (07/14 Episode)

Release Date: July 14, 2025

Hosts and Guest:

• Adam Azer (Host)
• Jamie Eisenberg (Analyst)
• Jake Seeley (Guest from The Athletic)

Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, host Adam Azer teams up with analyst Jamie Eisenberg and special guest Jake Seeley from The Athletic to delve into quarterback (QB) tiers for the upcoming fantasy football season. The discussion also covers the recent arrest of Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, providing listeners with essential insights to dominate their fantasy leagues.

QB Tiers Breakdown

Tier One: Elite Quarterbacks

• Jamie Eisenberg ranks Jackson, Allen, Daniels, Burrow, and Hertz in the top tier.

  "Burrow was the second quarterback last year in points per game and six points for passing touchdowns." ([21:32])

• Jake Seeley concurs with Jamie's tier one, emphasizing the high ceilings of these quarterbacks.

  "Lamar Jackson could almost be in a tier of his own... he would still far away be the number one." ([23:00])

Tier Two: Bridge Quarterback

• Patrick Mahomes stands alone in this tier, viewed as a bridge quarterback with potential upside but some uncertainties.

  "Mahomes is more of a hope at this point than like, okay, he's going to do this." ([32:05])

Tier Three: High-Upside Quarterbacks

• Includes Baker Mayfield, Bo Nix, and Dak Prescott. These QBs are seen as having significant potential but come with inherent risks.

  "He's going to have more turnovers this year." ([39:14])

Tier Four: Up-and-Coming and Mid-Level QBs

• Comprises Justin Fields, Caleb Williams, and Kyler Murray. These quarterbacks offer a mix of consistency and upside, with specific strengths like rushing ability.

  "He's going to have that rushing upside... which you don't need him to throw those touchdowns." ([44:35])

Tiers Five to Seven: Developing and Risky Quarterbacks

• Tier Five: Jared Goff and Brock Purdy are considered reliable but lack the towering upside of higher tiers.

  "Purdy looks pretty damn spry out there." ([53:00])

• Tier Six: Trevor Lawrence, Drake May, and J.J. McCarthy are identified as high-upside options with significant variability in performance.

  "Drake May is one of the best values on drafting." ([62:37])

• Tier Seven & Eight: Include QBs like Jared Goff, Jaden Daniels, and emerging talents who may become starters based on team dynamics and coaching.

  "Caleb Williams is the former number one overall pick... if Ben Johnson's system will be great for him." ([55:11])

Reaction to Quinshon Judkins' Arrest

The episode shifts focus to the shocking news of Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns' rookie running back, being arrested on a domestic violence and battery charge. Host Adam Azer addresses the potential impact on fantasy drafts and team strategies.

"Quinshawn Judkins, Cleveland's rookie running back, was arrested on a domestic violence and battery charge." ([05:07])

Jamie Eisenberg emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding Judkins' availability, suggesting that managers might prioritize drafting other running backs like Dylan Sampson or Jerome Ford.

"I think Ford is more of like a break glass in case of emergency guy." ([07:17])

Jake Seeley adds that the Browns' backfield dynamics could shift significantly based on Judkins' status, potentially elevating Jerome Ford's role.

"If Judkins is out, then Ford steps up." ([07:35])

Draft Strategies and Player Analysis

The hosts discuss various draft strategies in light of Judkins' situation and the established QB tiers. Emphasis is placed on balancing reliability with upside, especially when dealing with uncertain player statuses.

• Jerome Ford is highlighted as a valuable asset if Judkins or Sampson miss time, with Jamie recommending acquiring him if possible.

  "You should be trying to acquire Jerome Ford if you can, because there's a very clear path now to him being the starter early in the season." ([09:21])

• Christian McCaffrey's status with the 49ers is analyzed, with Jake Seeley considering him a top-tier running back if healthy.

  "He's Christian McCaffrey on the 49ers... it'd take 75, 80% Christian McCaffrey to not be the number one running back." ([10:36])

Fundraising and Community Engagement

The episode also touches on community initiatives, announcing that they've surpassed the $2,000 mark raised for St. Jude.

"We have now eclipsed the $2,000 mark... we've raised $2,261 for St. Jude." ([16:00])

Listeners are encouraged to participate in mock drafts and mailbag questions, with all proceeds benefiting St. Jude.

Conclusion

The discussion wraps up with light-hearted banter and reminders to vote for the podcast in the Podcast Awards. The hosts reiterate the depth of the QB tiers and the importance of staying informed to navigate the complexities of fantasy football effectively.

Notable Quotes:

• "If Judkins is out, then Ford steps up." – Jake Seeley ([07:35])
• "I think Ford is more of like a break glass in case of emergency guy." – Jamie Eisenberg ([07:17])
• "Baker Mayfield's been amazing." – Adam Azer ([40:02])
• "Drake May is one of the best values on drafting." – Jamie Eisenberg ([62:37])

This episode provides comprehensive insights into quarterback rankings and the implications of Quinshon Judkins' legal issues on fantasy football strategies. Whether you're a seasoned manager or new to the game, the hosts offer valuable perspectives to help you make informed decisions for the upcoming season.