Quarterback Breakouts! Trevor Lawrence? Caleb Williams? Drake Maye? (08/14 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

Fantasy Football Today: Quarterback Breakouts! Trevor Lawrence? Caleb Williams? Drake Maye?

Release Date: August 14, 2025

Hosts:

• Adam Azer
• Heath Cummings
• Dave Richard
• Jake Seeley

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Introduction

In the August 14, 2025 episode of Fantasy Football Today, CBS Sports' ensemble of fantasy football experts—Adam Azer, Heath Cummings, Dave Richard, and Jake Seeley—delve deep into the potential quarterback (QB) breakout candidates for the upcoming NFL season. The episode, titled "Quarterback Breakouts! Trevor Lawrence? Caleb Williams? Drake Maye?", offers an in-depth analysis of emerging QBs, their fantasy prospects, and strategic drafting advice to help listeners dominate their leagues.

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Breakout Quarterbacks Analysis

Justin Fields (Heath Cummings, Dave Richard, Jake Seeley)

Justin Fields sparks the discussion as a potential breakout QB. Heath Cummings advocates for drafting Fields in the late rounds, emphasizing his dual-threat capabilities.

• Heath Cummings (04:25): "Justin Fields has improved as a passer every year he's been in the NFL. He’s going to run for 800 yards and might score eight touchdowns, providing both upside and floor protection."

Adam Azer considers Fields a top 10 QB based on his performance over the past three seasons, acknowledging Field's consistency when healthy.

• Adam Azer (05:05): "Justin Fields has finished as a QB with 14 points per game on average, often landing in the top 10 at least two out of three years."

However, Dave Richard offers caution, highlighting Fields' injury history and suggesting a more conservative ranking.

• Dave Richard (05:36): "I like him as a top 12 quarterback, but I would not take him in round seven or eight. He’s a quarterback you might have to wait on."

Heath Cummings counters by emphasizing Fields' potential when healthy and his ability to contribute both in passing and rushing.

• Heath Cummings (07:56): "If he plays 15, 16 games, he could accumulate 1,000 rushing yards, making him a valuable QB7 pick."

Adam Azer notes Fields' current Average Draft Position (ADP) at 108th overall, aligning more with Dave's conservative approach.

Jaden Daniels (Heath Cummings, Dave Richard, Jake Seeley)

Moving to Jaden Daniels, Jake Seeley positions him as a premier fantasy QB option.

• Jake Seeley (08:44): "Jaden Daniels is projected as the number one quarterback in six-point passing touchdown leagues. He’s expected to outperform established stars like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen if drafted in round three."

Dave Richard echoes enthusiasm, sharing personal experiences and insights into Daniels' potential.

• Dave Richard (09:28): "In my draft today, I picked Daniels in round four and built a strong team around him. His connection with Debo Samuel in the Commanders' offense is promising."

Jake Seeley remains optimistic about Daniels' stability, dismissing concerns about teammate Terry McLaurin's potential holdout.

• Jake Seeley (10:07): "I don’t believe Terry McLaurin will miss games. If he is present, Daniels should thrive without significant setbacks."

Dave Richard emphasizes Daniels' improved passing efficiency and the supportive offensive structure.

• Dave Richard (14:34): "JJ McCarthy is a solid thrower, and with improved offensive schemes, Daniels can achieve around 4,000 yards, providing substantial fantasy value."

Drake May (Heath Cummings, Dave Richard, Jake Seeley)

Drake May emerges as another key candidate, with varying opinions among the hosts.

• Dave Richard (11:44): "Drake May averages 18.6 fantasy points per game and plays in an offense led by a young offensive line and talented receivers like Stefan Diggs."

Heath Cummings remains skeptical about May's consistency but acknowledges his potential upside.

• Heath Cummings (13:16): "I have Drake May ranked around 14th. While his receiving core isn't as strong due to Kyle Williams' injury, his rushing ability provides valuable upside."

Jake Seeley concurs, noting that May's role in the offense could translate to significant fantasy points.

• Jake Seeley (14:04): "With better offensive schemes and support from players like Treveon Henderson, May's productivity could see a noticeable increase."

Dave Richard reinforces May’s potential, highlighting his improved passing and rushing contributions.

• Dave Richard (14:10): "May won’t run as much as Fields, but his improved passing in a structured offense could make him a reliable fantasy option."

Trevor Lawrence & JJ McCarthy (Heath Cummings, Dave Richard, Jake Seeley)

The conversation shifts to Trevor Lawrence and JJ McCarthy, both seen as intriguing breakout prospects.

• Heath Cummings (15:17): "Trevor Lawrence hasn't had a true breakout yet, but with Travis Hunter's elevation, there’s potential. JJ McCarthy, a rookie, brings promise with his ability to connect with talent like Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter."

Jake Seeley humorously remarks on Lawrence's consistent lack of a breakout despite high expectations.

• Jake Seeley (15:18): "Trevor Lawrence is breaking records for consecutive breakout years without fulfilling an actual breakout."

Dave Richard underscores the offensive support both QBs receive, making them viable late-round picks.

• Dave Richard (16:37): "Both Trevor and McCarthy offer potential 4,000-yard seasons, especially with strong receiving corps like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison supporting them."

Heath Cummings acknowledges McCarthy's potential while expressing concerns about his decision-making and the Vikings' balanced offense.

• Heath Cummings (16:04): "McCarthy might face a more balanced offense, potentially limiting his rushing opportunities but still providing enough to justify a late-round pick."

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Best Quarterback Values Over the Last Five Seasons

Adam Azer highlights historical QB draft values, emphasizing how certain QBs outperformed their draft positions.

• Adam Azer (22:35): "Sam Darnold is a great example of a quarterback who was a value pick, outperforming his draft position significantly."

He lists notable QBs like Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen, Ryan Tannehill, Tom Brady, Jalen Hurts, and others who provided excellent fantasy value.

• Adam Azer (21:14): "Players like Josh Allen and Tom Brady were drafted much later than their performance warranted, offering significant upside to savvy fantasy managers."

This segment serves as a reminder not to overlook "boring" pocket passers who may deliver consistent fantasy points.

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Rookies and Future Prospects: Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, Cam Ward

The discussion broadens to include promising rookies who could impact fantasy football:

• Caleb Williams: Heath Cummings is cautiously optimistic, noting mixed reviews but potential upside if the offensive system improves.

  • Heath Cummings (24:29): "Caleb Williams has immense talent. With Ben Johnson optimizing the offense, he could become a valuable fantasy asset, albeit with some initial inconsistencies."

• Bryce Young: Expected to develop into a top 12 QB, combining improved passing with some rushing capabilities.

  • Heath Cummings (24:45): "Bryce Young could achieve top 12 status by the end of the season, especially if he incorporates more rushing into his game similar to early-career Dak Prescott."

• Cam Ward: Seen as a gamble with potential for both passing and rushing yards.

  • Heath Cummings (24:45): "Cam Ward's ability to throw out deep completions and run for approximately 300 yards makes him an intriguing late-round candidate."

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Strategic Drafting: Young QBs vs. Veteran Stability

In the closing segment, the hosts debate whether to prioritize young, unproven QBs with high upside or more established veterans with consistent performances.

• Jake Seeley (26:40): "Don’t choose between them; take both a young QB and a veteran to balance upside with reliability."

• Dave Richard (26:53): "If you draft one top five quarterback, you might not need another, but having both can diversify your team’s potential."

• Heath Cummings (27:03): "Don’t waste bench spots on multiple QBs. Focus on running backs or wide receivers instead."

• Adam Azer (26:07): "Balancing your roster with both types of QBs can optimize your team’s performance and adaptability throughout the season."

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Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The episode wraps up with the hosts emphasizing the importance of balancing high-upside young quarterbacks with reliable veterans. They encourage fantasy managers to consider a mix of both to maximize their teams' potential.

Key Takeaways:

• Justin Fields remains a valuable late-round pick due to his dual-threat capabilities, despite injury concerns.
• Jaden Daniels shows promise as a top-tier fantasy QB, potentially outperforming established stars.
• Drake May offers a balanced mix of passing and rushing, making him a solid mid-round option.
• Trevor Lawrence and JJ McCarthy present late-round opportunities with strong offensive support.
• Historical insights suggest valuing pocket passers and not overlooking less flashy QBs who consistently deliver.
• Balancing young, high-upside QBs with established veterans can enhance team flexibility and performance.

With comprehensive analyses and strategic advice, Fantasy Football Today equips listeners with the knowledge to make informed drafting decisions and secure a competitive edge in their fantasy leagues.

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Notable Quotes:

• Heath Cummings (04:25): "Justin Fields has improved as a passer every year he's been in the NFL."
• Jake Seeley (08:44): "You can just watch Lamar and Josh and laugh when Jaden Daniels outperforms them."
• Dave Richard (11:44): "Drake May can average 18.6 fantasy points per game in six-point formats."
• Heath Cummings (24:45): "Bryce Young could achieve top 12 status by the end of the season."
• Jake Seeley (26:40): "Take both a young QB and a veteran to balance upside with reliability."

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Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or just starting, this episode of Fantasy Football Today provides invaluable insights to help you navigate the quarterback landscape and build a championship-winning team.

Transcript

[Adam Azer]

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[Heath Cummings]

Fantasy Football Today from CBS Sports. Wanna play? Can you believe this? No, I can't. It's time to dominate. Your fantasy is going to go the distance. Now here's some combination of Adam, Dave, Jamie and Heath.

[Adam Azer]

Breakouts Bonanza begins with quarterbacks on Fantasy Football Today presented by BetMGM the Sportsbook. Born in Vegas, I'm Adam Azer With Heath Cummings and Dave Richard. This is the first of four episodes that we are recording on Wednesday night. Obviously you know what, they're going to be quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, then wide receivers. And I'm going to call him friend of the program at this point. Jake Seeley, first person I asked to be. And don't tell the other people first person I asked to be on this because this is like the third or fourth year you've done the breakouts bonanza with us. So welcome. Are you excited to talk quarterbacks?

[Heath Cummings]

Oh, so much so. As Dave said before we started this, it's always such a wonderful list and I love. Yes. The flex league belt that are actually chain that you're representing there, by the way, in the best bowl league from last year. Also similar to somebody that's in the league with you, as Nando would say. I would hope you would call me just a friend, period, and not a friend of the show.

[Adam Azer]

I think you're a friend. I consider you a friend. Absolutely.

[Heath Cummings]

Okay, well, thank you. Thank you. Yes. When I introduced him at my wedding as my boss, he got very upset and it's like I'm actually a friend.

[Dave Richard]

Adam, how did you introduce Nando at your wedding?

[Adam Azer]

I didn't. You know what I said to Donna at my wedding? I went up to him and this is a true story. I went up to him and Jamie and I said, please don't embarrass me today. That's what I said before my wedding. I was like, just give me one day where you don't embarrass me. That's. That's what it was though.

[Jake Seeley]

That was a different day.

[Adam Azer]

That was. Yeah, only my wedding day. Fair game now. All right, guys, so we're going to have four episodes, about 20 minutes each. Let's see how we do with that. Our breakout quarterbacks. We've got two from Heath, three from Dave, three from Jake. And let's get right to it, Heath, the first one here is Justin Fields and I think Dave is might push back on a little bit. So Justin Fields, Jamie, we did a draft on Tuesday night. That was the only quarterback Jamie took. Now part of that was because if we had played out the league, that were a lot of good ones on the waiver wire weren't. Wasn't a very quarterback heavy draft. But yeah, give me your take on Justin Fields.

[Jake Seeley]

He has improved as a passer basically every year he's been in the NFL. I know it was only six games last year, but he looked more comfortable and statistically he was better as a passer last year with the Steelers. Now he doesn't have Arthur Smith. He does have former college teammate Garrett Wilson. He's going to run for 800 yards. He might run for eight touchdowns. There's no reason like people talk about Justin Fields rushing ability as if it only gives him upside. It also protects the floor. He's going to score eight points per game, maybe nine just with his rushing throws one touchdown pass. He's all of a sudden not had a bad week. Justin Fields breakout season Draft him in round seven.

[Adam Azer]

In his last three seasons Justin Fields has finished as QB. I'm going to give you a six point per game, which is his worst format. QB six per game, QB 14 per game. However you remove one of those games would have been up to QB8 because he left week six early and QB9 per game. So that's top 10 at least two out of three years depending on how you want to ace or stat it. Now QB 9 per game was last year in weeks one through six only. So Dave, do you want to push back on the Justin Fields breakout call?

[Dave Richard]

I think he could have his best year ever or he could just keep doing what he has been doing over the last three seasons and that's get you to 20 fantasy points in about half of his games. And that's not a bad thing. Last year there were 12 quarterbacks that did that. And does he have the upside to get you like into that 25 range? He did it for one year in Chicago. Other than that, no. Watching him in the preseason, it wasn't very much but it was a reminder that he's very much a one read and throw type of quarterback. And we know that the jets certainly want to run the football a lot. That's great for Justin Fields, but they also have three running backs that they want to get involved. I like him as a top 12 quarterback, but it's as my 12th quarterback. I'm penciling him in for around 20, 21 fantasy points per game for however many games he stays healthy. And we know that he gets hurt pretty much every time that he's a starting quarterback. I would not take him in round seven. I would also not take him in round eight. I think this is a quarterback that you kind of have to let somebody else in your league go after and you just settle on somebody else if you're, if you're in the camp of waiting for a qb.

[Adam Azer]

Yeah, I don't know if he's going that early. He's going 108th overall in fantasy pros ADP. So. All right, so that's, that's ninth. Maybe something that Dave would be comfortable with. Right? That's like the 910 turn. Jake, where do you have Justin Fields in your rankings?

[Heath Cummings]

QB 7. I'm with Heath on this one and I will take him in the 8th and even consider him late 7th mostly because I love the numbers that he threw. And I'm going to say, you know what, not only do I agree with the fact that he's a better passion than people grant him credit for, like people act like he's a terrible thrower. We're not talking about Anthony Richardson here. But at the same time on the flip side, I don't even care if he's a good thrower because freaking Daniel Jones was a top 10 quarterback running for 707. You know this Adam. And he didn't even throw a touchdown per game that season. Here's another stat from last year. Justin Fields Two 20 plus point games combined. One passing touchdown in those two games. I don't need him to throw because he's going to run for 800 plus and 8 plus like he said. I will admit Dave is right. If you don't want to take the risk that he does get hurt because he does run, I understand it. But he's not losing the job. He's losing the job if he gets hurt. So I will take him as my QB7 because I think if he plays 15, 16 games just like he did that one season you referenced Dave. There's 1,000 yards rushing on the, on the floor for him.

[Adam Azer]

Okay, let me jump in here. Hold on one sec. We got to move to our next guy or we're never going to get through all the names. But more importantly. Well, I know everybody wants to talk and it's good stuff. But more importantly, very important note here, Jake is. Is more of a 4 point per passing touchdown default whereas CBS leagues are more typically 6 point. So yeah, I mean this is a guy in just.

[Heath Cummings]

It wouldn't change much.

[Adam Azer]

Okay, it's good to know but when you say he's seventh in your rankings. Those are four point per passing touchdown leagues, right?

[Heath Cummings]

I'd still take him seventh and 6.2 for the upside.

[Adam Azer]

All right, let's go to our next one. It's Jaden Daniels and Heath, you know you. I'll just make this one quick. But you think he was. He's going as QB3. You think he could be easily QB1.

[Jake Seeley]

The number one quarterback in my projections and that's in the six point best touchdown leagues. Yes, if you look at his numbers last year, only 3, 500 yards passing, only 25 passing touchdowns. But that includes two games where he played less than half the snaps and combined for 44 yards passing and zero touchdowns. I expect he takes a step forward as a passer. I expect Debo Samuel as a short area target that can do more after the catch than he had last year. Helps his passing efficiency. The great thing about having him ranked at QB1 is you don't ever have to draft him in QB1. Lamar Jackson goes at the end of round two. Josh Allen goes to the end of round two. You can just watch that and laugh. And they don't take quarterbacks in round two. And then take Jaden Daniels in round three. Take he'll be better than both of them.

[Dave Richard]

I did that in a draft today, except it was round four and not round three and I feel like I laughed all the way to the bank and I built a great team around him. So I love that. There's a great story on fox Sports. Henry McKenna wrote it on how Debo Samuel could be used in the commander's offense and it might be significantly different from how he was used in San Francisco. It's worth a read. It kind of made me moderately excited about Debo Samuel. Basically it said he gets more downfield targets, not as much running in in that offense. Heath, do you still keep him at number one if Terry McLaurin misses the start of the season with his holdout?

[Jake Seeley]

Listen, I, this could end up looking dumb and I'll probably be more open to it two weeks from now than I am now. I don't really believe that Terry McLaurin is going to miss games. Guys don't really do that. It's happened occasionally. I might downgrade Daniels a little bit if McLaurin's a week away from the season and not practicing because he might get off to a slow start.

[Adam Azer]

Okay.

[Jake Seeley]

But I, I, I just don't believe that this is going to result in anything other than Terry McLaurin being a commander on a new deal.

[Adam Azer]

Okay.

[Dave Richard]

And I, Adam's going to kill me because I'm asking you another question. So you can just say yes or no. Would you, would you downgrade Daniels if McLaren shows up before week one? No training camp, no practice, but he's there. Is there a downgrade there? Are you just going to say, all right, maybe the first four weeks Daniels only averages 25 fantasy points per game and then he takes off after that?

[Jake Seeley]

No, I think if Terry McLaurin's not there. He just has to run more. And that's great for Fantasy, too.

[Adam Azer]

All right, so Justin Fields and Jayden Daniels for Heath. We'll get to Dave's in a moment. We'll finish with Jake's. If you haven't signed up for BetMGM yet, please use the bonus code Fantasy and you're gonna get up to a fifteen hundred dollar first bet offer on your first wager with BetMGM. Download the BetMGM app, sign up and the promo code is Fantasy. Deposit at least $10 and place your first wager on any game. And if your bet loses, you'll receive up to $1,500 in bonus bets. So just make sure that you use the bonus code Fantasy when you sign up on BetMGM. Dave has Drake May, Trevor Lawrence and JJ McCarthy as his breakout candidates. Drake, May, Trevor Lawrence, JJ McCarthy. Is that how you rank it?

[Dave Richard]

Absolutely. Drake, May I I toyed with the idea of moving May ahead of Justin Fields, and as much as I don't love Justin Fields, I can't do that. I cannot go that far. I will still take Justin Fields out of Drake. May, May last year, 11 games. This is week six through 17. Think about the receivers that he threw to. Think about the offense that he was in. Think about the structure of what that team was like. Think about the offensive line. He still averaged 18.6 fantasy points per game in six point. I think he can improve on that. He's got Stefan Diggs. He's got a better. Well, at least it's a younger offensive line. It should be a better offensive line. He's got Josh McDaniels calling plays. I think it helps him tremendously to have Treveon Henderson catching passes out of the backfield. I think that can make a world of difference. And after watching him practice, watching him in the, in the preseason game, I'm pretty confident that he's improved as a thrower. And we've always known that he has a strong arm and this is going to be an offense that revolves around him. He will certainly run for his fair share of touchdowns. I don't think he's going to run like Justin Fields and really that's the big difference. But he can throw better than Justin Fields. And so if you don't like Justin Fields, you'll gravitate toward Drake May. Or if you just kind of want to wait for a quarterback and you want one with some rushing upside, Fields can be first on your list. Maybe May should be next. When we're talking about a pick in this round eight nine range that we're talking about.

[Adam Azer]

So Heath has not jumped on board the Drake May bandwagon. He still has May 18th, whereas Jamie has him 12th and Dave has him 13th again. That's six point per passing touchdown Leagues Jake Seeley, where do you have drake?

[Heath Cummings]

Maybe at 14th. I'm okay with the rushing upside. He has looked somewhat better in the preseason. I don't think he's to where we want him to be. I will say that at least in my opinion and I even said this on a podcast earlier today. Let's not overrate his receiving core like Diggs. Coming off an injury, Kyle Williams is not going to be a factor. He's way down the depth chart unless we get some shocking news the last two weeks. But I say all to say, I cannot agree more with the Trevion Henderson thing. I've been talking about Trevion Henderson this entire offseason. But all that being said, let's bring up Daniel Jones again. He's better passer than Daniel Jones and again, I don't need him to throw for 4,000 yards. I don't think he's going to throw for 4,000 yards because Dave said he's not running like Justin Fields. But he might run like Josh Allen. And if that's the case, then who the heck cares if he's just a mediocre passer?

[Dave Richard]

If he runs like Josh Allen, then he's running. Certainly not for as many yards as Justin Fields, but probably more touchdowns.

[Heath Cummings]

Touchdown. Well, he did towards the end of the season.

[Adam Azer]

Yeah, well, he's also got to cut down the picks because he was on pace for 19 interceptions in his starts. Whereas you keep mentioning Daniel Jones having like a borderline 12 years. He threw five picks that year, so that's the next step. And as good as he may have looked in the preseason, he did have a ridiculous fumble. So he's got to clean that. But. But he's got so much talent. All right, the other two breakouts.

[Dave Richard]

Jake, would it help you if I told you that in the joint practice against the commanders he had two off target throws out of maybe 25 throws? Like he's getting deep. Bucket throws. No problem. Stefan Diggs looks good like this. This is a better offense. There's no other way to say it.

[Heath Cummings]

You're. You're not. You're not wrong. And that's why I say he looks better. But it wouldn't make me feel better because I still don't think he's there to the degree of some of the throws he made in the game. That's my concern. You still look like he's still making some mistakes.

[Adam Azer]

Okay.

[Dave Richard]

And that'll continue. But he's, he's certainly, he's take, I, I believe he's taken a step forward based on what I said.

[Heath Cummings]

Yes.

[Adam Azer]

Jake, any or Heath, any pushback on Trevor Lawrence and J.J. mcCarthy as breakout calls.

[Heath Cummings]

I like Heathco.

[Jake Seeley]

I mean at Trevor Lawrence, I would just like to congratulate him on breaking the record for the most consecutive breakout years as a quarterback without fulfilling an actual breakout. Like, I love Travis Hunter. Hopefully Travis Hunter elevates Trevor Lawrence. J.J. mcCarthy's never played in the NFL, so I feel confident that Dave's right and he'll have his best season ever.

[Adam Azer]

Don't, don't do that. You're, you're a rookie. You're a rookies can be breakouts kind of guy.

[Jake Seeley]

I'm just trying to be quick, man.

[Adam Azer]

All right. All right. Well, do you, do you guys draft Lawrence and or McCarthy with the thought of hey, these guys might win me my league?

[Heath Cummings]

No, Lawrence, I don't think will win your league, but I think he can break out. I mean if it doesn't happen at this point, he's one of the biggest busts in NFL history.

[Jake Seeley]

Somebody will call him a breakout next year.

[Heath Cummings]

Yeah, the McCarthy happens to do. McCarthy's the, it's the quarterback whisperer and all the talent around him. And I'm not, my only concern for McCarthy is not that he's not good on a per drop back basis. I'm just concerned that the Vikings might be more balanced this year. Not ask him to throw like Sam Darnold just did. And if that's the case, is he going to run for 4 or 500 yards? That's another question that we have to throw out there. So I could see it, but I could also see JJ McCarthy being somebody that we move on from three weeks into the season just because it's a more conservative approach than we expected.

[Dave Richard]

The best part about both of these quarterbacks is that you can get them significantly late in drafts. You might not even have to draft them. They might be on the waiver wire to begin the season. I, I, I hear you, Jake. On, on what the Vikings might try to do what they want to do. I don't know if Kevin OConnell can actually contain himself because he, he's, he's a former quarterback. He's done such a good job scheming up his offense with Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold I think J.J. mcCarthy is a solid thrower right now. He could get better. I don't think he's running for 500 yards either but I, I do think he'll give you a little something on the ground. So will Trevor and both of them are candidates to potentially get 4, 000 yards. The real appeal with both of them is who they're throwing to And Brian Thomas Jr. Is a favorite of a lot of people. Travis Hunter is going to be taken with the top 60 pick. We already know how good Justin Jefferson is, how good Jordan Addison is, how good TJ Hawkinson is. The guys connected to these pass catchers should be able to put up numbers. Otherwise we've got some real problems with some of our favorite Let me fantasy.

[Heath Cummings]

Let me slide in a quick question Adam, and I'm going to say just because this is who McCarthy feels like as a passer today, he is going to get better. But just as of today, where would you rank Tyler Heinecke in the Vikings offense?

[Dave Richard]

Lower.

[Heath Cummings]

I just feel McCarthy is Heinecke today again. I do believe he's better and will be better. I just feel what we're watching and what we've seen and already heard some of the concerns about his decision making. I just feel like Heinecke is who McCarthy is today.

[Adam Azer]

All right, the good point for McCarthy would be this. The last three quarterbacks that have played for the Vikings cousins twice, Sam Darnold last year, they have finished top 8 per game in 6 point for passing touchdown leagues and top 12 per game in 4 point for passing touchdown leagues. Probably to the surprise of everyone each year. All right, so we're going to take a break and get to Jake's breakouts when we come back and I'm also going to tell you something about the best quarterback values over the last five years. We'll be right back on fantasy football today. Possibility means you have a chance. Passion opens the door to all possibilities.

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[Adam Azer]

All right, a few things here real quick. So tomorrow it's Wednesday. Right now you might be listening on Thursday. Thursday we have a live stream beginning sometime around 4:15 or 4:30pm Eastern. This is the Adam and Dan tennis match. This is also going to be a fantasy football chat. Okay, Jamie and Heath are going to be taking your questions, talking fantasy football. We're going to have some guests come on. It should be pretty fun. And quite honestly, I have been watching tape of last year's tennis match and I think I am ready. I am ready to make a big jump here. I am excited for the match. Like I said yesterday, I hate Dan Schneier and I'm going to kill him.

[Jake Seeley]

So I'm about ready to offer Dan $500 to St. Jude if he sweeps you.

[Adam Azer]

Oh, come on, don't say that.

[Jake Seeley]

6060.

[Heath Cummings]

I will say by the picture, you definitely look more like the tennis player.

[Adam Azer]

That's a ridiculous picture. But anyway, watch it. We're gonna live stream. It's gonna be fun. And we're gonna talk fantasy and we're gonna raise money for St. Jude. The other thing is the Experts League. The draftathon Experts League. This is one of the coolest items we [e-mail] 2025 FFT if you go there and click View Auction House, you can see the draftathon league. And let me just see who's in that one or how much that's going for right now because Jake is in that league. $760 is the current bid. You've got about a day left. Or if you're listening tomorrow, you have less than 24 hours. You're listening on Thursday. Less than 24 hours to make this happen. You're in a league with some of the best analysts in the industry, plus Jake. Thank you.

[Heath Cummings]

I was waiting for it.

[Adam Azer]

All right, all right, all right. So let's get back to the show here. We've heard Justin Fields and Jaden Daniels from Heath, Drake May, Trevor Lawrence, J.J. mcCarthy. Before we get to Jake's, I just want to tell you some of the best quarterback values over the last five seasons. 2020 Aaron Rodgers, QB1, he was drafted as QB11. Josh Allen, that was his breakout year. QB2 drafted as QB10. Ryan Tannehill was a great value. Tom Brady, the next year, Tom Brady was QB9. He finished his QB2. I think they won the super bowl that year. Justin Herbert, Matthew Stafford, they were both top five. The year after that, Jalen Hurts, Geno Smith was undrafted. He finishes QB5. Justin Fields, QB6 per game. Dak Prescott in 2023, Jordan Love in 2023, Brock Purdy, all of them top six. Kirk Cousins was QB7 per game. Joe Burrow in 2024 finishes QB2. Baker Mayfield, QB3. Jaden Daniels was a great value. So was Jared Goff. So was Bo Nixon. The point I would make is Sam Darnold. How did I forget him? Sam Darnold, great value.

[Dave Richard]

Everybody forgets that.

[Adam Azer]

You heard a lot of names of guys that are mobile but they're more pocket passers. Don't overlook those players and all the stats. I gave her six point per passing touchdown leagues, but they were good in 4.2. Don't overlook the seemingly more boring players. I know we're talking about breakouts, so you can't have Jared Goff on the show or anything.

[Jake Seeley]

I thought you were talking about your tennis game again.

[Adam Azer]

So. But I'm just saying you don't have to be this super, you know, running quarterback. You can be a 300 yard, be Jared Goff and not even come close to that. But just don't overlook the really good passers because almost all of those guys, Justin Fields, the only example of a guy who was drafted super late at quarterback and finished really well and didn't throw at least 29 touchdown passes. All right, with that said, Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, Cam Ward. Now Caleb on this list is interesting, by the way, with three minutes until our next show is supposed to start. Caleb on this list is interesting, Jay, because nobody's so high on him right now. You still have him and Bryce Young and Cam Ward. Go ahead.

[Heath Cummings]

Yeah, and I do want to touch on the previous thing real quickly. That's why if we were also talking bounce backs, Dak Prescott, CJ Stroud are on a lot of my teams. If I'm waiting till the end game, I'm double dipping in a lot of the names we're bringing up today and including those guys who can go back to 4,000 yards and potentially 30 touchdowns. Caleb Williams, I think is just interesting. We've been talking about that Ben Johnson is going to come over and fix this offense and fix Caleb Williams and the weapons that they have. Dunesday's rookie season was thrown out the window partly. Look, it was his own fault at times. There was concentration issues, there was route running issues, but we all saw the talent that Adunze was and I think as their number two Lutheran Burden's been slow to come along because of the injury, but one of the better number threes when he's back out on the field. And what I like about all three of the wide receivers that being more Burden and Adunze is they can all play the slot and they can all play outside to varying degrees of effectiveness. But I think Ben Johnson can move them all around and see what works and see what works best in his offense. But it does come back to Caleb Williams and there's been mixed reviews so far. So I will say it's far from a lock but if somebody's going to get him right, I think Ben Johnson can do it. Maybe it takes a few weeks into the season and we're patient but I love some Caleb Williams for the upside of I would take him before Drake May and I know that's not a very common thought.

[Adam Azer]

Yeah, okay. By the way, you know what your list has in common? These are the last three number one picks in the NFL draft. Bryce Young, Caleb Williams and Cam Ward. Now do you think Bryce Young and Cam Ward can be top 12 quarterbacks this year?

[Heath Cummings]

I think they can. I think the thing with Bryce Young is the end of season Bryce Young is that who we see this year and it's not just the thrower, it's the fact that he started calling his own number, especially at the goal line. I don't think he's going to run for 6, 700 yards but if he turns into even early career dak with a few More like the six touchdowns on the ground on 200 yards, is that going to be part of his game going forward? In addition to the better passing then I think Bryce Young will be a top 12. That being said, I he needs that because I don't think Bryce Young is going to be throwing for 4400 yards. I don't think he's going to have a huge A dot at the top of the league. I don't think that's his game and what they're going to do though I think McMillan is obviously going to help Cam Ward. I threw with an asterisk because I'm on the I don't think rookies break out. I think they have great debuts but I do think if you are looking for a gamble and Cam Ward, I think he will run more than Some people think 3, 400 yards potentially on the ground. But everybody's excited about what this offense is going to do and yay Cam Ward. And I want to throw Calvin Ridley in this conversation is like let's give him more respect of what he's going to do this year. But If Cam Ward runs 3, 400 on the ground and comes out and looks anything you talk about adot passes like he did that final season in college at Miami, he's a gunslinger. We already saw how many 50 yard completions has this guy already put up just in the preseason game alone. I think Cam Ward wouldn't shock me to be top 15. Maybe not a QB one, but I do think it's in his wheelhouse.

[Adam Azer]

I'm going to end with this question for all of you guys. We've got these young exciting players, Drake May, Caleb Williams, throw Trevor Lawrence in there that are not as proven as look at this list that we're showing. Jordan love, Jared Goff and Brock Purdy are not on this list. They're probably just ahead of that. But Jordan love, Brock Purdy, Jared Goff, Justin Herbert. How do you Heath, make the decision? I'm going with the young unproven guy that I think has more upside or the maybe not as sexy on draft day but still very good guy, the veteran quarterback that we know more about.

[Jake Seeley]

I don't think you make that decision at all. I think if you're taking one of the young unproven guys and I would like to, then you just take both. Take one of each. It's not like I don't want to take one of the older guys that are kind of boring without one of the unexciting guys.

[Dave Richard]

Just take both. And if I've drafted one of the top five quarterbacks, I'm not real interested in drafting another quarterback.

[Jake Seeley]

Yep, it's true.

[Heath Cummings]

Too many people make that mistake. You're never starting them anyway. So why did you waste that bench spot that you could have spent on another running back or wide receiver?

[Adam Azer]

Oh, you're lucky we're out of time because I could say five minutes on that subject. Oh yeah, yeah, I could. I do it a lot.

[Jake Seeley]

Wouldn't help us. Anybody?

[Adam Azer]

No. All right. Well, it'd be good for at least for me to get it off my chest. Thank you very much to Jake Seeley at all in kid follow his work at the Athletics and great stuff. All right, we got J.J. jacques and J.J. zacharias. And joining us to do Running Back Breakouts. Check that out. We'll be. We'll be there. I don't even know what I'm saying. Goodbye, everyone. See you soon.

[Heath Cummings]

Paramount Podcasts.

[Dexter Morgan]

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[Heath Cummings]

Dexter Resurrection. Starring Michael C. Hall, Uma Thurman and Peter Dinklage.

[Adam Azer]

New series now streaming on the Paramount plus premium plan.