Fantasy Football Today – Episode Summary: "Running Back Breakouts! Great Rookies, Chase Brown, Ken Walker and More" (Released August 14, 2025)

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, CBS Sports’ Adam Aizer, alongside analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and J.J. Zacharias, delve deep into the world of running back breakouts for the upcoming NFL season. The panel discusses promising rookies, potential breakout veterans, and strategic draft tips to help fantasy managers dominate their leagues.

1. Introduction

Adam Aizer kicks off the episode by highlighting the significance of running backs in fantasy football. Emphasizing their pivotal role, he sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of players poised to excel this season.

2. Running Back Position Overview

J.J. Zacharias [02:22]:
"Yeah. I mean this is the position that is the driving force in fantasy football. So, yeah, I feel, I feel good about it."

The panel debates the current dynamics of the running back position, with some experts noting a shift towards wide receivers, while others maintain that running backs remain the cornerstone of fantasy lineups.

Health Cummings [02:28]:
"I feel like wide receiver has overtaken running back."

J.J. Zacharias [02:35]:
"I'm trying to feel better about myself."

Despite differing opinions, the consensus remains that running backs continue to be highly valuable, especially those with dual-threat capabilities in both rushing and receiving.

3. Top Breakout Candidates

a. Chase Brown

Dave Richard [03:39]:
"Chase Brown will lose some work to P. Ryan on third downs. But this is an awesome Bengals offense."

Chase Brown emerges as a top contender for a breakout season, backed by his increased snap counts and involvement in the Bengals' dynamic offense.

J.J. Zacharias [06:20]:
"I take him over Jonathan Taylor in both half and full PPR formats."

Dave supports Brown’s potential, highlighting his receiving prowess and the offensive scheme's favorability towards him.

b. Bucky Irving

Dave Richard [03:39]:
"Bucky has more room to develop and put up better numbers because he can earn more playing time."

Bucky Irving is touted for his evolving role in Tampa's offense, especially in the passing game, making him a valuable second-round pick.

Health Cummings [05:36]:
"I'm taking Nico Collins over Chase Brown at this point."

While some hesitation exists, the overall sentiment leans towards Irving as a reliable RB2 option with significant upside.

c. Ken Walker

Dave Richard [08:57]:
"Ken Walker is perfect for this kind of offense where he's a one-cut runner."

Ken Walker is positioned as a third-round gem, excelling in Seattle’s zone-running scheme. Concerns about his pass-catching consistency and health are addressed, but his workload and offensive fit make him a strong candidate.

J.J. Zacharias [10:48]:
"I'm in on him in round three. It requires two picks if you want to feel good by getting Charbonnet in round nine."

The panel agrees on Walker's potential, recommending paired strategies to maximize his upside while mitigating risks.

d. Ashton Genti

Heath Cummings [11:33]:
"Ashton Genti is a top five running back for me. If a running back in his very first year in the NFL is a top five running back and he's not a breakout, then I don't know what a breakout is."

Ashton Genti is lauded as a standout rookie with immediate impact potential, projecting impressive yardage and touchdown numbers. His versatility in Chip Kelly’s offense further solidifies his breakout candidacy.

e. Trayvon Henderson

J.J. Zacharias [13:51]:
"Trayvon Henderson could walk into a James White role plus in the Josh McDaniels offense. So I'm pretty excited."

Trayvon Henderson is highlighted for his pass-catching abilities and potential role in New England’s versatile offense. Despite some skepticism about workload consistency, his target share and explosive playmaking make him a valuable asset.

Dave Richard [15:34]:
"Comparing his route tree to Marvin Harrison Jr., Trayvon has more diversity, enhancing his fantasy value."

The experts discuss Henderson’s potential to outperform established wide receivers, emphasizing his dual-threat nature.

4. Mid-Round Flyers

a. Tank Bigsby

J.J. Zacharias [22:03]:
"Tank Bigsby could see up to 850 yards and seven touchdowns in Jacksonville's offense."

Tank Bigsby is identified as a mid-round flyer with potential to emerge as a lead back, especially in goal-line situations. His efficiency and role in Jacksonville's offense present a solid mid-tier drafting option.

b. Jordan Mason

Dave Richard [22:03]:
"Jordan Mason, the younger running back in Minnesota, is poised to take on more goal-line duties, providing a fantasy upside."

Mason is viewed as a breakout candidate within Minnesota’s supportive offensive line, offering goal-line opportunities and increasing his fantasy relevance throughout the season.

c. DeAndre Swift

Heath Cummings [23:30]:
"DeAndre Swift will catch four plus balls per game and has a chance to be a top 12 running back for the first time ever."

DeAndre Swift is projected to benefit from an improved Bears offense and increased pass-catching responsibilities, positioning him as a valuable mid-round asset with top-12 potential.

d. Jalen Warren

J.J. Zacharias [24:07]:
"Jalen Warren has a high target share and efficiency, making him a reliable choice in hero or zero RB builds."

Jalen Warren is praised for his efficiency and pass-catching skills, making him a dependable pick in various fantasy strategies. Despite concerns about workload sharing, his role in Aaron Rodgers’ offense adds significant value.

5. Rankings and Rapid Fire

Dave Richard [22:03]:
"Tank Bigsby and Jordan Mason are mid-round flyers with potential to become lead backs in their offenses."

The panel conducts a rapid-fire ranking session, where analysts quickly rank their top running back breakouts:

• J.J. Zacharias: 1. Jalen Warren, 2. Tyrone Tracy, 3. Calvin Johnson
• Dave Richard: 1. Warren, 2. Tracy, 3. Johnson
• Heath Cummings: 1. Tracy, 2. Warren, 3. Johnson

Tyrone Tracy Jr. is also highlighted as a potential breakout, especially in offensive schemes with ambiguous backfields, making him a valuable pick in the middle rounds.

6. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a consensus on prioritizing running backs with dual-threat capabilities and favorable offensive schemes. The experts reiterate the importance of balancing high-upside picks like Chase Brown and Ashton Genti with reliable mid-round options such as Tank Bigsby and Jalen Warren to build a competitive fantasy roster.

J.J. Zacharias [26:13]:
"If you have ambiguous backfields, the biggest breakouts tend to be second-year running backs who are pass catchers. I'm kind of into Tracy at this moment."

Adam Aizer closes the discussion by encouraging listeners to stay tuned for future episodes where the panel will explore wide receivers, tight ends, and further fantasy strategies to ensure a championship-worthy team.

Notable Quotes:

• Heath Cummings [11:33]:
  "Ashton Genti is a top five running back for me. If a running back in his very first year in the NFL is a top five running back and he's not a breakout, then I don't know what a breakout is."
  (Timestamp: 11:33)

• J.J. Zacharias [03:39]:
  "Chase Brown and Bucky Irving are going to break out and do for a full season what they did for half a season."
  (Timestamp: 03:39)

• J.J. Zacharias [24:07]:
  "Jalen Warren has a high target share and efficiency, making him a reliable choice in hero or zero RB builds."
  (Timestamp: 24:07)

This comprehensive analysis equips fantasy football enthusiasts with the insights needed to make informed draft decisions, highlighting key running backs to target for a successful season.