Podcast Summary: Fantasy Football Today – "State of the Quarterback Position + Best Vets For Contenders, Favorite Buys & Sells"

Release Date: July 18, 2025

Hosts and Guests:

• Heath Cummings – Host
• Jay – Guest Analyst from QB List

1. Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, host Heath Cummings delves deep into the current landscape of the quarterback (QB) position, exploring rankings, potential breakout stars, and strategic buys and sells for fantasy football enthusiasts. Joining Heath is Jay, the lead analyst from QB List, who provides expert insights into quarterback evaluations and projections.

2. Top 12 Quarterbacks

Heath Cummings shares his controversial top 12 QB rankings for dynasty leagues, placing Jaden Daniels as the top QB1 for his youth and potential, followed by established stars like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Heath emphasizes the importance of tier differentiation, noting significant gaps between the top six and the next group (Caleb Williams through Bo Nix).

Heath Cummings [04:19]: "There's a bigger difference between Mahomes at 6 and my QB7 than there is between Mahomes at 6 and Jaden Daniels."

Jay concurs, highlighting the value of cost-effectiveness and potential overage-related risks.

Jay [14:23]: "Those guys are in the same tier. I want to go after whoever's going to cost me the least."

3. Rookie Quarterback Class

Heath and Jay address the 2025 rookie QB class, traditionally viewed with skepticism. While Heath acknowledges the overall lukewarm sentiment, Jay brings optimism to the table regarding Cam Ward, citing his improved efficiency and potential as a solid QB2 or even a low-end QB1.

Jay [07:39]: "I think Cam Ward can be a solid, whether it's super flex, looking at QB2 or one QB, somebody who could be low end QB1."

Heath echoes this optimism, especially noting a potential rise in Calvin Ridley's performance affecting Ward's value.

4. Favorite Breakout Quarterbacks

Jay identifies Jordan Love as his favorite breakout QB for the year. Despite an injury-halved last season, Love demonstrated significant passing capabilities when healthy, boasting high average depth of target and efficient downfield throws.

Jay [10:09]: "Jordan Love is prime for that breakout that many thought he was gonna have last season."

Heath agrees, positioning Love as a great value compared to other QBs who may have underperformed.

5. Buys and Sells

A. Favorite Buys

• Jay’s Top Buy: Trevor Lawrence

  Jay champions Trevor Lawrence as a top dynasty buy, arguing that his consistent performance and improved offensive line make him a valuable asset despite others' hesitation.

  Jay [32:00]: "I definitely think he has potential for top five seasons and people are just ready to wash their hands of him because they didn't meet those initial expectations."

• Heath’s Favorite Buys: Brock Purdy and Justin Fields

  Heath positions Brock Purdy at QB8, anticipating increased pass attempts and efficiency, especially with an improved San Francisco defense. Additionally, Justin Fields is highlighted for his rushing upside and potential stepping forward in the right league formats.

  Heath Cummings [37:11]: "Brock Purdy is QB13 by current ADP. I have him at QB8. That pretty much tells you all you need to know."

B. Favorite Sells

• Bo Nix

  Jay recommends selling Bo Nix, citing his inefficiency and limited upside in fantasy terms.

  Jay [38:20]: "I'm really looking to sell high on Bo Nix. I just don't see the upside that a lot of people do."

• Jared Goff

  Heath considers Jared Goff a sell despite his past performances. He points out inconsistencies and age-related concerns, especially in dynasty formats.

  Heath Cummings [39:03]: "Jared Goff is my sell. If I was in a one QB league I just flat out rather have Justin Fields than Jared Goff."

6. Sleeper Picks and Waiver Wire

The discussion turns to potential sleepers and waiver wire additions, with Daniel Jones emerging as a key target. Both hosts see value in adding Daniel Jones due to his improved offensive line and receiving weapons, projecting him to have a top 10 fantasy season.

Heath Cummings [43:35]: "Daniel Jones does have a top 10 fantasy season under his belt. I do. I think he's going to be anywhere near top 10."

Jay agrees, highlighting Jones' improved situation and potential.

7. Listener Questions

A. Baker Mayfield’s Ranking

A listener questions why Baker Mayfield, despite throwing numerous touchdowns last season, isn't ranked higher. Heath explains concerns about Mayfield's turnover rates and longevity, while Jay emphasizes the importance of consistent improvement and sustaining efficiency.

Heath Cummings [47:13]: "I don’t think it makes any sense because when you watch Lawrence play, he looks, he passes the eye test... But he gets down into the red zone and things just go wrong."

B. Ranking J.J. McCarthy, Michael Pannick, Cam Ward

Heath and Jay debate the rankings of J.J. McCarthy, Michael Pannick, and Cam Ward, ultimately preferring Michael Pannick over McCarthy and placing Cam Ward lower due to limited upside.

Jay [29:51]: "I would probably go Pannick, then McCarthy, then a pretty big drop to Cam Ward."

8. Older Quarterbacks and Future Value

The hosts discuss the longevity and future value of elite QBs like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. Jay expresses strong confidence in Mahomes' continued elite performance, while Heath shares cautious optimism, acknowledging Mahomes' prime yet recognizing potential age-related declines post-30.

Jay [55:08]: "I think we do with both of them. But out of the two, I feel the most confident about Mahomes."

Heath Cummings [54:11]: "I'm more confident about Mahomes, not only because of that, but... he's not going away."

9. Conclusion: QB List and Final Thoughts

Before wrapping up, Jay introduces QB List, detailing its offerings such as draft guides, positional analyses, and game-by-game fantasy evaluations. He emphasizes the depth and analytical rigor that QB List brings to fantasy football enthusiasts.

Jay [56:39]: "QB List is the sister site to Pitcher List... We've got an excellent team that goes through and we have a 'What We Saw' series... someone who watched the game and gives you a fantasy spin on it."

Heath concludes by encouraging listeners to engage via email for a chance to join their Fantasy Football League and share their experiences.

Notable Quotes

• Heath Cummings [04:19]: "There's a bigger difference between Mahomes at 6 and my QB7 than there is between Mahomes at 6 and Jaden Daniels."

• Jay [14:23]: "Those guys are in the same tier. I want to go after whoever's going to cost me the least."

• Jay [32:00]: "I definitely think he has potential for top five seasons and people are just ready to wash their hands of him because they didn't meet those initial expectations."

• Heath Cummings [37:11]: "Brock Purdy is QB13 by current ADP. I have him at QB8. That pretty much tells you all you need to know."

• Heath Cummings [43:35]: "Daniel Jones does have a top 10 fantasy season under his belt. I do. I think he's going to be anywhere near top 10."

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the quarterback position in fantasy football, offering valuable rankings, strategic advice on buys and sells, and uncovering potential sleepers. With expert insights from Jay and Heath, listeners are well-equipped to make informed decisions for their dynasty leagues. Whether you're a seasoned manager or new to fantasy football, the discussed strategies and evaluations are essential for dominating your league in the upcoming season.

For more insights and updates, join the Fantasy Football Today community through their YouTube, Twitter, and email platforms.