Fantasy Football Today: Episode Summary Episode Title: Waiver Wire, 2025 Top Three, "Who Has More?"
Release Date: December 31, 2024
Host: Adam Aizer
Analysts: Dave Richard, Jamie Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and more

Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, host Adam Aizer and his panel of analysts dive deep into the final week of the NFL regular season. They cover critical waiver wire pickups, discuss the top three prospects for the 2025 fantasy season, and engage listeners with their popular "Who Has More?" trivia segment. The hosts also reflect on their personal fantasy successes and share insights to help listeners dominate their fantasy leagues.

Waiver Wire Recommendations

The team begins by analyzing potential waiver wire additions for Week 18, focusing on quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers that could provide significant value in the final stretch of the season.

Quarterbacks

• Josh Dobbs (Arizona Cardinals):
  Dave highlights Dobbs as the top waiver wire quarterback with the opportunity to start against the Cardinals. Having shown versatility with his legs, Dobbs scored 18.9 fantasy points in seven of his 13 appearances last season.
  Dave: "Dobbs at Arizona has borderline top 12 upside, especially with the backups sitting this week." [20:00]

• Joe Flacco (Jacksonville Jaguars):
  Flacco is praised for his matchup against the Jaguars, who rank second in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. Despite some inconsistencies, his ability to throw deep passes presents upside.
  Dave: "Flacco is in full-blown YOLO mode, letting his big guys get open deep downfield." [58:33]

• Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons):
  Penix is noted for his favorable matchup against the Panthers, a must-win game for the Falcons, offering significant fantasy potential.
  Jamie: "Penix against the Panthers is a must-win game, providing substantial upside." [20:57]

Running Backs

• Khalil Herbert (Pittsburgh Steelers):
  Jamie prioritizes Herbert due to the Steelers' desperate need to get the offense moving. With defenses struggling against the run, Herbert could see substantial touches.
  Jamie: "Herbert should be added first; the Steelers need to get their offense going." [28:58]

• Ray Davis (New England Patriots):
  Ray Davis is recommended as a valuable waiver wire pickup, especially in PPR leagues, given his past performance when given the opportunity.
  Jamie: "Davis averaged over 20 PPR points when he started last time." [27:53]

• Michael Carter / Trey Benson:
  Both running backs are discussed as potential pickups, though Carter's future involvement remains uncertain.
  Jamie: "I'd be shocked if James Conner played after leaving the past two games." [29:10]

Wide Receivers

• Jalil McLaughlin (Seattle Seahawks):
  Highlighted for his matchup against Chiefs backups, McLaughlin offers upside in a favorable game environment.
  Adam: "Jalil McLaughlin against Chiefs backups is intriguing." [30:39]

• Zakias Mims (Buffalo Bills):
  Mims is commended for stepping into a larger role and producing impressive fantasy numbers recently.
  Dave: "Mims has stepped into the Noah Brown role and performed exceptionally." [37:22]

2025 Top Three Rankings

Adam and the analysts shift focus to future planning, discussing their top three players projected to excel in the 2025 fantasy football season.

• Jamie’s Top Three:

  1. Jamar Chase (Cleveland Browns)
  2. Saquon Barkley (New York Giants)
  3. Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons)
     Jamie: "Top three, some order of Chase, Bijan, Saquon is where we settle in." [52:16]

• Dave’s Top Three:

  1. Jamar Chase
  2. Saquon Barkley
  3. Bijan Robinson
     Dave: "Jamar Chase, Saquon Barkley, and Bijan Robinson in some order." [49:55]

• Adam’s Perspective:
  Adam expresses interest in Justin Jefferson and Nico Collins but remains cautious about Saquon Barkley’s aging status and target volume.
  Adam: "Justin Jefferson is justifiable to go with him, and Nico Collins has a case to be top three." [52:58]

"Who Has More?" Trivia Segment

In their engaging trivia segment, the hosts challenge each other with fantasy football-related questions, testing their knowledge and entertaining listeners.

• Q: Who has more fantasy points per game in full PPR this year, Justin Jefferson or T. Higgins?
  A: T. Higgins by 0.2 fantasy points per game.
  Adam: "It is T. Higgins by 0.2 fantasy points per game." [57:16]

• Q: Who has more total touchdowns this season, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, or Joe Burrow?
  A: Joe Burrow with 44 touchdowns.
  Adam: "It is Joe Burrow. 44 for Burrow, 43 for Jackson, 40 for Allen." [60:17]

• Q: Who has more championships, Joe Montana or Tony Kukoc?
  A: Joe Montana with four championships.
  Jamie: "He thinks Montana has four." [61:07]

Personal Reflections and League Updates

The hosts share their personal fantasy league achievements, celebrating victories and discussing close calls that highlight the unpredictable nature of fantasy football.

• Adam’s Success:
  Adam recounts winning four out of twelve leagues, including his 14-team flex league.
  Adam: "I won four of them. And yeah, I'm pretty fired up." [05:06]

• Jamie's Achievements:
  Jamie shares his success in making finals in four leagues and winning three, along with victories in father-son leagues.
  Jamie: "Made the finals in four of my leagues. Won three of the four." [04:30]

• Notable Moments:
  The hosts discuss memorable plays, such as Jameer Gibbs' game-winning touchdown, and express pride in their children's fantasy football performances.
  Jamie: "My son Ryan finished 42nd in the Scott Fishbowl out of 4,000 teams." [06:47]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts emphasize the importance of strategic decisions in the final week, encouraging listeners to leverage the waiver wire and make informed choices to secure their league victories. They also tease upcoming content, including deep dives into running backs and tight ends, ensuring listeners have the resources needed to excel in their fantasy endeavors.

Notable Quotes

• Adam: "This was the best year because I didn't even realize I had a chance." [02:57]
• Jamie: "Wish I had had the Eagles in my lineup, otherwise it would have been four for four." [05:06]
• Dave: "I won our big office league, which is 22 teams now. So I was happy about that." [05:14]
• Jamie: "My son Ryan finished 42nd in the Scott Fishbowl out of 4,000 teams." [06:47]
• Adam: "I wrote a little song about it. Sing along if you'd like." [08:02]
• Dave: "Josh Dobbs at Arizona has borderline top 12 upside." [20:00]
• Jamie: "Herbert should be added first; the Steelers need to get their offense going." [28:58]
• Jamie: "Jalil McLaughlin against Chiefs backups is intriguing." [30:39]
• Jamie: "Top three, some order of Chase, Bijan, Saquon is where we settle in." [52:16]
• Adam: "It is Joe Burrow. 44 for Burrow, 43 for Jackson, 40 for Allen." [60:17]

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Waiver Wire Picks: Focus on players with favorable matchups and roles in their teams, especially quarterbacks like Josh Dobbs and Joe Flacco.

• Future Planning: Identifying top prospects for the 2025 season is crucial, with Jamar Chase, Saquon Barkley, and Bijan Robinson leading the rankings.

• Engagement and Community: Sharing personal league successes and engaging in trivia fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among listeners.

• Final Week Strategies: Making informed decisions in the last week can significantly impact league outcomes, emphasizing the importance of staying active and attentive.

Stay tuned for more expert insights and strategic advice to keep you ahead in your fantasy football league. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, Fantasy Football Today equips you with the knowledge to dominate your competition.