Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "2025 Bust Picks + Risers & Fallers" (8/25/2025)

Overview

In this lively episode, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dig into the most critical preseason risers and fallers, highlight their personal "bust" picks for 2025, and break down the latest fantasy-relevant NFL news. With preseason over and Week 1 looming, the trio delivers actionable insights and strong opinions to help fantasy managers prep for their critical drafts.

Key Discussion Points

1. Nostalgia & Community Update (01:28–06:41)

• The hosts reflect humorously on the show’s early days, prompted by YouTube resurfacing a decade-old episode.
• Announcement of Megalobowl entries (largest fantasy football league), Listener League winners, and reminders to subscribe for live Sunday shows.
• "We were little baby children." – Jason Moore (03:18)

2. Preseason Risers (07:44–15:31)

Andy: Ollie Gordon (Miami Dolphins) [07:44]

• Rose from buried on depth chart to likely A/B committee due to Devon Achane’s injury and strong preseason.
• "Ollie Gordon’s up over five a carry in the preseason and looked really good." – Andy Holloway (08:28)

Jason: Ricky Pearsall (49ers) & Marvin Mims (Broncos) [09:19]

• Pearsall simply stayed healthy—a big feat in SF. Mims played most two-WR sets, making him worthy of a last-round stash.
• "He just needs to be on the field for, you know, 80 plus percent of snaps...he’s going to be very relevant." – Jason Moore (10:07)

Mike: Isaac Tesala (Lions) [11:07]

• Rookie WR who keeps making plays and even broke out the worm celebration. Det. coach Dan Campbell expects him to contribute early.
• "He is so dynamic and, pun intended, he is so electric." – Mike Wright (12:32)
• Hosts discuss the impact on Jameson Williams and rookie red zone usage.

3. Preseason Fallers (15:31–20:34)

Andy: Joe Mixon (Texans), Tyler Shough (Saints) [15:31]

• Mixon’s rehab remains mysterious; drafting him requires patience but could pay off. Shough, a 26-year-old rookie, failed to separate from Rattler for Saints’ job.
• "He is hiding. No one can find him." – Andy Holloway (15:51)

Jason: Jack Bech (Raiders) [18:10]

• Rookie WR has fallen 51 ADP spots; teammate Thornton seizing opportunity instead.

Mike: Trey Harris (Chargers) [19:46]

• Outshined by KeAndre Lambert-Smith and the Keenan Allen signing; would need injuries to matter in Year 1.

4. News and Notes Rapid Fire (21:29–30:33)

• Terry McLaurin signs 3-year, $96M extension (22:05)
• Jaguars may move either Etienne or Bigsby (23:18)
• Saints cut Cam Akers; Kendre Miller solidifies as Kamara handcuff (24:01)
• Najee Harris possibly ready for Week 1, but has been limited in practice (24:57)
• John Jennings & 49ers injuries – soft tissue issues linger (25:31)
• Mixon's rehab described as "complicated" and "not ready" (26:38)
• Cowboys RB Jaden Blue with (another) mild ankle sprain (28:25)
• Offensive line concerns: Falcons, Lions struggling; Texans, Bengals, Giants among bottom OLs (29:00–30:33)
  • "Texans are the worst." – Mike Wright (30:16)

5. Bust Picks for 2025

Andy: Garrett Wilson (Jets) [31:56]

• Cites high targets but poor historical fantasy outcomes with erratic QB play (now Justin Fields).
• "It is the most Garrett Wilson thing ever – get as many targets as humanly possible...and end outside the top 30." – Andy (32:47)
• Highlights lack of red zone appearances, questionable TD upside.

Jason: Ashton Jeanty (Raiders, RB) [36:37]

• Points to team’s poor outlook (6-win projection), lack of historical fantasy success for RBs on bad teams, and Jeanty’s aggressive ADP (RB5) as recipe for disappointment.
• "He’s being drafted right now as the running back five. It’s just too high." – Jason (39:51)

Mike: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs, QB) [41:12]

• Mahomes is the "consolation prize" after the big four at QB, but recent declines in depth-of-target, fantasy finish (QB11, QB8), and a run-heavy, defense-first team philosophy cap his ceiling.
• "He posted career lows in yards, yards per attempt and touchdown rate." – Mike (41:45)
• "He did not finish in the top 12 until Week 9." – Mike (41:51)
• Discussion: without a dramatic offensive retool, Mahomes is a "set it and regret it" pick at his ADP.

6. Listener and Discord Busts [48:51]

• Devon Achane, Garrett Wilson, Ashton Jeanty, Saquon Barkley, and Tyreek Hill frequently mentioned.

7. Sleeper “Gems” and ADP Watch [50:00+]

• Malik Washington (Giants) and Marvin Mims named as sneaky late-round WRs.
• Weekly suggestion: use UDK’s player marking tools to keep tabs on under-the-radar names.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On the show’s early years:
  "You had the same different microphone." – Andy (03:28)
  "We were prepubescent." – Mike (03:32)

• On preseason takeaways:
  "The Marvin Mims rug is… it’s on the way." – Mike (10:00)

• On Garrett Wilson’s fantasy trajectory:
  "He has everything…except quarterback play." – Andy (32:04)

• On Ashton Jeanty’s risk:
  "Every single top five back over the last five years except for one…had double digit touchdowns." – Jason (38:42)

• On Mahomes’ fantasy role:
  "Kansas City has declined in average depth of target every single year since Patrick Mahomes became a starter." – Mike (42:41)
  "Do you backload the [Rashee Rice] suspension in case you get injured?" – Jason (47:36; humor segment)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – Ads & Nostalgia
• 07:44 – Preseason Risers: Gordon, Pearsall, Mims, Tesala
• 15:31 – Risers & Fallers: Mixon, Shough, Bech, Harris
• 21:29 – News & Notes (Contracts, Injuries, Trades)
• 31:56 – Bust Picks Segment: Wilson, Jeanty, Mahomes
• 48:51 – Foot Clan/Discord Bust Submissions
• 50:00 – Sleeper talk, ADP advice, closing draft prep tips

Tone and Language

The hosts mix humor, nostalgia, and sharp analysis, often self-deprecating and riffing off each other. They are candid about their own preferences ("I always skip over [Mahomes] in drafts...I just have to verbalize it"), poke fun at NFL quirks, and never shy away from strong fantasy stands.

Takeaways for Fantasy Managers

• Monitor preseason risers and keep tabs on camp injuries.
• Stay realistic about players drafted on bad teams or with poor QB play.
• Be cautious drafting Mahomes at his price unless the Chiefs retool their offense.
• Be wary of the 'consolation' elite picks falling victim to sunk draft cost.
• Late-round WRs like Isaac Tesala, Marvin Mims, and Malik Washington could outproduce ADP.

For Next Time

• Bust picks are about value, not just performance! Use the UDK or mark your own do-not-draft lists as your final draft prep this weekend.