Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: "Bold Predictions + Spicy Takes, BILL CROSKEY!" – August 26, 2025
Main Theme & Purpose
This high-energy episode features Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dishing out their boldest and spiciest fantasy football predictions for the 2025 NFL season. The trio also discusses undrafted gems who could make a big impact, breaks down the latest NFL news—including trades, injuries, and cuts—and shares plenty of humor and banter. This is a must-listen for fantasy managers looking to get an edge with daring outlooks and actionable advice going into their drafts.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Undrafted Gems to Stash (07:33–14:43)
The team returns to highlight undrafted or late-round fantasy footballers with league-winning potential:
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Dylan Sampson, RB, Browns (Mike, 08:01)
- Rookie with an impressive college résumé, including SEC Player of the Year.
- Started over Jerome Ford in the final preseason game—potential for a big workload, especially with unsettled competition and a tough opening schedule.
- Quote: “There’s a chance he’s the starter… Starting running backs at this point of the draft are very difficult to find.” – Mike Wright (08:24)
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Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens (Andy, 09:24)
- Recently extended but being drafted around WR60.
- Scored nine TDs last year; could benefit from Lamar Jackson’s upside and is a strong spot-flex candidate.
- Quote: “We’re kind of worn out with Rashod Bateman...but he represents a great weekly spot start as needed.” – Andy Holloway (09:50)
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Theo Johnson, TE, Giants (Jason, 11:41)
- Athletic freak (9.99 RAS out of 10); flashed as a rookie, potentially ascending with Greg Dulcich now cut.
- Could become the #2 target in NYG’s offense.
- Quote: “He is a beast...If you’re in deeper leagues or tight end premium, he’s certainly one I’m targeting.” – Jason Moore (13:27)
2. News & Notes (14:43–23:13)
Major NFL Updates:
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Amari Cooper signs with Raiders (15:04)
- One-year deal; impacts the Raiders WR depth chart with Jacoby Myers requesting a trade.
- The crew is monitoring for clarity before making WR rank changes.
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Kenny Pickett traded to Raiders (16:46)
- Impacts the Browns' QB depth chart, with Joe Flacco’s job temporarily safer.
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Injury and Roster News
- Tyjae Spears (Titans) on IR, opening value for Tony Pollard (17:32).
- Najee Harris NFI status unclear, leaning toward a cautious approach (17:51).
- Joe Mixon (Texans) placed on reserve/NFI list, casting doubt on his 2025 season (18:17).
- Multiple notable cuts including Deontay Johnson, Cam Akers, Malachi Corley, Phil Mafa on IR (20:41–21:48).
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Running Back Landscape
- With injuries and depth chart shifts, opportunities are highlighted for Javonte Williams (Cowboys), Miles Sanders, and sleepers like Jaden Blue.
3. Ridiculously Bold Predictions (23:17–47:13)
Each host delivers two huge, non-consensus predictions for 2025, explained in detail:
Jason’s First Bold Prediction (23:45)
- Falcons Win Division on the Backs of Fantasy Superstars
- Bijan Robinson: RB1 overall.
- Drake London: Top 5 WR.
- Kyle Pitts: Top 10 TE.
- Michael Penix: Top 15 QB.
- Believes Penix’s playstyle and schedule will propel Atlanta from underdogs to a playoff berth.
- Quote: “Four players are going to be very good and the Falcons are going to be good. And that is pretty bold considering they haven’t been over .500 since 2017.” – Jason Moore (24:17)
Andy’s First Bold Prediction (27:58)
- Puka Nacua Records 12+ 100-Yard Games—An NFL Record
- Hinges on Stafford’s health for 17 games; only achieved by players on Stafford-led teams previously.
- If the Rams manage Stafford, Puka could be fantasy’s WR1.
- Quote: “Puka has every chance at being the number one overall wide receiver.” – Andy Holloway (29:06)
Mike’s First Bold Prediction (30:12)
- Austin Ekeler Finishes RB18 or Better
- Despite age/narrative, workload and pass-catching keep him in RB2+ territory in Washington’s potent offense.
- Quote: “I think Austin Ekeler still has a lot to give to this team. He will be the pass catcher. How much does he get used near the goal line? That’ll be the difference.” – Mike Wright (33:05)
Jason’s Second Bold Prediction (34:28)
- Three Backup RBs Win Championships: Will Shipley (Eagles), Sean Tucker (Buccaneers), Trey Benson (Cardinals)
- Anticipates regression to the mean after a historically healthy RB year; each backup is talented and in injury-prone/backfield-shakeup situations.
- Quote: “Those are the three most talented backs that could win championships at the end of the year with pathways in front of them. It happens every year.” – Jason Moore (39:56)
Andy’s Second Bold Prediction (40:14)
- Three WRs Outside Top-50 ADP Land Top-25: Keon Coleman (Bills), Deontay Thornton Jr. (Raiders), Josh Downs (Colts)
- Predicts surprise breakouts and WR1 status for each within their offense.
- Quote: “You’re going to see breakouts from all three of them. So that’s my bold prediction.” – Andy Holloway (43:06)
Mike’s Second Bold Prediction (43:27)
- J.J. McCarthy (Vikings) Outperforms Brock Purdy & Caleb Williams; Finishes as a Top-12 QB
- Youngest Week 1 starter, mobile, and benefits from Kevin O’Connell’s pass-happy system and strong supporting cast.
- Quote: “J.J. McCarthy is going to surprise and he is being…not drafted. But I think he is going to shine and surprise and outscore a lot of quarterbacks drafted in front of him.” – Mike Wright (46:03)
4. Mailbag Q&A Highlights (48:04–54:00)
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Should I Break Up a RB/WR Stack If It’s Not Ideal? (JSN + Ken Walker)
- The crew advises against trading away a player for less value just to “fix” a stack; be patient and target fair value in trades (48:39).
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Malik Nabers vs. Nico Collins (Full PPR)?
- All three lean Nico due to Malik’s injury issues and Nico’s rising stock (50:10).
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Kate Otten as a TE Solution (if Godwin is out)?
- Otten has upside in the short-term with injuries to WRs, but lack of consistency and other options limit long-term appeal (52:01).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “If it’s piscy, it just means we can’t handle it.” – Jason Moore, on the crew’s spice level for predictions (02:30)
- “We have undrafted gems that we’re going to talk about today. Bringing that back one more time before the season begins.” – Andy Holloway (02:50)
- “That's Geno Smith’s Metcalfe.” – Andy Holloway, on Deontay Thornton’s upside (42:17)
- “If Mike’s right here, McCarthy will not be showing up on the streaming show in the second half of the year because…it’ll be like, ‘Oh yeah. You can’t stream him. He’s rostered.’” – Jason Moore (47:13)
- Fun running joke regarding Bill Croskey going viral, and whether or not the jokes were “at his expense” (04:00–05:39).
- Playful debates over what’s "bold" or "Piscy" (more or less spicy) with predictions (32:05, 34:28).
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Undrafted Gems – 07:33–14:43
- News & Notes – 14:43–23:13
- Bold Predictions – 23:17–47:13
- Mailbag Q&A – 48:04–54:00
Tone & Style
- Energetic, irreverent, banter-filled: The trio keep things light and hilarious, frequently ribbing each other; yet deliver sharp, researched takes.
- Actionable analysis for fantasy footballers: Advice is focused specifically on practical draft/waiver strategy and upside-chasing.
For Listeners Who Missed the Show
This episode is a must-listen for those seeking edge-case winners and last-round league-winners. The hosts break away from consensus, encourage listeners to think outside the box, and provide plenty of insight into late fantasy picks who could swing titles, along with entertaining chemistry and robust news analysis for the preseason’s crucial final weeks.
