Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary: "Most Surprising Teams + RB Underdogs" – Released June 10, 2025

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into the upcoming fantasy football season, focusing on surprising team performances and identifying underrated running back (RB) underdogs. They also address listener questions from their mailbag, offering expert insights and strategic advice for fantasy managers.

1. Surprising Fantasy Football Teams

Jacksonville Jaguars: A Potential Dark Horse

Andy Holloway initiates the discussion by highlighting the Jacksonville Jaguars as a team poised for a surprising turnaround. Last season, the Jaguars struggled significantly, ranking 26th in points per game. Key issues included injuries to quarterback Trevor Lawrence and disappointing performances from RB Travis Etienne and Evan Ingram. However, with notable changes, including the emergence of rookie Brian Thomas Jr. and the addition of Travis Hunter, the Jaguars now present a more optimistic outlook.

Andy Holloway [04:17]: "I'll kick us off. I am very curious about the Jacksonville Jaguars... They have the sixth easiest strength of schedule as far as when you're looking at, you know, projected lines going forward."

Las Vegas Raiders: Rebuilding with New Leadership

Mike Wright shifts the focus to the Las Vegas Raiders, a team that was last place in yards and points per game. Despite a tumultuous previous season with coaching changes and underperforming players, the Raiders have revamped their roster with a new head coach, Chip Kelly, and quarterback Geno Smith. The addition of promising RBs like Genti and Moster, along with wide receiver Jack Bash, suggests that the Raiders could surprise many by climbing the ranks this season.

Mike Wright [06:03]: "I went with the Raiders. The Raiders are 27th in yards per game, 29th in points per game altogether. IR last year... You got a new head coach, Pete Carroll. You got a new offensive coordinator in Chip Kelly."

San Francisco 49ers: Consistent Contenders

Jason Moore brings up the San Francisco 49ers, emphasizing their consistent performance and strong roster. With players like George Pickens and tight end Brock Bowers, the 49ers are expected to outperform their average draft positions (ADPs) and remain a top contender in fantasy leagues. Their easy schedule further solidifies their potential for a standout season.

Jason Moore [08:07]: "Quick one off the top of my head is the 49ers and look. Yeah, Kittle and well Kittle's being underdrafted as he always is."

2. News Highlights

Aaron Rodgers Joins the Pittsburgh Steelers

One of the major announcements of the episode is quarterback Aaron Rodgers signing a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. At 41 years old, Rodgers brings veteran experience to the Steelers’ roster. While some hosts express optimism about his impact, concerns arise regarding his declining performance metrics, such as reduced completion percentages and yards per attempt.

Mike Wright [09:58]: "Well, it happened officially. The Steelers agreed to terms with quarterback hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers on a one-year deal."

Andy Holloway [10:24]: "His career is about to resurge back to superstardom."

Nick Chubb Signs with the Houston Texans

Nick Chubb has secured a one-year contract with the Houston Texans, worth $2.5 million, with potential incentives bringing it up to $5 million. Despite his outstanding career, concerns linger about his recent injuries, including a knee and foot injury that have limited his playtime.

Mike Wright [12:25]: "Nick Chubb signs a one-year deal. $2.5 million. So not a lot of money to go be a back up in good old Houston."

Rashad Bateman Extends with the Minnesota Vikings

Rashad Bateman has signed a three-year, $36 million contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings. However, hosts express skepticism about the deal, citing Bateman’s inconsistent performance last season, where he recorded 45 receptions for 756 yards and nine touchdowns.

Mike Wright [14:50]: "Rashad Bateman signs a three-year, $36 million contract extension. Get that money, 20 million guaranteed."

Injury Updates: Anthony Richardson and Amon Ross

Anthony Richardson aggravated a shoulder injury, sidelining him from minicamp and delaying his development. Additionally, Amon Ross from the Detroit Lions underwent knee cleanup surgery, though it's not deemed serious.

Mike Wright [15:58]: "Anthony Richardson aggravated his right shoulder injury, will not be participating in minicamp."

3. Mailbag Highlights

Must-Draft RB Outside the Top 20

A listener from Atlanta asks for recommendations on RBs to draft outside the top 20. The hosts collectively highlight DeAndre Swift and Brian Robinson Jr. as valuable options due to their opportunities and potential roles in their respective teams.

Jason Moore [20:48]: "Well I'll throw a non rookie out, DeAndre Swift. I mean to me I think DeAndre Swift has a huge opportunity."

Andy Holloway [21:08]: "I would throw Brian Robinson Jr. Out there. He's being drafted way later than what his opportunity is."

Kyron Williams vs. Bucky Irving: Which RB to Choose?

Another listener asks whether to draft Kyron Williams or Bucky Irving. The hosts generally prefer Bucky Irving if the cost is equal, citing his higher explosive potential and current draft value.

Andy Holloway [27:22]: "If you're saying Bucky or Kyron straight up and they cost the same... Then I probably would lean the Bucky side."

Mike Wright [27:56]: "I think we all think Bucky's being drafted at or above his ceiling, which is too expensive."

DK Metcalf vs. Rashid Rice as Flex Options

A question about choosing between DK Metcalf and Rashid Rice as a flex option leads to a consensus favoring DK Metcalf due to his consistent performance and higher floor, despite Rashid Rice’s potential upside in best ball formats.

Jason Moore [28:29]: "I agree."

Andy Holloway [29:50]: "But I don't see him. The question is who would you rather have as a flex? Yeah, it's Metcalf."

Has Zay Flowers Reached His Ceiling?

Listeners inquire about the potential ceiling for wide receiver Zay Flowers. The hosts discuss his current performance metrics, emphasizing that while consistent, he hasn’t yet showcased the elite touchdown production needed to break into the top tier.

Andy Holloway [34:06]: "He can't profile or will ever profile as a top upper echelon guy because of his stature and routery."

Mike Wright [36:21]: "Well, Zay Flowers is never going to be a 8 to 10 touchdown guy."

Trade Christian McCaffrey for Omari and Hampton (Dynasty League)

A listener asks whether to trade Christian McCaffrey for Omari and Hampton in a dynasty league. The hosts advocate for trading McCaffrey, especially if confident he can secure RB12 over two years, preferring the long-term value Omari and Hampton offer.

Andy Holloway [40:09]: "I would rather have Hampton on a dynasty roster."

Mike Wright [42:44]: "I think what you are saying when you word this question is you're hoping that Christian McCaffrey is a top three back."

Is It Bad to Have a Lot of Rookies in a Starting Lineup?

The consensus from the hosts is that having rookies in your starting lineup isn't inherently bad, but caution is advised due to the variability in rookie performances and their adaptation periods.

Jason Moore [43:55]: "No, no."

Andy Holloway [44:03]: "Pretty easy."

Garrett Wilson vs. Marvin Harrison Jr.: Which WR to Choose?

When asked to choose between Garrett Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr., the hosts lean slightly towards Marvin Harrison Jr. due to his higher ceiling and consistency, although they recognize Garrett Wilson’s potential, especially with a future upgrade at quarterback.

Mike Wright [45:35]: "I'd rather have Marvin for the chance of being a little bit higher ceiling."

Andy Holloway [46:56]: "I'm on the Marvin side here for the exact thing you laid out."

Tettero and McMillan Ceiling as Rookies

A listener inquires about the rookie wide receivers Tettero and McMillan. The hosts agree that while they won't break into the top 12, they possess the potential to finish within the top 24, making them valuable additions in drafts with room for high-upside players.

Jason Moore [48:17]: "No, not a top 12 I don't think but I think he can make it into the top 24."

Andy Holloway [49:47]: "But we did see Adam Thielen with Bryce Young his rookie year be hyper targeted and be the number one for an offense."

Jaden Blue Taking Over the Cowboys Backfield

Lastly, a listener asks if Jaden Blue will take over the Cowboys' backfield. The hosts express low optimism, pointing out his size and current role within the team's backfield alongside established RBs like Javante and Miles Sanders.

Jason Moore [50:00]: "Very low, very low odds of taking over."

Andy Holloway [51:17]: "He is an undersized guy. He's 5, 9, 200. You don't see him as a 300 opportunity player."

4. Additional Discussions

Podcast Expansion Plans

The hosts announce their intention to increase the frequency of podcast episodes in the upcoming months, with plans to release three episodes in July and five in August, ensuring listeners have ample content throughout the season.

Andy Holloway [33:49]: "July we go. We kick it up a notch. We go three episodes, then."

Community Engagement and Future Content

Emphasizing their commitment to the fantasy football community, the hosts encourage listeners to join their Discord and follow them on social media. They also tease future episodes covering early breakout sleepers, potential busts, and player valuations.

Mike Wright [52:46]: "We have early breakout sleepers, busts and values coming up on some episodes of the show very, very soon."

5. Notable Quotes

• Andy Holloway [04:17]: “They have the sixth easiest strength of schedule as far as when you're looking at, you know, projected lines going forward.”

• Mike Wright [09:58]: “Aaron Rodgers is the Steelers quarterback. It is what we expected to happen.”

• Jason Moore [20:48]: “I think DeAndre Swift has a huge opportunity.”

• Andy Holloway [27:22]: “Then I probably would lean the Bucky side.”

• Mike Wright [28:29]: “I think we all think Bucky's being drafted at or above his ceiling, which is too expensive.”

• Jason Moore [48:17]: “No, not a top 12 I don't think but I think he can make it into the top 24.”

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of potential surprise teams and underrated RBs for the upcoming fantasy football season. Through in-depth discussions and expert advice, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright equip fantasy managers with the insights needed to optimize their rosters and gain a competitive edge. Whether you're navigating trade decisions, drafting strategies, or seeking breakout players, this episode offers valuable guidance to enhance your fantasy football experience.

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