NFC North Breakdown + Poking the Bears - Fantasy Football Podcast for 7/17 - Fantasy Footballers

Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - NFC North Breakdown + Poking the Bears
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Episode Release Date: July 17, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve deep into the intricacies of the NFC North division. Alongside their usual fantasy football analysis, they tackle recent legal developments affecting key players within the division. Skipping the usual advertisements and intros, the trio focuses on delivering actionable insights for fantasy managers and passionate NFL fans alike.

Legal Issues Affecting NFC North Teams

Quinshon Judkins and the Cleveland Browns

At [02:48], Jason Moore introduces concerns regarding Quinshon Judkins’ legal situation. According to reports, Judkins, who hasn't yet signed his rookie contract, faces potential placement on the commissioner's exempt list due to legal troubles. Mike Florio highlights the possibility of Judkins being placed on paid leave after signing his contract ([02:52]).

Andy Holloway speculates, “[04:27]... Judkins is not an NFL employee right now, which means he can't be put on the commissioner's exempt list. But he also can't practice and participate...” This situation likely delays Judkins’ participation in training camp until week six or seven, impacting the Browns' depth at running back.

Jordan Addison and the Chicago Bears

The discussion shifts to Chicago Bears wide receiver Jordan Addison, who is due for a pretrial hearing concerning a DUI charge. Andy Holloway mentions, “[07:30]... [[...] Jordan Addison is due in court for a pretrial hearing before a jury trial on his DUI.” If convicted, Addison would face a minimum three-game suspension per the NFL’s policy, as noted by Jason Moore ([08:18]).

Terry McLaurin, another Bears wide receiver, is also facing contract frustrations. McLaurin has expressed dissatisfaction with the team's contract negotiations, indicating potential uncertainty about his participation in the upcoming season.

NFC North Team Breakdowns

Detroit Lions

Starting at [14:29], the hosts analyze the Detroit Lions, who had an outstanding record of 15-2 last season. Jason Moore notes, “[17:12]... this year is projected at ten and a half wins,” highlighting a significant drop from the previous season’s performance.

Andy Holloway expresses concern over the Lions' offensive line changes and the departure of key coordinator Ben Johnson, stating, “[20:22]... What Ben Johnson did was like sprinkles on top...” Despite these changes, Jared Goff remains a consistent quarterback performance, with Moore highlighting Goff’s historical achievements and potential MVP candidacy ([22:26]).

Fantasy Football Insights:

Jameer Gibbs is projected as a top-tier running back with high draft value.
David Montgomery remains a solid but potentially riskier pick in later rounds due to offensive line uncertainties.
T.J. Hawkinson is discussed as a potential fifth-round tight end, though Andy expresses reservations about his difference-making ability at the position ([39:38]).

Minnesota Vikings

At [29:18], the conversation shifts to the Minnesota Vikings, who finished last season at 14-3. The team is expected to perform at 8.5-9 wins this year, facing a tough schedule. The hosts discuss the rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s potential, comparing him favorably to Sam Darnold’s previous performance ([31:35]).

Andy Holloway raises concerns about Caleb Williams, the Vikings' new quarterback, emphasizing his lack of mobility and reliance on a strong offensive line to succeed ([31:54]).

Fantasy Football Insights:

Aaron Jones remains a valuable asset despite age concerns, projected as a late 6th-round pick.
Jordan Mason shows potential as a strong backup, especially if injuries occur, making him a sleeper pick around the 13th round ([37:22]).
Matthew Golden is highlighted as a reliable receiver to support the quarterback.

Green Bay Packers

At [42:16], the Packers are discussed as a team with strong on-field performance but inconsistent fantasy outcomes. With Josh Jacobs leading the backfield, the Packers boast a high-scoring offense but face challenges in maintaining predictability for fantasy managers ([43:40]).

Andy Holloway emphasizes the importance of team health and the spread of targets among receivers like Matthew Golden and Jaden Reed ([43:47]).

Fantasy Football Insights:

Josh Jacobs is a top pick, projected as RB9 with consistent touchdown potential.
Jaden Reed and Colson Loveland present solid options for middle-round investments.
Caleb Williams, the Packers' rookie QB, is discussed with mixed expectations due to past inaccuracies and dependence on a robust offensive line ([50:45]).

Chicago Bears

The Bears, under new head coach Ben Johnson, are the final focus. With a projected 8.5-9 win season, the team is rebuilding around Caleb Williams and integrating new players like DeAndre Swift and Roma Dunes ([54:22]).

Andy Holloway is skeptical about Caleb Williams reaching his potential, likening his development to that of Trevor Lawrence, who did not meet early expectations ([58:27]).

Fantasy Football Insights:

DeAndre Swift is considered a potential late-round value, though concerns about his efficiency persist.
Roma Dunes is viewed as a promising sleeper with significant upside in the Bears' revamped offense ([59:28]).

Fantasy Football Implications

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide detailed analysis on how the NFC North’s dynamics influence fantasy football strategies:

Running Backs: Josh Jacobs remains a cornerstone for Green Bay, while Detroit’s Jameer Gibbs and Minnesota’s Aaron Jones are essential picks. Jordan Mason and Roshan Johnson emerge as valuable backups with high upside.
Quarterbacks: Jared Goff preserves his reputation as a reliable QB1, whereas J.J. McCarthy and Caleb Williams present intriguing but uncertain options for fantasy managers.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Players like Jaden Reed, Matthew Golden, and T.J. Hawkinson are discussed for their roles within their respective offenses, with considerations on their target volumes and team health.

Division Predictions

As the discussion wraps up, the hosts share their predictions for the NFC North:

Andy Holloway: Vikings to win the division, followed by Lions, Packers, and Bears ([63:15]).
Jason Moore: Packers as division winners, Lions in second, Vikings third, and Bears fourth, expressing hope for Chicago’s improvement ([63:25]).
Mike Wright: Aligns with Packers winning the division and supporting the Lions' playoff chances ([63:32]).

The divergence in predictions highlights the uncertainty and competitive nature of the division, influenced by ongoing team developments and player performances.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with the hosts acknowledging the complexities and unpredictabilities of the NFC North. They emphasize the importance of staying updated with team developments and player performances to optimize fantasy football strategies. The hosts also tease future discussions, maintaining their commitment to providing high-quality and actionable fantasy football insights.

Notable Quotes:

Andy Holloway at [04:27]: "Judkins is not an NFL employee right now, which means he can't be put on the commissioner's exempt list. But he also can't practice and participate..."
Jason Moore at [08:18]: "Jordan Addison would miss at least three games per the NFL's policy, according to Adam Schefter."
Andy Holloway at [39:38]: "If you're in a league I don't care that much about and I don't want to scour the waivers and I just want to lock in a tight end, I'll probably take Hawkinson because I'll be like that's easy."
Jason Moore at [22:26]: "Jared Goff stands as one of the handful of potential MVPs."
Mike Wright at [44:30]: "I think the dude's going to get into the end zone. I think you can have more balance."
Andy Holloway at [31:35]: "J.J. McCarthy, I think he is really, really good. I think he's better than Sam Darnold."

This comprehensive breakdown provides listeners and readers with a clear understanding of the current state and future projections of the NFC North teams, alongside valuable fantasy football strategies tailored to the latest developments.