Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: “Wildcard Draft Picks + Breakout-or-Bust?” – May 27, 2025

Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike “The Fantasy Hitman” Wright

Introduction

In the May 27, 2025 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into the intriguing world of wildcard draft picks and breakout-or-bust players for the upcoming fantasy football season. The discussion provides listeners with expert analysis, key insights, and strategic advice to enhance their draft strategies and optimize their fantasy teams.

Ultimate Draft Kit (UDK) Update [01:27 – 06:18]

The episode kicks off with an exciting announcement about the Ultimate Draft Kit (UDK), a comprehensive resource designed to aid fantasy football enthusiasts in their draft preparations.

• Mike Wright emphasizes the dynamic nature of the UDK:
  “This is a living, breathing, always updated, always changing draft guide.”
  [03:04]

• Andy Holloway highlights the inclusion of tier-based rankings, a staple feature that organizes players into tiers based on performance and potential:
  “We just expect, well, everybody has.”
  [03:04]

Key Features of the UDK:

• 100+ Player Profile Videos: Detailed analyses of player situations and projections.
• Custom Cheat Sheets: Tailored to individual league settings and scoring formats.
• Live Updates: Continuous adjustments and refinements from June 1st through draft season.
• Custom Scoring Integration: Supports importing settings from various platforms like ESPN, Yahoo, Sleeper, and NFL.com.

The UDK aims to be an indispensable tool for fantasy managers, ensuring they have the most current and actionable information at their fingertips.

Player Spotlight: RJ Harvey [06:18 – 11:56]

The hosts shift focus to RJ Harvey, a rookie running back for the Denver Broncos, who was drafted in the second round despite some skepticism.

• Andy Holloway discusses Harvey's reliability and expected workload:
  “I think he should get a lot of targets, a lot of carries. So I think that gives him a nice high floor.”
  [07:16]

• Mike Wright compares Harvey to Kareem Hunt, suggesting a high ceiling:
  “I think the range of outcomes is like six. I think he could be the RB6.”
  [08:34]

• Jason Moore underscores the strategic advantage of investing in Harvey:
  “The overall situation is something that you want to invest in for fantasy football.”
  [10:17]

Key Points:

• High Floor: Consistent target and carry volume due to the Broncos' offensive needs.
• High Ceiling: Potential to break into the top running backs if he maximizes his opportunities.
• Team Dynamics: With an evolving Broncos offense led by Bo Nicks and Sean Payton, Harvey is positioned to be a pivotal asset.

NFL News and Updates [11:56 – 21:01]

The hosts provide listeners with the latest NFL news that could impact fantasy football strategies.

Javante Williams – Dallas Cowboys

• Andy Holloway shares updates on Cowboys' running back Javante Williams, who recently expressed feeling "completely like himself" post-knee injury:
  “He feels safe outside of injury.”
  [12:02]

• Discussion Points:

  • Williams is expected to be first in the running back rotation.
  • The Cowboys’ offensive strategy under Dak Prescott and CD George Pickens could enhance Williams' usage.

Detroit Lions' Offensive Strategy

• Mike Wright and Jason Moore discuss the Lions’ shift to more downfield passes under Offensive Coordinator John Morton, benefiting rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams:
  “He had Jared Goff with the third lowest percentage of attempts over 20 yards downfield.”
  [16:06]

New Orleans Saints’ Quarterback Battle

• The competition between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Schuck is highlighted, with Schuck’s oblique injury adding uncertainty:
  “This is a big time bummer to be in a quarterback competition right now and you can’t throw for a while.”
  [16:50]

Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers

• Speculation surrounds Aaron Rodgers potentially signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, raising questions about the team’s quarterback dynamics and future performance:
  “Aaron Rodgers will take it over and find a way to light it on fire.”
  [21:40]

Wildcard Players: Breakout-or-Bust Selections [22:45 – 56:43]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to identifying and analyzing wildcard players—those with high upside but also notable risks.

Aaron Jones – Minnesota Vikings

• Jason Moore describes Jones as a wildcard due to recent changes and questions surrounding his workload:
  “It feels safe outside of injury, but the injury, the fact that he just had over 300 carries for only the second time.”
  [24:07]

• Andy Holloway points out Jones' consistency despite aging and trade uncertainties:
  “He is the running back one for a really good offense.”
  [25:31]

Caleb Johnson – Pittsburgh Steelers

• Andy Holloway introduces Caleb Johnson as a promising rookie RB, emphasizing his college success and potential:
  “Since 2013, every single rookie running back drafted on day two who saw more than 220 opportunities finished as a top 25 running back.”
  [35:04]

• Mike Wright discusses Johnson's fit within the Steelers' offense and his high potential ceiling:
  “His floor is running back 30. His ceiling is running back six.”
  [34:59]

Jaden Reed – Green Bay Packers

• Mike Wright compares Reed to Stefan Diggs, noting Reed's explosive play potential but inconsistent usage:
  “This is a defining year for me. This is why he's a wild card.”
  [38:00]

• Discussion Points:

  • Reed's fluctuating target share and how increased opportunities could elevate his fantasy value.
  • Comparisons to Diggs emphasize Reed’s potential to become a top-tier receiver if given consistent opportunities.

Cedric Tillman and Jerry Judy – Cleveland Browns

• Mike Wright highlights Cedric Tillman and Jerry Judy as wildcard receivers with significant upside but uncertain roles:
  “Cedric Tillman is amazing because he's very, very young.”
  [55:35]

• Jason Moore discusses Tillman's unexpected breakout and Judy’s potential despite quarterback instability:
  “Jerry Judy ended up really taking advantage of everything that could possibly go right for him.”
  [53:18]

Tyreek Hill – Various Teams

• Andy Holloway expresses concerns about drafting Tyreek Hill due to his age and recent decline in performance:
  “I don't know what to do with like, I'm out on Tyreek Hill for where he is in drafts.”
  [47:54]

• Mike Wright acknowledges Hill's potential for a bounce-back but remains cautious:
  “Something different could happen.”
  [47:42]

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a recap of key wildcard players and their potential impacts on fantasy leagues. The hosts reiterate the importance of balancing high upside with inherent risks when selecting wildcard players. They also remind listeners to prepare for the draft season with the Ultimate Draft Kit, ensuring they have the latest tools and insights to secure a competitive edge.

Notable Quotes:

• “This is a living, breathing, always updated, always changing draft guide.” – Mike Wright [03:04]
• “I think he should get a lot of targets, a lot of carries. So I think that gives him a nice high floor.” – Andy Holloway [07:16]
• “I think the range of outcomes is like six. I think he could be the RB6.” – Mike Wright [08:34]
• “Since 2013, every single rookie running back drafted on day two who saw more than 220 opportunities finished as a top 25 running back.” – Andy Holloway [35:04]
• “This is a defining year for me. This is why he's a wild card.” – Mike Wright [38:00]

Final Thoughts

The Fantasy Footballers episode on wildcard draft picks provides a thorough examination of players who could significantly impact fantasy leagues. By blending statistical analysis with personal insights, the hosts equip listeners with the knowledge needed to make strategic decisions, particularly when it comes to selecting high-risk, high-reward players. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or a newcomer, this episode offers valuable perspectives to enhance your draft strategy and elevate your team's performance.