Podcast Summary: Trade For These 11 Players Before The Deadline!

Footballguys Fantasy Football Show
Hosts: Alfredo Brown & Dave Kluge
Episode Date: October 29, 2025

Overview

In this dynamic episode, Alfredo Brown and Dave Kluge dive deep into the heart of fantasy football’s critical midseason stretch: the trade deadline. The focus is on identifying undervalued stars and league-winning breakout candidates to target in trades before it's too late. Their advice spans from perennial first-round picks to under-the-radar youngsters—exploring the intersection of advanced analytics, playoff schedules, and game theory, all delivered in their signature fast-paced, banter-driven style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Importance of Aggressive Trading Midseason

• The hosts urge fantasy managers to take bold swings at this stage, rather than settle for mediocrity or play it safe out of fear.
• Alfredo Brown:

  “If I'm not clearly in first place … I'd rather go down swinging. I'm trying to take as many big swings as I can rather than doing nothing and being mediocre.” (07:30)

2. Trade Targets: Analysis & Rationale

Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings, WR)

• Due for touchdown regression; elite usage but only 1 TD from 63 targets; best remaining and playoff WR schedule.
• Dave:

  “Just 5.58% of his points this year have come off of touchdowns. … That's assuredly going to bounce back at some point.” (04:57)
  “Vikings have the best wide receiver schedule … and the best playoff schedule as well.” (06:10)

• Alfredo:

  “Whoever has had Justin Jefferson on their team, their team has been absolutely decimated... So ... he becomes one of these perfect guys to go after.” (07:30)

• Trade Suggestions: Swap low-end RB1 types (e.g., Devonte Adams, AJ Brown, Rome Odunze, Quinton Judkins) for Jefferson.

Ashton Jeanty (Las Vegas Raiders, RB)

• RB18 on the season with inconsistent usage but high volume; favorable playoff matchups; efficient per carry and tackles broken.
• Alfredo:

  “He continues to get that volume. … 9th easiest remaining strength of schedule from week 10 through 17.” (08:40)

• Dave:

  “I’m still viewing him as an RB1 … to fade him any lower would be foolish.” (10:55)

Zay Flowers (Baltimore Ravens, WR)

• Elite target share and efficiency, but only 1 TD; expected boost when Lamar Jackson returns.
• Dave:

  “He only has one touchdown with 55 targets this year. That's just unbelievable... seventh among wide receivers in target share, eighth… in yards per route run” (12:20)

• Preferred Trade-aways: Chris Olave, Brian Thomas Jr, DK Metcalf

Nico Collins (Houston Texans, WR)

• Disappointing season, but huge workload, team trending up, OL protection improving, potential for target consolidation.
• Alfredo:

  “This is a big swing. Take the big swings... He had a 10 target game just a couple weeks ago prior to the concussion.” (14:34)

Jamison Williams (Detroit Lions, WR)

• Frustrating buy-low; usage and coaching hints suggest more involvement after the bye. Big-play threat with ideal playoff matchups.
• Dave:

  “Jameson Williams is now a buy. … When all of those [lowball] offers were getting rejected I was just like, well … that's how the market is viewing him right now.” (18:25)

• Statistical perspective:

  “Players don't just fall off the age cliff at 24 years old. ... it would be insane for him to continue producing like this.” (21:55)

Quinshon Judkins (RB, Indianapolis Colts)

• Currently injured (AC joint sprain; could miss several games), but has the easiest fantasy playoff RB schedule; best for playoff-bound teams.
• Dave:

  “A buy reserved for your teams that are sitting in first, second, third place.” (24:16)
  “That's three plus matchups through the fantasy playoffs.” (25:10)

• Trade Suggestions: Travis Etienne, Tyrone Tracy, Chase Brown, Marvin Harrison Jr, Quentin Johnston

Ricky Pearsall (San Francisco 49ers, WR)

• Returning from injury; previously WR16 with deep-threat role and high usage; ascending offense and thin WR corps.
• Alfredo:

  “This is a guy who took over as the wide receiver one on this team. … talked about risks. Yes, there is the MCL recovery” (29:56)

• Dave: Slightly cautious, advises to watch cost and target tiered WRs like Cortland Sutton, Devonta Smith, Travis Hunter (34:25)

Jalen Warren (Pittsburgh Steelers, RB)

• Highly efficient, underused in TDs, workhorse usage; great playoff schedule.
• Dave:

  “Among running backs with 100 plus touches, only Alvin Kamara has fewer points from touchdowns than Jalen Warren does. … He's going to start scoring touchdowns.” (36:18)

• Trading For Warren: Swap Alvin Kamara, Rico Dowdle, various WR2 types.

Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals, WR)

• Talented, unlucky, offense now moving better with Flacco; high passing volume; defense ensures shootouts.
• Alfredo:

  “Things have started to click a little more. … we are looking at a different player throughout these week now.” (39:20)

• Dave:

  “Jamar Chase has pulled over 50% of the team targets since Joe Flacco has taken over. … it all comes down to cost here.” (41:08)

Other Quick Hit Trade Targets

• Jerry Jeudy (Denver Broncos, WR): Zero touchdowns on 54 targets—“he's got to score eventually, right?” (44:00)
• Devonta Smith, Trey Benson, etc.: Named as possible cheap or “throw-in” types at the end of the episode for deep cuts and odd-number symmetry (44:36).

Memorable Quotes and Moments

• On Kids Watching Horror Movies:
  Alfredo:

  “I’ve always kind of been the proponent of like, if kids want to go see something, they’re probably going to try to find it anyways…might as well watch it with us where we can answer questions.” (03:03)

• On Trusting the Process:
  Dave (on preseason draft confidence):

  "We are so confident in the preseason that everybody’s gonna hit…And then it takes half a season to look back and be like, what were we doing in round four, dude?" (29:08)

• On Making Up Words:
  Alfredo:

  “We can make it a word. Yeah. We have a mic. You don’t. Funness.” (41:23)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• First Trade Target (Justin Jefferson): 04:57
• Ashton Jeanty Breakdown: 08:40
• Zay Flowers Analysis: 12:20
• Nico Collins Deep Dive: 14:34
• Jamison Williams Discussion: 17:34
• Quinshon Judkins Injury Playoff Play: 24:16
• Ricky Pearsall Return: 29:56
• Jalen Warren’s TD Regression: 36:18
• Tee Higgins Buying Opportunity: 39:08
• Rapid Fire Bonus Names: 44:00

Summary Table: Players to Target and Rationale

| Player | Position/Team | Rationale | |---------------------|------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Justin Jefferson | WR / Vikings | Elite usage, due for TD regression, best playoff schedule | | Ashton Jeanty | RB / Raiders | Volume back, efficient, favorable playoff stretch | | Zay Flowers | WR / Ravens | High target share + efficiency, TDs coming, Lamar Jackson factor | | Nico Collins | WR / Texans | Alpha WR, OL improving, big swings, post-injury buy | | Jamison Williams | WR / Lions | Buy-low, post-bye volume hints, explosive profile, easy playoff matchups | | Quinshon Judkins | RB / Colts | Out but ideal playoff schedule, buy for playoff locks | | Ricky Pearsall | WR / 49ers | High usage before injury, WR1 upside if healthy, minimal competition | | Jalen Warren | RB / Steelers | Workhorse role, highly efficient, TD luck bound to swing | | Tee Higgins | WR / Bengals | Talented, offense rebounding, easy to get after dud games | | Jerry Jeudy | WR / Broncos | “Due” for touchdown regression/positive swinging luck | | Trey Benson | RB / (Not specified) | Deep league upside, little analysis—just a speculative add |

Tone & Language

The episode stays true to Footballguys’ brand—insightful, a bit nerdy, and full of good-natured ribbing. The hosts mix concrete data with fantasy football folklore and joke about their own league offers and experiences. They keep the mood light even when discussing unsexy names or losing trades.

Takeaway

Alfredo and Dave’s core message:
Now is NOT the time for sitting on your hands. Assess your standings, define your path (make-now vs. playoffs), and take swings—especially on players whose underlying usage or talent signals a breakout coinciding with prime playoff matchups. As always, consider roster context, cost, and the difference between preseason hype and midseason reality.

For managers trying to capitalize at the fantasy trade deadline, this episode is a fundamental guide for blending evidence, boldness, and timing.