Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: 3 & Out – Derek Brown from FantasyPros joins the show
Date: August 26, 2025
Host: (Dan or Ty, Solid Verbal Podcast)
Guest: Derek Brown, FantasyPros Analyst

Overview

This episode dives deep into NFL and fantasy football analysis as the season approaches. Dan/Ty brings on Derek Brown of FantasyPros—the top fantasy football podcast—for a candid, wide-ranging conversation. The two break down fantasy values, discuss over- and underhyped NFL players, debate potential breakout squads, and explore the wild-card nature of several NFL teams and rosters. The discussion is sharp, speculative, and geared toward avid fantasy players, with a focus on actionable insights for draft season.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. The Quarterback Situation: Rookies, Media Pressure, and Fantasy Impact

Timestamps: 05:21–07:43

• Early-season QB controversies: The discussion opens with Jackson Dart’s preseason performance and a comparison to past rookie QB situations (e.g., Derek Carr).
• Derek Brown explains that while Dart has upside (rushing ability, preseason flashes), a lot depends on how established quarterbacks perform, the timing of their possible replacement, and the media climate:

  "How fast in that type of media climate do we start hearing all the calls for Jackson... would never last that long." – Derek Brown (07:15)

• They discuss the recent trend toward immediate rookie starter QBs, referencing Bo Nix, Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Michael Penix Jr.

2. Overhyped vs. Underhyped Fantasy Assets

Timestamps: 07:43–16:37

Overhyped:

• Bijan Robinson:
  • Host suggests Bijan’s current value may overlook O-line injuries and Michael Penix’s deep-ball tendencies.
  • Derek Brown counters that Bijan’s volume and talent sustain his high ranking:

    "I still think he's gonna be a top three pick ... he's still my RB1 overall, but I understand if people want to poke holes in it." – Derek Brown (09:49)

• Marvin Harrison Jr. and Xavier Worthy:
  • Derek discusses skepticism about Marvin’s top-24 WR ADP and fit with Kyler Murray:

    "His mismatch with Kyler Murray isn't great either because Kyler ... doesn't utilize the field ... got to get out of the pocket." – Derek Brown (10:55)

  • Worthy’s speed and Mahomes’s presence lead to hype, but metrics don’t support it.

Underhyped:

• Cooper Kupp:
  • Host touts Kupp as a forgotten top performer poised for a bounce-back if healthy, especially in Seattle’s offense:

    "If he stays healthy, who's to say that Cooper Kupp couldn't have 75, 80 catches and ... seven to nine touchdowns." – Dan/Ty (17:07)

  • Derek notes Kupp’s per-route metrics remain elite and highlights versatility as both slot and boundary receiver (18:06).

3. Seattle Seahawks: Overlooked Offense and Defensive Promise

Timestamps: 16:37–21:53

• Discussion of Seahawks' offensive versatility with JSN (Jaxon Smith-Njigba), Cooper Kupp, Kenneth Walker, and Zach Charbonnet.
• Tight end prospects and their fit in Kubiak’s system.
• Both agree Seattle’s defense could be quietly elite:

  "I think their defense is going to take a huge step ... probably going to be a top ... top 7, top 10 at least unit this year." – Derek Brown (21:45)

• Noted addition of Iman Okwara in the draft as a chess piece for the secondary.

4. 49ers, McCaffrey, and the Rise of Ricky Pearsall

Timestamps: 28:15–31:30

• High hopes for Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle if healthy.
• Ricky Pearsall discussed as a chemistry fit for Purdy; Derek praises his preseason route savvy:

  "He stops and he sits down in the zone coverage. And I’m like, that’s it, baby. That’s exactly … that’s reps in the off-season making it to the field." – Derek Brown (29:32)

• Injury concerns temper some optimism, but the upside is significant.

5. Value Receivers & Breakout Candidates

Timestamps: 31:22–32:23

• Drake London pegged as a potential league-leader in targets with a post-Arthur Smith Atlanta and strong-armed Michael Penix Jr.:

  "I think he's going to step into some rarefied air. He might lead the NFL in targets this year." – Derek Brown (32:23)

• Skepticism around Rome Odunze (Bears), citing worries about translation from college and the effect of changing QB/offensive coordinator.

6. NFL Offenses to Target & Top-Five Rankings

Timestamps: 37:41–38:47

• High confidence in Bills, Ravens, and Bengals to produce fantasy value.
• Niners’ statistical success noted, but some scoring inefficiency.
• Vikings, Eagles, and Lions discussed—Lions’ coaching transition and O-line highlighted as key risks.
• Derek’s watchlist for top five offenses includes Philadelphia, Detroit (with caveats), Buffalo, Baltimore, and San Francisco (depending on health and QB play).

7. The Denver Broncos & AFC West Outlook

Timestamps: 38:47–41:02

• Derek predicts a major Denver leap:

  "I think the Broncos win the AFC West. Is that a crazy take?" – Derek Brown (39:19)

• Optimism rooted in team speed, defense, Sean Payton’s belief, and additions like RJ Harvey and Troy Franklin.
• Bet already placed on Broncos at 3 to 1.

8. “Swing” Teams and Wide Range Outcomes – Colts & Rams

Timestamps: 47:29–56:41

• Both Colts (Daniel Jones as possible bridge QB, defensive growth, possible 10–12 wins or total collapse) and Rams (outcomes centered on Matthew Stafford’s health) cited as teams with huge fantasy and real-life variance.
• Anthony Richardson’s situation with the Colts:

  “You bench the guy and now you picked a journeyman starter over him … He should have gone to a really crappy, shitty team. Right.” – Dan/Ty (49:35)

• Trade speculation: Could Sean McVay or Andy Reid take a flier on Richardson if Colts move on?
• Rams: “If Stafford is healthy … this is an 11 or 12 win team ... but back injuries just scare the ever loving bejesus out of me.” – Derek Brown (52:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Marvin Harrison Jr.'s fantasy risk:

  "What about this entire situation changed from last year? They didn't add any other receiving talent." – Derek Brown (10:26)

• On overhyped Wide Receivers:

  "Everybody's back all in [on Marvin Harrison Jr.] and I don't know if it's just the name cachet or what have you." – Derek Brown (10:36)

• On Seattle’s defense:

  "If all those physical tools [with Iman Okwara] … hit the ground running in this system … you're talking about a guy … their, their, their Kyle Hamilton …" – Derek Brown (21:56)

• On Ricky Pearsall:

  "That’s pointing to chemistry. That’s reps in the off-season making it to the field." – Derek Brown (29:32)

• On the Broncos:

  "I think the Broncos win the AFC West. Is that a crazy take?" – Derek Brown (39:19)
  "I've already bet it, baby." – Derek Brown (39:25)

Segment Timestamps

• 05:21 – 07:43: Rookie QB starters, Jackson Dart, preseason hype vs reality
• 07:43 – 16:37: Over and underhyped fantasy picks—Bijan Robinson, Marvin Harrison Jr., Worthy, Cooper Kupp
• 16:37 – 21:53: Seattle’s offense and defense outlook
• 28:15 – 31:30: 49ers’ fantasy prospects—McCaffrey, Kittle, Pearsall
• 31:22 – 32:23: Drake London’s potential breakout
• 37:41 – 38:47: NFL team offenses to trust in fantasy
• 38:47 – 41:02: Broncos AFC West bet and team breakdown
• 47:29 – 56:41: Colts and Rams as swing teams—QB drama, potential trade talk, and volatility

Closing Thoughts

This episode is packed with bold predictions, actionable fantasy analysis, and debate around the most pivotal (and controversial) NFL fantasy situations. Derek Brown’s insights center on context—schedule, coaching, injury histories, and player skillsets—while the host brings in front-office and locker room realities affecting both fantasy and real teams. Listeners are left with fresh ideas for fantasy drafts and bold team outlooks to guide their season-long bets and strategies.

If you’re gearing up for fantasy football drafts or looking to sharpen your perspective on NFL team outlooks, this episode is essential listening.