Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – FantasyPros Episode 1602

Episode Title:
FantasyPros - Joey P's Undervalued Players That YOU NEED on Your Fantasy Football Team in 2025

Release Date:
July 6, 2025

Hosts and Guests:

• Joe P. Zeppia – Host from FantasyPros
• Jake Sealy – Analyst from The Athletic
• Andrew Erickson – Fantasy Football Expert

1. Introduction and Trade Analysis (00:45 - 02:52)

The episode kicks off with Joe P. Zeppia introducing the focus: identifying undervalued players for fantasy football in 2025. He highlights a surprising trade where the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired Jalen Ramsey and John Smith from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Minka Fitzpatrick and Jake Sealy. The trade raises questions about strategic moves for fantasy teams.

Notable Quote:
Joe P. Zeppia (01:51):
"The Steelers acquiring Jalen Ramsey and John Smith from the Dolphins was unexpected. From a fantasy perspective, John Smith's value is uncertain given tight end dynamics in Pittsburgh."

2. Terry McLaurin – A Consistent Asset (02:52 - 09:27)

Joe P. presents Terry McLaurin as one of his favorite undervalued wide receivers. Despite being ranked 18th in the Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR), Joe argues that McLaurin's consistent performance warrants a higher ranking.

Key Points:

• Consistency: McLaurin has achieved five straight 1,000-yard seasons.
• Efficient Target Share: Even with a projected 15% target share, he remains a top-tier option.
• Potential Upside: If McLaurin's target share increases to 17-18%, he could move into the top 10.

Notable Quotes:
Joe P. Zeppia (05:15):
"Terry McLaurin is solidly inside the top 15 wide receivers. His ability to consistently rack up yards makes him a valuable asset."

Jake Sealy (06:35):
"Even with Rasheed Rice and Chris Godwin missing games, McLaurin remains undervalued based on his points per game last season."

Andrew Erickson (06:52):
"While I see McLaurin's consistent yardage, his contract holdout and potential target competition place him at wide receiver 19 in my rankings."

3. Chuba Hubbard – A Hidden Gem in Carolina (09:27 - 15:03)

Joe P. shifts focus to Chuba Hubbard, a running back ranked RB18 in ECR. Despite skepticism around the Carolina Panthers' offense, Hubbard's performance last season when given the run-heavy workload positions him as a strong fantasy option.

Key Points:

• Performance Under Pressure: In five of seven games, Hubbard finished as RB1.
• Clear Lead Back: With limited competition in the backfield, Hubbard is expected to maintain a high number of touches.
• Fantasy Value: Joe ranks Hubbard as RB15, ahead of players like Deebo Samuel and Adam Humphries.

Notable Quotes:
Joe P. Zeppia (10:59):
"Chuba Hubbard is part of the secret sauce that turned the Panthers' offense around last year. His consistent touches make him a must-have."

Andrew Erickson (10:59):
"Hubbard's production surged when others were injured, but with a healthier backfield, his role might be RB2. However, his efficiency makes him a viable RB2 option."

4. Travion Henderson – A Versatile Back (15:03 - 29:25)

The discussion moves to Travion Henderson, a running back within the top 50 but considered undervalued. Henderson's versatility in both rushing and receiving makes him a valuable fantasy asset, especially within the Patriots' evolving offense.

Key Points:

• Pass-Blocking Prowess: Henderson's ability to contribute on all downs adds to his fantasy floor.
• Usage in Offense: With Mike Vrabel at the helm, the Patriots aim to utilize Henderson effectively, potentially leading to a high number of touches.
• Fantasy Ranking: Joe places Henderson at RB24, while Jake and Andrew express higher confidence, with Andrew considering him as RB18.

Notable Quotes:
Joe P. Zeppia (26:35):
"Travion Henderson fits perfectly in Josh McDaniels' offense. His ability to contribute on both rushing and receiving plays gives him a stable fantasy floor."

Andrew Erickson (29:25):
"Henderson's explosive playmaking and pass-catching skills make him an excellent RB choice, especially in a committee-style offense."

5. Caleb Johnson – Steelers' Reliable RB (29:25 - 40:25)

Caleb Johnson emerges as another undervalued running back, particularly within the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense. Despite competition, Johnson's expected workload and role as a goal-line back enhance his fantasy prospects.

Key Points:

• Workload Assurance: Predicted to receive over 260 touches, making him a consistent RB2 option.
• Offensive Fit: With Mike Tomlin's coaching, Johnson is poised to thrive as the lead back.
• Fantasy Ranking: Joe ranks him at RB29 in ECR, while Andrew supports a higher ranking around RB24.

Notable Quotes:
Joe P. Zeppia (38:20):
"Caleb Johnson is the perfect fit for the Steelers' run-focused offense. He's likely to be the primary back, especially in goal-line situations."

Andrew Erickson (40:14):
"Johnson's style is reminiscent of Derek Henry. With Mike Tomlin's experience, he's set to excel and become a significant fantasy asset."

6. Mark Andrews – High Risk, High Reward Tight End (40:25 - 47:56)

Mark Andrews is discussed as a tight end with significant upside but also notable risks. Despite a shaky start last season, Andrews proved his worth in the latter half, leading tight ends in touchdowns.

Key Points:

• Late-Season Performance: Andrews surged in weeks seven onward, showcasing his potential.
• Injury and Contract Concerns: Past injuries and trade rumors add uncertainty to his role.
• Fantasy Value: Positioned around TE6 in ECR, his ability to score touchdowns remains his primary appeal.

Notable Quotes:
Joe P. Zeppia (43:46):
"Mark Andrews transformed into TE4 from week seven, leading in touchdowns. Despite early struggles, his late-season performance cannot be overlooked."

Joe P. Zeppia (45:34):
"In super flex leagues, Andrews' touchdown potential makes him a valuable TE1 pick despite preseason uncertainties."

Andrew Erickson (43:46):
"Last year's volatility with Andrews was challenging, but his red-zone reliability keeps him valuable despite concerns."

7. Additional Undervalued Players (47:56 - 62:51)

The hosts discuss other promising players outside the top 100, such as Stefon Diggs, Cam Scatter Boo, Jaden Higgins, Trey Harris, and Zay Moss. These players represent late-round sleepers with potential high returns based on their roles and team dynamics.

Key Points:

• Stefon Diggs (WR101): Coming off an ACL injury, his value is debated due to age and recovery timeline.
• Cam Scatter Boo (RB122): Rudy's performance hints at Scatter Boo's potential as a reliable back.
• Jaden Higgins (WR70): As a second-round pick with a guaranteed contract, Higgins is poised to step up in a recovering offense.
• Trey Harris (WR64): Offers upside in the Chargers' offense, though questions remain about his long-term role.

Notable Quotes:
Joe P. Zeppia (49:09):
"Stefon Diggs' early-season performance is uncertain due to his injury. However, his ceiling remains high if he returns to form."

Jake Sealy (54:03):
"Jaden Higgins has a guaranteed contract and the opportunity to become a primary target. His comparison to Marvin Jones highlights his potential value."

8. Final Recommendations and Closing Remarks (62:51 - 66:30)

The episode wraps up with final thoughts on drafting strategies, emphasizing the importance of balancing high-risk, high-reward players with reliable assets. The hosts encourage listeners to stay informed and consider late-round picks for maximizing their fantasy team's potential.

Key Takeaways:

• Diversify Draft Picks: Invest in a mix of consistent performers and potential breakout stars.
• Monitor Injuries and Team Changes: Player value can shift dramatically based on team dynamics and player health.
• Stay Ahead of Trends: Identifying undervalued players early can provide significant advantages in the fantasy season.

Notable Quotes:
Joe P. Zeppia (66:00):
"Stay ahead of the curve by identifying undervalued players early. This proactive approach can make the difference between winning and losing in your fantasy league."

Andrew Erickson (65:30):
"Balancing risk and reward in your draft strategy is crucial. Invest in reliable performers while also taking calculated risks on breakout candidates."

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Joe P. Zeppia, along with analysts Jake Sealy and Andrew Erickson, delves deep into identifying and evaluating undervalued players for the 2025 fantasy football season. From consistent wide receivers like Terry McLaurin to versatile running backs like Travion Henderson and Caleb Johnson, the discussion provides valuable insights for fantasy managers aiming to enhance their rosters. Additionally, the conversation around tight end Mark Andrews and late-round sleepers underscores the importance of strategic drafting and staying informed on player developments. Listeners are encouraged to leverage these analyses to build competitive and well-rounded fantasy teams for the upcoming season.