Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode Title: FantasyPros - Would You Rather: Which Fantasy Football Players Would You Take in 2025? (Ep. 1590)
Release Date: June 15, 2025
Host: Chris Welsh
Guests: Andrew Erickson, Rich Rebar, Jake Seeley
Produced By: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In episode 1590 of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Chris Welsh delves into the perennial fantasy football debate: "Would You Rather." Joined by seasoned fantasy experts Andrew Erickson, Rich Rebar, and Jake Seeley, the trio engages in spirited discussions comparing similar-tier players across various positions. Utilizing FantasyPros' Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) as their foundation, they evaluate players based on factors like upside versus floor, positional value, and team dynamics.

Running Backs Debate

1. Jameer Gibbs (RB3) vs. Ashton Genti (RB5)

• Rich Rebar [04:35]:
  "I think it's just because they're two first-round picks, right? Like you could see the upside angle for both."
  Rich leans slightly towards Jameer Gibbs, citing his proven high floor and strong performance regardless of offensive line issues. He emphasizes Gibbs' consistency, noting his varied PPR points per game with and without key teammates.

• Jake Seeley [06:57]:
  "He’s going to look for Gibbs. He’s going to like find his check-down option."
  Jake agrees with Rich, favoring Gibbs due to his elite receiving capabilities out of the backfield and the uncertainty surrounding Genti's usage in a new offensive system.

• Conclusion:
  Both Rich and Jake prefer Jameer Gibbs over Ashton Genti, valuing Gibbs' consistency and role within the offense.

2. Bucky Irving (RB10) vs. Christian McCaffrey (RB7)

• Rich Rebar [11:26]:
  "Christian McCaffrey still has at least one more ride in the sunset while he's active and playing."
  Rich champions Christian McCaffrey as a "play to win" pick despite his injury history, highlighting his pivotal role in the 49ers' offense and his ability to produce top-tier fantasy points when healthy.

• Jake Seeley [14:14]:
  "I think it's going to be McCaffrey."
  Jake concurs, appreciating McCaffrey's high upside and his integral part in a rejuvenated 49ers offense, while expressing reservations about Bucky Irving's consistency.

• Conclusion:
  Both guests unanimously support Christian McCaffrey over Bucky Irving, emphasizing McCaffrey's proven performance and importance to his team.

3. Marian Hampton (RB20) vs. David Montgomery (RB21)

• Rich Rebar [16:30]:
  "Hampton could end up being the RB1 that range of outcomes will lead me to swing on Hampton more."
  Rich opts for Marian Hampton, valuing his potential to assume a leading role in his team's offense and his stability over Montgomery's touchdown-dependent production.

• Jake Seeley [18:13]:
  "Unless you really need frontline production, I guess Montgomery would be the pick."
  Jake also favors Hampton, citing his flexibility and potential for sustained value throughout the season compared to Montgomery's more limited upside.

• Conclusion:
  Both Rich and Jake choose Marian Hampton over David Montgomery, prioritizing Hampton's potential and reliability.

4. RJ Harvey (RB27) vs. DeAndre Swift (RB27)

• Rich Rebar [61:20]:
  "I still lean towards RJ Harvey... DeAndre Swift is doing a little NEO in the matrix this offseason."
  Rich prefers RJ Harvey, viewing him as an explosive player with significant upside despite sharing the same ECR ranking as DeAndre Swift.

• Jake Seeley [62:37]:
  "I will take the upside shot with RJ Harvey as well."
  Jake aligns with Rich, valuing Harvey's potential to become a standout performer over Swift's more consistent but less explosive output.

• Conclusion:
  Both guests favor RJ Harvey for his higher upside and potential to outpace Swift in fantasy production.

Wide Receivers Debate

1. Nico Collins (WR8) vs. Brian Thomas Jr. (WR7)

• Rich Rebar [22:03]:
  "It's still the chalk the player ahead here, Nico Collins."
  Rich seats Nico Collins as the preferred choice, highlighting his high target share in the red zone and his role within the Texans' offense despite his previous hamstring injury.

• Jake Seeley [23:30]:
  "Nico Collins is just so clearly the alpha wide receiver in this Texans offense."
  Jake supports Nicol Collins, emphasizing his elite receiving yards per game and consistent target rates making him a reliable fantasy asset.

• Conclusion:
  Both Rich and Jake decide in favor of Nico Collins over Brian Thomas Jr., valuing Collins' dominant role and red zone opportunities.

2. Drake London (WR10) vs. Lad McConkey (WR12)

• Rich Rebar [26:49]:
  "Travis Hunter had 60% of the team's end zone targets."
  Rich chooses Drake London, citing his high red zone target rate and explosive play potential within the Falcons' offense.

• Jake Seeley [30:00]:
  "I co-signing the live for wide receiver 1 overall finish."
  Jake aligns with Rich, focusing on London's consistency in receiving yards and touchdowns, making him the preferred WR1 over Lad McConkey.

• Conclusion:
  Both guests agree on Drake London as the superior choice over Lad McConkey, attributing it to London's offensive usage and scoring opportunities.

3. DJ Moore (WR20) vs. Xavier Worthy (WR27)

• Rich Rebar [33:11]:
  "DJ Moore is significantly better wide receiver than Xavier Worthy."
  Rich favors DJ Moore, emphasizing his proven performance and better alignment within his team's offensive scheme compared to Xavier Worthy's unproven potential.

• Jake Seeley [36:33]:
  "I think that he's going to be great on the Commanders in 2028."
  Jake, however, diverges by supporting Xavier Worthy, believing in his breakout potential and the possibility of significant improvement in his second year.

• Conclusion:
  Disagreement Emerges
  Rich prefers DJ Moore for his established performance, while Jake sees greater long-term potential in Xavier Worthy, leading to a split decision in this matchup.

4. Travis Hunter (WR35) vs. Deebo Samuel (WR Unknown) & Chris Godwin (WR Unknown)

• Rich Rebar [64:17]:
  "I think Debo Samuel is definitely pull a little bit on that."
  Rich opts for Travis Hunter over Deebo Samuel and Chris Godwin, questioning Samuel's consistency and Godwin's role within a potentially volatile offense.

• Jake Seeley [67:15]:
  "I'm going to take the guy that's more fun and not the guys that they're past their prime."
  Jake concurs, choosing Hunter for his exciting play style and higher target rate, positioning him as a more engaging fantasy option.

• Conclusion:
  Both Rich and Jake select Travis Hunter over Deebo Samuel and Chris Godwin, valuing Hunter's high target frequency and exciting play potential.

Quarterbacks Debate

1. Bo Nix (QB8) vs. Kyler Murray (QB9)

• Rich Rebar [44:18]:
  "I do think Kyler Murray has a solid floor, but I don't want to take the iron price for him."
  Rich expresses reservations about both quarterbacks, suggesting that neither offers significant value compared to their cost and potential performance swings.

• Jake Seeley [49:18]:
  "If I have to pick one, I would pick Kyler again."
  Jake slightly favors Kyler Murray, appreciating his rushing upside and role within a high-powered offense, despite acknowledging his need to prove himself further.

• Conclusion:
  While both guests recognize the challenges in choosing between Bo Nix and Kyler Murray, Jake edges towards Kyler for his dual-threat capabilities, whereas Rich remains skeptical about both options.

2. Michael Penix (QB24) vs. JJ McCarthy (QB22)

• Rich Rebar [53:56]:
  "I think J.J. McCarthy offers more efficiency-based stuff."
  Rich prefers JJ McCarthy, citing the Minnesota Vikings' offensive infrastructure and McCarthy's potential for hyper-efficient passing, positioning him as a more reliable fantasy option.

• Jake Seeley [56:14]:
  "I'm going to go with McCarthy."
  Jake agrees, highlighting the Vikings' robust offensive setup and McCarthy's skill set as aligned with fantasy success.

• Conclusion:
  Both Rich and Jake choose JJ McCarthy over Michael Penix, valuing McCarthy's offensive environment and potential for consistent fantasy production.

Tight Ends Debate

Kyle Pitts (TE15) vs. Tyler Warren (TE16)

• Rich Rebar [58:19]:
  "There's no way you can get me a draft Kyle Pitts as long as he's on this team."
  Rich dismisses Kyle Pitts due to his perceived mismatch within the Falcons' offensive scheme, emphasizing Pitts' lackluster performance and fit issues.

• Jake Seeley [60:28]:
  "I'll go Tyler Warren."
  Jake concurs, opting for Tyler Warren over Kyle Pitts, believing Warren offers a better fit and more reliable fantasy output.

• Conclusion:
  Both Rich and Jake select Tyler Warren over Kyle Pitts, prioritizing Warren's fit within the offense and Pitts' ongoing performance concerns.

Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement

Chris Welsh wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to participate in ongoing debates and contests, such as the chance to win a signed George Pickens Steelers jersey by engaging with FantasyPros' content online. He also highlights upcoming content like quarterback and tight end discussions, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to providing valuable insights for fantasy football enthusiasts.

Notable Quotes:

• Rich Rebar [11:26]:
  "I still think Christian McCaffrey still has at least one more ride in the sunset while he's active and playing."

• Jake Seeley [30:00]:
  "Drake London is drawing like PPR wide receiver one overall finish."

• Rich Rebar [58:19]:
  "Kyle Pitts is just not a fit... he's got to get on a new team."

Conclusion

Episode 1590 of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a comprehensive exploration of critical fantasy football decisions as the 2025 season approaches. Through expert analysis and lively debates, Chris Welsh, Andrew Erickson, Rich Rebar, and Jake Seeley provide listeners with nuanced perspectives on player valuations, fostering informed decision-making for fantasy managers. Whether you're deliberating over running backs, wide receivers, quarterbacks, or tight ends, this episode equips you with the insights needed to navigate your draft with confidence.