Bold Predictions + Spicy Takes, BILL CROSKEY!

Fantasy Football show for Aug 26, 2025. Bold predictions for the 2025 fantasy football season! Andy, Mike, and Jason give spicy hot takes! Plus, an important Bill Croskey update, and other roster cut news with fantasy football implications! Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast.

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Summary:

Cut Day Discussions and Player Updates 02:36

“It’s cut day, right? There are a lot of players getting cut.”

• As the episode progresses, the hosts transition into discussing significant news related to player cuts in the NFL, referring to it as “cut day.” Noteworthy among the players cut is Greg Dolcich, whose preseason performance had impressed.
• The hosts provide insights into the implications of these cuts, particularly noting the competitive landscape as teams finalize their rosters heading into the regular season.

Fun Event Recap with Bill Krosky 02:58

“This is legend status in the fantasy football community.”

• The hosts share anecdotes from a recent event involving Bill Krosky, highlighting his unexpected talents, such as sneezing with his eyes open. They reflect on the viral nature of a tweet about Krosky that garnered over a million views before being deleted.
• This lighthearted banter underscores Krosky’s unique status within the fantasy football community, transforming him into a character of acclaim among fans and listeners.

Reminder About the Megalabowl 05:10

“Drafts are happening this weekend, people.”

• The hosts remind listeners about the upcoming Megalobull, a large-scale draft event open for participation. They encourage fans to sign up at Megalobull.com, emphasizing the engaging nature of this event which will see participation from thousands of people.
• The Megalobull provides an opportunity for players to compete and potentially win access to future listener leagues, making it an attractive option for fantasy football enthusiasts.

Highlighting Undrafted Gems 06:46

“It’s a new week, so we need three new names, undrafted players that we think could make a big impact.”

• The hosts shift focus to identifying undrafted players who could provide valuable contributions, beginning with last week’s promising candidates. They encourage listeners to pay attention to these emerging players who may become key roster additions.
• As the discussion continues, they introduce new players to monitor, pointing out the potential significance of these players in the opening weeks of the season.

Rashod Bateman‘s Target Share Potential 10:26

“I think there’s a chance for Rashod Bateman to make noise this season.”

• Rashod Bateman previously had a 16% target share in the past season. Given the current dynamics with Mark Andrews and the emergence of Isaiah Likely, Bateman’s potential for a 20% target share is not unreasonable. If Bateman remains with the team, he could be a significant contributor.

Theo Johnson: The Undrafted Gem 10:54

“This is a good name. Tight end, second-year tight end for the Giants, Theo Johnson.”

• Theo Johnson, a second-year tight end for the Giants, is being recognized as an athletic standout, boasting a remarkable RAS score of 9.99 out of 10. He started slow last season but showed improvement, particularly over the last eight games, where he was on pace for about 650 receiving yards, which would place him among the top ten tight ends.

Opportunity and Athleticism for Johnson 12:20

“He is on the field; he is being used.”

• Johnson ranked eighth in total routes run at the tight end position last year, demonstrating his involvement in the Giants’ offense. With the departure of Greg Dulcich, Johnson is now seen as the preferred option to step up and potentially become the second target after Malik Nabers, leaving 18% of the target share available for the rest of the team.

Future Watch on Theo Johnson 13:00

“If you see something in week one, if he’s on the field making a play or two…”

• There are concerns about Johnson regarding unspecified injuries towards the end of training camp, but the decision to cut Dulcich may provide reassurance about his viability. Johnson might be an excellent option for deeper leagues or those prioritizing tight ends, especially if he shows promise early in the season.

Player Evaluations and Predictions 19:47

“Once the talent is not worth the crazy, you’re gone.”

• The discussion begins with a reflection on players who have been cut from their teams, highlighting the volatility of NFL player careers. A player’s talent can often justify their presence on a roster, but once their off-field issues overshadow their potential, they are at risk of being released.
• The conversation humorously includes a joke about Deontay Johnson’s transition among several teams, underscoring the unpredictability in a player’s career trajectory.
• As news continues to roll in, players like Audra Gastamé and Cam Akers are mentioned regarding their release, leading to considerations on how this impacts fantasy football drafts.
• Injuries to key rookies such as Phil Moffa and Jaden Blue are reported, prompting adjustments in fantasy leagues and implications for player selections moving forward.

Fantasy Football Bold Predictions 22:21

“I’m calling for the Atlanta Falcons to be in the playoffs this year and help in fantasy more than you think.”

• The team dives into bold predictions for the upcoming 2025 season, notably spotlighting the Atlanta Falcons as potential division winners. The key players mentioned include Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and second-year quarterback Michael Penix.
• There is an optimistic belief that with Penix’s leadership, the Falcons could surprise many by starting strong, despite previous struggles since 2017.
• Several statistics support the claim of offensive strength: in three starts under Penix, the Falcons averaged 32 points per game, indicating a significant jump in productivity compared to previous seasons.

Impact of Quarterback Performance on Team Success 24:24

“NFL teams go as their quarterback goes.”

• A focus on the performance of Michael Penix highlights the importance of quarterback success in elevating a team’s overall performance. The comparison to elite quarterbacks, like Patrick Mahomes, serves to underline Penix’s potential impact.
• With a favorable schedule and strong offensive weapons, the argument is made that the Falcons could achieve impressive outcomes this season provided Penix is effective.
• The discussion rounds out with insights on how the offensive lineup—bolstered by a strong running game—could create opportunities for standout performances across the board.

Puka Nacua‘s Potential in 2025 27:20

“Puka becomes the first player in NFL history with 12 or more 100-yard games in a single season.”

• The conversation shifts to the Los Angeles Rams and the prognosis for Puka Nacua as he could potentially make NFL history with his performance, assuming quarterback Matthew Stafford stays healthy.
• Historical context is provided about previous wide receivers who approached the threshold of 100-yard games in a season, creating a compelling narrative about Nacua’s chances to surpass those records this upcoming season.
• Stafford’s health remains a pivotal variable, with Nacua likely needing consistent quarterback play to reach his lofty targets.

Austin Ekeler‘s Bold Prediction for 2025 29:24

“Austin Eckler is a top 20 fantasy running back this year.”

• The discussion opens with a focus on rookies, but quickly shifts to a bold prediction about Austin Eckler’s fantasy potential, suggesting he will rank as a top 20 running back for the upcoming season.
• Despite last year’s challenges, where Eckler finished as RB 25 before an injury, there’s optimism based on key performance metrics from his previous season.
• The essential metrics for running backs, such as opportunities and first-read targets, indicate that Eckler was among the best performers. He averaged over three targets per game and had a remarkable 1.84 yards per route run, placing him in the upper echelon of running backs.
• The discussion emphasizes the need for Eckler to increase his usage, particularly near the goal line, where he scored on a lower number of carries compared to Brian Robinson.

The Case for Ekeler’s Usage and Value 31:30

“I think that Austin Eckler still has a lot to give to this team.”

• A significant point is made about Eckler’s work ethic and his essential role in the Chargers’ offense, particularly as a pass-catching running back.
• There’s a contrast drawn between the excitement for new players like Bill Krosky and the existing value of a seasoned veteran like Eckler, who may be overlooked.
• The conversation touches on how goal-line carries will play a crucial role in Eckler’s fantasy output this season, referencing that he had fewer goal-line carries last year compared to Robinson.
• The belief remains strong that, given the right opportunities, Eckler can secure a prominent place in fantasy lineups.

Emerging Backup Running Backs to Watch in 2025 33:41

“Will Shipley, Sean Tucker, and Trey Benson will win championships for people in 2025.”

• Jason introduces a controversial prediction regarding lesser-known running backs, indicating that all three could potentially become league winners.
• The discussion notes that while last season was unusually healthy for running backs, the odds suggest injuries could cause opportunities to emerge for backup players like Shipley, Tucker, and Benson.
• The rationale behind these predictions is rooted in each player’s talent level, as they possess distinct pathways to becoming fantasy-relevant.
• The commentary highlights Shipley’s impressive pass-catching capabilities, Tucker’s unfortunate pre-draft medical concerns that impacted his draft status, and Benson’s previous standout performances as reasons they are worth targeting in drafts.

Bold Predictions for Fantasy Football 38:45

“The prediction is Saquon, Bucky, and Connor are injured.”

• The discussion begins with bold predictions regarding three talented running backs: Saquon Barkley, Bucky Irving, and James Conner. The prediction suggests that these players, despite their talent and potential, are likely to face injuries, impacting their teams’ championship chances.
• It is noted that every year, there are players that go undrafted or are overlooked, yet they end up winning titles for fantasy teams due to their unexpected performance and opportunities.
• The importance of recognizing the potential for lesser-known players to shine is emphasized, alongside the acknowledgment that even top teams must have backups in place for when starters underperform or face injuries.

Rising Stars and Predictions in Fantasy Football 40:38

“Three wide receivers outside the top 50 in ADP will finish in the top 25 in fantasy.”

• The conversation shifts to three wide receivers who are currently undervalued in average draft position (ADP): Keon Coleman of the Buffalo Bills, Deontay Thornton Jr. of the Raiders, and Josh Downs of the Indianapolis Colts. Each is predicted to break into the top 25 fantasy performers despite being ranked outside the top 50.
• Keon Coleman is identified as a potential breakout candidate, benefiting from a strong offensive situation.
• Deontay Thornton Jr. is highlighted as likely to become the primary target for the Raiders, showcasing impressive physical skills that make him a player to watch.
• Josh Downs is discussed as already commanding a significant target share, indicating that he is positioned as a primary receiver in his team’s offense. The prediction underscores that all three players are expected to differentiate themselves in their respective wide receiver rooms and provide significant fantasy value.

The Rise of J.J. McCarthy in Fantasy Football 43:45

“J.J. McCarthy will be the youngest starting quarterback in week one.”

• The focus shifts to J.J. McCarthy, who is anticipated to be the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. The prediction suggests that he will perform strongly in fantasy football, potentially outscoring established players like Brock Purdy and Caleb Williams.
• McCarthy’s track record as an agile and capable quarterback is highlighted, including his ability to run and supplement rushing stats, which could enhance his fantasy viability. His performance is analyzed in the context of the Vikings’ offensive system, which has been effective under coach Kevin O’Connell.
• The commentary expresses confidence in McCarthy’s potential despite his lack of prior regular-season experience, representing a bold takeaway that he could exceed expectations and become a reliable fantasy option.

Bold Predictions and Trade Suggestions 47:53

“If you ship one off for 75 cents on the dollar, you’re only compounding your mistakes.”

• The discussion starts with a focus on how acquiring a quarterback can benefit a fantasy roster, especially relating to players like Hawkinson, Jefferson, and Addison.
• A question arises about whether to trade JSN for McLaurin, with the consensus being that this trade is not advisable. It’s emphasized that making a second mistake to remedy an initial one generally leads to further complications.
• Instead, the suggestion is made to consider trading Ken Walker for better value, particularly after demonstrating performance early in the season.

Mailbag Questions and Player Evaluations 48:22

“You can plug and play [Otten], though while one of those receivers is missing. You definitely have an opportunity at a touchdown.”

• The episode features a mailbag segment where questions from listeners are answered. One query involves the potential of Kate Otten in the absence of key receivers like Godwin.
• Historical performance is referenced, noting that Otten had impressive production when Godwin missed games, recording ten targets and nine receptions in a previous season.
• However, caution is advised as his production diminished as other players like Jalen McMillan stepped up, making it clear that Otten is not a reliable every-week starter unless opportunity arises through injuries.

Upcoming Episodes and Community Engagement 54:14

“If you need the draft kit, it’s ultimatedraftkit.com.”

• The hosts share excitement for upcoming episodes, including a “Fantasy MVP” show and the final mock draft episode. They encourage community involvement through platforms like Megaloball and their official website for a comprehensive draft kit.
• There is a call to action for viewers to subscribe to their YouTube channel for additional content, highlighting the launch of a new Clips channel for easier access to segments of the show.

from Fantasy Footballers Podcast https://ift.tt/6D8Z2Fp