Ice & Fire Picks + Undrafted Gems

Fantasy Football show for Aug 5, 2025. Ice & Fire players for the 2025 fantasy football season! Find out who Andy, Mike, and Jason think will be true difference makers. Breakout candidates, upside picks, and players to avoid in fantasy football drafts! Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast.

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Summary:

Ice and Fire: The Show’s Purpose 04:04

“Welcome in, everyone! Today, we discuss Ice and Fire, which has garnered quite a reputation.”

• The Fantasy Footballers Podcast introduces its episode centered around the concept of “Ice and Fire,” alluding to a blend of contrasting ideas and analysis, particularly regarding fantasy football picks.
• The hosts emphasize the need to stay updated with late-breaking news and potential picks, with Mike Wright especially excited about recent developments.
• The discussion sets the tone for analyzing undrafted players, exploring the opportunities they may present as the season approaches.

Training Camp Insights and Player Potential 04:04

“It’s hard to buy into camp hype when it’s bad to good. Players can go from good to better, but inconsistency makes things difficult.”

• The hosts delve into the nuances of training camp news, suggesting that bad reports on players are often more telling than good news.
• They establish that, while good players may receive positive media attention, unfavorable reports often indicate genuine concerns regarding players’ performances and abilities to contribute effectively.
• The emphasis lies on remaining vigilant during training camp, as these observations are critical with little time before draft decisions must be made.

Woody Marks: An Undrafted Gem 06:10

“The situation around him provides opportunity; he’s going to be needed on this team.”

• The conversation shifts towards potential undrafted players, notably Woody Marks, a running back for the Houston Texans.
• His prospects rise due to surrounding circumstances, particularly other players’ injuries and performance issues within the team, which opens the door for Marks to step up.
• Despite not being a standout prior to the NFL draft, his impressive performance as a pass-catcher in college positions him favorably, making him worth monitoring in fantasy leagues.

The Ever-Reliable Zach Ertz 09:43

“Even from the jump at camp, he’s been the most targeted player; he is reliable.”

• Zach Ertz, a tight end for the Washington Commanders, emerges as another late draft option to consider.
• His experience and reliability are highlighted as assets, particularly amid uncertainties surrounding other players in his position.
• Ertz appears to be a primary target early in training camp, solidifying his relevance for fantasy football players looking for value in later picks.

Player Analysis: Zach Ertz and Adam Thielen 10:18

“He’s an experienced player who’s always been the PPR hands guy that can read a defense.”

• Zach Ertz is not known for his explosive athleticism or vertical play but has demonstrated reliability as a tight end throughout his career.
• He ranked ninth in red zone target share among all pass catchers, showing his importance in scoring opportunities.
• Despite being older, Ertz is still a name worth mentioning due to his consistency and experience, although he may not be the go-to option.
• The comparison with Adam Thielen highlights Ertz’s age and emphasizes that while some might consider Thielen less relevant now, Ertz has maintained a role driven by his skillset.

Austin Ekeler‘s Efficiency and Washington’s Backfield Opportunities 11:57

“Austin Eckler led all running backs in yards per touch last season.”

• Austin Eckler showcased outstanding efficiency last season, leading running backs with over 100 touches in yards per touch.
• His role in the Washington Manders’ backfield remains promising due to their strong performance metrics, including a top rank in EPA per rush and total yards per game.
• The discussion surrounding Eckler emphasizes that, despite being over 30 years old, he still possesses the ability to impact the game significantly.

Kyren Williams‘ Contract Extension and Future Outlook 13:23

“Kyron Williams received a three-year, $33 million extension with $23 million guaranteed.”

• Kyron Williams recently secured a lucrative contract extension, highlighting his value to the Rams and solidifying his position as a key player.
• This extension is favorable for dynasty league managers, as it suggests he will be the primary running back for the upcoming season.
• The continued competition within the Rams’ backfield has not overshadowed Williams’ role, as reports indicate he remains the preferred option.

Joe Flacco‘s Unexpected Opportunity and Team News 15:17

“Joe Flacco is listed as the starter on the depth chart.”

• With several injuries affecting the Browns’ quarterback situation, Joe Flacco has stepped into a starting role, which could benefit players like David Njoku.
• The team’s injuries lead to the signing of Tyler Huntley, indicating a lack of depth in the quarterback position, further emphasizing Flacco’s importance.
• Players like Cedric Tillman and Deontay Johnson are noteworthy for their impressive performance in training camp, signaling potential increases in production.

Insights on New Orleans Quarterbacks and Training Camp Dynamics 16:20

“Spencer Rattler is clearly outplaying Tyler Shuck in camp.”

• The performance dynamics in New Orleans suggest that Spencer Rattler is leading the competition against Tyler Shuck, hinting at potential quarterback uncertainty moving forward.
• The struggles of certain quarterbacks raise concerns about the overall effectiveness of the team’s offensive strategies, with Rattler seemingly not the preferred choice.
• The commentary around this situation indicates that fans should closely monitor the quarterback battle for any significant changes as the season approaches.

Impact of Injuries and Player Value 17:44

“Chris Godwin is exactly where they want him, but may miss at least a couple of games to start the season.”

• Chris Godwin‘s recent updates imply he may not be ready for week one, which could impact his value in fantasy drafts.
• The emergence of a Buka as a potential number one receiver on the team is promising, as Mike Evans transitions towards the tail end of his career.
• A Buka’s fresh legs and refined skills position him as a valuable late-round pick, showing that the landscape of the team’s receiving corps is evolving.

Jordan Mason and Jordan James: The Next Big Names 19:30

“Jordan Mason was one of the most important fantasy assets last year in his replacement.”

• Jordan Mason had a significant impact on fantasy football last season, and there’s a new Jordan worth noting—Jordan James from Oregon.
• James is expected to be a crucial player this season, especially since he totaled over a thousand rushing yards and 15 touchdowns last year.
• His performance stats are particularly relevant for rookie running backs transitioning into fantasy football.
• If Christian McCaffrey faces any injuries, it’s essential to know who the backup (James) will be, highlighting James’ potential role in the team.

Injury Updates and Rookie Setbacks 20:50

“Mason Taylor has suffered a high ankle sprain.”

• There are concerning injury updates regarding rookie players this season. Mason Taylor, a rookie tight end for the Jets, has sustained a high ankle sprain and will miss game time, which hinders his early performance potential.
• Another rookie, Terrence Ferguson of the Rams, is also dealing with an injury which limits his starting prospects.
• Missing out on valuable playing time hurts rookies, especially in the early parts of the season when they need to make an impact.
• With Mason Taylor out, Garrett Wilson is expected to receive a hefty market share of targets, indicating a potential uptick in his fantasy value.

The Downward Trend of Chris Olave 24:48

“The player I’m talking about is wide receiver Chris Olave, who unfortunately is not someone I believe in.”

• Chris Olave, a wide receiver in his fourth season, is becoming a player of concern for fantasy managers due to the state of the New Orleans Saints offense and his injury history.
• His record shows a concerning trend; despite being considered a promising talent, injuries, particularly concussions, could impact his availability significantly.
• The Saints are projected to struggle, putting even more pressure on Olave to perform, which may not materialize given the team’s offensive situation.
• Furthermore, Olave’s production per route is decreasing, and he has not been a top-scoring fantasy player as expected.

Chris Olave‘s Performance Analysis 29:04

“I still believe that he is a great player. I don’t think great is the right word… you can say good.”

• The discussion revolves around Chris Olave, where the commentator acknowledges that while he possesses significant talent, there are concerns regarding his consistency and performance metrics.
• It is noted that Olave shows potential as a solid receiver but has displayed issues such as drops and concussions, which impact his reliability and value in fantasy drafts.
• There’s skepticism about Olave being the first target for the Saints, with suggestions that Rashid Shaheed might have a more varied skill set that makes him a more favored option.

Concerns About Chris Olave 29:51

“I have no problem passing on Chris Olave in a draft. There’s so much risk.”

• The speaker emphasizes the risks associated with drafting Olave, highlighting that although he can provide consistent points when healthy, his injury history raises flags.
• With the mention of fantasy metrics, it’s stated that Olave’s performance last year was disappointing, and the team’s quarterback situation has not improved his predictions for the upcoming season.
• Comparisons are made to other players like Terry McLaurin and DJ Moore, suggesting that Olave may be in a similar challenging position due to team dynamics.

The Heat on Brooks and Chris Olave‘s Comparisons 31:28

“The most fire I’ve ever seen out of Brooks is anti-Chris Olave.”

• The segment presents a light-hearted tension with a participant named Brooks expressing strong dislike for Chris Olave, pushing for the argument that Olave has not produced enough big games to be a reliable fantasy asset.
• A stark contrast is drawn, as Rashid Shaheed is noted to have performed well in situations that Olave did not.
• The interaction highlights the differing opinions within the team regarding Olave’s value and potential in fantasy football.

Rookie Spotlight: Travion Henderson’s Potential 32:03

“It ain’t Ramondre Stevenson. We’re talking about Travion Henderson, the absolute electric Travion Henderson.”

• Travion Henderson is introduced as a promising rookie running back from the New England Patriots, noted to have a history of explosive plays at Ohio State.
• The conversation accesses Henderson’s predraft hype of being a first-round talent, before ultimately being selected 38th overall.
• With references to his receiving capabilities, the discussion points to Henderson’s skills as a potential difference-maker in both rushing and passing situations, raising his fantasy stock.

Analysis of Patriots’ Offensive Strategy and Henderson’s Role 34:00

“I think that he takes over sooner than later and it’s a rookie running back who was drafted in the second round of the NFL draft.”

• Insights suggest Henderson is likely to establish himself in the Patriots’ offense sooner rather than later due to his dual-threat capabilities.
• Comparisons to Ramondre Stevenson are initiated to emphasize that Henderson is more adept at ball security and catch proficiency.
• The talk shifts to the effectiveness of the Patriots’ offensive scheme in utilizing their running backs in the passing game, highlighting Henderson’s potential to exceed expectations.

Analysis of Running Backs and Tight Ends 37:58

“This is as much a schedule blessing for them as anything else.”

• The discussion highlights the Dolphins’ potential struggles this season, suggesting they might be a team that others could surpass in the division standings. There is skepticism regarding certain players, particularly Henderson, despite his current low draft cost, positioned at RB 24.
• The conversation transitions to Sam Laporta, a young tight end expected to perform well in a strong offense. While one speaker supports Laporta as a tight end five, others express concern over his value at his draft position.
• Points are made about the opportunity cost of drafting a tight end like Laporta in the fifth round, comparing it to the value of other players available in the same round. The emphasis is on understanding that while Laporta might be a good player, drafting him too early may cause fantasy managers to miss out on potentially more impactful options at running back and wide receiver.

Opportunity Cost of Sam Laporta 40:00

“This isn’t an anti-Sam Laporta take. This is a fantasy scoring take.”

• The analysis notes a substantial gap between Laporta’s true value and his average draft position, indicating a differential of 38 picks. This discrepancy highlights how managers need to evaluate tight ends not just based on their skill but also based on the surrounding talent in their draft class.
• The discussion underscores that tight end scoring does not significantly impact fantasy championships compared to the contributions of running backs and wide receivers. The speakers advise against locking in a player like Laporta when there are proven performers available who may offer a better return on investment.
• The speakers cite historical data showing a high failure rate (87%) for middle-round tight ends, emphasizing the tendency to underperform compared to earlier or later options.

Draft Strategies for Tight Ends 43:20

“Scoop up the good tight ends that you know are good.”

• The conclusion stresses the importance of being strategic when drafting tight ends, particularly in rounds five to seven, which are fraught with risk. The advisement is to take advantage of known quantities rather than chase potential breakout players in those rounds.
• The dynamic shifts toward recognizing valuable players at other positions, advocating for managers to gather reliable tight ends if they pass on high-scoring running backs or receivers.
• By employing a strategy focused on matchups and streaming tight ends, rather than being locked into a single player, fantasy managers may achieve better results.

Player Overview: Jackson Smith-Njigba 47:07

“I have really turned a corner this offseason on my expectations and excitement for a player.”

• The focus of discussion is on Jackson Smith-Njigba, often referred to as JSN, who has recently seen a surge in expectations ahead of the upcoming season.
• It’s noted that JSN had previously underwhelmed, but there’s renewed excitement this offseason. As a third-round pick on some platforms, his draft position is seen as an undervalue given his potential.
• The speaker believes JSN is capable of performing at a higher level than what previous seasons have indicated, and they rank him within the top ten wide receivers.

Transition and Utilization 48:12

“You started to see a utilization for JSN that was much more significant down the field.”

• The discussion highlights JSN’s potential versatility as both a slot receiver and an outside receiver, with optimism that he will be utilized more effectively in moving around the field.
• The transition in his role could lead to increased downfield targets, especially considering the absence of other prominent players on the roster.

Age and Historical Comparisons 48:46

“He’s one of six in the history of the NFL with a 100-catch season before turning 23.”

• At just 23 years of age, JSN is compared to notable young wide receivers who achieved significant success early in their careers, reinforcing the belief in his potential for a breakout season.
• The speaker warns against repeating past narratives that downplayed a player’s ability due to team circumstances, suggesting that JSN has the talent to rise.

Concerns and Team Dynamics 51:52

“You talk about target market share, total volume in the offense, and you talk about talent.”

• Despite high expectations, there are concerns about the current team dynamics, particularly a potential quarterback change and a run-heavy offense.
• The speaker acknowledges that while they consider JSN talented, the overall efficiency of the team and the composition of the offensive line are factors that could impact his performance.

Closing Ideas on JSN’s Potential 53:54

“I do think he is one of those guys that could finish inside the top five.”

• The discussion concludes with a strong endorsement for JSN’s potential, emphasizing the belief that he could emerge as one of the top players in the league if the right opportunities arise and conditions align in his favor.

Cam Scadaboo’s Impact on Fantasy Value 56:35

“I think that him holding on to that amount of volume, you know, almost 200 carries and those 55 targets, that’s not going to happen with Scadaboo.”

• Cam Scadaboo’s presence is affecting the excitement around drafting Tyrone Tracy, with expectations of Tracy’s volume dropping significantly due to Scadaboo’s ability to share carries and targets.
• The team’s overall potential performance also raises concerns; if Scadaboo isn’t playing, would Tracy be a more appealing option? While some may still draft him later, excitement levels remain low.

Concerns About Team Performance and Schedule 58:04

“If you’re a bad team, your running back fantasy points are 25th or lower.”

• The team faces tough competition with a hard schedule, which can hinder the running back’s fantasy output significantly. The statistics support that poor-performing teams generally yield low fantasy points for running backs.
• Despite some confidence in the team’s defense, the potential for them to struggle offensively remains, directly impacting running back performance.

Drake May’s Fantasy Potential and Value 59:30

“Drake May, very undervalued in drafts right now.”

• Drake May’s draft position is currently appealing compared to his true potential; his upward trajectory as a quarterback, particularly with rushing capabilities, makes him a solid late draft pick.
• He has shown impressive passing stats and has a track record of rushing success, placing him in an exclusive club of effective rushing quarterbacks.

Improved Receiving Core and Support for May 01:01:54

“I think they’ve actually got a core here that can move the ball, that can get down and score touchdowns.”

• The addition of key offensive players strengthens Drake May’s outlook, aiding his development and potential fantasy success in the upcoming season.
• With recent acquisitions designed to bolster the offensive lineup, there is optimism for improved scoring opportunities that benefit May and the overall team dynamics.

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