Top 10 WR Rankings + What Could Go Wrong?

Fantasy Football show for Aug 7, 2025. Preseason is here! Top 10 wide receivers for the 2025 fantasy football season on today’s show! What could go wrong for the elite WRs? Would you rather pick Drake London or A.J. Brown in fantasy football drafts? Plus, what to watch for in preseason. Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast.

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Summary:

Preseason Power Up 02:39

“What are you watching for this preseason?”

• The podcast kicks off with a discussion on what to watch for during the preseason, specifically focusing on various teams and players. Organizers highlight that several teams have announced they will play their starters for a certain amount of time, a trend that could offer insights into their capabilities for the upcoming season.
• Particular attention is given to the Jets, the Panthers, and the Bengals, as all are poised to showcase their starting players early in the games. The panelists express excitement about seeing these key players on the field, noting that it provides an opportunity to assess their performance against opposing teams.
• The discussion shifts to individual players such as Bryce Young and Tank Bigsby, with insights into how their performances can impact their fantasy value this season. The panelists aim to gather information on whether these players can establish themselves as reliable options for fantasy football teams.

Concerns About The Panthers 04:05

“I want to see more before the season to determine if the vibes are continuing.”

• The panel discussions reveal concerns surrounding the Panthers, particularly focusing on Bryce Young and the potential they see in players like Tedo McMillan and Adam Thielen. They express a cautious optimism, wanting to see how Young performs to confirm whether he can turn around the team’s fortunes and support the fantasy value of his teammates.
• There is an emphasis on the need for positive preseason performances as a determinant of Young’s development and effectiveness. The panelists are eager to observe if Young can consistently demonstrate accuracy and control in his passing.

Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Situation 06:52

“I want to see J.J. McCarthy‘s quick decisions and accuracy.”

• The conversation shifts to the Minnesota Vikings, where the hosts express their desire to see quarterback J.J. McCarthy play with precision and sharpness during the preseason. The crucial elements being evaluated include his decision-making speed and accuracy on passing plays.
• They also touch on the running back situation in Minnesota, speculating on how the team might utilize Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason during the games. This evaluation is included within the wide receiver discussions, indicating that the interplay among players will be observed closely during the preseason games.

Rookie Depth Chart and Player Value 09:37

“So you know the depth chart doesn’t matter because every single rookie is listed last on the Denver Broncos unofficial depth chart.”

• The discussion highlights the unpredictability of rookie players’ standings on depth charts, suggesting that their official rankings may not reflect their actual potential or contributions. The focus shifts to R.J. Harvey, who is currently placed fifth on the depth chart yet is expected to gain importance as the season progresses.
• It is noted that with veterans like JK Dobbins, there may be a preference exhibited during selection, and as a result, rookies can sometimes be marginalized early on.
• The potential for variance in Harvey’s role is underscored, emphasizing the need for him to avoid turnover-related mistakes, as these can substantially affect his opportunities and fantasy relevance.

Drafting Strategy: R.J. Harvey vs. JK Dobbins 10:42

“I think JK Dobbins is the clear better value. Like JK Dobbins is a really good value in drafts.”

• When it comes to drafting strategies, the insight is provided that taking JK Dobbins is the safer choice compared to R.J. Harvey, especially with Dobbins being selected in the double-digit rounds. Dobbins is anticipated to have immediate fantasy success, starting the year strong.
• However, skepticism remains about Harvey’s currently inflated draft position, cited at fifth-round status, when, according to the host, his actual value should be more appropriately placed around the seventh round.

Injury Updates and Player Situations 12:54

“Sean McDermott says he believes Khalil Shakir will be ready for week one.”

• Updates are provided regarding various players’ injury statuses, notably Khalil Shakir, who is believed to return by week one despite recent setbacks.
• Attention is drawn to Malik Neighbors, who is not participating in practice due to a recurring toe injury. The ongoing management of this injury seems more precautionary than detrimental at this moment.
• The report stresses the importance of ensuring players like Neighbors are not overworked in practice, advocating for their health to be prioritized over intensity in preseason sessions.

Fantasy Football Player Discussions 18:37

“It sucks to be proud of everyone, but also to not be able to take advantage of foolish decisions.”

• The conversation revolves around various fantasy football players and their rankings in relation to their performances and potential next season. There are mentions of Raandre and Trayvon, suggesting that perceptions of player value can change significantly from year to year.
• Players like Breece Hall are spotlighted with skepticism regarding their draft positions, emphasizing that while his name comes up frequently around third-round decisions, several experts believe he may not be a valuable pick due to the context of his ranking.
• The community has reached a consensus where players like Breece Hall are now being valued lower than others, which reflects an overall improvement in draft acumen.

A.J. Brown‘s Ranking and Performance 25:39

“AJ Brown could be way better than what he did last year, but he could also just not be that needed, not very consistent.”

• AJ Brown is evaluated as a surprising entry in the rankings, with variations in opinions on his placement. Some believe he is underperforming but still finishes well within top rankings despite a strong team performance from the Eagles, which may have limited his opportunities.
• His previous statistics show he was a wide receiver seven in 2023 and wide receiver five in 2022 but might not have had the necessary volume due to the team’s strong offensive capabilities and reliance on multiple key players.
• The discussion reflects on how Brown’s performance could vary across games due to his teammates’ performances, suggesting a potential struggle to maintain consistent high scoring amidst a balanced offensive structure.

Discussion on A.J. Brown and Drake London 27:43

“I think I’m more on the AJ Brown side again. Like he was a better wide receiver.”

• The debate is ongoing regarding whether to prefer AJ Brown or Drake London as a wide receiver pick. One participant strongly favors AJ Brown, citing his superior performance last season despite challenges, including a strong opposing defense that limited his team’s passing game.
• AJ Brown finished as the wide receiver six last year and had a higher points-per-game average compared to Drake London, who was drafted as wide receiver eleven.
• Concerns about AJ Brown‘s hamstring injury were raised, but currently, the injury does not seem to be a major factor in making a choice between the two players.

Analyzing the Eagles’ Defense Impact on AJ Brown 28:25

“While there is a chance that they just dominate yet again, I’m still good with AJ Brown because he was so dominant.”

• Participants discuss how the Eagles’ defense, projected to be among the best, could influence AJ Brown‘s performance. The argument suggests that while a strong defense can lead to fewer scoring opportunities for the offense, one injury within the defense could alter its efficiency and open more scoring chances for the Eagles.
• AJ Brown‘s strong stats, even in a challenging year, underscore his potential as a wide receiver one, making him a valuable pick despite the external factors.

A Look into Brian Thomas Jr. as a Rising Star 30:02

“When you’re drafting, maybe you’re looking for an upside player because you got a safe player or maybe you’re looking for risk aversion.”

• Brian Thomas Jr. has been discussed as a significant up-and-coming wide receiver despite some being hesitant about his ranking. His impressive rookie season puts him in conversations among the top ten wide receivers, showcasing his talent and playstyle.
• There are concerns regarding the performance consistency of his quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, which could affect Thomas’s output. However, his rookies’ performance was stellar, creating excitement around his potential.

Comparing Malik Neighbors’ Performance 34:25

“He was the entire Giants’ passing offense.”

• Malik Neighbors, who also had an outstanding rookie showing, is noted for his massive target share, having 170 targets in just 15 games. This level of involvement indicates significant trust from the quarterback and offensive scheme.
• As with Brian Thomas, the potential quarterback situations for the upcoming season add some uncertainty. However, Neighbors’ ability to dominate on the field raises confidence in his being a future top wide receiver.

Quarterback Risks and Potential Changes 36:58

“It’s a tough schedule. It’d be hard not to think a quarterback change could happen at some point in the first six to eight weeks of the season.”

• The conversation highlights concerns around a team’s quarterback performance amid challenging early season matchups, suggesting that if results do not improve, a quarterback switch might be necessary.
• There are speculations about potential coaching changes as well if the situation deteriorates further.

Player Analysis: Nico Collins 38:04

“Nico’s that dude. He is a bona fide number one.”

• Nico Collins is positioned as a top wide receiver, with discussions about his breakout potential based on his past performances even despite injuries and team struggles.
• He averaged 19 fantasy points per game during a strong start last season and has a significant target share, indicating he could easily finish among the top wide receivers, albeit issues at quarterback could affect his overall output.

Comparisons and Breakout Predictions 39:50

“If things are rolling, he can be a truly unstoppable force.”

• The comparison between Nico Collins and established players like Mike Evans emphasizes Collins’ potential, particularly if he receives consistent targets and if the team can maintain offensive momentum.
• The addition of other skilled players like Christian Kirk is viewed positively, potentially increasing touchdown opportunities for Collins.

Top Wide Receiver Rankings Overview 41:51

“When you get to these top tier guys, there’s not a lot to say about them unless you want to listen to a show where guys just say these guys play good football.”

• As the team moves into discussing their top wide receiver rankings, focus shifts to classic player performance without delving into extensive details since their qualities are generally well understood.
• Amon-Ra St. Brown is heavily mentioned, reflecting on his year-over-year improvement and consistency in producing top output with a low bust rate, showcasing his reliability for fantasy teams.

Injury History and Future Outlook 46:17

“He puts his body on the line for sure; which… and then you have the risk of Matthew Stafford, which is probably the bigger risk to me.”

• The player discussed had a rocky rookie year in 2023, showcasing knee swelling, shoulder bruises, a sprained shoulder, and hip soreness but surprisingly never missed a game.
• He had injury concerns noted but performed consistently, highlighting his toughness. His ability to play through injuries is a positive sign for his durability moving forward.
• The key uncertainty lies with quarterback Matthew Stafford; if Stafford stays healthy and plays all 17 games, this player is in a prime position to potentially finish as the number one wide receiver overall.

Performance Consistency and Scoring Potential 46:30

“This is a player who is not only consistent, but can actually go out there and have week-winning performances.”

• The player has earned high praise for being consistent, drawing comparisons to other top receivers like Amon-Ra St. Brown.
• He is described as a player who consistently receives plenty of targets and has the capacity to deliver high-impact games that can make a decisive difference in fantasy leagues.
• His big play ability along with quarterback Matthew Stafford’s tendency to focus on him positions him well to increase his touchdowns and overall scoring in future games.

Concerns Regarding Touchdowns and Competition 47:31

“That stands out to me is the touchdowns.”

• Despite his solid performance metrics, he has only scored nine touchdowns in 28 games so far, raising a red flag regarding his scoring efficiency.
• The emergence of competition, including Devonte Adams and Kairen on the team, where both are strong touchdown producers, poses a challenge to his target share and touchdown opportunities.
• The discussion acknowledges the complexities of predicting touchdown outcomes, particularly how quarterback changes and the presence of other talented receivers could impact his performance.

Draft Decision-Making and Player Rankings 49:06

“If you had to draft today… would you pull the trigger on Puka for the upside?”

• When considering drafting this player versus another like Nico Collins, a preference emerged for Collins, especially in the absence of concrete updates on Stafford’s health.
• The conversation emphasizes the value of being cautious in drafts, as players with established track records like Collins or Amon-Ra St. Brown may offer more reliability.
• Interestingly, while some injuries have been associated with this player in the past, his rookie season was notable for his durability since he played every game.

Ja’Marr Chase‘s Potential as a Top Receiver 55:06

“Your best chance of having a top three fantasy wide receiver is Jamar Chase.”

• Jamar Chase is highlighted as a key player in fantasy football, especially during his prime years. Although he may not currently rank as the number one receiver, his potential to finish within the top three is significant.
• The last time a wide receiver repeated as a top performer in fantasy was in 2014-2015 with Antonio Brown, indicating that it has been a decade since a receiver has dominated in this manner.

CeeDee Lamb‘s Challenging Schedule 55:10

“If CD Lamb gets off to a really bad first month, I will be trading for him everywhere I can.”

• CD Lamb’s upcoming schedule poses a potential challenge, featuring games against tough defenses such as Philadelphia, the Giants, Chicago, and Green Bay in the first month.
• Despite past slow starts, such as last year where he finished as wide receiver four after the first nine weeks, both Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott have previously shown the ability to bounce back from these challenges.

Upcoming Content Highlights 56:12

“You get the DFS pass, and you’ll be getting a bonus podcast today.”

• The podcast continues to focus on valuable content, with upcoming episodes planned for mock drafts and RB rankings.
• Supporters of the show are entitled to special bonuses, including access to the Ultimate Draft Kit (UDK) and weekly bonus podcasts, enhancing their fantasy football experience.

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