The TRUTH: WRs Part 2 + Where’s Jason?

What’s the TRUTH about Jerry Jeudy, Jordan Addison, and Tee Higgins? On today’s fantasy football podcast, learn the TRUTH behind the fantasy finish for a number of wide receivers! Which players have the chance to take a step forward in 2025? Plus, the latest coaching updates and more! Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast. — Fantasy Football Podcast for February 4th, 2025.

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Summary:

The Start of the Show and Jason’s Grand Entrance 00:00

“I don’t know why I said that. I guess I’m a little distracted, just like, wait, who’s missing?”

• The hosts Andy and Mike kick off the show casually, engaging in light-hearted banter after a fun weekend. It sets a relaxed tone, showcasing their camaraderie.
• Jason Moore is not present, leading to humorous observations about his absence. His laptop is spotted, suggesting he has not completely gone offline.
• The hosts joke about the confusion, determining the timeline is crucial, and they express excitement about the content of the show, which focuses on wide receivers.

The Pro Bowl and Surprising Trade Talks 02:56

“The Pro Bowl is a travesty. I don’t know why they’re wearing giant hands.”

• The hosts share skepticism about the Pro Bowl, noting it does not resonate with their audience. They express a general disdain for its format and oddities, such as players wearing oversized gloves.
• They pivot to discuss an unexpected surprise from the NBA, recalling their reaction to a shocking player’s trade. There’s a mix of disbelief and humor as they recognize the massive implications of this unforeseen event.

Team Changes and NFL Coaching News 09:56

“The Raiders hired Chip Kelly as their offensive coordinator. I’m really a little bit confused about the pairing between Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly.”

• The podcast transitions to highlight significant NFL news, particularly the Raiders’ hiring of Chip Kelly. This demonstrates the constant evolution within the league’s coaching ranks.
• There’s a blend of admiration and confusion regarding how Chip Kelly’s fast-paced play style will mesh with Pete Carroll’s more traditional, defensive-oriented approach. This poses questions about the team’s future strategy and potential success.

Coaching Changes in NFL Teams and Player Performance 11:09

“The Buccaneers need an offensive coordinator with Liam Cohen departing.”

• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers recently promoted Josh Grizzard to be their new offensive coordinator after Liam Cohen’s departure. This marks the eighth offensive coordinator for quarterback Baker Mayfield, indicating a high turnover in coaching staff.
• Meanwhile, the New York Jets have hired Tanner Ingstra, previously the passing game coordinator for the Lions, contributing to the Lions losing significant coaching talent this offseason.
• The Cowboys’ recent hiring of Clayton Adams as their new offensive coordinator came as a surprise to many, veering away from traditional coaching moves. This change reflects the Cowboys’ unique approach to team management.
• Jerry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, is known for his unconventional decisions and might have a bigger plan in mind, stirring speculation about future coaching directions, including potential moves linked to famous personalities like Bill Belichick.
• The discussion pivots to impactful player discussions, including insights into Adam Thielen and Matthew Stafford‘s forthcoming contracts and their potential impact on the teams as they age.

Transitioning Wide Receivers Statistics and Insights 15:19

“Believe it or not, 2024 saw the most total receiving touchdowns from the wide receiver position in NFL history.”

• An impressive surge in wide receiver performance has been noted as 2024 recorded the highest total receiving touchdowns in NFL history. Notably, 11 different wide receivers achieved nine or more touchdowns, compared to only six the previous year.
• The discussion aims to evaluate individual performances by diving into metrics like consistency scores, assessing how players like Mike Evans have fared throughout the season based on their scoring consistency.
• The analysis highlights that defensive strategies have shifted slightly, with zones being used less frequently this year, impacting how offensive plays are executed. This fluctuation in defensive strategy is common within the NFL as teams adapt to one another’s methods.
• As the analysis of players continues, Mike Evans is specifically examined, where a mixed performance with both high and low outputs illustrates the challenges faced by athletes, especially under changing coordinative strategies.

Mike Evans and Jerry Jeudy‘s Performance Context 20:46

“If he gets it this year, then that’s Mike Evans‘ record of most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, right?”

• The discussion centers around a player potentially breaking Mike Evans‘ record for consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, showcasing the impressive offensive achievements at this stage of the analysis.
• Jerry Judy is introduced as an intriguing subject, with his performance being inconsistent throughout the season. Despite being the 12th ranked wide receiver, his consistency rank is notably poor at 26.
• This inconsistency raises questions about Judy’s ability to capitalize on his skills effectively, especially since he was barely drafted and had uninspiring performances earlier in the season.

Jerry Judy’s Inconsistent Season Performance 21:20

“In the first half of the season, it was same old, same old for Jerry Judy.”

• Jerry Judy’s lackluster beginning to the season saw him ranked as wide receiver 71, severely impacting fantasy lineups that depended on him.
• However, in the second half, Judy turned his performance around, finishing with commendable statistics like 1,229 receiving yards, 90 catches, and four touchdowns.
• His ascension in the latter half of the season was pivotal to his overall fantasy finish, correlating notably with the departure of Amari Cooper.

Analysis of Judy’s Second Half Performance 21:42

“Once Amari Cooper was shipped off, he was number 10 in consistency.”

• The analysis highlights the significant impact that the combinations of player departures and quarterback changes had on Judy’s performance.
• By assessing his stats post-Amari Cooper‘s trade, his opportunities increased dramatically, leading to a remarkable improvement in his consistency and performance in the latter part of the season.
• Jerry Judy’s performance was characterized by a surge that placed him among the top wide receivers, showcasing that his skills were only scratched on the surface during the first half of the season.

Future Expectations for Jerry Judy 25:35

“If they figure out anything with the quarterback, he will be a risk.”

• Looking forward, Judy’s performance will be closely tied to the quarterback situation, as uncertainty remains surrounding who will lead the team next year.
• His recent improvement suggests potential, but caution is still advised due to the volatility often presented by rookie quarterbacks.
• While Judy’s statistics have suggested an upward trend, there remains skepticism about his ability to maintain consistent success, especially considering previous seasons in which he underperformed.

Analyzing Best Ball ADP and Receiver Prospects 30:28

“So best ball is – for the absolute degenerates and maniacs out there, best ball is open if you want to just have a good time.”

• The discussion begins with the best ball Average Draft Position (ADP) for wide receivers, particularly focusing on a player currently ranked as wide receiver 10.
• The speaker expresses skepticism regarding this ranking, noting that it seems risky given the team’s lack of adequate receiving options.
• There’s an expectation that the team may draft additional talent, potentially a premium pass-catching tight end or even another wide receiver like T. Higgins, which adds uncertainty about the depth chart for the upcoming season.
• The consensus here is that the previous performance and talent of certain players, like Lad McConkie, may be overshadowed if the team successfully adds to their roster.

The Inconsistencies of Eagles Wide Receivers 32:20

“To have two Eagles wide receivers on the edges of the top 20 in consistency, that is more the story, I think.”

• The performance of A.J. Brown and Devontae Smith is analyzed, both of whom finished in a similar range in the fantasy rankings.
• Despite their proximity in terms of rank, both show significant inconsistency, with Brown starting strong and then fading, while Smith’s second half was also less impressive.
• The overall team dynamics, such as the improved defense and potential shifts in offensive strategy, may have contributed to this inconsistency.
• The takeaway is that although both receivers have had moments of brilliance, their consistency makes them less attractive for fantasy potential, especially as the team may prioritize winning games over maximizing individual stat lines.

Concerns About Quarterback and Offensive Strategy 34:11

“If they need him to throw the football, these guys are going to have big fantasy production. If they don’t need him to throw the football, he’s been reined in a little bit.”

• There’s concern regarding the upcoming season’s quarterback situation and the offensive coordinator change, as it might lead to inconsistency in player performances, particularly among the receiving corps.
• The need for Jalen Hurts to throw could dictate the success of players like A.J. Brown, while a run-heavy approach would diminish their fantasy value.
• The potential leadership change in offensive strategies signifies a shift that could impact overall team dynamics and player statistics.

The Rising Profile of Jordan Addison 37:42

“The second half of the year really clicked in this offense.”

• The analysis of Jordan Addison highlights a marked improvement in his performance throughout the season, especially after initially struggling.
• With a notable consistency ranking and the ability to make big plays, Addison showed promise to be a significant contributor, particularly in the second half of the year.
• The conversation also touches on his relatively low reception numbers but emphasizes explosive performance in critical moments, which can benefit his overall appeal in best ball formats.
• The ongoing uncertainty regarding his long-term value is tied to the quarterback situation and team’s offensive scheme, which may affect his draft stock moving forward.

Bengals’ Tough Start and Tee Higgins‘ Performance 39:59

“The Bengals got off to a bad start, and Joe Burrow started a little slow.”

• The Bengals faced significant challenges at the beginning of the season, including Joe Burrow’s sluggish performance and T. Higgins’ absence due to injury. Higgins missed the first two weeks, further contributing to a disappointing start for the team and for those relying on him in fantasy leagues.
• Despite these initial struggles, it’s crucial to recognize Higgins’ overall ability. In the games he participated, he only “busted” 18% of the time, which is considered excellent performance, indicating he delivered solid points on most occasions.
• While Jamar Chase garners a lot of attention as the number one wide receiver, many fail to appreciate the talent and potential that T. Higgins brings to the field.

Injury Concerns with Tee Higgins 40:55

“Injuries have been a problem; he played one full season in his career.”

• T. Higgins has a history of injuries, with this year being no exception as he missed five games due to hamstring and quad issues. Though he has shown flashes of brilliance, his inability to stay healthy has limited his overall fantasy production.
• In fact, Higgins has only played a full season once, which raises concerns for his fantasy prospects moving forward. The inconsistency around his availability also affects other players on the roster, like Jamar Chase, who benefit from Higgins being on the field.
• However, when Higgins plays, he generally performs well, averaging 15.5 fantasy points per game, which is competitive with top-tier wide receivers.

The Future of T. Higgins 43:10

“Can he go be the number one if he doesn’t stay in Cincinnati?”

• As discussions about T. Higgins continue, speculation arises concerning whether he can transition to being a number one receiver if he moves to a new team, such as the Chargers. Many believe that he has that potential, although he might not reach the elite status of someone like Jamar Chase or Justin Jefferson.
• Higgins has consistently ranked just outside the top echelon of wide receivers, often showing up in the 17-22 range in previous seasons. With the right circumstances, particularly if he were to remain healthy, there’s a notion he could replicate or exceed Mike Evans‘ performance metrics.
• Ultimately, Higgins remains a wildcard; his capacity for explosive gameplay sets him apart, yet his injury history complicates the investment in him for fantasy purposes.

Evaluating Jameson Williams‘ Fantasy Potential 49:19

“Jameson Williams had 58 catches for 17.3 yards per reception and seven touchdowns, which is very efficient.”

• Jameson Williams showcased impressive efficiency in his performance, similar to his high-powered counterpart. Despite facing challenges, his volume of targets, which was 91, has potential to increase.
• Both players, such as Iyuk with a remarkable 17.9 yards per reception on 75 catches, highlight the high-yield potential in fantasy formats.
• However, the reliance on big plays can be volatile, making it hard to predict consistency moving forward, especially for someone who missed games.
• Notably, Williams finished with one of the highest game grades in terms of efficiency, placing third after notable names like Mike Evans and Ja’Marr Chase.

Courtland Sutton‘s Role and Consistency 51:06

“Cortland Sutton was the seventh most consistent player, delivering almost double digits every week down the stretch.”

• Cortland Sutton demonstrated consistency, particularly in the latter part of the season, which positions him as a valuable fantasy asset moving forward.
• Key factors in his performance involve quarterback changes and the need for improvement in the Denver Broncos‘ offense, impacting his opportunity for growth.
• Despite his solid finish, concerns about potential inconsistencies remain, especially with varying volume and competition within the wide receiver cohort.
• Participants in dynasty leagues may find Sutton challenging to rank, especially considering his age and whether his current trajectory will sustain long-term.

Puka Nacua vs. Nico Collins in Fantasy Leagues 55:58

“Puka Nakua came in at 23, but his consistency rank was three, showing he had a strong impact despite missing games.”

• The debate between Puka Nakua and Nico Collins highlights contrasting trajectories as both players showed great potential when healthy.
• Nakua’s high consistency score suggests he can perform consistently well with reliable offensive systems, making him a preferable choice for immediate impact.
• Collins had a strong start but struggled with consistency toward the end of the season, raising questions about his future prospects.
• The recent hiring of the offensive coordinator linked to the Rams could be beneficial for Collins’ development, potentially improving his usage and performance.

Analyzing Player Performance: Tua and Tyreek Hill 59:18

“It’s not terrible; it’s certainly not worthy of the first or second pick in a draft.”

• The discussion highlights the fluctuations in Tyreek Hill‘s performance, particularly when Tua Tagovailoa was absent. In the early part of the season, Hill ranked as a strong option, being the QB4 after week one. However, following Tua’s injury, Hill’s performance drastically dropped, showing him as unplayable in many situations.
• When Tua returned, Hill managed to average 12.1 fantasy points per game from weeks 8 to 16, which although not terrible, does not justify a high draft pick. His projected season-long stats would have been around 1020 yards and 9.4 touchdowns, which are not impressive enough for early-round selections.
• Despite the stronger performance when Tua was back, concerns about his overall value in drafts persisted, especially because of the ongoing fragility related to Tua’s health and the uncertainty of quarterback play.

Drafting Considerations: The Value of Tyreek Hill 01:01:04

“You knew that was there, but you thought you had kind of gotten past it.”

• The conversation shifts to Tyreek Hill‘s perceived value in drafts, with a focus on how his prior performance and reputation might inflate his draft position compared to his actual scoring output.
• The notion of ambiguity about Tua’s health creates apprehension about Hill’s value, as players might hesitate to select him in favor of emerging talents like Jackson Smith-Njigba or Garrett Wilson. This reflects the dilemma in fantasy drafting where historical performance conflicts with current concerns.
• The need for a reliable backup quarterback for the Dolphins is emphasized, with suggestions for veteran options like Joe Flacco or Jameis Winston. A solid backup would alleviate fears related to Tua’s health impacting Hill’s performance once again.