Category: NFL

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

If you’re looking for contenders who could break through another glass ceiling in fantasy football this coming season, Jameson Williams’ name is likely floating around your draft board. But does the buzz match the reality for 2025? To answer that, let’s turn to the keen insights from Matt Harmon and Scott Pianowski on the latest edition of the "Yahoo Fantasy Forecast," where they dove into Williams’ outlook with the kind of nuance and reality check this wideout deserves.

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Matt and Scott wasted no time calling out a key fantasy football narrative — the idea that Williams "might break out" in 2025 is already a little backward. In Harmon’s words:

“They’re talking about [Williams] again this year like they were last year ... People are being like, ‘Oh, yeah, they’re hyping up Jameson Williams for a breakout year.’ He had a breakout year last year. What are we talking about?"

That’s the crux of it: While many fantasy players and analysts are looking for Williams’ leap this season, Harmon’s view is that the leap already happened in 2024. After a slow start to his NFL career, Williams’ growth last season was more than just flashes — he became a genuine threat in Detroit’s offense.

That said, both Harmon and Pianowski do agree Williams is “a maddening player” — not because he’s unreliable, but because his multi-layered skill set gives Detroit so many options. He can “take the top off the defense” but also house any short throw. That level of weaponry means opposing defenses have to account for him at all times, as Pianowski said:

“He could also catch any pass behind the line of scrimmage or any short little dig and take it to the house ... Just to have a guy like that, it changes how teams have to defend you because they’re just petrified of him all the time.”

The Lions are clearly aware of this. They’ve been vocal about Williams again this offseason, not as a hope-for breakout, but as a key piece they need playing at his best. It’s about keeping him “engaged,” as Harmon put it.

One of the overlooked angles from the Forecast’s discussion was a potential shift in the Lions’ playing style in 2025. Frank Ragnow’s retirement signals trouble for their previously dominant O-line, meaning Detroit might need to pass more simply to move the ball as efficiently as before.

Translation? More volume for Detroit’s pass-catchers, and that includes Williams.

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Williams isn’t just a deep threat or a boom-bust flex. He’s morphing into a true every-week piece, especially with the likely changes to Detroit’s offense after the departure of their All-Pro center.

So, if you’re looking for upside, don’t think of Williams as a guy with more to prove. He’s already proved it — now, he’s stepping into a bigger opportunity with a potentially higher target floor and established big-play upside. That’s a compelling package for a receiver currently being drafted as WR24.

Draft him for what he is, not what you hope he’ll become — because Williams is already living his breakout. The 2025 season might just be where the rest of the world catches up.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

If you're a fantasy football manager searching for some upside excitement in 2025, Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders are impossible to ignore. On the latest Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, Matt Harmon and Scott Pianowski dived into potential “carnival offenses” for next season — teams with explosive, bankable playmakers and questionable defenses that force their QBs into shootout scenarios every week. In that landscape, Daniels’ fantasy profile has never looked brighter.

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Both Harmon and Pianowski are bullish on the Commanders’ ability to rack up points. As Matt says, Washington’s offense is “too big to fail” — a top-five or top-six unit is well within reach, especially given the creative influence of OC Kliff Kingsbury and the arrival of Daniels’ dual-threat abilities.

Daniels’ rookie campaign in 2024 already teased fantasy stardom thanks to his dynamic rushing — Pianowski even predicted Daniels could run for 1,000 yards. For fantasy, that’s a solid floor, especially when you consider how well Kingsbury managed to scheme up success for him late last season.

While Harmon wishes they’d added one more pass catcher alongside Terry McLaurin (who is entering his age-30 season) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (age-29, with many miles already run), he’s still buying the overall Washington package thanks to Daniels’ talent. The backfield could use another playmaker, but the existing setup — combined with Daniels’ rushing upside — still projects a ton of weekly fantasy value.

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There's some question about the pass-catcher depth for Daniels, but with Kingsbury’s ability to manufacture offense and a narrow concentration of targets, the Commanders should keep finding the end zone. Pianowski remarked, “They're going to try to outscore everybody ... there are going to be a lot of 30-27 games. Or they're going to be 40-37. I don’t know. But there’s going to be a lot of fun in D.C.”

What makes Daniels especially appealing for fantasy isn’t just the offensive weapons or scheme — it’s the Washington defense. Both Harmon and Pianowski agree the Commanders’ defense doesn’t offer much resistance. Harmon notes there’s “not nearly enough juice up front from a pass-rushing standpoint” and “the secondary is questionable.” In other words, shootouts and high-volume scenarios will be the norm.

This is exactly what you want for a fantasy QB: forced volume, plenty of chances to rack up both passing and rushing stats and consistent comeback or high-scoring game scripts.

While there’s plenty to love, both analysts wish the Commanders had added another playmaking receiver or running back to boost the ceiling further. They also note that while continuity at quarterback and coordinator helps, the receiver group’s age and durability raise some long-term questions. Still, this doesn’t really threaten Daniels’ weekly upside in 2025.

Based on Matt Harmon and Scott Pianowski’s discussion, Jayden Daniels is shaping up as a premier fantasy asset for 2025. He offers elite weekly upside, a packed schedule of shootouts and clear trust from his play-callers. If you’re looking for a quarterback who can vault into the very top tiers, especially outside of the Allen/Jackson tier, Jayden Daniels should absolutely be on your shortlist.

If you want fun, volume and fantasy gold at quarterback for 2025, target Jayden Daniels and enjoy the ride. Just be ready for the fireworks (and keep one eye on that Washington defense, praying it stays as leaky as ever).

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

If you were underweight on Chase Brown in 2024 fantasy football, you weren’t alone, and you probably felt it by midseason. But with 2025 drafts heating up, a surprising consensus has emerged across the fantasy community: Brown is not only a locked-in RB1, but his profile in the Bengals offense looks rock-solid for another top-tier season.

Let’s dig into Matt Harmon and Scott Pianowski’s conversation from the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast for a nuanced breakdown of Brown’s outlook.

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Brown finished last season as the RB12 overall, emerging as one of the rare true hits for zero-RB drafters. When Zack Moss missed time, Brown “was the only game in town,” as Harmon put it, regularly dominating not just the early-down work but also the hurry-up and high-scoring packages — a holy grail scenario for fantasy running backs.

Pianowski put it bluntly: “Chase Brown was a screaming right answer … He never came off the field. He was good in all packages … [and] a running back who never comes off the field in that situation is fantasy gold.”

Perhaps the most important note for Brown’s fantasy managers is how little has changed in Cincinnati. Burrow, Chase, Higgins — everyone’s back, and the system remains in place. The only real additions in the RB room? Taj Brooks (a Day 3 rookie) and some veteran insurance in Samaje Perine. Neither is expected to cut deeply into Brown’s role; the Bengals’ lack of a splashy running back addition speaks volumes about their trust in Brown.

Even the oft-circulated Zack Moss “threat” doesn’t move the needle. Pianowski is firm: “Zach Moss? Last year, what, 3.3 yards a carry? Give me a break … He really should be like an RB3 on a decent team and he might ultimately be that on this team.”

What are the positives and negatives for Brown in 2025?

Brown fits the traits fantasy managers crave:

• Three-down role: He handled 90%+ snaps in multiple games last year — a pace that, even if dialed back, still lands him in RB1 territory.

• Concentrated offense: As Harmon notes, the Bengals have “a very highly concentrated nature of this offense.” You don’t have to squint to see the targets for Brown (alongside Chase and Higgins) being safely locked in.

• Game-script-proof: Even in negative scripts — likely with Cincinnati’s defense still projected to struggle — Brown will continue to see playing time and pass-catching work.

The Yahoo Fantasy Forecast episode highlights that the industry consensus is to rank Brown right around RB12-13, and that’s roughly where his best ball ADP is landing — yet Pianowski went as far as to call him flat-out mispriced: “People who are getting Brown in the third round right now, enjoy it while it lasts. He’ll be a locked-in second-round pick, I think, when the major part of draft season kicks in.”

There’s a broader fantasy team-building angle here, too. If you love building out dominant receiver rooms and going “Hero RB,” Brown is a prime candidate. Pianowski says it best: “Is Chase Brown good enough for a Hero RB build? And my answer is, absolutely. If I left the draft where the only signature back I had was Brown and I had that wide receiver … I was winning the flex. I was winning the wide receiver room. That’s a roster I’d go to war with.”

Of course, every player has risks. With Brown, it comes down to:

• Pedigree concerns: As a former Day 3 pick, some “what if?” always lingers until a player receives massive team investment.

• Volume adjustment: The coaching staff has hinted they don’t want every game 90%+ snap shares, but even a dip to 70-75% would be plenty.

• Bengals defense improvement: If the defense outperforms expectations, there could be fewer shootouts — but the unit is projected to remain bottom-10.

Summing up the takeaways from Harmon and Pianowski, Chase Brown is one of the best RB picks you can make at the 2/3 turn. Opportunity, team trust and fantasy-friendly game environment — all the ingredients are there. Don’t overthink it, don’t get sidetracked by backup chatter, and be comfortable making him the hoss of your RB room. When the Bengals’ carnival kicks into high gear, you’ll be glad Brown is riding shotgun.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Has the Detroit Lions' Super Bowl window closed?

That's the question debated in the latest edition of the "Inside Coverage" podcast.

The short answer: No, the window has not closed.

The more detailed answer: It’s definitely in a more precarious position than it was last season.

Why?

Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab broke it down into three parts:

Key departures and changes: The Lions have lost some important pieces, including retiring All-Pro center Frank Ragnow and guard Kevin Zeitler, both their offensive and defensive coordinators, and a number of position coaches. Two out of five members of their elite offensive line from last season are now gone.

The “erosion” effect: Fitz and Schwab agree that the Lions are still a Super Bowl contender with a strong roster, but point out that it’s these gradual losses — the “little erosions,” as Frank put it — that can deplete a team. It’s not one catastrophic thing, but a bunch of changes that, stacked together, make it harder to reach the top.

"You lose your offensive coordinator, you lose your defensive coordinator, everybody's a year older. You're going to have the same injury luck you had. They have a tougher schedule. They have one of the toughest schedules in the NFL this year. Two fifths of your offensive line has gone from last year," Schwab explained. "It's just a little erosions that you know, take you from, hey, we're 15-2, No. 1 seed in the NFC to maybe OK, we're 11-6 and the three seed in the NFC. ... And all of a sudden you look up and you say that's how our Super Bowl window ended."

Tougher landscape: The Lions face one of the toughest schedules in the NFL this season, plus a much-improved NFC North division, with legitimate playoff aspirations from the Bears, Packers and Vikings. Fitz and Schwab debated which team they’d take to win the division, with Fitz saying he’d lean toward the field over the Lions at this point.

It’s not that the Lions are out of the running — they still have a talented roster — but the margin for error is much lower. All the changes and harder circumstances make a repeat on last season far from guaranteed.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into Inside Coverage on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Based on the conversation in an "Inside Coverage" podcast episode, Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson and Frank Schwab have mixed views about how the Tennessee Titans are handling rookie quarterback Cam Ward.

Schwab is baffled by the Titans’ approach to splitting reps between Ward and Will Levis. 

“Why? What’s the point in all this? ... We all know Cam Ward’s starting Week 1," Schwab said. "I find this stupid.” 

Schwab suggests the Titans are playing games and should focus on getting their No. 1 overall draft pick ready to be the starter.

His main argument: It’s pointless and disingenuous for head coach Brian Callahan to be splitting first-team reps or framing the starting QB job as something Ward has to "earn," especially since everyone knows Ward is the starter from Day 1 unless he gets hurt or something very unexpected happens. These types of mind games are “stupid," so why are the Titans even bothering with this charade? 

This is reminiscent of the Urban Meyer/Trevor Lawrence situation in Jacksonville, a QB competition that wasn't real. 

Does anyone — inside or outside the Titans — really believe there’s a QB battle happening? The pretense in Nashville is unnecessary.

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There's value in making Cam Ward 'earn' the job to lead the Titans

Robinson disagrees and feels there’s real value in letting Ward “earn” the starting job, even if the competition isn’t entirely authentic. He compares it to his own (albeit high school) experience of being announced as a starter and how meaningful that was for his growth and confidence. It's beneficial for a young player to have a sense of accomplishment and momentum by going out and winning the job in camp, even if it’s a bit of theater. He argues that being “given” the starting job outright, simply because of draft status, takes away that motivational aspect. Some level of competition is a longstanding football tradition and a useful bit of preseason theater.

There's recent NFL history to back up the approach. Robinson references head coach Sean Payton running a similar “open competition” with Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham in Denver, which everyone knew wasn’t true, but he insists there’s still some intangible value to being publicly anointed as the starter at the end of a process, even if the process is a bit of a facade. The “theater” is part and parcel of football culture.

Even a staged competition can help a young QB’s mentality and buy-in, allowing Ward to feel like he’s achieved something, which has value for the player and locker room.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into Inside Coverage on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

If you’ve wondered if Saints receiver Chris Olave should be on your draft radar this season, the latest Yahoo Fantasy Forecast episode with Matt Harmon and Footballguys Alfredo Brown offers some clarity — and a dose of optimism.

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First, let’s acknowledge the obvious: Olave, who already has two 1,000-yard receiving seasons on his resume, has never truly benefitted from consistent, high-end quarterback play since entering the league in 2022. Harmon and Brown both agree that his connection with Derek Carr left much to be desired — “they never really had the best chemistry in the world,” Harmon suggests. The lack of rhythm is a big part of why Olave hasn’t been a difference-maker in fantasy. 

Yet, buried in uncertainty is a potential gold mine of upside. With new head coach Kellen Moore stepping in, there’s buzz around a more creative deployment of Olave — perhaps even increased usage out of the slot. 

“What Moore has done for even a guy like DeVonta Smith ... both [he and Olave are] technicians, pro-level route runners in college, " Harmon points out. "They don’t need to play in the slot, but they can be weaponized in the slot.”

Brown goes a step further: “I think that he’s got that upside for high-target volume, high efficiency deep downfield and he’s just one of those guys. Tyler Shough [the likely new QB] is actually a pretty good deep-ball thrower ... that could actually be good for Olave.”  

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Slot usage under Moore could mean more layup targets, and with a new offense and a QB unafraid to push downfield, those big Olave games may finally happen more often.

While there’s risk — particularly with QB uncertainty and Olave coming off of two scary concussions last season that limited him to eight games — better days could be ahead.

Olave’s blend of youth, technical polish and untapped ceiling are tantalizing. If Olave builds rapport with his quarterback and Moore makes him a focal point of the offense, a true breakout could be just around the corner — and that’s something worth keeping an eye on this summer ahead of fantasy drafts.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

It remains the biggest question in this NFL offseason: Will Aaron Rodgers play quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers this upcoming season?

That's yet to be answered, but let's dive a little deeper. In the latest episode of the Inside Coverage podcast, Frank Schwab, Charles Robinson and Jason Fitz debate this question: Are the Steelers a playoff team with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback?

Frank Schwab is clear — he does not think the Steelers are a playoff team even if they add Rodgers

"No, no. I think that they got kind of lucky to get in the playoffs last year," Schwab explains. "And this whole [Mike] Tomlin thing is very, very — it's impressive, but they're barely squeaking in. I think they're clearly the third-best team in the division. The AFC as a whole is pretty tough when you start looking at the AFC West. And I just — no, no, I don't think the Steelers are a playoff team regardless." 

He does leave room for being proven wrong, saying, "Mike Tomlin has proved me wrong a few times in the past few years here."

Charles Robinson says the Steelers will have a surprisingly good year with Rodgers under center

"I'm going to go the opposite way, I think only because this is how the universe works. This is such a crap show — everything screams it's going to break, right? Because this is how the universe usually works, it's gonna be the opposite. I think it's gonna be Brett Favre, Minnesota." 

Robinson predicts the Steelers will go 11-6, be "exciting and fun and a huge story all year long," with an unexpected late-career resurgence for Rodgers.

Jason Fitz doesn’t give a direct yes/no on playoffs, but he argues strongly that Rodgers is not worth all the drama

"If you're the Pittsburgh Steelers, you're allowing yourself to be hamstrung to sign a quarterback that I think, at best, if he comes out and has the best that he can be today, he's the third-best quarterback in his own division today. We are talking about this version of Aaron Rodgers like he's an MVP and this version of Aaron Rodgers isn't."

Fitz seems doubtful that Rodgers can elevate the Steelers into playoff contention, equating him to current-level Kirk Cousins or Mason Rudolph.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into Inside Coverage on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Did the San Francisco 49ers make a mistake in signing Brock Purdy to a massive five-year, $265 million contract extension, with $181 million guaranteed?

That's the question Frank Schwab and Charles Robinson debated on the latest edition of the "Inside Coverage" podcast.

Frank's verdict: Yes, the 49ers made a mistake

Schwab criticized the extension. He acknowledges that Purdy has earned his contract and that it’s a feel-good sports story. However, he doesn’t believe the 49ers can win a Super Bowl with Purdy now making $53 million a year. He argues that the team's previous Super Bowl window was due in large part to having a quarterback on a rookie contract — which allowed them to spend more on elite talent around Purdy. 

"I don't think they could put the pieces around him to replicate what they've done the past few years," Schwab contends. "I think this is the one team that should have leveraged the rookie deal with quarterbacks because I think Kyle Shanahan could find the next Brock Purdy."

Schwab is emphatic that head coach Kyle Shanahan "is the cheat code" who is capable of finding and developing another quarterback, and the 49ers lost a big advantage by moving Purdy to a top-tier contract. 

"They would have won a Super Bowl with Jimmy Garoppolo had the defense done its job on a third-and-long against Patrick Mahomes," Schwab argues.

He believes that paying Purdy, who he believes is a mid-tier quarterback, such big money is detrimental and that the team should always be looking for the next cheap rookie contract to build around.

Charles' verdict: No, the 49ers did not make a mistake

Robinson disagrees. He points out that the contract does not reset the quarterback market and is actually the seventh-highest QB deal in the league, sitting alongside the likes of Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff. 

Robinson notes that there are limited alternatives — either teams extend the quarterbacks they know, or they gamble with total uncertainty and risk losing their window with the veterans on their roster. He argues that unless the 49ers want to completely reboot and tank, paying Purdy at his current rate is a reasonable and necessary move. 

"If you can tell me what a better alternative was, because it wasn't in the draft this year," Robinson presses. "They're not going to have a pick high enough, really, to get an elite player next year."

Robinson emphasizes that it’s the kind of deal you sign if you have a good, but not necessarily elite, quarterback.

From Robinson's perspective, the 49ers made a practical decision consistent with the market for quarterbacks of Purdy’s caliber and their current situation as a contending team. He stresses that unless there is a clear, better alternative, extending Purdy at this value was the only realistic path.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into Inside Coverage on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

"Competency" is Step 1 for a group of NFL teams who will have a new quarterback under center in the 2025 season. The thinking for these clubs: get average to above average play and see if any QB can flash something special.

For the rookies and young starters, it’s about showing they're not over their heads and giving their teams a chance to evaluate them long term. For the veterans, expectations are more about providing stability and not losing games, with hope for occasional upside.

In this episode of "Football 301," Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice, Charles McDonald and Matt Harmon lay out the expectations for quarterbacks who are in new cities with expected starting role responsibilities. Here are the key takeaways from the discussion: 

Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints 

The hosts agree that "competency" should be the expectation for Shough this year. With a new coaching staff and a 26-year-old rookie starting, the Saints are hoping Shough can look like a top-20 quarterback and give them a fighting chance in games, even if it’s just a 7-10 season. 

Because of his age and experience, Shough should be ready right away, and if he falters, the Saints might already be looking to next year's draft class.

Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans

For Ward, it’s about showing the aggressive playmaking he was known for in college. The Titans have beefed up their offensive line and added some interesting receivers. The consensus is that anything “better than last year” is a win. 

The expectation is that Ward keeps firing downfield, makes mistakes, and hopefully learns quickly. The offense should be more competent overall, aided by improvements up front.

Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks  

Darnold lands in a Shanahan/Kubiak system in Seattle, a scheme that should mitigate some of his worst tendencies with play action and a strong run game. But there's reason to be cautious since Darnold “is as good as the players around him.” 

The expectation is that the Seahawks lean into a run-heavy, play-action-heavy script and try not to let Darnold get stuck in a dropback-heavy passing game. If things go well, Darnold can be a fine starter, but the offense's talent and the fit of its skill players present question marks.

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Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders  

With Chip Kelly coming in as offensive coordinator, the Raiders are expected to lean heavily on the run and utilize a creative, multifaceted ground attack. Smith raises the floor for the offense as he’s a steady hand who can make enough throws, especially if the run game is working. 

The Raiders' offense is expected to be better than last season, with the main question being whether they have enough explosive playmakers outside.

Justin Fields, New York Jets 

The expectation is a “run-heavy, bruising” offense built around Fields’ legs and the Jets' strong running back group. Passing game questions remain — particularly the fit with Garrett Wilson — but there's reason to believe this offense can at least pound the rock and be a team no one wants to play, even if it won’t be explosive through the air. Think of the "bad team beater" Falcons from a couple of years ago.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Every offseason, fantasy football managers want to know: who can you really trust in your lineup? One name that has popped up — along with a big dose of skepticism — is new Commanders receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. In the latest Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, Matt Harmon and Andy Behrens got into the weeds on Samuel's prospects now that he’s in Washington. Is he someone you can rely on, or is caution the smarter approach?

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Let’s break down what they said, what the numbers show and how you should treat Samuel in your 2025 draft plans.

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Deebo Samuel Sr. joins a new team

Washington added Samuel to help take Jayden Daniels and the offense to the next level. But as Matt and Andy pointed out, the Commanders otherwise didn’t do much to upgrade their receiver room: "[Deebo Samuel] is the only, like, real pass catcher addition here," Matt said. “Zach Ertz is another year older. ... The other spots along the offensive line, we don’t quite know what’s going to happen.”

So, Samuel is clearly being counted on to be more than just a gadget player or possession guy — he’s supposed to be a difference-maker on this team.

Wiht that said, there are some real red flags.

Both hosts had reservations about what Samuel still brings to the table. "Deebo is such a complicated player because he built his reputation on the one great season, right? The 1,400-yard season. ... That one big season represents about 30% of his career receiving production and the rest of the career is full of isolated good games and a whole bunch of really quiet games," Andy said.

Deebo’s 2021 breakout was legendary. But since then? He simply hasn’t come close to repeating it.

Deebo's been in a steady decline since his monster season

Matt highlighted some stunning Reception Perception data: “Deebo Samuel last year ... 39.7% success rate vs. man coverage. That is ... the third lowest mark I’ve ever charted, ever, ever, ever. ... Deebo’s never been a great man-beater, but it was better than that previously. ... This was consistent on film before the pneumonia thing.”

Translation: he’s struggling to separate, even before last year’s health issues.

Samuel's game relies on explosiveness, breaking tackles and YAC. But he’s battled injuries, illness and just wear-and-tear, especially as he creeps closer to 30.

Both Matt and Andy also wonder if this offense is even built to make Samuel a reliable fantasy starter. “I’m not saying that I’m betting against the Commanders ... but if by Week 8 we’re kind of looking back and saying like, 'ah, yeah, did we take another step here?' I think that’s the question. … Taking the next step to, ‘okay, we went from conference championship to now we’re in the Super Bowl’ ... I’m a little skeptical that this was enough on offense," Matt said.

If the whole offense takes a step back, Samuel's ceiling — and his weekly floor — could take a nosedive.

Is there any upside to drafting Deebo?

The only thing working in Samuel's favor is that the Commanders did, in fact, give up a draft pick and are paying him to be involved. Same OC, young QB and a thin receiver group means he’ll get his chances. Also, his YAC skills and ability to break the game open are still tantalizing if he’s healthy and properly used.

Nonetheless, Andy and Matt clearly lean skeptical on Samuel, and with good reason:  

• He’s trending down statistically and on film  

• He’s no longer the focal point of a Kyle Shanahan offense designed to maximize his strengths  

• The Commanders offense could be clunky or slow out of the gate  

• His “one big year” is fading more and more into the rearview

Unless Samuel shows he’s regained his burst and Washington’s offense gels early, he’s the kind of player you draft as a WR3/flex, not someone you trust every week as a locked-in starter.

If he drops in drafts and you want to chase upside, there’s a path. But if you’re hoping for that 2021 magic, you should temper expectations.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

If you’re prepping for your fantasy football draft this year, you’ve probably started hearing a lot of buzz around Ladd McConkey coming off his excellent rookie season. On the latest Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, Matt Harmon and Scott Pianowski couldn’t contain their excitement for McConkey’s outlook with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025 — and for good reason. But the burning question is: Where should you draft him?

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Ladd McConkey: Hype or Value?

McConkey’s rookie tape and underlying numbers turned plenty of heads, but it’s not just about his skills — as both Harmon and Pianowski highlighted, it’s about the perfect combination of talent, opportunity and team context.

Pianowski didn't mince words:

"Ladd McConkey is a great second-round pick. Anywhere you can get him. I'm going to have Ladd McConkey shares. If I overpay for them, I don't care. He's going to catch 115 passes this year. You're going to regret [missing out]. It's going to pain you. If you were between McConkey and somebody else and you took somebody else, you're going to regret that. Please get this guy this year."

We're talking must-draft territory.

Why all the love for McConkey?

There are a few core reasons McConkey stands out:

1. High-Volume Role: Even as a rookie, McConkey wasn't just a starter, but quickly became the go-to guy in a shallow receiving corps. The Chargers handed the reins to McConkey to the tune of 112 targets and that total should only go up in his sophomore season. 

2. Team Situation: As discussed on the podcast, Justin Herbert is healthy and poised for a big year. The Chargers’ offensive line has questions, but their high pass rate down the stretch last season was a positive sign for target volume.

3. Player on the rise: Pianowski's praise included advocating for McConkey over A.J. Brown in some formats:
   "If you come down to A.J. brown versus Ladd McConkey. I want you to take Ladd McConkey every time. So I'm [planting] my flag, there it is."

4. Rookie Precedent: Harmon compared McConkey's Reception Perception data to the likes of CeeDee Lamb, Michael Thomas and Tyreek Hill as rookies. That’s elite company.

What about the risks?

No player comes without question marks. McConkey’s raw numbers in college were held back by Georgia’s conservative offense, but both analysts are confident that was a product of his environment, not a lack of ability. With the Chargers, there’s little established competition for targets — and with Herbert as his quarterback, everything is lining up.

So … where should you draft McConkey?

Pianowski was adamant McConkey should be a second-round pick in full-PPR leagues, even calling him a “no-brainer” over established stars if you’re on the fence.

If general consensus and ADP puts McConkey closer to the third round, do not hesitate. Take him in the late second or early third; you’ll beat the rush and snag a true difference-maker with top-10 potential. He projects as the clear top target for his team and could return low-end fantasy WR1 production.

If you’re drafting in half-PPR, he’s still a firm Round 3 pick based on projected volume and role. In standard scoring, bump him to later in the third round or early fourth as touchdowns are less of his profile, but the floor remains high.

Bottom line

Pianowski said it best: "Please get this guy this year."

So don’t be afraid to reach for McConkey — trust the tape, the role and the hype. When your league mates are cursing themselves midseason for passing him up, you’ll be glad you listened.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Here are the top moves from the NFL's 2025 offseason — spanning high-profile trades, crucial free-agent signings, coaching hirings and draft picks — as discussed on the "Football 301" podcast by Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice, Matt Harmon and Charles McDonald:

Cowboys trade for WR George Pickens

Why it matters: Dallas needed a vertical X receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb. Pickens is highly talented but brings risk due to maturity and engagement concerns. The Cowboys see this as a worthwhile gamble at a reasonable cost.

WR Davante Adams signs with Rams

Why it matters: This gives the Rams a true X receiver for the first time since Odell Beckham Jr., providing Matthew Stafford with another elite target and forming one of the NFL’s best receiving duos alongside Puka Nacua. Adams still shows elite skills against man coverage, and is expected to elevate the Rams’ passing game.

OG Joe Thuney to the Bears (and general O-line overhaul)

Why it matters: Thuney adds not just talent, but leadership and versatility (he can also play center if needed). Chicago also signed Drew Dalman and drafted Ozzy Trapilo, signaling a true commitment to protecting Caleb Williams and shifting from patchwork solutions to real upgrades. The Bears appear to be bolstering an O-line that has been a weak point since Olin Kreutz retired.

Liam Coen to the Jaguars as head coach

Why it matters: Coen is expected to bring a more diverse and aggressive run game, better schemes for their new weapons like Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter, and overall creative play design to boost Trevor Lawrence’s development.

Logan Bowles via Getty Images

Ravens draft safety Malaki Starks

Why it matters: Starks — paired with Kyle Hamilton — gives Baltimore perhaps the league’s most versatile safety duo. The secondary gets tougher and more flexible, helping the Ravens sustain or improve their top-tier defense.

Klint Kubiak and the Seahawks’ offense overhaul

Why it matters: Kubiak was hired as offensive coordinator to reshape the Seahawks' personnel to fit his vision.

Seattle bolstered the tight end room and offensive line, and brought in a variety of receiving and running options, including drafting Christian Haynes (OL) and adding Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Jalen Milroe. The aim is to make the offense more dynamic and scheme-friendly, particularly focusing on two tight end looks to compete in the rugged NFC West.

Commanders’ offensive tackle overhaul

Why it matters: They traded for Laremy Tunsil and drafted Josh Conerly Jr. as bookend tackles. Prioritizing protection for rookie QB Jayden Daniels, Washington’s aggressive moves to solidify the offensive line should help him stay upright and effective, signaling a long-term plan to build around him.

Vikings remake their interior offensive line 

Why it matters: The Vikings struggled with interior pressure and run-game consistency last year. It prompted them to sign Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, and draft Donovan Jackson for the interior O-line. The overhaul supports QB J.J. McCarthy and a diverse, physical run game.

Chip Kelly and Pete Carroll to the Raiders

Why it matters: For the first time in years, the Raiders are treated as a serious, professional operation. With creative offense (with Kelly as the coordinator), strong leadership (with Carroll as head coach), and a commitment to running the ball, the franchise is seen as genuinely interesting and relevant again.

Broncos reinforce their defensive spine

Why it matters: Denver targeted the middle of its defense by re-signing D.J. Jones, drafting Jahdae Barron, and adding Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga.

After being manhandled by top playoff offenses, the Broncos doubled down on getting tougher at every level — defensive line, linebacker and secondary. This is widely viewed as a move that could make them the best defense in the NFL.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Early May is usually a lull in the NFL calendar, but not this year. Tuesday's surprise trade sending receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys gave Andy Behrens and Matt Harmon plenty to talk about on the latest episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast.

Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy Forecast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.

The duo discussed several aspects of the Pickens trade, but among the big takeaways is the deal could mean big things for Dak Prescott's fantasy value. The veteran now appears to have top-eight quarterback upside behind the best receiving options he’s had in years.

5 reasons to get excited about drafting Dak Prescott

1. Track record of production

Andy points out that Prescott was “the MVP runner-up two years ago. He led the NFL in touchdown passes. You know, we’re like a year removed from that. He’s had a 4,900 yard passing season. He’s been a really, really good fantasy asset over the years.” 

2. Improved supporting cast

The Cowboys have upgraded their WR2 spot by trading for Pickens, forming a dynamic duo with CeeDee Lamb. Harmon notes: “Now that (Dak) has CeeDee Lamb, one of the best receivers in the league, and George Pickens, who I think fits really well as a really good No. 2 receiver, that just looks so much better on paper than CeeDee Lamb and like a rotating cast of characters.”

3. High-volume, productive offense

Harmon believes Dallas’ offense is set up for fantasy success, especially with how Lamb and Pickens complement each other perfectly: “These guys work so, so well together. CeeDee Lamb, he leads the NFL in the last two years with yards from the slot … Pickens is a boundary guy.”

4. Being 'slept on' in drafts

“Most people seem to have (Prescott) like QB18, QB20, but he’s a better player than that,” Behrens says. “One of the bummers of this to me is that I think it’s going to wake people up a little bit to how under-ranked Dak Prescott had been.”

5. Durability and consistency

Prescott has remained healthy — starting 16 or more games in six of nine seasons — and provided consistent play when he's returned post-injury. Couple that with the offensive upgrades and his own previous elite finishes, and there’s every reason to expect another top-tier year if health holds. 

Behrens predicts, "Dak Prescott is very likely, in a healthy season, to be a top-eightish fantasy quarterback."

Time will tell if the projection comes true, but there's clearly a case to be made for Prescott as a fantasy-draft value this season.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Justin Tucker’s release by the Baltimore Ravens offers a glimpse into the team's culture and how the NFL tends to handle uncomfortable or controversial situations — especially when legal or personal conduct issues are involved.

From the "Inside Coverage" podcast, Yahoo Sports' Jason Fitz, Frank Schwab and Jori Epstein discussed the complexity of the decision and what it really says about the Ravens and, by extension, the league. 

The trio agreed: this situation will be quietly swept under the rug, and once Tucker is out of sight on the field, he’ll quickly be out of mind for the league and most fans. It’s a process we've seen before, and, barring any criminal developments, the Ravens and the NFL will likely move on with little more said.

Ravens explain their 'football decision'

The Ravens were very deliberate in labeling Tucker’s release a “football decision,” repeating that language in their official statement. As Epstein pointed out: "When people actually make football decisions, they don’t usually say this is a football decision." This suggests the organization was using that phrase to avoid directly addressing the serious off-field allegations against Tucker (multiple accusations of improper conduct from massage therapists, which is being investigated by the league). 

Epstein also highlighted that the Ravens have a history of employing players with sexual assault or domestic violence allegations. This paints a picture of a team that often chooses to manage and sidestep these issues rather than taking a clear moral stance.

Schwab noted the “coldness” and legal calculation behind the Ravens’ language, emphasizing they want to avoid liability or being caught in denial if it turns out they knew something.

G Fiume via Getty Images

Avoiding the allegations discussion involving Tucker

The "Inside Coverage" trio's conversation points out that the team and league generally prefer to “dance around” these topics and rarely confront them head-on unless absolutely forced. As Schwab says, the playbook is to “skate from this without ever having to really deal with the allegations,” and Fitz adds that the league's investigation and eventual press releases likely will be “buried on a Friday afternoon when nobody’s paying attention.”

The crew also brought up the comparison to Deshaun Watson, noting the selective outrage and scrutiny based on position and value to a team. There's a cynicism around who the NFL chooses to protect and for how long, suggesting that stars get more leeway than role players or aging veterans.

Ultimately, both the Ravens’ move and the NFL’s likely course of action highlight that, when the calculus tips toward distraction or diminished value (and especially if a player’s performance is declining), teams and the league will cut ties swiftly and quietly. Pride in “no distractions” outweighs almost every other consideration.

Tucker's release is a microcosm of how the Ravens — and the NFL as a whole — prioritize their business interests and public image over transparency. These situations are usually handled with strategic PR, legal maneuvering, and an eye on minimizing controversy rather than addressing the root problem or making any sort of example for better conduct.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into Inside Coverage on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

When building a dominant fantasy football roster, nailing your first-round pick is essential — and, according to the recent debate between Matt Harmon and Dalton Del Don on the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, nobody is better set up to explode as the top overall player than Dallas Cowboys receiver, CeeDee Lamb.

Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy Forecast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.

Let’s break down exactly what sets up Lamb for a fantasy football takeover this season.

[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season]

Del Don put it simply: Lamb had "135 catches, 1,750 yards and 12 TDs” in 2023. That’s already elite territory. But take a look at what’s happened in Dallas since then. The entire Cowboys receiver room behind Lamb is a collection of question marks: Jalen Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo, Jalen Brooks, KaVontae Turpin, Ryan Flournoy. It's honestly hard to imagine a bigger gulf between a WR1 and the rest of a depth chart in the NFL right now.

That leads to possibly historic target volume. Del Don even says, “I think he could approach 200 targets this season.” For context, any WR pushing near 200 looks is an automatic top-three option — think peak Davante Adams — especially when you have Lamb’s elite mix of route-running and separation skills.

Lamb doesn’t just project to earn targets; he cashes them in. Harmon points out that, with no other true alpha options and quarterback Dak Prescott throwing his way, the Cowboys have every incentive to funnel the offense through Lamb: “This is the type of situation too where it's like, who else are they going to throw to? ... why would they throw to other guys when they have CeeDee Lamb there?”

It’s not just about opportunity. Over the last couple of years, Lamb has already proven he’s one of the top playmakers in the league. As Dalton notes, “CeeDee Lamb has the most PPR points per game among all wide receivers since 2003”, even while playing through quarterback injuries at times. Last year, he was the focal point, and this offseason only made the picture clearer.

Usually, you can nitpick a No. 1 receiver’s situation — maybe there’s a new star rookie added, or a veteran threatening to siphon targets, or a running game strong enough to limit volume overhead. That’s not the case here. Harmon and Del Don both repeatedly stress just how much this offense is set up to lean completely on Lamb:

• No WRs drafted this season

• Other pass-catchers on the roster are purely dart throws

• Even if someone like Amari Cooper is theoretically added, Lamb would still “comfortably clear like 160 targets.”

Fantasy drafters have spent all offseason lining up Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase as their unquestioned No. 1 WR picks. Del Don? He’s “closer to moving [Lamb] to my WR1 than I am No. 3.”

Why? The Jefferson–Lamb debate is especially interesting this year. While both are awesome, Jefferson is breaking in a new quarterback (J.J. McCarthy). As Harmon puts it: “We've just never seen him play yet. It's a new variable there.” Lamb, meanwhile, has his proven chemistry with Prescott, and the Cowboys offense isn’t changing.

Lamb is only “half a year older than Chase,” meaning he’s still in his absolute physical prime. Whether you play full-PPR or half-PPR, both Harmon and Del Don agree — no receiver in football projects for a better combo of safe, elite target share and monster upside.

In short? CeeDee Lamb fits the exact mold of a league-winning fantasy WR1: he’s an elite player, at his peak age, with huge target share, in a pass-happy offense and zero real competition for touches.