In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter:

We're in the thick of the offseason, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I promise I can see it! Training Camp doesn't start for another few weeks for most teams, but that doesn't mean we can't dissect and overreact to some quotes going around this week.

During June, it's easy to get swept up in any reports we can get our hands on, but which ones are we actually believing? Which players are we drafting or passing on?

Let's check in on what's believable before training camp begins.

The New Mahomes-Kelce …

We all know the big story was Taylor Swift putting on an impromptu performance at the charity concert put on by Tight End U, but another story from the event caught my eye. Cardinals tight end Trey McBride told ESPN that he believes he and Kyler Murray can develop the same connection as Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Don't come for me, but I'm drafting both Murray and McBride this season.

Calm down, I'm not saying they're the new dynamic duo, but developing a strong connection and putting up the same production is very different. Murray is not Mahomes, but we did see great chemistry between him and his tight end last season. McBride had 111 receptions for 1,146 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2024. McBride was the 32nd highest-scoring FLEX player last season in PPR points per game, and we should expect some positive touchdown regression. He's a no-brainer pick in fantasy this season.

DK Metcalf influenced Aaron Rodgers' decision

DK Metcalf finally has his quarterback, and Aaron Rodgers said Metcalf was a big reason he decided to sign with the Steelers. Even if this is Rodgers' final season in the NFL, he hasn't given us much to believe in over the past two seasons. I think we're all passing on Rodgers in drafts (or at least taking him as a late-round streamer), but Metcalf is the interesting pick.

He's going to be 27 years old when the season kicks off, was the WR31 in PPR points per game in 2024, and really hasn't consistently given us boom seasons. He's going off the board on Underdog as WR25, which is the same range as our Fantasy Life rankings. Metcalf isn't someone I'm actively avoiding in drafts, especially since there's a lack of competition around him, but I'm not overly optimistic putting my fantasy hopes on a 41-year-old QB.

Kaleb Johnson and Jaylen Warren have been the two players from this team that I have been consistently drafting. This was the fourth most run-heavy group in the league last season, and the Fantasy Life projections remind me to especially not sleep on Warren:

  • Warren: 148 rush attempts, 57 targets 
  • Johnson: 217 rush attempts, 15 targets

JUST LOOK AT DK’s COMPETITION FOR TARGETS

We’ve Got Your Rankings

If you’re picking in the back half of Round 1, how can you decide between Malik Nabers, Ashton Jeanty, and Brian Thomas Jr.? Is Jayden Daniels in a good spot to go elite QB? As Matthew says, “Faith in 5!” And is Round 2 a good spot to get a Hero RB? The Fantasy Life Rankings Hub is here for you.

PPR, Half-PPR, Best Ball, even Superflex … we’ve got you covered. Yes, even our Standard scoring holdouts get rankings love. Dynasty Bros., you too. Our Fantasy Life experts have crunched the projections and created their rankings, which they update throughout the offseason to give you the most up-to-date ranks for you to peruse and get you ready for the fast-approaching fantasy draft season. And if you want to peek at Week 1, well, just click on that tab. We’re here for all your rankings needs.

FULL RANKINGS FOR 2025

Be Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

It's interesting to review the types of RB builds that have won Best Ball Mania on Underdog over the years because of the variety that is represented:

  • BBMI - Hyper-fragile build (3 RBs early, 4 total)
  • BBMII - Double Anchor RB build (2 RBs early, 5 total)
  • BBMIII - Double Anchor RB build (2 RBs early, 5 total)
  • BBMIV - Zero RB build (No RBs early, 6 total)
  • BBMV - Anchor RB build (1 RB early, 5 total)

2025 sets up as a particularly unique year for how drafters approach the RB position.

On the one hand, early RBs are more expensive than they were in 2024. And yet at the same time, WR ADPs remain steady as drafters continue to prioritize them in the early rounds.

This generally results in drafters getting funneled to balanced builds with a mix of early-round RBs and early-round WRs.

But today I want to pose a question—is it viable to build Robust RB teams that are relatively unique to how the field is drafting? Are there benefits to approaching a draft with a completely different structure than what the field is gravitating toward? ⤵️

WHY ROBUST RB IS A WINNING STRATEGY

 

Are Kyler Murray And Cardinals Ready To Soar In 2025?

Yes, we remember that Kyler Murray was Matthew’s 2024 “Ride or Die,” and that his QB12 return was underwhelming at best. What if Matthew was not wrong, but early? Murray’s 572 rushing yards last season were second only to the 819 mark he posted in 2020. With another solid rushing campaign—he did say he feels more healthy in his surgically repaired knee since tearing his ACL in 2022—and a second-year boost from Marvin Harrison Jr., could Murray jump back to QB4 heights from 2020? Very possible.

Ian Hartitz goes to the desert for a heat check on the Cardinals going into the 2025 season. Maserati Marv’s improvement could be what puts Murray over the top, though another big season from TE stud Trey McBride is of paramount importance to Murray jumping past his QB8 ranking. Ian has a hot prediction for the seemingly ageless James Conner at the end.👇🏼

WHAT DOES MCBRIDE DO FOR AN ENCORE?

Around the Watercooler

The latest fantasy nuggets, silliness, and NFL gossip from our merry band of football nerds.

😴 Three rookie WR sleepers who could find themselves as new WR1s.

📋 These offenses underwent big changes. What does it mean for fantasy?

💪 Is it time to start thinking of Brock Purdy as more than a system QB?

🕺🏻 The last dance for Aaron Rodgers. At least he said it could be.

🔥 Look at this projection for David Njoku. His QB will be looking for him.

🤯 Sam LaPorta and his bride received a Papal blessing on their honeymoon. Bears fans react.

🤩 Puka Nacua and Davante Adams will add to the stars in Hollywood.