Aug 17, 2026 · 1h 3m
Fantasy analysts bet on three breakout backs and tight ends
Fantasy Football - Breakout Picks + Injury Anger, Mike Returns! - Podcast for 8/17
Preseason injuries are reshaping draft values, handcuff priorities, and expectations just as fantasy managers prepare for drafts.
- 1Injury updates involving major players force managers to reconsider draft value, handcuffs, and early-season production.
- 2Andy, Mike, and Jason identify Isaiah Likely, Bill Croskey-Merritt, and TreVeyon Henderson as breakout candidates.
- 3The mailbag weighs draft timing, strength of schedule, reaching for players, and the running back dead zone.
Don't miss
Jason makes the contrarian case that TreVeyon Henderson could overtake Rhamondre Stevenson and lead New England’s backfield in carries.
The brief
Andy, Mike, and Jason open with a warning about preseason volatility: draft as late as possible because injuries and availability can quickly change player values.
A wide-ranging injury review covers Jeremiah Love, Breece Hall, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Tucker Kraft, DJ Moore, and Emeka Egbuka, with handcuffs and early-season expectations in focus.
The breakout picks target three different bets: Isaiah Likely’s opportunity, Bill Croskey-Merritt’s efficiency and goal-line role, and TreVeyon Henderson’s explosive upside.
Henderson becomes the sharpest debate, as the hosts weigh his big-play ability against pass protection, workload uncertainty, and Rhamondre Stevenson’s presence.
The mailbag turns those player calls into draft rules, covering My Guys, early strength of schedule, justified reaches, and where the running back dead zone begins.
Featuring
Bijan Robinson
Malik Nabers
Jameis WinstonListen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.