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Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Jameson Williams is no longer a boom-or-bust fantasy football option in 2025
(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. Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy Forecast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen. Advertisement 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 Matt'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. Advertisement 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 Scott 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 Matt put it. One of the overlooked angles from the Forecast's discussion was a potential shift in the Lions' playstyle 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. Advertisement Translation? More volume for Detroit's pass-catchers, and that includes Williams. [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] 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 Jameson Williams is already living his breakout. 2025 might just be where the rest of the world catches up.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The fantasy football stars are aligning for Jayden Daniels in 2025
(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. Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy Forecast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen. Advertisement 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. Advertisement [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] 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. Advertisement 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).
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Bar-B-Cast' on why there's reason to feel bad for White Sox fans after succession plan reveal
(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.) Chicago White Sox fans can expect a significant but somewhat gradual change in the team's ownership, based on the podcast's discussion. From Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman of Yahoo Sports' "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" podcast, here's a summary of what fans should know and what to expect: Jerry Reinsdorf's exit plan is finally official — but not immediate Jerry Reinsdorf, who has owned the White Sox for 45 years, has established a clear succession plan for selling the team. The path is mapped out but doesn't take effect right away. The earliest possible transition to new ownership is 2029, and it could stretch as late as 2034. Advertisement Justin Ishbia, the brother of Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ishbia, is set to become the White Sox's principal owner, according to legal arrangements revealed this week. He already holds a minority stake and will have the option to buy the majority stake from Reinsdorf starting in 2029, or absolutely by 2034. Sorry, White Sox fans, as for now, not much changes The current public messaging is that nothing significant changes for day-to-day fans or for the on-field product until at least 2029. In the short-term, Ishbia will infuse some cash and begin slowly getting involved, but the team's operational control still rests with Reinsdorf. Advertisement Reinsdorf is 89 years old, so it makes sense for him to set up this transition. He's finally making concrete plans for when he's no longer in charge. "He clearly sold this to Ishbia because he likes Ishbia or thinks Ishbia will do a good job or whatever," Mintz said. "That was the pick. He's making the pick, not someone else. That's important to Jerry Reinsdorf. He is lucky here that he has made this choice before he dies. A lot of people, most people die before 89, and I feel bad that some White Sox fans, in fact will die before this ownership group changes hands because the quickest it could change is 2029." Said Shusterman, "If he's doing great and the White Sox are winning, guess what? Jerry's going to keep on owning the team. Now if the White Sox are still losing in 2029? Very possible, considering how deep of a hole they are in, then, I mean, I don't know, maybe he then finally decides, 'All right, your turn, Justin.'" Advertisement While there's no reason to expect rapid on-field changes or increased spending immediately, there is a sense of long-term optimism. The new owner comes from substantial means and chose the White Sox over other available MLB franchises, indicating belief in the franchise's potential. For more of the latest baseball news and debates, tune in to "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL trades we'd like to see before training camp, including Trey Hendrickson and Cowboys making a move
(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.) The NFL offseason is a time for wild speculation, wishful thinking, and dreaming up blockbuster trades. This week, Nate Tice, Charles McDonald and Matt Harmon pitched a move they'd like to see before training camps get under way on the latest episode of Football 301. Matt Harmon: Trey Hendrickson to the Chargers Harmon led off with wanting to see Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson land with the Los Angeles Chargers. Advertisement As Harmon noted, the Chargers have a gaping hole at edge rusher after losing Joey Bosa, and didn't address pass rusher beyond re-signing Khalil Mack this offseason. He also doesn't think the Bengals will end up paying Hendrickson. "Last time Hendrickson talked publicly, it sounded like (he and the Bengals had) reached kind of like a point of no return," Harmon said. "Unless they're just going to slide the big fat check across the table, which always will mend fences. But I don't know. I'm skeptical that that happens." While trading Hendrickson in conference might be unlikely, Tice and McDonald agree on the fit. Mack is a tough run defender, and Hendrickson would be the speedy outside threat. And as McDonald pointed out, the Chargers are exactly the sort of contender who can afford to pay for instant impact. Charles McDonald: Kirk Cousins to the Steelers McDonald, noted Atlanta Falcons fan, wasn't shy about his personal agenda: send Kirk Cousins to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Advertisement "I still do think Aaron Rodgers ends up as a quarterback of the Steelers," McDonald said, "but it's June 4 that he hasn't signed yet. You know, every day that he doesn't sign makes it more likely that won't be the quarterback come training camp. Which I think would be a disaster for Pittsburgh, because how long are you gonna do this Mason Rudolph thing? Like, they obviously really like him over there in the building, but come on now. We've seen him play enough to know that that's not going to be the fix." McDonald argued that Cousins represents a much more realistic, stabilizing option, and the lingering tension between Cousins and the Falcons means it's time for them to part ways. Advertisement Tice and Harmon agree, with Tice liking the fit in Pittsburgh more under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. "We can all envision what Arthur Smith wants to do with this personnel," Tice said. "So it's like kind of the quarterback becomes secondary to what they want to do anyway. So who's the best secondary quarterback? ... Kirk Cousins. Like, he, he's the best kind of like auxiliary guy to just operate." Nate Tice: Jalen Ramsey to the Cowboys For his pick, Nate Tice proposed a move that would finally land Jalen Ramsey in Dallas, completing a circle that arguably should've happened back in the 2016 NFL Draft, when the Cowboys selected Ezekiel Elliott fourth overall instead of Ramsey, who went one pick later to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Advertisement Dallas, flush with cap space and questions in the secondary, could benefit from the 30-year-old Ramsey's versatility. "I think he ages well because I think he can play corner, he could play the slot, and I think he'll transition to safety as his career goes along," Tice said. "I think he's on that Charles Woodson arc career arc." Harmon liked the fit as well, echoing one of Tice's points about the Cowboys already having ace pass rusher Micah Parsons in the fold. "It's really the only area that's concerning about their defense, is that secondary," Harmon said, "because as long as Micah Parsons is there, they're going to be an above average defense at the worst."
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Is the fantasy football hype around Chase Brown warranted? Let's investigate
(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. Advertisement Let's dig into Matt Harmon and Scott Pianowski's conversation from the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast for a nuanced breakdown of Brown's outlook. Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy Forecast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen. 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.' Advertisement 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: Advertisement 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: Advertisement 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.
