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Howdy Reader,​
It’s the weekend, and we’re rolling out the good stuff.
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​Sigmund Bloom maps out the ultimate road trip for every NFL fanbase. Buckle up. We all love the schedule release videos, and our Alfredo Brown ranks all 32.
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For you IDP Folks, our Gary Davenport breaks down the IDP impact of the 2025 schedule while Jeff Bell delivers a Best Ball draft plan built around fantasy playoff matchups.
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And of course, Cecil Lammey and Bob Harris have the News and Notes you need to stay sharp.
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Let’s go.
J
PS. Footballguys has always backed the leagues that matter most — yours. Got a great rivalry, ritual, or legend? Send it our way. Tell Us Your Story 👉
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Tell Us About Your Home League
At Footballguys, we know that fantasy football is more than just a game — it’s about the stories, rivalries, and traditions that make your league one-of-a-kind.
We’re collecting stories from our community about home leagues across the globe— and we’d love to hear about yours. Whether it's a 20-year rivalry, a ridiculous draft-day ritual, or the punishment no one wants to earn, we want to know what makes your league special.
Your story might even be featured in an upcoming article, newsletter, or podcast.
Thanks for being part of the Footballguys community!
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What's New At Footballguys
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📣 Voice Of The Footballguy 🎤
đź“Š POLL RESULTS: In our last issue of the Daily Update, we asked you Footballguys:
Which rookie RB takes control of his backfield first?
And the Footballguy says: I trust TreVeyon Henderson more than the Patriots do.
TODAY: Clayton Gray’s deep dive into how player values are shifting in high-stakes NFFC drafts reveals one clear trend — quarterbacks are climbing.
Among the biggest movers this week: Lamar Jackson surged 6 spots, Jayden Daniels climbed 4, and Bo Nix jumped 8. But which of these rising QBs most deserves the boost?
So today, we ask you Footballguys:
🗳️ POLL: Which rising QB most deserves their recent NFFC ADP surge?
When you vote in the Poll below, you'll see the current standings, and we'll post the final results in the next edition of the Daily Update.
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| 🗳️ POLL: Which 2025 Prime-Time Game Are You Most Excited To Watch? |
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Cleveland Browns third-round pick TE Harold Fannin Jr. signed his four-year, $6.7 million deal Friday, May 16. Fannin led all FBS tight ends in receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555) during the 2024 season.
Our view: Fannin was a great player in college at Bowling Green, and he showed flashes against great college competition at the Senior Bowl. David Njoku is entrenched as the starter for the 2025 season, but Fannin could be an eventual starter — and star — for the Browns. We like the way he uses his body to box out smaller defenders, and he can turn to run quickly after the catch.
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Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry ran for a league-high 909 yards after contact during the 2024 regular season, according to Pro Football Reference.
Our view: Henry is pretty much a Mack truck between the tackles...or anywhere on the field. When he builds a head of steam, Henry is extremely difficult to bring down. With a new contract extension signed this week, Henry is set to lead the way on the ground for the Ravens again. We should see Henry get around 300 carries again this year after a monster 2024 with 325 carries, 1,921 yards, and 16 rushing touchdowns.
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The Best Road Trip for Every NFL Fanbase
By Sigmund Bloom - Exclusive to Footballguys
The following feature is a free preview of our content. If you like it, click here to sign up for access to our Footballguys Premium Subscriptions, and you'll get all of our content. We're so sure you'll love it that we have an industry-leading 30-day MoneyBack Guarantee, so there's zero risk.
Life is uncertain; eat dessert first. Taking a trip to see your favorite NFL team in a different city can be just what the doctor ordered to renew yourself and add happy shared memories with loved ones. Which road game (which doesn't require a passport) is the best to travel to if you are planning a trip during the 2025 season?
What makes for a good trip?
Stadium Proximity to City Center
​This excellent graphic from Jay Cuda shows how far every NFL stadium is from the city center. If the venue for the game is close to the city center, you can take public transportation, take a short, inexpensive car ride, or even walk to the stadium from a downtown hotel. This will give you more time to enjoy the city you are in, and an excuse to get to know the city around the stadium.
Weather
Depending on where you live, you might want to go somewhere cooler in September or warmer in December. A change of pace from the weather where you are can give you a new perspective.
Things to Do/Eat
Let's face it, some cities are just better destinations than others. There are sights to see, food to eat, live music and theatre scenes, and overall culture to make a visit worthwhile.
Walkability/Public Transportation
Not only do walkability and public transportation options increase the amount of the city that is available to you, but they also allow for interesting experiences in parts of the city and with people of the city that you might not have if you are using a car to get around, not to mention relieving the stress of navigating traffic and finding parking in a city. You can also save money on renting and parking a car if the city is walkable with public transportation options.
Quality of Game/Opponent/Venue
As a football fan, there's joy in watching a good team, memorable individual players, or visiting one of the remaining cathedrals to watch the game. There's also joy in seeing your team win.
The earlier you plan your trip, the less worry you have about getting the best/most convenient hotel, cheapest plane fares, and time off work. So, when and where should you go?
Arizona Cardinals Road Trip - Sunday, September 7 at New Orleans
Get ready to see New Orleans listed often. It's the best city to visit on vacation in the United States.
- Stadium Proximity to City Center - CHECK. less than one mile
- Weather - CHECK. The highs are still in the triple digits in Arizona in September
- Things To Do/Eat - CHECK. History, art, music, the best food in the country, and a never-ending party.
- Walkability/Public Transportation - CHECK. You haven't lived until you strolled the French Quarter with a drink in hand and taken a ride on the streetcar.
- Quality of Game/Opponent/Venue - EH. The Saints are one of the worst teams in the league, and the Superdome, while venerable, is a cavernous tomb.
Atlanta Falcons Road Trip - Sunday, November 23 at New Orleans
One of the best rivalries in the NFL, and what should be an annual tradition for Falcons fans.
- Stadium Proximity to City Center - CHECK.
- Weather - CHECK. New Orleans weather in November can be ideal.
- Things To Do/Eat - CHECK.
- Walkability/Public Transportation - CHECK.
- Quality of Game/Opponent/Venue - CHECK. The Saints are down, so the French Quarter should turn into a Dirty Bird celebration Sunday night.
Baltimore Ravens Road Trip - Thursday, October 30 at Miami
You know you want to go to this game the day before Halloween as Ace Ventura.
- Stadium Proximity to City Center - EH. 13 miles away, so you'll need to get a ride.
- Weather - CHECK. The humidity is gone, and the air is pleasant, just when it is getting chilly in Baltimore.
- Things To Do/Eat - CHECK. South Beach. Some of the best Cuban and Caribbean food outside of the places themselves. If you rent a car, you can drive to the Keys or the Everglades.
- Walkability/Public Transportation - CHECK. As long as you stay on South Beach.
- Quality of Game/Opponent/Venue - EH. Thursday night games can be trash, but at least the Dolphins are declining.
Buffalo Bills Road Trip - Sunday, November 9 at Miami
Time for a fish fry amidst the sun and fun
- Stadium Proximity to City Center -EH. It's okay, Bills fans are used to driving to the game.
- Weather - CHECK. Get some rays before the deep freeze hits Western New York.
- Things To Do/Eat - CHECK. Get some Jamaican Jerk Wings and eat them on the beach.
- Walkability/Public Transportation - CHECK. Just stay on South Beach.
- Quality of Game/Opponent/Venue - CHECK. Given the down state of the Dolphins, the stadium could be all Bills fans by the fourth quarter.
Carolina Panthers Road Trip - Sunday, December 14 at New Orleans
I promise, I don't work for the New Orleans tourism industry. I just happen to live here and love it.
- Stadium Proximity to City Center - CHECK.
- Weather - CHECK.
- Things To Do/Eat - CHECK.
- Walkability/Public Transportation - CHECK.
- Quality of Game/Opponent/Venue - CHECK. Picture a team on the up escalator and a team on the down escalator passing each other.
Chicago Bears Road Trip - Sunday, December 28 at San Francisco
Is there a better time to get out of Chicago than right after Christmas?
- Stadium Proximity to City Center - EH. The stadium is an hour away from downtown San Francisco, but the city makes up for it.
- Weather - CHECK. Foggy/rainy/cool San Francisco weather will seem balmy compared to winter in Chicago.
- Things To Do/Eat - CHECK. Too many iconic experiences and eats to list, but make sure you get a Mission District Burrito a La Taqueria or El Farolito
- Walkability/Public Transportation - CHECK. One of the most robust public transportation networks this side of New York.
- Quality of Game/Opponent/Venue - CHECK. This game could have playoff implications for one or both teams.
Cincinnati Bengals Road Trip - Sunday, December 21 at Miami
The Bengals should be building momentum just in time for the holidays.
- Stadium Proximity to City Center - EH. It's a long drive. Take the scenic route up Collins along the beach.
- Weather - CHECK. You're going from highs in the 40s/lows in the 30s to highs in the 70s/lows in the 60s.
- Things To Do/Eat - CHECK. As a change of pace from Skyline Chili, you can have Mofongo from Puerto Rico, Ropa Vieja from Cuba, or Chaka from Haiti.
- Walkability/Public Transportation - CHECK.
- Quality of Game/Opponent/Venue - CHECK. Hopefully, the Bengals will be ready to clinch a playoff berth by Week 16.
CONTINUED...
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3. KC: Patrick Mahomes took too much abuse in 2024
Source: ProFootballReference.com
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes absorbed a league-high 70 hits during the 2024 regular season, according to Pro Football Reference.
Our view: The Chiefs need to do a much better job of protecting the superstar quarterback. Mahomes said he wants to “try to get back to some of the explosive passing plays that we’ve done in years past.” In order to do that, Mahomes needs time to throw on those downfield plays. They did select Ohio State OT Josh Simmons at the end of the first round, and he could be part of the solution the Chiefs need up front.
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4. DET: Aidan Hutchinson impressing his position coach
Source: NFL.com – Around The NFL
Detroit Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson (leg) looked 'really good' in his return to the practice field this week, according to defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers. Hutchinson was lost for the season in mid-October after suffering a fractured fibula.
Our view: Hutchinson's fifth-year option was picked up earlier this year, and some local reports have speculated that an extension could come sooner rather than later. He's a star on the field when healthy, but Hutchinson's season was cut short last year in Week 6. It sounds like he's doing well in his recovery, and we'll learn more about his status for the start of the regular season in training camp.
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5. NYJ: Mason Taylor to play early?
Source: ESPN.com – Field Yates
New York Jets TE Mason Taylor is a 'pro-ready fix' for the Jets' needs at the tight end position, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com.
Our view: Taylor was one of the most intriguing tight ends in this draft class. He's got an athletic profile that could make him a mismatch no matter if a linebacker or safety is tasked with covering him. Taylor is expected to compete for the starting role, with Jeremy Ruckert also in the mix. It would be wise if QB Justin Fields got Taylor the ball early and often.
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6. NYG: Redshirt year for Jaxson Dart?
Source: ESPN.com – Jordan Raanan
New York Giants QB Jaxson Dart will likely sit the entire 2025 season 'if all goes well,' according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com.
Our view: The Giants have an interesting quarterback situation, and they have a head coach (Brian Daboll) and general manager (Joe Schoen) who are likely on the hot seat. The team moved back into the first round to select Dart, and he's clearly seen as the quarterback of the future — we just don't know if the coach and the GM will be around for that future. The Giants could roll with Russell Wilson as the starter with Jameis Winston as the primary backup.
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7. GB: Assistant praises Dontayvion Wicks' development
Source: Packers.com
Green Bay Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks has 'matured so much' over the last few months, according to passing game coordinator Jason Vrable. "I think early in (2024), he wanted the results so bad. He wanted to catch the ball and score. He was getting open, and then he would have a bad drop and everybody would be so upset over him and he'd be down on himself. I think he really learned to just handle one play at a time. It just happens to some guys. ... I think he's matured so much. And you saw at the end of the year when the ball was coming his way there was a real confidence toward the end to get open and make the play. And just do one play at a time. If you watched our practices, the speed that he's playing at, (offensive coordinator Luke) Getsy just came back here and was like, 'Man, this guy is so fast. And he's practicing so hard.' And you can see it. He's in Year 3, and he knows the system, he's playing with confidence and the energy's been awesome right now," Vrable told the team's website earlier this week.
Our view: We'll see what Wicks can do this season. The physical talent is there, but the Packers added another receiver in first-round pick Matthew Golden. When Christian Watson is healthy, the targets for Wicks will be even more limited. If you believe in the 2023 fifth-round pick, Wicks is cheap to pick up in dynasty formats.
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8. PIT: Pittsburgh checked on Chris Olave's availability
Source: PennLive.com – Nick Farabaugh
New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave appears unlikely to be traded this offseason, but the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly have made their interest known to the Saints in recent days, according to a source. Per Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com, the Saints do not seem interested in trading Olave.
Our view: The Steelers are conducting exploratory interest here. With their trade of George Pickens to the Cowboys earlier this month, they have DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, and Calvin Austin as their top three wide receivers. The Saints have picked up the fifth-year option of Olave, and there might be a contract extension with him in the future.
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9. NO: Two teams inquired about Derek Carr before retirement?
Source: ESPN.com – Jeremy Fowler and Katherine Terrell
Retired New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr was reportedly receiving some interest from at least two teams around the start of free agency in March, more than a month before he announced his retirement due to a shoulder issue.
Our view: No surprise here. Carr’s fit with new Saints HC Kellen Moore was unclear following his injury exit, and some out there are questioning if his retirement is entirely health related. Could he return in 2026? That seems unlikely, but things change quickly in this league. If Carr wants to play in the future after taking a break in 2025, a few teams could still show interest.
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That’s it for today.
Thanks for reading, and for being part of this community we’ve been building together for over two decades.
It means a ton to us you'd share a bit of your day with us.
Peace, Love and Fantasy Football,
J
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Written By Joe Bryant. News by Sigmund Bloom, Bob Harris, and Cecil Lammey
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