Rice on the Mics
Welcome to "Rice on the Mics", where sports talk comes with no script, no filter, and just the right amount of chaos. Hosted by Ian Rice, this is the spot for real fans who love the game but aren’t afraid to call out the bad takes, blown calls, and overpaid benchwarmers. Whether it's a legendary performance, a brutal choke job, or your fantasy team crashing and burning, we’re here to break it down like it’s last call at the bar. No corporate PR spin, no forced debates—just unfiltered sports talk with passion, personality, and maybe a little trash talk along the way. If you’re looking for stats read off a teleprompter, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want bold opinions, real conversations, and the kind of debates that might get a drink thrown at you, pull up a mic and let’s go.
Rice on the Mics
The New York Sports Rollercoaster: Hope, Heartbreak, and Fantasy Wisdom
Welcome to a perfect New York sports sampler platter, served with a side of fantasy football wisdom that will have you dominating your league before September ends.
The Giants provided a refreshing glimpse of their future as rookie Jackson Dart delivered a 28-yard touchdown strike to Little Jordan Humphrey, then humbly called his performance "mid" despite solid numbers. First-round pick Abdul Carter made an immediate impact with two quarterback pressures in just six snaps, potentially transforming a defense that will need to carry this team through a challenging schedule.
Across town, Justin Fields showcased his electrifying mobility on a 13-yard touchdown scramble that reminded Jets fans what a true dual-threat quarterback looks like. The offensive line showed significant improvement, but Tyrod Taylor's knee scope creates concerning depth issues behind Fields. We dive into how Breece Hall might become the Jets' secret weapon as a receiver, creating nightmarish mismatches against linebackers and safeties.
New York baseball continues to test fans' cardiac health as the Mets perfected the art of the collapse, blowing 5-0 and 6-0 leads within 48 hours. Meanwhile, the Yankees got a reality check from Houston before rebounding against Minnesota, though Aaron Judge still doesn't look fully right and Paul Goldschmidt is now nursing a knee sprain.
The episode culminates with a fantasy football masterclass featuring value picks like D'Andre Swift and Jordan Mason, bust warnings on DJ Moore and Kyren Williams, and must-have receivers including George Pickens, Davante Adams, and Tee Higgins. We close with superflex league strategy that pairs an elite QB with late-round steals like Drake Maye or Michael Penix Jr.
Whether you're focused on New York sports or preparing to dominate your fantasy league, this episode delivers the insights, analysis, and strategic advice you need. Tune in next week for our full fantasy special that will map out strength of schedules, depth charts, and handcuff targets to ensure your championship run.
I guess there's only one way to find out. Let's do it to it right 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0. All engines running Liftoff. We have a liftoff, alright. Hello there. Welcome to episode 26 of Rice. On the Mic, I am your host, ian Rice, and today's show is a perfect New York Sampler plan A little bit of hope, a little bit of chaos and a hell of a whole lot of Advil.
Speaker 1:Here's the plan. We start with the locals. First, giants rolled out. Rookie Jackson Dart showed some poise, called himself mid threw a dart to little Jordan Humphrey. I know that's going to get old quick. And we'll hear a little bit of juice from top pick Abdul Carter, the Jets. Well, justin Fields flashed that. Oh right, he runs a 4-4 speed on the scoring drive. And just as quickly the injury bug reminded everyone that its code at the facility is still working. Tyrod Taylor gets a knee scope preseason wrap and the QB2 plan is suddenly thin. We'll also hit on why Brees Hall might be the Jets' wide receiver two in disguise this year. Then we'll zoom out quick.
Speaker 1:Little NFL whirl around the league, talk some Joe Burrow, some Sean Payton, a little John Gruden, and then from there, well, we'll step on a rake and we'll head over to New York baseball. The Mets have turned blown leads into performance art 5-0 lead gone in Milwaukee, 6-0 lead gone to the Braves. Nine-run inning that felt like a throwback, and even more soul-crushing blown saves. Meanwhile the Yankees handled Minnesota mostly, but nearly got no hit by Houston, all while Jose Altuve hits home run number 250 in your backyard. Judge still doesn't look right. Goldie has a knee scare and Garrett Cole threw a flat ground, whatever that means. So we'll sort out what's real and what's the Bronx noise. And then, to scratch that fantasy football itch, we close with a loaded segment to give you the early edge on your league mates Camp injuries that could affect multiple players some year.
Speaker 1:Two breakout candidates, value players and some bust red flags. Even a little super flex strategy for those two quarterback leagues that are out there. You can stop guessing. You start stealing some value. So pour your coffee, get comfy, avoid your boss and listen up. Giants and Jets are up first. New York football come on down. Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed. There's a party at MetLife this week and you're invited. Okay, that was kind of corny, but it's true. Both teams are scrimmaging in practice and the Big Apple Bowl or the Snoopy Bowl or whatever they're calling it nowadays, is this week. So that'll be fun. But let's get on the Giants first. Some quick heat from last week, if you will.
Speaker 1:Jackson Dart, first NFL action. Looked exactly what Brian Dayball probably scribbled on the bar napkin. To be honest with you 12 of 19. 154 yards Threw, a touchdown, 24 extra yards on the ground and that touchdown was that yep. That's why we traded back in Sigh of relief.
Speaker 1:Throw A 28-yard sideline dart to little Jordan Humphrey with pressure in his face. Look, if this kid turns out to be the next savior of the G-men, dart throws a dart is going to be the most overused annoying line that you're going to hear. But if you're a Giants fan fan, you hope to hear it for a long time, not just a season or two. And in true 22 year old rookie fashion, dart walked off calling his performance mid and I hate to say it, I kind of love that. I mean, look, everybody knows if you're going to play quarterback here in this market you have to always be humble and say the right things and have some self-awareness. You almost have to have self-awareness as a superpower. So that's good to hear from the kid.
Speaker 1:Russell Wilson did his veteran thing. He goes six for seven. And with that kind of accuracy, malik neighbor's talent Giants could maybe be halfway decent if their schedule wasn't such a gauntlet. And then we got our second half tour. James Winston comes in respectable seven for 11, 62 yards and a touchdown. And Tommy Cutlets he's Dodd man, now he's going to get cut, but trying to show other teams why he can still play, be that clipboard Jesus. Tommy Cutlets, he's a Dodd man, now he's going to get cut, but trying to show other teams why he can still play, be that clipboard Jesus.
Speaker 1:10 for 14, 73 yards. Throws a touchdown, kept the operation clean. Giants got the win. That's all you could ask for, right? Big shout-out to Abdul Carter too. The kid only played six snaps and he had two quarterback pressures. That's how you leave a calling card and look, barring any major injuries. Two things If Carter grades out how he looks and the stones on him to ask for LT's number, you might be able to fit him with that gold jacket sooner rather than later.
Speaker 1:And if he turns out to be as good as he looks right now, not only is he going to elevate the rest of that defense, that D-line could be something pretty formidable. I mean maybe even top five this year, and that's going to be the only thing that's really going to be able to keep them in these games. Because, look, the offense is going to be what it's going to be. Malik Nabors is a beast, but Russell Wilson is old and you're banking on a rookie to carry you where you need to be. Same thing with Skadabo, too, or Tracy fumbling. The ball Defense is going to keep them in games. Russell Wilson is just good enough and just good of a veteran, to win you. A couple more Might be enough to save Dayball and Shane their jobs.
Speaker 1:Dayball's no postgame was the right one too. Temper expectations, he said quote it's one preseason game. We were efficient, we were aggressive, we were confident. Check all the boxes, but there's still a bunch to clean up. That's good stuff. That's what you want to hear, don't you know? Don't go out there say we're going to win the goddamn super bowl. And now we get some good stuff this week too.
Speaker 1:Two joint practices with the jets before their annual preseason game, two good defenses and two offenses that are trying to prove themselves. So if you're going to the game on Sunday Saturday excuse me, I'm already in football mode. Bring your sunscreen it's going to be a hot one and maybe bring your own whistle, because it might get a little chippy. So, speaking of the Jets, flashes of speed and the trenches looked solid. Justin Fields gave you exactly one drive and made a count Goes three for four, throws for 42, and he had a 13-yard touchdown scramble on a third and five where he basically pressed turbo and got away from everybody. Now, watching the film back, I thought that he might have had a guy open on that TD run, but the fact that he has that in his tool bag is incredibly refreshing as a Jets fan. Hell, the last time I saw a mobile quarterback wearing a Jets uniform, it was Michael Vick and that was way past his prime.
Speaker 1:But more important than the box score, the big takeaway that you and I care about as Jets fans and in August for that matter is the offensive line looked the part. That's what was touted. They didn't take the sexy pick in the tight end in the draft, they took membu. He had 10 pass sets, zero hurries and no blown assignments, and there were holes the size of a semi truck that you could drive through the jets. It's so nice they seem to be getting back to that 20109 ugly hard nose, ground and pound, will kick your ass with our defense and then make you hate our offense style and the defense.
Speaker 1:Defense and special teams, by the way, were no slouches. Four sacks, they got two takeaways and that turned into 10 points, which you never see that from a defense anymore. And jay two filet our American Samoan long-haired monster up the middle, falls on a strip sack in the end zone and he immediately does his best replacement imitation and runs the ball right to Aaron Glenn. You get me that ball, danny. I got you the ball, you get me the ball. This is how an identity starts possession. Cash it in, go home on time.
Speaker 1:God, not all sunshine and rainbows, though, unfortunately. Uh, tyra taylor had a knee scope and aaron glenn called it minor, but he's done for the preseason and probably week one and more so. That leaves adrian martinez and brady cook behind fields, two names that I have never heard of in my life, and cook, I guess, the fifth string. Third, whatever did limp off with an ankle during practice. So translation the QB2 insurance plan for a franchise that is religiously snakebitten with injuries just got very thin very fast. Alan Lazard is out too. Apparently Not that you know we're really counting him for much, but Garrett Wilson is really the only real receiver on this team, so would help for a little bit of a pro like Alan Lazar to be out there, but he's going to be out two weeks or so. We'll see how that goes.
Speaker 1:But there is better news Both Quinny Williams and Jermaine Johnson were back at practice even at a limited capacity, but they were back at practice, and those are two guys that are incredibly important, not only to the pass rush but just the overall defense and the mindset and the mentality. And speaking of mentality, while we're here, let's talk about building the culture we've been talking. This has been the theme all offseason for the jets. Last week the building had alumni everywhere. Kevin Mawai oh God, do we miss him telling guys you want to own this town, you want to be the best in this town, you just got to win. Ray Mickens saying Justin Fields can be the one.
Speaker 1:Glenn also imported real game management habits from Detroit. He said that he always used to sit in on Dan Campbell's Saturday meetings and is staying true to his word about changing how much this team has been penalized over the last couple years After a stupid, unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. He grabbed the player right away and dressed him down in front of everybody, showing how much he means business. Details, details win close games and it's nice to see a hard-ass coach coach his players the same way. Shit, to quote great football movie. Any Given Sunday, on any given Sunday, you can win or lose. The point is, can you win or lose like a man, and that seems to be something that Glenn is instilling in these young, fierce, talented players. I'm so excited to watch this defense this year.
Speaker 1:Now I talked about the Jets not having a true wide receiver opposite of Garrett Wilson, so I want to talk about Breeze Hall here, and I want to file this under things that we've been yelling as Jet fans into an empty void. Apparently, the Jets are going to start splitting Brees Hall out wide and let him run a real route tree. He's already led running backs in combined receiving yards over 2023-2024 season, which is why my next statement is going to be even more eye-opening. So stay with me here. Okay, we dig into stats, we look around here. Let's look at Brees Hall's usage. Over the last two years, he's had 125 snaps at either the slot or the wideout spot. Now compare that to Bijan Robinson's 207 and Rashad's white 158. There is so much money left on the table by not splitting him out wide and the staff knows it and they see it and they're building his tree. Even a mic'd up, aaron Glenn told Brees of practice.
Speaker 1:This is where your game opens up a mismatch against any safety or linebacker. I mean, we saw it on the tape last year week two against the Titans. Rodgers checks, splits him out, gets him ice on a linebacker and he ripped a go ball down the boundary over the shoulder, boom right in the basket feet in. Now there's a lot of promise, but there's two small bugaboos that I'm not super worried about but I do need to mention. With only 125 snaps over the last two years, he did have six drops last year, which was a career high, and when you empty him out of the backfield the pass protection gets a little bit trickier. But a beefed-up O-line and finally a quarterback with some real mobility. There should be some more passing lanes open for sure.
Speaker 1:Look, this is a contract year and I am one of the few in the camp that actually wants to trade Brees Hall and I want to trade him to the Cowboys for Micah Parsons. I kind of want a young Joe Klecko again, but look, if that doesn't happen, he's received no extension and there isn't one expected to come before week one. He's already 11th in scrimmage yards per game, at 90 yards since 2022. He's going to have a monster year and then he's going to try and get paid. So if he has a monster year with the Jets and the Jets don't want to pay him, that's fine, because if Garrett Wilson is the sun in this offense, brees can be the moon, and he's going to be a very, very bright one.
Speaker 1:Okay, now with the locals out of the way, let's touch on a couple things around the league that I kind of want to speak on. So some news came out that Joe Burrow for MVP is officially the public's favorite parlay. Sprinkle garnish little bam, if you will. So BetMGM has him on 14% of their tickets and a handle of about 23%, which is a big, big number. He's their biggest liability, so much so that his odds have shortened from plus 700 to plus 600. Reliability, so much so that his odds have shortened from plus 700 to plus 600. So Lamar Jackson is still the favorite at plus 550, followed by Josh Allen at plus 600, and Mahomes at plus 7, which I think is also a pretty good bet. I think they got embarrassed in the Super Bowl last year and they're going to come out firing.
Speaker 1:But Burroughs 2024 was electric. Guy threw for almost 5,000 yards 4,918. Okay, just short of 5,000 yards, 43 touchdowns and only nine picks. Look, if he's not a tier one quarterback, he's tier 1.5. Hell, he's tier 1.25. Sean Payton, meanwhile, he just cannot help himself talking shit Ever. Last year it was sauce.
Speaker 1:Now it's Caleb Williams In American Kings, a biopic that you definitely missed. He aired out Caleb Williams saying his processing speed was concerning when thinking about drafting him and that he left open throws on the field, whereas his counterparts in jayden, daniels and bo nicks, were better, were quicker and were more comfortable. Well, you know what year one tail of the tape, caleb not a bad year for a rookie 3 500 yards, 20 touchdowns, 6 picks, 62% completion rate. Not bad. Bo Nix 3,700 yards, 29 touchdowns, 12 picks, 66% completion percentage. So look, is that an honest scouting assessment or is it a victory lap in August? I'm going to say yes to both, but I still think Caleb will figure it out under ben johnson. But the pressure on this kid is getting heavier and heavier by the day. So I wish him the best and lastly, something to keep a pretty serious eye on.
Speaker 1:The nevada supreme court voted five to two in favor of John Gruden's case. That can now proceed in court Not a forced Goodell arbitration for a former employee and the Supreme Court went as far as calling it unconscionable. So the NFL is going to seek a rehearing. But if this stays in a public courtroom, all of the NFL's dirty, dirty, dirty, dirty laundry is going to get aired out and the public is going to judge them, because I'm pretty sure they have been hiding a bunch of shit. So hold on to your butts, people. Hell, that's the. That's part of the reason why they bought ESPN, or they bought into ESPN. I should say say, or espn bought into them. However, the fuck it works. Do you think that um, the biggest uh sports network, now that nfl is a part of it, or they bought it is um. Do you think you're ever going to hear a bad story about the nfl? No, that's press cleanup right there. They're willing to spend that money. They don't care. And guess what? Gruden's going to have his day in court and it's going to get aired out and I bet you we don't see a lot of coverage in it on ESPN. But all right, that is your NFL block. The giants are steady, the jets are intriguing, with a little bit of a depth chart headache and the national drumbeat that is the NFL is doing what it does.
Speaker 1:So up next we are going to go from MetLife to MetLife the baseball roller coaster, and I think I want to get off at this point the baseball rollercoaster, and I think I want to get off at this point. We'll dive into blowing two six-run leads in 48 hours and how the Yankees can find a way to duct tape a bat to Aaron Chudry's hands. Stick around. Okay, from MetLife to MetsLife, let's talk some baseball. And allow me to be your angry vessel for these teams, allow me to vent your frustrations before New York collectively throws a remote at the fucking flat screen TV. Okay, last week oh God, I'm fucking angry already Last week, I kicked it off with the Yankees and even going so far as to almost sound like a Yankee fan ranting about them.
Speaker 1:But today, today, and even going so far as to almost sound like a Yankee fan ranting about them, but today, today, we start with the vitriol that I have for the Mets right now. Honestly, it seems like every damn day they find a new creative way to get my hopes up, look like they are turning the corner and then throw my heart in a blender like an Eve Six song. I want to throw my tender heart in a blender, watch it span around to a beautiful oblivion. That's what I feel like watching this team. Lately, big picture first. Lately, big picture first. This team has gone from five games up in the east to now five and a half back. They dropped 12 of the last 14, 12 of the last 14. And the main theme of the whole thing leads just evaporating, just gone, and on top of the schedule. The schedule is about to stop being nice and polite and start getting really real.
Speaker 1:August is Atlanta, a red hot. Seattle, a young, hungry Washington team, and then back to Atlanta. After that it's a gauntlet of playoff teams Seven with Philly. Still Detroit is mixed in there. Oh God, they're going to be cooked if they keep this way. Up To the receipts.
Speaker 1:To the receipts. Sunday in Milwaukee Seven to six loss. They're up five. They're up five. Nothing. William Contreras knocks in two, joey Ortiz ties it in the eighth and Isaac Collins walks it off. Edwin Diaz in the ninth one of his like three blown saves on the year. Okay, sweet, fine. Brewers have been the hottest team in baseball. I'll let it slide, okay, quinn Prestor hasn't lost since May 13th, got tagged for six runs on 10, hits in four and a third and the Mets still couldn't close it all. Right, fine, nice little breath of fresh air. They come back home.
Speaker 1:Alonzo breaks the franchise home run record and then doubles it up, hits another one because why not? Filed? Followed by Francisco Alvarez going deep twice in the same game. Beatty and Nimmo also homer. And you're, you know. Okay, you're starting to think. Okay, they took care of business last year against the Braves. They aren't going to have our number anymore. Things are going to turn the corner, right, no wrong.
Speaker 1:Wednesday up 6-0. Our ace, david Peterson in the game 6-0 lead. This game is in the bag. The Braves fucking put up nine. Nine runs in the fourth Bases, loaded Ryan Stanek. Michael runs in the fourth Bases, loaded Ryan Stanek. Michael Harris hits the grand slam. Then Marcelo Zuna has a two-run homer later, putting the nail in the coffin the game's out of reach.
Speaker 1:It's the biggest Atlanta inning since 2020. And you want to take a guess? The last time they had that big of an inning? Yep, it was against the Mets. You want to take a guess? The last time they had that big of an inning Yep, it was against the Mets. Mets pitchers issued four walks in that inning. You can't gift wrap runs for that lineup, even if they are struggling and they are dead in the water. It's like the Jets beating the Pats in Week 17. They live to crush your soul. Okay, fine, rubber match Sang on the hill. Hill. You stand a good chance right.
Speaker 1:Mets go up. They give it right back. They go up again 3-2 in the seventh, and this monster bullpen that we traded for guess what immediately fucking gives it up. They tie it in the seventh the closer we got from, st Louis gives up the lead in the eighth. And in the ninth, which was Alonzo McNeil and Mullins, 4-5-6, all swung at the first pitch. Atlanta closed the door with 11 pitches.
Speaker 1:This club isn't just losing games, it's coughing them up like a hacked lung. This club isn't just losing games, it's coughing them up like a hacked lung. Look the one, maybe small, encouraging note is that help is coming. They finally called up one of their stud pitchers young kids in Noah McLean. He's going to pitch on Saturday. He's 24, the third best prospect in our system, went 8-5 with a 2-4 ERA between double and triple A, and he punched out 127 strikeouts in 113 innings. So look, he's got a super nice fastball, he's got a great sweeper. He's one of three or four all-star pitching prospects the Mets have in their system and he's the first from the 2023 draft to reach the show.
Speaker 1:I'm sorry enough with being scared of calling up the young talent. It's one thing if they have to fight for a position because only one person can play third or there's only one DH, but pitching is completely different. If a guy is having a hot year, you ride the hot hand. The days of the Wilpons are over and waiting to call guys up due to contract concerns or an extra year of control, that shit's done is the uncle stevie era and this team is built to win. Right now you have guys like mclean and sproat and jonathan wasting bullets in double and triple a. Call these kids up and let them prove they belong hell.
Speaker 1:The mets haven't had a pitcher get out of the fifth inning since fucking June. Have these kids come up and then go six, seven to support that? The arm only has so many bullets in the gun. Stop wasting those bullets in triple a that look. The rotation for the Mets is a respectable three seven. It's not bad, it's not great, but nobody is going deep. Nobody's getting out of the fifth inning. The only one that's doing it is Peterson, and he just blew that last time. Frankie Montas, which is David Stern's first black mark on his ledger, is now getting moved to the pen and honestly, I don't even want him getting called on. Even veterans like Paul Blackburn are raving about McLean's mound demeanor in his presence.
Speaker 1:Read the room then. Man, like, let's go Get these guys up. Mendoza said we feel good about him giving us a chance to win. Great, that's awesome. They needed it yesterday. Get these kids up and get them going.
Speaker 1:Young kids want to prove they belong and will lay their life on the line when it comes to getting to the show. Shit, the twins sold pretty much everyone on their team and had to call up eight minor leaguers. Everyone and their mother bet against them. And what happened? They won their next three series in a row because, surprise, young, hungry kids want to prove that they're worth it at the show. Jesus Christ, I mean. And honestly, it doesn't get much better across town. The Yankees took care of business mostly against the twins, but congrats. It's a team that you've literally lost to like six times now in the last 10 years. But before that series, houston humbled you real good. They reminded you that they still have your number.
Speaker 1:Sunday you get a 7-1 loss. Jason Alexander, a no-name rookie with a 5 ERA, goes out and throws one hit ball through six innings. And probably the most hated player on the field, jose Altuve, in your own backyard, hits career homer number 250. At this point, if the Yankees don't miss the playoffs and you have to run into the Strohs in the wildcard and lose, oh my god, yankee fans might riot. Aaron Boone gets tossed in the third of that game.
Speaker 1:Because what else is new? And for the record, booney, you constantly getting tossed and fighting with umpires. One, it's not going to rekindle that spark that you got from Gardner slamming the top of the dog out with the bat. And two, word travels between umpires. Look not to be that guy. I have a family friend who is an MLB crew chief. Right, they cannot stand you. And you, you're way, way less likely to get the benefit of the doubt on a call when, subconsciously, the umpires don't like you and know that you're looking to show them up and challenge them.
Speaker 1:Anyway, I digress the key moment of that game seventh, seventh inning, bases loaded, one out, squeeze out a sack, fly and then Brian Abreu comes in, slams the door, retires, wells Judge and Ballinger in the eighth, in that order. Also, carlos Correa is swinging like he never left. He's stacked multi-hit nights since rejoining Houston. They're quietly becoming a real problem in the AL. So anyway, okay, on to Monday's game. Get the win 6-2. Awesome, will Warren, first Yankee in a month to record an out in the seventh inning? Six and two-thirds, three hits Okay, bellinger, stanton, ben Rice, all go yard. Bellinger, stanton, ben Rice, all go yard. Stanton and Rice go back-to-back. Awesome, cool.
Speaker 1:Tuesday 9-1. Big win against the Twins. Rodon looks back to normal. Seven innings pitched, one hit After, honestly, a rocky 31-pitch first inning, which is usually his MO for a blowup. But he figured it out. So, okay, good, good. So we're looking good, we're here, no problem.
Speaker 1:Stan continues to stay hot and that kind of causes a problem for this lineup. He had his first four hit game since august 2023. But is he gonna dh do? We want to watch him in the field. Watching him in the field is like, you know, watching a dog chase a car. It's like you know something bad is going to happen. Like whoa, whoa, whoa, take it easy, take it easy, stop chasing that ball.
Speaker 1:But Judge cracks one too. Judge got it on the board, cracked his first home run since July 23rd. Volpe hits another three-run shot and that breaks it open. And this all sounds well and good, but yet again it's another example of the all-or-nothing Yankee offense. Because Wednesday, against an actual ace, joe Ryan, yeah, he goes six and two-thirds. With seven strikeouts, the Twins start to rally in the six started with two little infield hits and then Cody Clemons, who's 0-for-18, rips a two-strike, two-run double. Royce Lewis added another one. That's four runs and that's the seventh loss to the twins in the last five years.
Speaker 1:For the Yankees. The quiet but loud secret to this team is this the offense always has and always will flow through Aaron judge, and you can see it. Judge isn't fully himself yet. The swing decisions are fine, but the pressure to perform and carry the team when he probably needs a little more time is actually hurting more than it's helping. And now Goldschmidt has a low grade knee sprain. Uh, look, if he sits, you're gonna get Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger first. So I mean it's not the worst thing. But Goldie has had a big fall off from his 330 hitting in the beginning of the season. On the upside, I guess Garrett Cole hit a nice rehab mile marker. I mean he threw 20 pitches off flat ground. So that's you know, that's your ace, that's your guy.
Speaker 1:The plan is a normal offseason 14-month arc type deal. Look, if he comes back strong and healthy next year, the rotation of the Yankees with Cole, freed, colon, gill and Schlittler, that's going to be a serious force of contention, but that's next year the Yankees should be worried about right now. They should be worried about not finishing third in their division. They had a seven game lead on Toronto and now they trail by six and a half. All right, look, let's zoom out.
Speaker 1:The Yankees took two or three from Minnesota and looked the part in two of them. Right, houston reminded that when judge doesn't carry, the bats can go quiet and they still kind of have your number. That when judge doesn't carry, the bats can go quiet and they still kind of have your number. And the alumni chorus from the old timers day without jeter, by the way, put a lot of heat on these, uh, new age yankees. So the truth kind of lies in the middle. Right, look it's august baseball. Survive the bumps, bank the wins that you're supposed to and get your horses healthy and lock it in when it comes September. All right, I'm, uh, I'm done ranting, I'm done. That's New York on the diamond. The Mets need McLean to be a grown-up today and the Yankees need Judge to like judge yesterday. Time to catch your breath, though.
Speaker 1:Up next what you've been waiting for fantasy football block. I've got injuries. You've got to plan around year. Two breakouts, real late-round sleepers, some value picks and a little super flex strategy. Stay tuned so you can stay on top of Philly.
Speaker 1:Here we are Fantasy time Grab the draft board, cue up a shit talking text to your group chat and let's make you dangerous. I got value picks bust flags Must have wide receivers, quick little running back, consistency, reality check and we'll finish off with a super flex sprinkle for those two QB leagues out there, and I'll even weave in a little strength of schedule as we go, just so you know where the wind's blowing. So we'll start off with values and how to win your draft in the boring rounds. That's 6, 7, 8, 9. Those are the rounds where kind of the rookies don't know where to go and the pros kind of overthink things. These are going to be some rapid fire hits, so make sure you have your finger on that rewind button, okay.
Speaker 1:First off, deandre Swift. Adp already feels kind of sleepy for a guy who's popped before with Ben Johnson. Chicago rebuilt their entire offensive line. Thune, jonah Jackson Dahlman drafted rookie Ozzie Trappelio Trappelio, I think that's how you say that. Whatever, either way. And Swift has shown top 15 per game juice when he's actually schemed correctly and schemed in space, Not to mention the Bears' running back strength of schedule is a three-star. So it's in the middle, it's neutral, it's not a cheat but it's not a trap. The red zone quirk with Swift is real. But that's where Kyle Managa, guy Jesus, these names are terrible that's where that contingency plan comes into effect later in the year. Look, he's a big, strong back and he'll be able to hammer it home. But the bottom line is Swift's floor is higher than people remember and his ceiling is still pretty explosive, so definitely worth a late round value pick.
Speaker 1:Next on the list Jordan Mason, minnesota. If your league mates don't respect him, good, good, that's your edge Because the metrics absolutely love him. He's got explosive run rate. He breaks tackles and has an exceptional yards after contact stat and Kevin O'Connell keeps calling it a 1A, 1b with Aaron Jones. But Jordan Mason is definitely going to get a bunch of play this year. Vikings running back string schedule also a three-star, which is perfectly fine Because, honestly, jordan Mason is probably going to get the goal line tilts and if that's the case, he's going to get yardage and some goal line carries every week. He's going to be a flex, maybe some rb2 spikes and where he's going right now he's priced as like a 10th round bench guy. Players like that are exactly how you build a winning roster. While everybody's scrambling, you get a guy in the 10th that has RB2 flexibility.
Speaker 1:A couple quick nods Buffalo, because it's the same AFC East schedule. They have a super easy schedule and their running back strength of schedule is a four-star, so it's very strong. James Cook just got paid. Has super high efficiency. He's an RB2 with weekly upsides of explosive plays. Green Bay also a four-star running back strength of schedule, which is great for Jacobs, and sneaky good too, because Jordan Love just had some hand surgery. It's non-invasive on his thumb. But look, jordan Love's going to throw the ball a bunch Late in games, though when they're up they're going to pound the fuck out of the rock, and Josh Jacobs is the three-down back. That's going to get it.
Speaker 1:Now on to the bust flags, and I don't mean anything bad by this. I all these players are good players, but where you would have to get them, it's bad prices or bad context in how they play, bad context in how they play. So first on the list is DJ Moore. Look, I love DJ Moore as a player, but I hate the math. He's sharing targets with Roma Dunzay and they just drafted Colson Loveland and Luther Burden, and it's a scheme that leans towards the run. They got Ben Johnson over there. Now he's coming from Jameer Gibbs and David Montgomery. Deandre Swift is for sure going to get the chance to be the bell cow back and he's going to want to split them out wide and do tosses and dump offs. So I hate the math. Dj Moore, roma Dunze and two other rookies plus a really good pass catching back, and not to mention the Bears wide receiver strength to schedule is a two, two star, which is tough. So look if you're drafting Moore at his top 20 wide receiver price. You're kind of going to need everything to break your way and that's a fragile bet. Now, look, if he falls, yeah, don't be afraid to take him, but where he's going in drafts right now I don't know if it's really worth it.
Speaker 1:Next on the list Jared Goff. Speaking Ben Johnson, there is a touchdown rate regression coming. Ben Johnson's gone and the Lions reshuffled their O-line a little bit. The quarterback strength schedule is a two-star also. It's pretty tough. They got a lot of tough corners to play. Look, goff remains a strong, real-life quarterback. I would take him in the Jets in a heartbeat, but the fantasy elevator, eh, might have a couple fewer stops this year.
Speaker 1:Next, kyron Williams, and I know, I know the monster volume is there, but it's at eh meh efficiency, not to mention Blake Corum, jaquez Hunter they're going to steal some carries. And the addition of Devontae Adams he's going to take away some premium red zone. Looks. He's not a complete avoid, but just be prepared for a couple stinker weeks. The Rams running back strength schedule is a three, so middle of the pack, fine, and he'll catch some passes out of the backfield. But I don't know, man, if carries and inside the five tilt even a little bit away from Kyron. The price you're paying for him at RB1, it's a heavy tag. And that also falls on David Montgomery too. Look, david Montgomery is one of my favorite football players. To just like watch finish a run, just put his head down and buck people. But he's also the fantasy poster child for great floor, not a great big ceiling.
Speaker 1:Again, another new coordinator and offensive line regression for the Lions. Their running back strength of schedule is very tough. He'll pay the bills, he will, but he might not buy you the beach house either. In the same division too, the other one, aaron Jones. Look, he's coming off a career high touch season and he's 30 years old and he's sharing time with Jordan Mason. Same thing running back schedule is running back. Strength schedule is a three star. So it's middle of the pack and Jones is definitely still a baller, but 30 years old and, being where he's drafted, his ceiling is a little higher than his usage, you know.
Speaker 1:Okay, now on to receivers, and these are three must-have. I will not be leaving my draft without one. Wide receivers, okay. First on the list, george Pickens. Okay, new zip code. New life Dallas. No one in the NFC East has won the division in back-to-back years for 15 years. So the Eagles are already out and I love Jaden Daniels but I think there's going to be a little bit of a sophomore slump and Dag Prescott, if he can stay healthy, can finish as a top five quarterback in the league. So Dallas is already going to be pass heavy. Their starting running back is Javante Williams, for God's sakes. Most targets are going to be around CeeDee, lamb and Pickens and a little bit of sprinkle of Jake Ferguson too. So one of them is going to get double teamed and my money is on CeeDee getting double teamed and Pickens being open over the middle consistently, not mention the Cowboys wide receiver strength schedule is a two. So it's a little tough, but they're going to skew towards CD.
Speaker 1:This is a bet that I want to take. I will take Dak's efficiency with a lot of options. Pickens has superior downfield separation and he's most of the time not going to see a safety over the top. Now on to Devontae Adams. Don't overthink it. I know he's old, I know he's not with Aaron Rodgers. Mcvay condenses targets like few coaches in this league and Adams' route running abilities. They he hasn't lost a step. They're still elite. They're at a strength of schedule of a three star. So neutral, not too bad, not too good. But no speed bumps with Devontae Adams. He is always going to be on the field and he's going to be schemed open. And Staffordord, when upright to be fair, is the kingmaker for wide receiver ones and it's the same common theme. I mean they can't double-team Puka and Devontae Adams. Somebody's going to have to be open. Puka's going to get his receptions but Devontae is going to command red zone touches.
Speaker 1:Last but not least, tee Higgins. Tee Higgins is the easiest way to buy a top three passing game without paying that Jamar Chase tax Bengals wide receiver strength of schedule is a three. Their QB strength of schedule is a two, which is a little tougher. But if there's anybody that laughs in the face of tough, it's Joe Burrow, and since he every year is top three in pass rate, okay. So Higgins has the highest target share, has the highest uh yards per route run, he has the highest end zone looks and you don't have to pick him in the first round. And even more God forbid Jamar Chase misses any time which he has before. Higgins immediately becomes an every-week must-start wide receiver one.
Speaker 1:So, that being said, those are the boom or bust right. Those are the red flags to avoid. Those are the guys I want. Those are the receivers I want. Now it's time to talk about evening out your roster a little bit, right. Those are the red flags to avoid. Those are the guys I want. Those are the receivers I want. Now it's time to talk about evening out your roster a little bit, right, so you get those guys with the high ceiling.
Speaker 1:Now we're talking about consistency Guys that every week they're four nice good to 10 to 12 to 13 points okay, and that's running back consistency to 13 points okay, and that's running back consistency. So there's consistent. And then there's consistently useful right. So these are the guys that they're not going to put up 40 every week, but they're not going to disappoint either. So I want you to keep that in mind when I go over these next couple guys.
Speaker 1:And the first one on the list is David Montgomery. And I know, I know I just mentioned him before as someone who might not pay the bills, but he's a player who might be the best running back to the league and we're talking fantasy wise here, right. So you're gonna have your stud up top. David Montgomery is gonna be your best running back to an elite. He's going to be the guy that every week, you can count on consistently. These are the guys that you grab after the first couple rounds that you've already gotten your big studs. And when your opponent looks at your roster they go oh fuck, I have to go against Christian McCaffrey, I have to go against Christian McCaffrey, I have to go against this. But really, what put you over the hump was David Montgomery with a solid 16. Okay, the next guy on that list Brian Robson Jr. He's Monty Light. Got Jaden Daniels little read option. You got you know good receivers and then you got Brian Robson just sitting there, bang, bang, bang, hitting the line, hitting the line. All of a sudden you look up, he's got 13, 14 points.
Speaker 1:Washington's running back strength schedule is a little tough. They got to go against a bunch of tough D-lines, but it's not the end of the world for a running back two. Now, on the flip side of this argument, if you're okay with chasing boomer bus players or picking in the first early couple rounds and you want that monster stud, I got a couple guys for you. Obviously Saquon Barkley. I mean, that's easy money, that's whatever. Did you know he had five of the 15 best weeks last season. This running back strength to schedule for the Eagles is a three. So again, neutral, not too bad. And you're going to have to pay the big price and you know drafting him is kind of pressing that weekly nuke button. But again, if you're okay with some weeks of 50 and some weeks of 8, saquon is 100% worth the first-round pick or the keeper selection.
Speaker 1:A couple other guys that fall in that context Alvin Kamara, joe Mixon, jonathan Taylor I know Joe Mixon is hurt right now but he's a great stash and when he comes back he could be strong as hell. Jt they don't really know what's going on with quarterback over there. Daniel Jones isn't going to really be able to sling it, so JT is probably going to get a bunch of the balls and a bunch of the dump ball. But Alvin Kamara, I don't want to draft any wide receiver. On the Saints, I don't want Chris Olave, I don't want any of them. The only player I maybe feel a little comfortable taking on the Saints is Alvin Kamara. They got a running back strength schedule of a four which is super soft, and New Orleans is going to be terrible. They don't even have anything that resembles an NFL quarterback. So it's just going to be dump off after dump off to Kamara and look, he might be a little older, but when he gets an open space he is still deadly. And last on the list for super volatility Devin Aitchen. He is the number one volatility spectrum. Miami's strength of schedule for underbacks is a four. Afc East sucks and the teams that they're playing suck. So if you draft him, him strap in and smile, but also be prepared for some five-point games.
Speaker 1:The building rule to win your league is you want to pair a high floor back like Monty, with that super high ceiling back like Saquon or A-Chain or whatever. One keeps you afloat and the other wins you the matchup. That's the rule. That's how you win leagues. Now, for those people out there, for whatever reason, for those people out there, for whatever reason, that play a super flex two quarterback league. I did the research. I did the research for you.
Speaker 1:Here is how you win a two quarterback league. Round one take the elite player 10 man, 12 man, 8 man, whatever. Round one you aim for the stud. You get Josh Allen, you get Lamar, you get Jalen Daniels, you get Jalen Hurts, joe Burrow you grab one of those guys in the first round. Now. Now you play chicken While that big run on quarterback goes, start stacking monster players Load up on running back and receiver Load up on some tight ends that nobody wants to take, because then, once those idiots in your league are done drafting their two or three quarterbacks, all of a sudden there's nobody left on the board that they deem valuable, because you have them all and now all you need to draft is another QB2. So here are those guys, okay.
Speaker 1:Drake May sneaky rushing floor. He likes to run, he likes to take off with the ball. A little bit Revamped roster Pats have a couple weapons and they have the easiest strength to schedule when it comes to quarterbacks. So that's a great pick. Green light Okay. Next on the list, jj McCarthy. He's got elite weapons around him. Shit, if Justin Jefferson can be a monster with Sammy Darnold, something tells me the JJ to JJ connection.
Speaker 1:This year is going to be a nice, strong one. Great late-round pickup. Bryce Young I know, I know, look, he's looked meh at best. But year two, same system, and now they have drafted a legit wide receiver one in Tetratoa McMillan. If they can get down into the red zone, he is going to get so many targets at 6'5" and he has great hands. Love Bryce, young, late and the best one of all. Michael Penix Jr, great quarterback schedule Four-star, so shrink the schedule super easy. Honestly, he's a back-end QB1 at QB3 prices.
Speaker 1:Drake London, ray-ray, mcleod, b, john Robbs and, hell, even Kyle Pitts. He has a plethora of options to throw to. He's so worth the late round price. Honestly, if you can snag him as your QB two in a two quarterback league, he'll win you, your league alone. Now a couple guys, if you whiff on all those targets Tua, if he can stay healthy, him and Tyreek, always great. Trevor Lawrence we're still waiting for him to blossom, but he does have. Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. Jordan Love has about 15 receivers, so we'll see. And honestly, geno Smith could be good too. Ash and Janty is going to take a lot of guys in the box. Brock Bowers is going to flourish again. So, to recap, some value players Swift and Mason, some bust flags to maybe avoid DJ Moore, jared Goff, kyron Williams, monty at cost, aaron Jones at cost, I guess Some wide receivers that I am absolutely must have. Pickens, adams and Higgins and some options on the super flex. Drake, may Penix definitely two guys worth taking. If you can pair them with an elite early quarterback, you'll be sitting pretty the whole year.
Speaker 1:Next episode is our full-on, hour-long fantasy-only extravaganza. The Mets could beat the Yankees in Game 7 of the World Series, and I will only be covering fantasy football next week. We will take all of these names and many, many more. We'll map them out to early season strength of schedules, each position, the depth chart, who's the handcuffs, who to draft, where to draft them for value, everything you need to know to win your league. And don't be shy either. Feel free to either call the show or DM me with your fantasy questions. More than likely, you're not the only one with the problems that you have for your league. So let's get your predicament on the show, let's get everybody to hear it and I'll give you the best advice I can possibly give you. Okay, that was fun, but that's your fantasy run for now. So let's close this thing out, shall we All right? That's episode 26 in the books.
Speaker 1:Today we hit it all Giants steady with Jackson Dart's quote-unquote mid-debut. That was anything but Jets flashing speed and grit while unlocking Brees Hall as a matchup nightmare. New York baseball doing New York baseball things. Mets keep finding new ways to break our hearts while Noah McLean rides in with a cavalry helmet. Yankees mostly handled the Twins, but got reality checked by Houston and now need Judge healthy more than anything ever. And we wrapped it up with a fantasy clinic values to target bus flags to avoid, must have wine outs, running back consistency floors and a super flex plan. You could honestly run closing your eyes. Next week we are going full fantasy special. We'll map those strength of schedule nuggets, depth chart, handcuff targets and we'll have you four and oh by the end of september, before your league even wakes up and sees what you're doing.
Speaker 1:So if you like the show, do the nice things for me. Follow rate, review, share with a friend who drafts two defenses and calls it a strategy. Hit me on Instagram or Twitter, both at Rice on the Radio. Send in your hot takes or some sleeper pics. I read everything that's sent to me the good, the bad and the ugly and, honestly, if you're feeling real adventurous, call the show 732-588-6869. Once again, I am your host, ian Rice. A huge thank you for tuning in. Be good to other, stay hydrated and, as always, spread good energy in this world and tell someone you love them. I'll catch you next week, stay up.