FantasyPros Staff | Thu, Aug 28th 2025, 7:15am EDT

5 Fantasy Football Debates That Could Decide Your Draft

Every draft season, a handful of players split the room. Some managers see league-winning upside, others see landmines waiting to sink a roster. On the latest episode of Fantasy Draft Court, Judge Joey P. presided over a spirited session as Pat Fitzmaurice and Derek Brown, aka DBro, went head-to-head on five polarizing fantasy football names.

Here’s how the arguments stacked up-and where fantasy managers should stand heading into draft weekend.

Fantasy Football Debates

Debate 1: Jacory Croskey-Merritt — Breakout or Fool’s Gold?

The Washington backfield is suddenly wide open after Brian Robinson Jr. landed in San Francisco. That’s put rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt (a seventh-round pick out of New Mexico) in the spotlight.

DBro’s Case (RB28): Efficiency metrics in college (top-20 in yards after contact, top-15 in elusiveness) plus Washington’s league-leading goal-line opportunities make Croskey-Merritt a live bet for 8-10 touchdowns. “Even as a committee back, the path to RB2 numbers is there if he takes the early-down and red-zone work.”
Pat’s Case (RB37): Too much committee risk. Austin Ekeler owns passing downs, Chris Rodriguez handles short yardage and Croskey-Merritt was still a Day 3 pick. “A seventh-rounder in a three-way backfield doesn’t belong in the RB2 conversation.”

Verdict: The audience sided narrowly with DBro (54%), but this feels like a classic late-August overreaction. Croskey-Merritt is draftable, but closer to RB35 than RB25.

Debate 2: Khalil Shakir — Bills’ No. 1 WR or Just Another Face in the Crowd?

With Stefon Diggs gone, Buffalo’s wide receiver room is wide open. Khalil Shakir posted a WR38 finish last year, but his outlook for 2025 is hotly debated.

DBro’s Case (WR37): Shakir was Allen’s go-to in the second half of 2024, earning a 23% target share and strong per-route numbers. “He’s the best wideout in that room and the most likely to lead the team in targets.”
Pat’s Case (WR47): Shakir’s high-ankle sprain is a problem. Add in Buffalo’s “everyone eats” philosophy, spreading snaps across five or six receivers, and Shakir looks like a low-upside WR4.

Verdict: The jury crushed Shakir’s case — 77% said they’re out. With Josh Palmer and Keon Coleman cheaper in drafts, the crowd may be right.

Debate 3: Courtland Sutton — Fantasy’s Most Disrespected WR?

Courtland Sutton quietly finished as the fantasy WR13 last year despite a slow start with rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

DBro’s Case (WR18): Preseason usage (50% target share in the finale) and Nix’s chemistry point to another leap. “We could get WR1 production at a WR2 price.”
Pat’s Case (WR28): Sutton’s week-to-week ceiling has historically capped out around WR26 in points per game. Denver also has Marvin Mims Jr., Evan Engram and RJ Harvey competing for touches.

Verdict: This one wasn’t close — 82% of the audience voted in favor of drafting Sutton. He’s shaping up as one of the best value receivers on the board in 2025.

Debate 4: Dak Prescott — Value QB1 or Fool’s Errand?

Dak Prescott’s career has swung wildly between elite fantasy finishes and injury-marred seasons.

DBro’s Case (QB8): The Cowboys’ weak run game and shaky defense force shootouts. With CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, Prescott could replicate his 2023 QB4 pace. “He’s this year’s Joe Burrow — a pocket passer in a pass-heavy script.”
Pat’s Case (QB15): No rushing upside, three seasons of missed time in the last five years and too many safer dual-threat options. “If he stays healthy, fine, but you’ll probably need a second quarterback on the roster.”

Verdict: Slight edge to DBro, with 60% of the audience saying they’d draft Prescott. He would look like a better play if paired with a high-upside rookie (Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy) in single-quarterback leagues.

Debate 5: Mark Andrews — Touchdown Machine or Washed Veteran?

Mark Andrews’ 2024 season was fueled by 11 touchdowns, but he failed to clear 70 yards in a single game.

DBro’s Case (TE4): Once healthy, Andrews returned to form — 18% target share, 2.3 yards per route run from Weeks 10-18. With Isaiah Likely injured, the path to top-three tight end numbers is still there.
Pat’s Case (TE10): At 30, Andrews has become a “catch-and-fall” tight end, surviving only on touchdown variance. “I’d rather take a shot on ascending talents like Tucker Kraft or Tyler Warren.”

Verdict: Another win for Pat — 62% of voters said they’re avoiding Andrews. He’s sliding into boom/bust territory, and fantasy managers may be wise to chase younger upside.

NFL

MLB

NBA

NHL