In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by New Era:

Just when you thought the NFL took a break from dominating backpage headlines to give MLB its chance in the limelight … Psyche! The Commanders, fresh off a deep conference championship run, kept their eyes on the prize by trading a fifth-round pick for 29-year-old freak on a leash, WR Deebo Samuel. 

Match Made In Heaven

It couldn’t have happened at a better time either, with the wide receiver market tightening significantly—Cincinnati just announced it is slapping the franchise tag on Tee Higgins, who will remain in stripes for at least one more year. 

Despite Deebo posting four-year lows in efficiency metrics last season (19.5% Target/Route, 1.61 Yards/Route), there’s plenty of cause for excitement in an upcoming contract year for the Commanders. For starters, in case you’re worrying Samuel lost a step, don’t—he posted his highest max speed per NextGenStats (20.9 mph) in that same timeframe. Also, he could be a perfect square peg for the stylistic square hole in Washington’s offense.

Rookie Jayden Daniels lit the fantasy world on fire last season, combining elite ball skills with the NFL’s sixth-best completion percentage. However, you can see in the chart below a lack of true talent in the wide receiver room as a complement to Terry McLaurin capped Washington’s yards after the catch and therefore yards per attempt near the line of scrimmage.

Deebo instantly creates constant problems for opposing coordinators to account for at the line of scrimmage, where one false move could mean a trip to the house. Splitting the defense’s attention up front will present a new and potentially lethal wrinkle in the Commanders’ offense, given Samuel’s ability to run drag routes, forcing real-time switches (image below).

Currently the fantasy WR37 going off the board around ADP 86, there’s a legitimate shot Deebo will lead the Commanders’ high-scoring, hyper-efficient offense in receptions come 2025. Hero RB strategists need to circle Samuel on their draft lists for the massive breakout potential alone.

AND WHAT ABOUT THE 49ERS' SIDE OF THE DEEBO DEAL?

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Introduction To The Rookie Super Model

Ever wonder what goes into the final numbers that push running backs like Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, and this year’s darling Ashton Jeanty to the top of their RB classes? How about the process that made people keep an eye on top-end wide receivers like Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Brian Thomas Jr. going into their respective rookie years?

Dwain McFarland has emerged from the lab with the introductory guide for the 2025 Rookie Super Model. As he wrote: “The Rookie Super Model is a data-centric approach to grading rookie prospects based on inputs that best predict NFL production.”

You’ll find out all the data and film inputs that go into every year’s model, and Dwain even touches on the improvements he made this year. Plus, you’ll get to dive into the data, and to size up where some of your favorite rookies stack up against their peers.

It’s NFL Draft prospect szn. You can dive in here.👇

PLAYERS TO WATCH AT THE 2025 COMBINE

Fantasy Football Risers and Fallers From The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine

2025 NFL Draft prospects weren’t the only ones seeing their stock take a leap or get pushed down a rung or two after testing during the NFL Scouting Combine. After much chatter about their fates, Matthew Stafford stayed and Deebo Samuel got shipped to our nation’s capital. Matthew Freedman highlighted those veterans, but spent a big chunk of words on the rookies who either zoomed up or tumbled down NFL Draft boards. You’ll also find out who is the favorite to be chosen by the Cleveland Browns at No. 2. ⬇️

IS THIS THE GREATEST RB CLASS OF ALL TIME?

The latest fantasy nuggets, silliness, and NFL gossip from our merry band of football nerds:

👑 We’re unsure if Sam Darnold has ever been considered a crown jewel before, but he is now!

🚀 Did anyone rise as high as Matthew Golden at the NFL Scouting Combine? There were others—and some fallers.

👀 ICYMI: Ian ran through the team needs for all 32 NFL teams. Check out if you agree about your team.

🔮 Is either Cam Ward or Abdul Carter going No. 1 in the NFL Draft? Freedman has the odds.

📈 Whose stock is going up after the NFL Scouting Combine? And down?

😔 The award for the most depressing NFL viewing experience? Jake, the envelope please …

🤯 Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are the same age as which starting NFL QBs?

💪 After his performance in the 40-yard dash, Bhayshul Tuten won’t have to wait as long to hear his name at the NFL Draft.