The Rant with Jeff Ratcliffe

Published: 27 August 2025

In this episode, Jeff breaks down the fantasy football league settings that turn your season into a dice roll instead of a skill game. From short benches and position maximums to high-variance scoring bonuses, old-school waiver systems, and the weekly chaos of defense/special teams, Jeff dives into why these rules promote luck over strategy and how they can wreck even the best-built rosters. If you’ve ever lost to a random 50-yard touchdown or a fluky pick-six, this one’s for you.

Published: 26 August 2025

In this episode, Jeff kicks things off with a breakdown of Terry McLaurin’s brand-new contract extension and what it means for Washington and fantasy managers alike. From there, he runs through every single matchup from Week 3 of the preseason, giving you his biggest takeaways from all 16 games. Whether it’s breakout performances, roster battles, or injury updates, he has you covered with everything you need to know heading into the regular season.

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2025

Brian Robinson Jr. just got traded to the 49ers, and Jeff breaks down what this move means for fantasy football. Does Robinson carve out a role in one of the league’s most productive run schemes, or is he just another body behind Christian McCaffrey? Jeff dives into how this impacts Robinson’s value, what it means for CMC’s workload, and whether Isaac Guerendo is still worth stashing. Plus, he breaks down the remaining pieces in Washington and how to handled the Commanders RBs in fantasy football drafts.

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2025

It’s the biggest draft weekend of the year, and Jeff has you covered with his biggest fantasy football rankings risers. Quarterbacks shaking up the board, running backs climbing fast, wideouts heating up, and even some sneaky tight ends making noise. He breaks down who’s moving, why it matters, and how you should attack your drafts with these players in mind.

Transcribed - Published: 21 August 2025

The Commanders’ backfield is a fantasy puzzle, and Jeff is breaking it down piece by piece. Brian Robinson trade rumors are heating up, Jacory Croskey-Merritt is generating serious camp buzz, Austin Ekeler still looks like the passing-down guy, and Chris Rodriguez is lurking as a key role player. Jeff tells you exactly how he's handling each of them in drafts, which player has league-winning upside, and which ones he's letting someone else take.

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2025

Everyone loves the idea of flexibility on draft day, but sometimes “mixing strategies” just leaves you with a mess. In this episode, Jeff breaks down why blending value-based drafting with Hero RB or Zero RB is a dangerous game. From conflicting priorities to wrecked roster construction, he walks you through the traps drafters fall into when they try to mash these philosophies together. If you want a clear plan of attack for your fantasy football draft instead of a Frankenstein strategy, this episode is a must-listen.

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2025

Week 2 of the preseason is nearly in the books, and there’s no shortage of fantasy football takeaways. From quarterbacks making strides to rookies flashing upside and backfield rotations starting to sort themselves out, Jeff breaks down everything that matters for your drafts. We’ll talk risers, fallers, sleepers, and what’s just preseason noise.

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2025

Mock drafts might be fun, but they’re not making you a better fantasy football drafter. In this episode, Jeff breaks down why mock drafts give you a false sense of preparation, the big differences between mocks and the real thing, and the smarter ways to get ready for your draft. If you’ve been wasting time in mock lobbies, this one’s a wake-up call.

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2025

Big news out of the NFL: Quinshon Judkins will not face charges. Jeff is back for a podcast quick slant to break down what this means for fantasy football and how it changes his outlook heading into draft season. He talks about where he should be going in drafts now, how this impacts his role and upside, and why his ADP could swing quickly in the coming days. Plus, he shares how he handling Judkins in his own drafts and what this means for the rest of the Browns running backs.

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2025

Rashee Rice’s disciplinary hearing is set for September 30, and it could shake up the fantasy landscape. In this episode, Jeff breaks down every possible suspension outcome and what each one means for your draft board. From best-case scenarios to season-altering bans, he walks you through how he's valuing Rice, what contingency plans he's making, and where (or if) he's willing to take him in drafts right now.

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2025

It’s time to dig deep. In this episode, Jeff uncovers the hidden gems at running back and wide receiver who can turn your last-round picks into league-winning gold. He’ll walk you through his process for spotting these late-round values, break down the traits that make them worth stashing, and give you his favorite deep sleepers to target before your league mates even know their names. If you want to leave your draft with a bench full of upside, this is the episode you can’t miss.

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2025

It’s time to talk late-round landmines. In this episode, Jeff breaks down exactly how he evaluate players once the draft board starts to thin out, the player archetypes he's looking to grab, and the ones he's steering clear of entirely. From risky profiles to overhyped “sleepers,” he walks you through his process so you know who’s worth the dart throw and who’s just wasting a roster spot. Get Jeff's content: FTN Fantasy

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

Some players just scream trouble. In this episode, Jeff breaks down the biggest red flags heading into fantasy football draft season. Whether it’s injuries, bad vibes, or sketchy depth chart situations, he's calling out the landmines you need to dodge. Don’t get burned on draft day. Let’s expose the risky picks before they wreck your roster.

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2025

Jeff dives into the psychological traps fantasy football managers fall into every single year on draft day. From overreacting to position runs to blindly trusting ADP, these mental missteps can quietly wreck a draft, and Jeff's here to help you avoid them (and exploit them when your opponents fall for the bait). If you want the upper hand in your snake draft, this episode is your secret weapon.

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

Jeff breaks down the one part of your fantasy football draft that most people overlook: your bench. Too many drafters fill it with "safe" names and end up wondering why their team can’t win when it counts. Jeff shows you how to build a bench with real upside, how to stash the right breakouts, when to draft handcuffs, and what types of players to completely avoid. If you want a roster that actually wins titles, it starts here.

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

Jeff breaks down everything you need to know to crush your keeper decisions heading into draft season. He hits the do’s and the don’ts that’ll give you the edge your league mates wish they had. If you're torn between players or just want to make sure you're not keeping a future landmine, this one's for you.

Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2025

In this episode, Jeff kicks things off with a breakdown of McLaurin’s surprise trade request and what it means for Washington’s offense. Then it’s time to talk Hall of Fame Game: who popped, who flopped, and what it all means for fantasy. Finally, Jeff drops his best tips for how to actually use your cheat sheet like a pro on draft day. No more panic picks or reaching two rounds too early.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

Went heavy on running backs early? Now you’ve got to thread the needle at WR, and we have the names to help you do it. On today’s episode, Jeff Ratcliffe runs through the best middle- and late-round WR targets who bring real upside to your fantasy roster. Whether it’s rookies ready to pop, breakout candidates in new roles, or sleepers climbing the depth chart, these are the guys who can bail you out after passing on the elite wideouts. Tune in and stock that WR room the smart way.

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025

Jeff breaks down his favorite Zero RB and Hero RB targets for the 2025 fantasy football season. He dives into the mid and late-round backs who can help you build a winning roster without spending premium draft capital. Whether you're going full-on Zero RB or just looking for high-upside depth, Jeff's got the names you need to know.

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

On today’s episode, we dive headfirst into the RB dead zone. What it is, why it matters, and how you can use it to absolutely smoke your fantasy draft. Jeff breaks down the data behind the dead zone, explain why those dead zone RBs are so risky, and give you actionable strategies to avoid landmines and build smarter rosters. Whether you’re a Hero RB truther or a zero-RB rebel, this one’s packed with draft-day gold.

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025

Jeff breaks down how your fantasy draft strategy should shift depending on league size. Whether you're in a shallow 10-team league or grinding through a deep 14-teamer, the way you approach each position needs to change. He dives into why Hero RB is his preferred approach in all leagues, how WR depth becomes king in larger formats, when to grab your QB, and why tight end strategy is more league size-dependent than you think.

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025

Jeff goes team-by-team across the entire league, profiling every fantasy-relevant wide receiver. From elite WR1s to late-round dart throws and and low ceiling avoids, he lay out exactly how to categorize each wideout so you can build a smarter draft strategy. Whether you’re in a deep league, a casual home league, or prepping for a high-stakes draft, this episode is your complete WR roadmap.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

Big news out of Jets camp as Justin Fields is carted off the field with a toe injury. Jeff tells reacts but doesn't overreact to this news and tells you what it means. Then he goes team-by-team across the entire league, profiling every fantasy-relevant running back. From elite RB1s to late-round dart throws and handcuffs, I lay out exactly how to categorize each back so you can build a smarter draft strategy. Whether you’re in a deep league, a casual home league, or prepping for a high-stakes draft, this episode is your complete RB roadmap.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

Tight end is the wild west of fantasy football. You’re either locked and loaded with a stud or out in the desert hoping your dart throw doesn’t dry up by Week 3. In this episode, Jeff breaks down all the key TE strategies for 2025: from paying up for the elite monsters in Robust TE, to finding the sweet spot in the TE Wheelhouse, to living dangerously with the Late-Round TE approach. He talks risk vs. reward, how to read the room in your draft, and why this position can make or break your season. Whether you’re hunting for Travis Kelce’s successor or trying to nail the next late-round gem, he has you covered.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2025

In this episode, Jeff breaks down five key things you can do to instantly draft better. He talks about knowing your room, using a draft board instead of getting stuck in rankings quicksand, sticking to your strategy even when the room gets weird, staying mentally sharp from Round 1 to Round 16, and why ceiling matters way more than floor when you’re building a league-winner. This is your blueprint to draft like a pro and leave your league in the dust.

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

In this episode, Jeff breaks down every major QB draft strategy, from going early with Robust QB, to playing it cool with Late-Round QB, and everything in between. He tells you why the middle rounds are a danger zone, how to build with late round upside, and why waiver wire gold happens every year. He also dives into superflex and 2QB formats with sharp takes on Robust, Value, and Anchor QB builds. You’ll learn how to avoid landmines, build around upside, and gain an edge by drafting smarter than your league. If you want to dominate your draft without overspending at quarterback, this is the blueprint.

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025

Jeff breaks down the fantasy football impact following the conclusion of Jordan Addison’s DUI case. With clarity on his availability, he discusses the potential suspension length and what it means for his redraft and dynasty value. He then shifts over to the Chargers, where Mike Williams' surprise retirement opens the door for major changes in the WR room. Jeff dives into what this means for Quentin Johnston, Josh Palmer, and rookie Tre Harris, including how the rookie might carve out an immediate role as the X receiver. Whether you’re drafting in redraft or thinking long-term in dynasty, this episode helps you sort through the shifting wide receiver landscape.Get Jeff's content: FTN Fantasy

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2025

Jeff is back for a podcast quick slant to discuss the breaking news that Rashee Rice's sentence has been issued. Jeff breaks down the key details of the sentence and the potential suspension for the 2025 season. He then tells you how to react to this news in best ball, redraft, and dynasty formats.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2025

Jeff ranks all 12 draft spots for 2025 fantasy football leagues and breaks down which positions give you the clearest path to building a league-winning roster. Whether you’re picking from the 1.01 or stuck near the turn, he walks you through the pros and cons of every slot, including how the player pool, positional runs, and roster construction impact your options. Then he shifts gears and adjust those rankings for 10-team leagues, where depth, value pockets, and strategy change in big ways. If you want to dominate your draft no matter where you’re picking, this one’s a must-listen.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2025

Jeff breaks down why going RB-heavy early, the old-school “Robust RB” approach, is more risky than rewarding in today’s fantasy landscape. He lays out the key reasons this strategy puts you at a disadvantage, from injury volatility to positional depth and opportunity cost. Then he dives into the two RB strategies that actually give you an edge: Hero RB and Zero RB. Jeff explains the pros of each, when to use them, and how to execute them. Whether you’re anchoring your roster with a bell cow or building from the WR position and attacking RB later, he has you covered. If you want to walk into your draft with a real plan at the most volatile position in fantasy, this episode is for you.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

In this episode, Jeff breaks down the latest on Quinshon Judkins following his arrest for domestic violence. We take a closer look at the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, what the Commissioner’s Exempt List means in situations like this, and when a suspension could realistically happen. Jeff also discusses how long Judkins could be suspended based on precedent, and what this means for his dynasty and redraft value going forward. Plus, he reacts to reports that Jauan Jennings is seeking either a trade or a new deal from the 49ers. What does this mean for San Francisco’s wide receiver room?

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2025

Jeff breaks down fantasy football handcuffing strategy, giving you the pros and cons of rostering a handcuff. He talks about when it's optimal to do so, when to outright avoid the strategy, and which running backs don't have clear handcuffs. Jeff also breaks down how to use the strategy throughout the season if you find yourself drafting handcuff for your top RB.

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

Jeff is back for another quick slant podcast to break down Derek Carr's retirement. Jeff looks back at Carr's career, and then looks forward to the Saints outlook for 2025 without Carr. He discusses Tyler Shough and how his presence under center will impact Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2025

Jeff is back for another quick slant podcast to break down George Pickens being traded to the Dallas Cowboys. He gives the outlook for Pickens in Dallas and discusses the impact on CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. Jeff then gives some thoughts on how DK Metcalf benefits but also gives a word of caution about the Pittsburgh offense.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

Jeff is back after a short vacation for another podcast quick slant to break down Cooper Kupp signing with the Seattle Seahawks. Jeff discusses Kupp's fit in Seattle, what he's doing with him in fantasy drafts, and how this signing impacts Sam Darnold.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

Jeff is back for another podcast quick slant to break down the Rams releasing Cooper Kupp. Jeff puts Kupp's time in LA into perspective and discusses what's next for Kupp and for the Rams.

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

Jeff hits the ground running on Tuesday with another podcast quick slant to break down Najee Harris signing with the Los Angeles Chargers. How does this landing spot impact Harris' fantasy value? What's the fallout for the Steelers backfield?

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

Jeff pops back in for another podcast quick slant to talk about Justin Fields signing with the Jets. What does the contract tell us about whether he'll start? What's Fields' fantasy value as a starter? How does this move impact Garrett Wilson?

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2025

Jeff is back again for another podcast quick slant to break down Sam Darnold signing with the Seattle Seahawks. He gives his thoughts on Darnold's outlook in Seattle, the Seahawks wide receiver room makeover, and what this means for JJ McCarthy in Minnesota.

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2025

Jeff is back for another podcast quick slant to break down Chris Godwin re-signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. What does this mean for Godwin's fantasy value? How does it impact Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield?

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2025

Jeff is at it again with another podcast quick slant to break down the DK Metcalf trade to the Steelers. He gives his thoughts on Metcalf's fit with George Pickens, discusses the Steelers' quarterback situation, and then dives into what's left in Seattle as the organization continues to clean house.

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2025

Jeff is back for a Sunday night podcast quick slant to break down Davante Adams signing with the Rams. What does this mean for Cooper Kupp's future? How will Adams impact Puka Nacau? Can Adams remain a consistent fantasy producer? Jeff also updates the Xavier Worthy story at the end of the pod.

Transcribed - Published: 9 March 2025

Jeff pops back in for another podcast quick slant to give his thoughts on Xavier Worthy's arrest on domestic assault charges. He breaks down whether Worthy will be suspended and when that suspension could be issued by the NFL. He also gives some quick thoughts on the Chiefs wide receivers.

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2025

Jeff is back for another podcast quick slant to break down the Geno Smith trade to the Raiders. He starts on the Seattle side and speculates on what the Seahawks could do at quarterback and then gives the immediate impact of Smith on the Raiders roster.

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2025

Jeff pops back in for another podcast quick slant to give his thoughts on the Jaguars releasing Evan Engram. He breaks down what's next for Engram, why he isn't overvaluing an outlier year, and what this move means for Brenton Strange's 2025 fantasy football outlook.

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

Jeff is back with another podcast quick slant to break down Christian Kirk being traded to the Houston Texans. He gives his thoughts on what this might mean for Tank Dell, Kirk's 2025 outlook, and the work the Texans still have to do at wide receiver.

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

Jeff is back for another podcast quick slant to break down DK Metcalf requesting a trade, Tyler Lockett getting released, and Christian Kirk getting release. How likely is it Metcalf is traded? What does the future hold for the Seattle and Jacksonville wide receivers?

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2025

Jeff is back for another podcast quick slant to give his thoughts on the New York Jets releasing Davante Adams. What's next for Adams and how does this move impact Garrett Wilson's 2025 fantasy football outlook?

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

Jeff pops in for a podcast quick slant to give his thoughts on the Minnesota Vikings looking unlikely to tag Sam Darnold. He discusses possible landing spots for Darnold if they don't reach a deal and both the short-term and long-term future for JJ McCarthy.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025