Week 5 Fantasy Football RB Rankings (Top 39)
STACKED extracted the fantasy-relevant player signal from this video and kept the full transcript here for context.
1 hr
Duration
Estimated from transcript
Oct 7, 2026
Published
Wed, October 7, 2026
30
Player insights
27
Players mentioned
Topics
D'Andre SwiftJamaal WilliamsQuinshon JudkinsAaron JonesBijan RobinsonBlake CorumBraelon AllenChase BrownChristian McCaffreyDavid MontgomeryDerrick HenryDylan SampsonEmanuel WilsonEmeka Egbuka
Player analysis
Player insights
Aaron Jones
PositiveUsage22:30
Ranked as RB14, Aaron Jones is in a prime spot against a Saints defense that has allowed top-20 weeks to multiple running backs recently. Since Jordan Mason's injury, Jones has commanded 69 of 81 team opportunities and has finished as a top-24 back in every game during that span.
Insight pageBijan Robinson
PositiveProjection0:48
Bijan Robinson is ranked as the RB2 for Week 5. He is averaging almost 23 half PPR points on 5.1 targets per game and has scored over 25 half PPR points in seven of his last 10 games.
Insight pageBlake Corum
PositiveUsage5:05
Blake Corum has seen limited playing time due to competitive or negative game scripts forcing Kyren Williams to stay on the field, but he could see increased usage in the upcoming game against Buffalo, as the Rams are projected for 29 points, creating a potential game script where Corum sees more work.
Insight pageBraelon Allen
PositiveRole26:00
Braelon Allen is viewed as a 'replacement running back' who owns his backfield, evidenced by his 30-of-32 snap participation in the previous game. If extrapolated to a standard 55-play game, his usage is elite, with projections suggesting he could reach 16 expected half-PPR points as a home favorite against the Browns.
Insight pageChase Brown
PositiveBreakout7:10
Chase Brown is a strong buy-low candidate and breakout prospect, currently ranked as the RB6. Despite facing tough defenses early in the season, he maintains RB1-level usage and averages 5.3 receptions per game. With Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins potentially missing time, Brown is positioned to capitalize against a Dolphins defense that is 19th in explosive play rate allowed.
Insight pageChristian McCaffrey
PositiveProjection24:09
Christian McCaffrey is a strong start despite a tough matchup against Seattle. Since Week 1, he is the RB7 on RB9 usage, averaging four receptions per game (RB6) and ranking RB3 in carries inside the five-yard line.
Insight pageD'Andre Swift
NegativeUsage20:42
DeAndre Swift is ranked as the RB13 against the Packers, but faces significant risk due to a potential 50/50 backfield split and coaching frustration following recent fumbles. Currently the RB12 on RB16 usage, Swift has struggled in short-yardage and goal-line situations, leading to speculation that Kyle Vanungai may see increased high-leverage work.
Insight pageNegativeRole21:06
D'Andre Swift carries significant risk due to a potential 50/50 backfield split and recent fumbling issues; Ben Johnson labeled his recent fumble 'egregious,' which led to him being benched for the remainder of the game.
Insight pageDavid Montgomery
NegativeUsage37:52
David Montgomery is ranked as the RB22 and placed in the 'C-tier' of running backs. He has struggled significantly, finishing as RB6, RB48, RB36, and RB45 over the last four weeks. His role is increasingly threatened by Woody Marks, who has moved into a drive-by-drive rotation, effectively splitting snaps and capping Montgomery's upside behind a poor offensive line.
Insight pageDerrick Henry
NegativeProjection13:10
Derrick Henry is ranked as the RB9, despite a consensus ranking of RB5. His outlook against the Falcons is tempered by the likely absence of his starting quarterback and a struggling interior offensive line, though he is still expected to see 18+ touches.
Insight pageDylan Sampson
NegativeUsage30:07
Dylan Samson's absence has directly contributed to increased usage and career-high target numbers for Quinshon Judkins, including 7 targets and 6 receptions last week.
Insight pageEmanuel Wilson
PositiveUsage24:17
Ranked as RB15, Emanuel Wilson is expected to command 65-80% of backfield touches and goal-line work. His recent usage, including four targets last week, suggests he is a reliable RB2 option in an offense averaging 24.8 expected half-PPR points to running backs.
Insight pageEmeka Egbuka
NegativeUsage10:12
Emeka Egbuka is a low-end flex option (WR39) with a projection of only 5.7 half-PPR points. He has underwhelmed on tape, and the Buccaneers' low neutral pass rate limits his fantasy ceiling until the quarterback situation improves.
Insight pageJahmyr Gibbs
PositiveProjection0:12
Jahmyr Gibbs is ranked as the RB1 for Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. He has recorded 105.1 half PPR points through four weeks, ranking as the RB14 all-time for that timeframe, and has maintained at least 20 expected half PPR points in every game this season.
Insight pageJamaal Williams
NegativeDepth Chart17:23
The team brought in Jamal Williams for a workout this week, which may indicate concern regarding the health of the starting running back.
Insight pageNegativeDepth Chart28:43
The team brought in Jamaal Williams for a workout, which may have been a response to the injury status of Rhamondre Stevenson.
Insight pageJames Cook
PositiveProjection6:09
James Cook remains a must-start running back in a stable Buffalo offense. Despite losing some goal-line work to Josh Allen, Cook is averaging 18 carries and 105 rushing yards per game, and his consistent red-zone involvement positions him to easily finish with 10+ touchdowns this season.
Insight pageJavonte Williams
PositiveUsage8:34
Javonte Williams is ranked as the RB7, outperforming his consensus RB11 ranking. He benefits from a favorable game script as a 10-point favorite against Tampa Bay, which is expected to drive heavy volume. While 44% of his fantasy points are touchdown-dependent, he has maintained RB6 usage, making him a strong early-round play.
Insight pageJaylen Warren
PositiveRole11:55
Jaylen Warren is ranked as RB8, assuming Rico Dowdle is sidelined. He has been the RB11 in production on RB15 usage over the past two weeks and faces a favorable matchup against a Colts defense that has struggled against both the pass and the run.
Insight pageJeremiyah Love
NegativeInjury31:14
Ranked at RB19, Love is a major injury concern after suffering a right ankle injury in the fourth quarter of his last game. He showed poor change-of-direction ability even before this injury, and his status for the upcoming game against the Lions is highly uncertain.
Insight pageJonathan Taylor
NegativeProjection3:31
Jonathan Taylor is ranked as the RB3 for Week 5. While he is averaging a career-low 4.1 yards per carry, this is attributed to mediocre offensive line play rather than a decline in talent. He remains a high-usage asset, ranking RB5 and RB7 in usage metrics this season.
Insight pageKyren Williams
PositiveUsage4:21
Kyren Williams is ranked as the RB4 for Week 5. He is a high-end fantasy asset due to his heavy snap share and evolving role in the Rams' offense, which includes running choice routes, angle routes, and quick outs from the slot. He is currently the RB6 with RB9 usage, and his ability to catch passes when trailing and score touchdowns in high-scoring projections makes him a reliable start.
Insight pageLamar Jackson
PositiveUsage22:24
In four games played without Lamar Jackson as a Raven, the team has averaged 22.5 half-PPR points and 24 carries per game, suggesting a high ceiling for the backfield even in his absence.
Insight pageNico Collins
PositiveProjection20:55
Nico Collins remains a reliable fantasy asset because his presence on the field correlates with the Texans moving the ball, which creates more red zone opportunities for the offense.
Insight pageOmarion Hampton
PositiveUsage40:23
Omarian Hampton is positioned for a favorable matchup against a depleted Broncos defense that has allowed 143 rushing yards per game, ranking fourth-most in the league. Jir Gibbs expects him to command nearly all goal-line opportunities.
Insight pageQuinshon Judkins
NegativeProjection29:35
Ranked as RB18, Judkins struggles with efficiency, ranking 42nd in yards per carry and 45th in success rate among 46 backs with 25+ attempts. While his passing game usage has spiked—including a career-high 22.9 expected half-PPR points and 7 targets last week—his underlying efficiency remains a significant concern.
Insight pageNegativeProjection29:35
Ranked as RB18, Judkins struggles with efficiency, ranking 42nd in yards per carry and 45th in success rate among 46 backs with 25+ attempts. However, his usage has spiked with Dylan Samson out, including a career-high 22.9 expected half-PPR points and 7 targets last week. While his efficiency is poor, the offensive line is gelling, and the trade-off for increased reception volume is favorable for fantasy.
Insight pageRhamondre Stevenson
NegativeInjury17:08
Rhamondre Stevenson did not practice on Wednesday due to a potential ankle and knee injury sustained during his final touch last weekend, putting his availability for the upcoming game in doubt. Historically, the primary back in his absence has been the RB1 overall, averaging 22.7 half-PPR points on RB5 usage.
Insight pageRJ Harvey
NegativeUsage43:38
Despite recording 10 catches in his previous game, RJ Harvey finished only as the RB23, highlighting the overall inefficiency and poor fantasy output of the Broncos' backfield.
Insight pageWoody Marks
PositiveUsage38:45
Woody Marks is seeing increased usage in the Texans' backfield, now rotating in as early as the second drive. This shift into a split-backfield role with David Montgomery limits the fantasy ceiling for both players.
Insight pageFull transcript
Episode Transcript
0:00Welcome to week five everyone. We have injuries, we have byweeks, we also have your week five running back rankings presented by Farmers Insurance. Shout
0:09out to Farmers for joining us on the channel for the rest of the season.
0:12Let's kick things off with Jir Gibbs as your running back one. This is against the Arizona Cardinals. And on the road,
0:19Hayden, the Lions are projected for nearly 30 points. That's a lot.
0:23>> Yeah, we haven't really seen that many 30 points team totals uh this season.
0:27So, that's rare. And then also rare, he has 105.1 half PPR points through four weeks. That's RB14 all time through that
0:34time frame. He's had 20 expected half points in every single week. Cardinals defense is a joke. Um, so as easy as it
0:41gets. Okay, if you're new around here, we tier these out. Some big groupings and some small. And Hayden, I wonder if
0:48the S tier this week, the top tier, fits only two names. Bean Robinson is your running back, too. This is against the
0:55Baltimore Ravens. They're projected for 23 and a half points. And typically when you see that against Baltimore, you would think that that team are still
1:02underdogs. That is not the case here against the highflying Atlanta Falcons.
1:06What they are two two and a half three-point favorites here against the Lamar Ravens.
1:10>> Yeah, three and a half point favorites here. 11th highest team total of the week. So officially an above average offense heading into this one. He scored
1:17over 25 half PPR points in seven of 10 recent games. He's played 14 games with Michael Penn dating back to 2024. He's
1:25averaging almost 23 half PPR points on 5.1 targets per game. They didn't even have to throw him the ball that many
1:31times because the ground game was absolutely on fire with Callahan, the new offensive line coach. Tefansky, a historically good run game uh play
1:40caller as well. So, get used to it. It's going to be and Jir Gibbs as the top two. And I agree with you, everyone else
1:47is a tier.
1:48>> I wonder if we get any news on the Jake Matthews injury. I haven't seen that.
1:51We're recording this on Wednesday. And by the way, keep that in mind with all these practice reports. Things change.
1:56Hayden, by the way, top five in rankings right now, just in the world, in the universe in terms of fantasy football
2:02for the season. And he's constantly updating these up until Sunday's kickoff as well. Okay, you answered it. That means you're running back three in
2:11Jonathan Taylor kicks off the A tier.
2:14This is at the Pittsburgh Steelers. Two and a half point road underdogs. The Indianapolis Colts are right now. Uh Jonathan Taylor is their best offensive
2:22player and arguably their entire offense right now.
2:25>> He pretty much is. He is projected for 108 total yards in this one. Um and the other two are at 122 and 132 yards. So a
2:33little bit of a step down. Speaking of step downs, a slight step down this year for Jonathan Taylor. He's averaging 2.2
2:39half PPR points fewer than last year in the Daniel Jones games. Uh not that crazy though. And then the expected fantasy points are just about the same.
2:48The big difference is career low 4.1 yards per carry through four weeks. I don't think that's a Jonathan Taylor thing at all. Just watching the Colts in
2:56general, I think the offensive line is no longer a great unit. I think it's more mediocre. The right tackle has been
3:02beat up. Uh, from what I've seen out there. So, I think that's affecting things. It's not affecting things to knock Jonathan Taylor down too far in
3:10the rankings. He's still the RB5 and RB7 usage this season. He's faced the Ravens, Chiefs, Texans, and then the Commanders, which I think is a pretty
3:17underrated defense. That said, Steelers are also an awesome defense. Um, so I think this is fine. He's he's an awesome pick. He would go around one still, but
3:26I do think there's a separation between the top two.
3:28>> Yeah, I mean, last year this offense was number one in scoring for nine or 10 weeks. Right now, they're 13th, which is
3:34not bad. I mean, the team total is is 25 and a half on the year. Uh, and that has led us to, you know, John Taylor having
3:40weeks of 23.6 6 27.2 and 22.2.
3:46>> So we just need to avoid like the bottoming out that he had kind of in week three is 8.2 points. Okay. Kairen
3:51Williams all the way up as your running back four. This is against the Buffalo Bills. I mean talk about an awesome
3:59prime time game that we have between those two on Monday Night Football. The Rams have a 29 point projected team total nearly at that. Uh and the Bills
4:08are at nearly 26. Hayden, we love to see it. Yeah, this is Monday Night Football.
4:13I'm thinking about going to this game.
4:14Uh, okay. But, uh, I mean, just because this game is gonna be electric. Um, the bottom line is Blake Corm's just not
4:21playing as much because the Rams have been in more competitive or like negative game scripts and Kyron Williams plays all those snaps and it's not that
4:28he's out there. To me, it's pretty evident that they're using Kyred Williams like ability to run uh little either like choice routes from the slot,
4:37angle routes, just quick outs in general as like a big part of the offense right now. And that's really helped him in
4:44fantasy. So, you you are spot on uh pre-draft with Kairen Williams and that if they're projected for 29 points, he's scoring touchdowns. If they're trailing
4:53in games, he's catching passes. He just had 10 receptions last week as well. So he's the RB6 and RB9 usage and his uh
5:01his totals improve every week. So this is as good as it gets for him.
5:05>> With that said, if there's going to be a Blake Corum game this season, I think this might be it where they are
5:11projected for 29 points. Uh but we'll see.
5:14>> I I will say on the Buffalo side of things, uh Christian Benford, their top corner being out, I think does make
5:20them, you know, more of a pass funnel.
5:22They have this uh absolute like freak looking player, Dion Walker. He's so so so huge over the middle. Uh and he's
5:32been one of the breakout players at defensive tackle. So I wouldn't say like this is the easiest team to run up the
5:37middle on. Uh but I do think that the linebacker secondary play in general uh I think is getable. So I feel very
5:44comfortable with Ky this high.
5:45>> Yeah. Deion Walker out of Kentucky, is that correct? Yes. um is Planet Theory, you know, and he went multiple rounds
5:52later and had an injury and all that type of stuff. But hey, uh sometimes you just bank on the trades and he develops
5:56into a wrecking ball just like throwing dudes even in stunts. He's just like going and slanting down and then that offensive lineman is being displaced by
6:04three or four yards and landing on one foot. It's pretty incredible. You mentioned the Bills.
6:09>> James Cook is your next running back here. This is at the LA Rams. Uh yeah, I mean this offense we want pieces of and
6:16I'm still waiting on, you know, the DJ Moore, Keon Coleman. We'll have that conversation at the wide receiver ranking show on Friday. So if you're new
6:22around here, hit subscribe. That comes out on your feed that day. Uh but talk to me about James Cook. Obviously, he's
6:27a mustart.
6:28>> Nothing's changed. He had 16 happy PR points last year. He's at 15.9. He's the RB 37 receptions per game. He wasn't
6:34catching many passes last year. He's averaging almost 18 carries per game.
6:38He's got 105 rushing yards per game.
6:40It's like the most stable offense in the NFL. So, he's the RB11 on RB12 usage because like other running backs are
6:46like, you know, have like surpassed him.
6:48But the stats from this year are the exact same stats from last year, he's going to lose some tush pushes to Josh
6:54Allen. And at the same time, he's capable of hitting a 50 yard uh play himself. And they're so often in the red
7:00zone that even with Josh Allen stealing the work, like he's still going to finish with 10 plus touchdowns quite easily this year. So, uh I really like
7:07it.
7:07>> You are predicting a Chase Brown breakthrough and we need it. Uh this is at the Miami Dolphins. He is your
7:14running back six. They are seven and a half point road favorites so far this season. Running back 14, 22, 30, and 22
7:21weeks. I'm assuming he's still in a tier for you.
7:24>> Yes, I think he's still the B low. I said it last week, but acknowledging that it was once again a bad matchup.
7:29This one is a good one. But to put some context on what Chase Brown has faced so far, it's Jacksonville, Texas Steelers,
7:34and the Buccaneers from 2025 through week four. Those are the first, fourth, sixth, and 13th best defenses against fantasy running backs. Uh, the Dolphins,
7:44guess what? They're not that high up.
7:46So, uh, RB1 in usage. He's still catching 5.3 receptions per game. Like, that's what we're here for. And if Jamar Chase, T. Higgins, these guys are going
7:54to be missing time against this Miami defense. Like, this is the time to absolutely uh, go crazy.
8:00>> Yeah, T. Higgins uh, was on the sideline for practice. Jamar Chase is still in concussion protocol. And if you look at
8:08the Dolphins defense, they are right now 19th in explosive play rate allowed. Uh Hayden, I would have guessed it was much
8:15worse than that just watching every single team. But maybe it's, you know, just 19 yard gains over and over and over again instead of 20 yard gains that
8:22the Dolphins defense allows.
8:24>> My note on Miami's defense, they've allowed three top five fantasy running back finishers this season. And the fourth opponent they had was Aaron Jones
8:30who had 128 total yards in that one. Uh he just didn't have the touchdowns.
8:34>> Okay. Hey, Javvante Williams is next for you as running back seven. He is running back 11 in consensus rankings, mainly
8:42because he's facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense. Uh right now, Hayden, 44% of Javvante's fantasy points are coming directly from touchdowns. It
8:52is the prime example of touchdowns, meaning more than yards and catches in a fantasy season.
8:58>> Great news for him. The Cowboys project for the third most points of the week.
9:01You know, they're massive favorites here, almost 10 points. uh against Tampa Bay uh on a short week. So, I think that
9:07game script is like classic for Javvante Williams here with, you know, an undrafted free agent rookie making a second start on the road.
9:15>> Kind of fun.
9:15>> Kind of fun. But also, you have two days to think about it, then you're back or three days to think about it, then
9:19you're back on the field. So, I think that, you know, this is a great game for the Cowboys. The Buccaneers defense just
9:24has not faced like a serious fantasy running back or offense just collectively. Packers, Vikings, Browns most recently. Um, so like you said,
9:32like I know that they have VA, but we might get Tyler Smith back in this one after that thumb injury. You can make an
9:38argument he's one of the best interior offensive linemen in the world, and that would be a big boost to an already good
9:45Cowboys offensive line. Like there's like really like nothing you can say negatively about him. He's the RB7 and RB6 usage. I I He is not talked about as
9:52one of the best picks you could have made in fantasy, but like early round four teams with Javvante Williams, like that has been an absolute home run. The
9:59Bucks have allowed 3.3 yards per carry to running backs, which is third best, success rate, fourth best against those runs. But like you're talking about,
10:05you're you're basically just banking on touchdowns here for for Javante. Um, I did want to ask you since this game is
10:12on Thursday night, uh, we already did stats versus film. We talked about CD Lamb and how he already has more receiving touchdowns this year than he
10:18did last year. George Pickkins, who ran super hot last year, is doing the opposite this year. And for us as a buy
10:24low, you're starting both of those guys, right? What about in the Bucks end with Jaylen Daniels against this Cowboys secondary and this Cowboys defense? Uh
10:34it's mainly only a conversation here with Emecha Ibuka. Yeah. But where is he like wide receiver three flex territory for you?
10:42>> He's my wide receiver 39. He's projected for only 5.7 uh half PBR points according to the live betting markets right now. So I think he's only a wide
10:52receiver three spot. We have to do better in our flex than 5.7 projected points. Last week, the Buccaneers, they had a 34% neutral pass rate, which is
11:02way below average. Like, it's around 50%. Um, and that makes sense to me.
11:06And, you know, they're just not making him like all the way the priority. Um, like there's like a little bit too much
11:12Kate for for my liking here. And then I think a Mecca has a little bit underwhelmed on tape if I'm being
11:17honest. So, I would say hopefully he's, you know, the first name on your bench as we kind of wait for Baker Mayfield to
11:22return. Um but yeah, underwhelming.
11:26>> Yeah, the Bucks over the last three seasons have had, you know, Dave Canales, then Liam Cohen, and then uh who was it last year? He had a weird
11:35name. Um uh Grizzard. Josh Griard.
11:38>> Yep.
11:39>> Yes. From I think Lizard Lick, North Carolina, if my memory serves correct, >> right?
11:43>> Uh you know, the first two guys went on to get head coaching jobs. The other guy got fired after one year. Uh if Todd
11:49Bulls makes it, Hayden, I have a pretty good idea which direction. Zack Robinson is going in this.
11:54>> Yes, agree.
11:55>> Okay. Jaylen Warren is your running back eight. Is this A tier or B tier against Indianapolis Colts?
12:01>> Oh, this is a tier. You know, me and my my Jaylen Warren stocks. Uh we got uh updates on Rico D. He said he dislocated
12:07his toe twice in that last game and like he's just getting ready to to ramp up.
12:12So, this is obviously assumes that Rico D is out. Uh Warren's been the running back 14, running back 16 in usage in the
12:18two games without him. I think he's looked excellent on tape. The Steelers have also like I think found the right combination of both, you know, Rogers uh
12:26berating uh Mike McCarthy to get some of the plays out of the playbook and then also they kind of reorganized the
12:32offensive line and it feels a little bit more settled going into week five than it did, you know, like after like the
12:36week one, week two performances from them. He's been the RB11 on RB15 usage over the past two weeks. They got a 23
12:43and a half team total. They're expected to win against the Colts by uh two and a half points at home. Um and the Colts,
12:49they've been really bad. They've allowed the fifth most pass yards per game, seventh most rush yards per game. Um, they faced, you know, the Commanders
12:55quarterback three, and the Texans without Nico Collins this year, and those teams move the ball on them. So, I feel good about the overall environment.
13:02>> Yeah. Two and a half point home favorites here for the Steelers. And Warren has been the running back eight and 21 over the last two weeks. Derrick
13:10Henry is your running back nine in consensus rankings. He is the running back five. This is at the Atlanta Falcons. Uh Hayden, this is a big test
13:21for Declan Doyle, who has to go out there with a backup quarterback most likely in week five. We've seen other play callers with backup quarterbacks so
13:30far this season. Um and this is kind of typically the game that maybe Derrick Henry fails to reach expectations. I mean, three and a half point underdogs
13:37and we know he's just doesn't catch passes, >> right? Uh they're projected for 20 points, which is 23rd. Um so this
13:44obviously assumes that Lamar Jackson is not going to be out there. There's been four games without Lamar Jackson. Um, as a Baltimore Raven, he's averaged 22 half
13:52PPR points on them. So, like there's still like a ceiling to chase. He's averaged 24 carries per game in them. I
13:57feel very confident that Deck Doyle is going to run the ball plenty in this game early on. Uh, and they're going to
14:03have uh probably Do you think Jurgens's going to play this this game or >> No, he's not. He's he's in um concussion
14:09protocol. So, he's going to miss this week. I think they then have a buy and then he's going to come back if I'm
14:15remembering correctly.
14:16>> Yeah. So on top of the backup quarterback situation, the interior offensive line is just a complete mess right now because of the center issue.
14:23They have their guard playing center right now and he's really hasn't played center before. So there's a lot of moving parts here for Derrick Henry. I
14:29feel confident that Declan is going to make the most out of a pretty bad situation here and Derrick Henry is still going to have, you know, 18 plus
14:34touches in this one. Just being realistic about a 20 point team total and, you know, the state of the offensive line.
14:39>> Are we going to be selective and put him in B tier or is that the way?
14:42>> Um, no. I don't like the optics of that.
14:45So, we'll keep him in the J tier.
14:49>> Okay. Well, I mean that leads me into you're not going to love the optics if CMC is in B tier as well. So, I'm just
14:55going to put him in A tier.
14:57>> Correct.
14:57>> Uh this is against the Seattle Seahawks.
15:00I mean, the 49ers high-flying. I would put Brock Pery at the number one for MVP odds right now. Yet on the road in
15:08Seattle only projected for 21 and a quarter points. Talk to me.
15:12>> Yep. That's 18th. that's a little bit below average. That makes sense because Seattle's just been dominant against everybody. Um, he's faced Mike
15:20McDonald's uh defense four times. He scored 9.9, 8.7, 18.7, and 12.6 half PPR points. That's an average of 12 and a
15:29half. Um, and Seattle hasn't allowed a running back to reach 100 total yards or 12 and a half PPR points this season.
15:37So, we know this is a good defense. It It's been a good defense. Um, I will say with Christian McCaffrey, if we remove
15:44that week one game, which I think largely, you know, you're in Australia, he had cramps. It was a million degrees.
15:49Uh, since then, he's the RB7 on RB9 usage. Like, that feels right. You know, he's averaging four receptions per game.
15:55That's RB6. He's RB3 and inside the five yard line carries because the offense is good. Like, this is going to be totally
16:01fine for Christian McAffrey. Like, even like at the six overall pick, like I feel very, very, very good about it.
16:07>> Oh, 100%. um he's been the running back 22 in week one, then three, five, and 19. So, it's not like, you know,
16:14certified top three running back usage every single week, but uh they're still going to give you very solid weeks um >> more often than bad weeks or even
16:25average weeks, right? These are your stand your ground picks presented by DraftKings. Every game day means more with DraftKings Sports. The crown is
16:33yours and that name today is Trevian Henderson as your running back 11. This is against the Las Vegas Raiders. Hey, a
16:41caveat here. Okay, Andre Stevenson not practicing on Wednesday. That's the latest that we have.
16:46>> Uh I believe you saw at the final touch that he had over the weekend that he got a bit crunched and maybe something
16:53happened with his ankle and his knee.
16:54So, I know that uh Mike Vrabel got the microphone and said, "Quote, he has a chance to play, but again, going by what you have right
17:03now. Uh if he does not play, Trevor Henderson should be shooting up rankings."
17:08>> Yep. He has had uh just three games without Raandre Stevenson, but he's been the RB1 overall. Uh he's averaging 22.7
17:17half PPR points in those three games on RB5 usage. So, it's not just that he happened to hit big explosives in those
17:23games. like he was getting the rock a ton. I think the other context is they brought in our boy Jamal Williams for uh
17:29a workout uh this week and I think you know maybe they knew about the Raandre injury from uh after that game. I did
17:36not like the way that that injury looked personally and the backup is only Cory Kinder. So I think they're >> Yeah, shout out to Cory Kinder but at
17:44the same time shout out to Trayvon Henderson. Uh and the receiving depth is still super lackluster. You can add Matt Collins to the injury list on top of
17:50that. So, they're they're just running out of options to get the ball to. And then I look at the team total. They're
17:55projected for 24 and a half points.
17:57They're three and a half point favorites against the Raiders. Uh the Raiders have got or have let Kenneth Walker rip big
18:03plays. Travis Han actually had 70 yards against the Raiders, which is super impressive for what he was doing. Other than that, Omari Hampton had 115 total
18:12yards against the uh Raiders as well. So other backs have got it uh have figured it out and that's just too big of a team
18:20total and the splits are too large for uh to not have Trayvon Henderson almost like in the RB1 miss.
18:26>> Yeah, we talked about this in stats versus film that this backfield, the Broncos backfield. Uh if there is only one running back out there, we want that
18:35guy. Like we we want pieces of that.
18:37That becomes a mustark. When it's split truly 50/50 uh and when the team totals are kind of lower, then uh it kind of
18:44becomes a start no one. But this is a separate thing. We saw RG Harvey do it in the Denver Broncos backfield last
18:49year. We definitely saw Trevian Henderson do it for a stretch of six, seven games last season, too. And he was uh find the end zone. And by the way,
18:55Hayden, it's a Josh McDaniels revenge game >> against Raiders defense.
18:58>> Yeah, you can say that's also a Raiders revenge game against Josh McDaniels, too. Depends on how you look at it.
19:03>> Yeah, it goes both ways. Okay. On the opposite end is Ashen Genty, who is your running back 12 against the Patriots on
19:10the road. He's been running back 26, 20, and 15 over the last three weeks. And like you said, he's a three and a half
19:16point underdog here.
19:18>> So, it was just a really weird sequence last week. He's played 74% of the first three drives in games from weeks one to
19:26week three. And then last week in the first three drives, he played 43% of the snaps. And I don't think that was injury
19:33related to to me personally. I think they were just like going to see who was going to ride the hot hand there. And
19:37then as the game progressed, the Chiefs uh got up multiple scores. Ashen Genty is very clearly the best pass catcher on
19:44the team. And then by the end of the fourth quarter and stuff, he was out there for a big uh uh big chunk of the
19:50snaps. But he was down at 67% snaps this last week. The ankle injury, I think, is still bothering him to some degree. He
19:57had a couple nice plays, but I think in general, still not moving like with enough pacing for my liking here. Uh but
20:03he's been the RB3 in expected points uh on RB10. uh actual production. So, it hasn't been an efficient uh year for Ash
20:11and Genty, but RB3 usage is too big to fail and I don't think that's going to completely go away.
20:17>> Yep. Uh it seemed like Mike Washington was being used early as the runner and then Genty would come in for the passing
20:23down snaps and then he kind of pulled away in the second half. But again, if they are losing in this game, that to me
20:29only sides more and more and more in the direction of Ashen Shinty here.
20:34>> I put him in Btier. fair or move him up.
20:37>> Uh, >> we have to have a cut off at some point here.
20:40>> Yeah, let's Yes, I like it.
20:42>> Okay, I'm I'm just, you know, trying to drive the ship. Uh, DeAndre Swift is up next. He's the running back 13 at the
20:50Green Bay Packers. I would say that, you know, he's still a great pick, still a great guy to have in your fantasy
20:57team. This backfield might just be back to being split 50/50. and uh did not love Ben Johnson's comments where he said that the fumble was egregious for
21:06him last week a actually uh after having also a fumble in what week three on top of that against the Minnesota Vikings.
21:14>> Uh he said it was going to clean it up but I guess Hayden if a fumble reaches egregious levels that means you don't
21:20get a touch the rest of the game just like happened to Swift.
21:23>> Yes, that was midway through the third quarter and Kyle Vanungai went absolutely crazy to close this one out.
21:28So there's definitely, you know, a lot more risk here with DeAndre Swift. And at the same time, either one of these
21:34backs are capable of finishing as the RB1 overall in this offense. So like, you know, like I don't know what else to
21:40do here. So he's been the RB12 and RB8 usage this season. That's been one insane game, three two mediocre games, and last week was a bad game for him. I
21:49think the matchup of the Packers is a good one. They're projected for 24 points. That's the 10th most with Tyson Beijing under center most likely and the
21:56Packers have allowed the second most fantasy points to running backs this season. And then I went back and I looked at what they've been doing
22:02against uh running backs uh without Michael Parson without Michael Parsons uh late last year and they've allowed the most rushing yards per game in the
22:10NFL uh since that point. So it's a great spot.
22:14>> It's a spot where you play both. You know, obviously you don't have both on your team, but especially with Ken
22:19Walker the third and Chuba Hoverard on buys this week and other guys injured.
22:23Um, both of them are top 20 at the position and both are RB2s at this point.
22:30>> Okay, we'll get to common guy in a moment, but we have to get through Aaron Jones first. This is your running back
22:3714. This is on the road against the New Orleans Saints, a Saints team that I mean, Hayden, they've given top 20 weeks
22:45to Mike Washington Jr. and Brian Robinson over the last two weeks on top of the starters.
22:50>> So, uh, yeah, Aaron Jones, who is getting, I mean, just a ridiculous amount. 69 of the 81 opportunities since Jordan Mason went down. Uh, this should
23:00be a feast. Let's put it that way. It's hard to allow six top 20 running backs in four weeks, but the Saints have have
23:07done just that. Um, and I mean, so many missed tackles defensively from them.
23:12Um, so that's a big question mark. Short week on top of that. Uh, yeah, Aaron Jones finished at top 24 running back in
23:19every week in the three games without Jordan Mason. That's RB 18, 15, and 18.
23:23Um, and then last week only one of his 20 carries went for a negative. Um, so like they're like it's an offensive line
23:29that's you know gonna miss Donovan Jackson, but it it's a fine enough offensive alignment uh grouping and you know they might not have Justin
23:37Jefferson or Jordan Addison. Addison now has a hamstring injury and Justin Jefferson there was comments from KOC that you know hey we got the by-week
23:44next week you know which is to me is always like a signal that he's not going to play. So we're losing bodies and
23:49Aaron Jones is going to be out there for every snap.
23:51>> Totally. the 69 opportunities he has over the last two weeks are almost like half of his entire opportunities last season. That that's pretty nuts. Um I
24:02mean again the Saints allowing 5.2 yards per carry. That's 31st in the league. I will add the Vikings just lost their left guard so hopefully doesn't
24:10impact them too much. But uh this is the most consistent part of their offense right now is the rushing attack too.
24:17Emanuel Wilson is your running back 15.
24:20It has been a bit of a roller coaster from a fantasy standpoint. Um, obviously running back 24, then running back 67,
24:27then running back six over the last three weeks, but we know he is going to pull a Aaron Jones and own, you know,
24:3585% of the backfield touches here most likely.
24:38>> Yeah. So, I was watching that game back and I thought Emanuel Wilson like he he's pretty slow, but he makes some guys
24:43miss on contact and he caught some passes as well >> by going directly in a straight line.
24:48>> Yes. Uh but but also like head on a swivel like look out like if he's coming like you don't want you want any of that
24:53uh action which by the way the Chargers two of the most like egregious missed tackles I've ever seen on Emanuel Wilson
24:58touchdown over there one like tried to play like flag football against like totally pathetic. Um also pathetic George Hani had three massive mistakes
25:06in pass production in this one and I think that's matters a little bit because we never knew about Emanuel Wilson catching passes. I feel
25:13comfortable that he's going to like at least be like somewhat in the mix there.
25:16Like enough to trust him as an RB2 because he's going to get all the goal line work. This team is averaging 24.8
25:22expected half PPR points to the running backs collectively and you know he gets 65 to 80% of them. Uh that's a really
25:28good spot to be in. And meanwhile the 49ers you know they just don't have enough defensive linemen right now. Um I
25:34know they got Fred Warner and they still got OSA Diggy Zua and whatnot but like everyone's kind of getting home. Uh R.J.
25:39Harvey, Jeremiah Loved, Von Ain, Kairen Williams, all top 20 running backs. Um and the team totals rock solid again.
25:45>> Yeah, three-point home favorites. Uh his four targets last week were a nice surprise going back through and watching all the games. So if he gets I mean
25:52three of them, two of them were designed and then the third one was an escort. So >> hey, >> that's good stuff for a guy that
25:58>> I think only had two targets heading into that game.
26:00>> Okay, Brilan Allen is next. Again, we're on this trend of kind of replacement running backs who own their backfields.
26:08Yep. That is what Brillinyl Allen is here. He's running back 20 in consensus rankings. Home favorite, which is a much different spot last week against the
26:16Chicago Bears when they only had 32 offensive plays.
26:19>> Yeah, I just don't think the Browns are going to be able to play the time and possession game that the Bears did last
26:23uh last week. 32 plays. Like, I still cannot get over how few that is. Um, but he played on 30 of 32 plays. And, you
26:30know, if we extrapolate to a normal 55 plays per game, then Brilen Allen looks amazing. So, the Jets have collectively averaged 17.7 expected half PPR points.
26:40Let's say he gets 90% of them. My math, if it's correct, that's about 16 expected points here uh as um home
26:47favorites. Like, it's too big to fail.
26:50>> Totally agree. Uh Browns allowing a run of 10 or more yards on a league high 15% of backfield runs. Uh that's from the
26:58great Rich Rebar in his worksheet. So something to watch for. Bashel Tutin against the Philadelphia Eagles is your running back 17. Uh we do view this Vic
27:08Fangio defense as quite good in the pass coverage department. Albe it's kind of been rocky this season. I mean all the
27:17defensive numbers Hayden are kind of poor for the Eagles >> right now. I mean they're allowing 15 rushing points per game to just
27:25backfields. 23rd in the league. And we know Bashel Tutin right now. I mean, he's second in success rate across the league despite being hit at or behind
27:34the line of scrimmage on 48% of his runs. And he's fourth best in terms of yards after contact per rush.
27:41>> Yeah, he's the RB 16 and RB 25 usage.
27:43Like that's as like pretty much as wide of a gap as you'll see um from a running back. So, he he individually is playing
27:49excellent. It's not the greatest role ever, but I'm not going to nitpick this.
27:52This is an RB2 that we're looking at.
27:54And with the Eagles, number one, Jaylen Carter, he's got a wrist injury that he's been playing through. He's just not the same Jaylen Carter, like the hundred
28:01million dollar uh player. And then Zack Bond was in the concussion protocol. I'm guessing he's going to return in this one. Cooper Deene knee injury. Quinn Yan
28:07Mitchell picked up an injury. Jonathan Grard was walking off the field with an ankle injury as well. So like that's a
28:13lot of really good players that are just not themselves or just going to be completely out in this game. So, I would
28:19treat the Eagles as a little bit of a tanking uh enterprise as, you know, they're trading away Cam Jurgens for for
28:252028 uh second rounder. So, yeah, I think, you know, I feel comfortable that Jacksonville cleans up in this one um with a 25 point team total.
28:34>> Yeah, we we'll talk a little bit more about the Eagles uh once we get to Will Shipley. I will say for injuries and for
28:42by-weeks already being at play, this running back 12 through 17 is very healthy. You know, like it's a really nice group. I think that I would be very
28:49confident in starting all my lineups.
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29:35the DraftKings Sports app today and keep football at your fingertips all season long. The crown is yours. Running back 18 is Quinn Sean Judkins. This is at the
29:45New York Jets. Uh I have very similar stats for Judkins and Cam Scataboo, which >> they're kind of linked to, yeah, the
29:53surgery that they had last year in terms of the dislocated ankle and the fibular fracture on top of it.
29:58>> Um of 46 running backs with 25 or more attempts, Judkins had is 42nd in terms of yards per carry and is 45th in
30:07success rate. Uh and actually some of his past work role now that Dylan Samson is down uh has actually kind of aided him and saved some of his
30:17weeks lately too.
30:19>> Career highs and expected half PPR points last week at 22.9. That was the RB4 in usage last week. Careerhigh seven
30:26targets, careerhigh six receptions with Dylan Samson. So, you know, we've never seen this before with with that. And I think that he can catch the ball. like
30:35it's not his best stuff, but you know, I think that he's capable enough and he still had his 17 carries. Uh they're not
30:41going anywhere. I think that some of this is some of this belongs to Quinchon Judkins, but I largely think this is
30:47just an offensive line just like completely jelling together. There's a lot of new new uh parts over there. So, I wouldn't be surprised if like that
30:53gets cleaned up kind of as the season progresses and he looks a little bit better. But, I will swap out running
30:58game efficiency for more receptions all day long. Like that. That's the easiest swap ever. He's projected for 75 and a half total yards. And then, you know,
31:06the Browns, they're projected for 18 and a half points, which is it's not a lot, but we've seen much worse uh team totals
31:12uh this season as well. So, I think he's all right.
31:14>> Okay, let's talk Jeremiah Love. Hayden, how do you feel if I tell you that you are five spots below consensus on
31:22Jeremiah Love? They have him as running back 14. You're at running back 19. This is against the Detroit Lions. Love so
31:28far this season. running back 19377.
31:32We got our hopes up, maybe got bit over our toes and skis. And then running back 41. Um, again, five and a half point home
31:43underdog here, but yet the team is still expected to score nearly 25 points. So, talk to me about Jeremiah. I don't know
31:49if he's going to play, you know. So, I'm I'm docking because of the injury. Uh, late in the game, fourth quarter, his
31:55right ankle gets trapped. He was kind of slamming his hands on the ground. Then the next play before it, he stands up
32:02and he's kicking his leg like, you know, a dog does at the beach and then he walks off to the sideline after the play
32:08and that was his last snap of the game.
32:09Tyler Algier for the last 11 minutes uh was out there even though it was not the game script that he typically is out
32:15there. I don't think Jeremiah Love was benched. I think he was not out there because he was injured and this is his
32:21other ankle. And I think before that game that was not the same Jeremiah Love that I know. Um, I didn't think that he
32:28totally had his like normal change of direction on tape and that was before this new injury. I just don't know if
32:33he's gonna play. Like bottom line, make sure Tyler Algier is picked up. We have we're not recording this before or we
32:39are recording this before we get the Cardinals injury report. I would not be surprised if he's if he's on it and it's
32:44going to be listed as his other ankle.
32:46The left ankle was the preseason. This is his right ankle. Um, so I would love to play him, but I'm just not sure if
32:51he's healthy. Okay, we'll have a lot of updates on that on the Sunday morning start set show. I will not be there but
32:58Hayden will be there for half it and Harman and Boon would definitely cover it. So, uh, tune in to that on Sunday
33:03morning. Okay, running back 20 is Kyle Manungy. Uh, I mentioned the quote that Ben Johnson had for DeAndre Swift. He also had one for Kungai uh, who messed
33:14up his thumb. Ben said the thumb is not an issue, but he did have 30 carries and he feels like he had 30 carries. So
33:21Hayden, that makes me think that DeAndre Swift is still going to get a large chunk of the work. And uh we probably
33:27won't see 30 carries for Kungan guy this week.
33:29>> I would also like to know how the defense felt after this Kyle Manung guy.
33:3230 carries too because I mean this guy just wants to go right through your melon. Um just zooming all the way back
33:38out. So week five last year is kind of when the Bears like became the Bears with Ben Johnson after their buy.
33:43>> Yes.
33:44>> From that point, Kyle Manungai is the RB27 on RB30 usage. DeAndre Swift is the RB12 and RB16 usage. Like I think that's
33:51a good starting point. I would say after this last game and the coach quotes and the DeAndre Swift fumbles, Kyle Manung
33:57guy, throw them up throw him up a couple spots from that. Uh knowing that he has this crazy ceiling. And then after the
34:03running backs that we'll get to in the next couple names, these are terrible running backs and I don't feel comfortable about any of them. So I'd
34:08rather shoot with shoot for the moon with Kyle Manungai, the Packers. 139 rushing yards allowed. Uh second most fantasy points allowed to running backs
34:16this year. 131 rushing yards per game without Micah Parsons. Fifth worst red zone defense on top of that without Micah Parsons going back to last year as
34:23well. 24 point team total, which is top 10 in the league. Um, so, you know, this could be another running back 27 finish,
34:30which is what his average is, or it could be the RB2.
34:33>> Yep.
34:35One nugget I had in mind is that typically what we see with the split between Swift and Manungi is full drives, right? with Manungai fairing so
34:45much better in short yardage and goal line stuff. I wonder if we see a slight change in that if they get inside the
34:525yd line if he subs on Kanungai. Now, this is a small sample and Swift has improved in that area, but you know,
34:58we've seen a fumble. We've seen DeAndre Swift stuffed this past week just trying to convert, you know, fourth downs, fourth in goals and he couldn't do it.
35:07And then Kanungai has gotten stuff from that in the past, but then in the second effort kind of gets in and is just a
35:13bulldozer there. So I I just wonder if Ben Johnson just looks and like you said zooms out and says, "Hey, we have this
35:19emerging player who kind of has the style for this. Let's just lean on him in that area a bit more often."
35:24>> Yeah, I can totally see it checks out.
35:25And I think Ben Johnson is probably more likely than other coaches to make changes even when things are going fairly well. Uh the offense is still
35:32rolling, but like I think he would still like look at this objectively and like we could change this up.
35:37>> Okay. Cam Scataboo is your running back 21. This is at the Washington Commanders.
35:43>> Um still Btier for you.
35:46>> Yeah, I guess so. Um he was wearing a non-cont jersey on practice on Wednesday. Um which I'm sure that's just
35:53like, you know, so hard for him to to make sure he's not contacting other uh players. But on the season, scatter was
36:00the RB26 on RB19 usage. I talked about this on stats versus film. This was like a wild game to track in terms of the
36:07running back rotation. It was Cam Scataboo early, but Naji was out there.
36:12Uh and then as they uh were getting to the the goal line, Cam Scato was on the field. They score a touchdown to Theo
36:18Johnson. In comes the two-point conversion, which means Naji Harris subs in. Naji Harris runs the ball in for that two-point conversion, which to me
36:26is like a tell. like they might sub in Naji Harris at the goal line for Cam Scrataboo and then later in the game
36:30Naji Harris fumbles the ball and doesn't play another snap afterwards. So like what do I do with that information? I have no clue. Uh yeah, they're expected
36:37to lose this game by three and a half.
36:39>> I think we all think that Jamus stinks out loud. Uh and then the other note is that Naji Harris, he played 12 snaps. 10
36:46of them are runs by by himself. So this is also becoming an obvious tell that when Naji's in the game, they're just
36:51running the ball uh up the middle. So, you know, wonky stuff from the Cam Scataboo Naji Harris split.
36:58>> Yeah. And again, I'll mention that he is having some of the same issues that Quinn Sean Judkins is, at least from an
37:03underlying metric standpoint, where he's 41st in yards per carry among 51 backs.
37:08Uh he's 43rd when it comes to success rate. Uh on top of that, the Giants average actually a league low 3.7 yards
37:15per play on first down. He's still averaging 19 touches, which is really good. But something I've speculated on since week one when we saw the
37:24commanders against the Eagles is that this commander defense is very obviously with Donte Jones coming for Brian Flores, but Vikings like in that they
37:33probably punch above their weight in terms of shutting down the run or slowing down the run versus what you would expect on the depth chart. And
37:40that's the case so far. I mean, they're ninth in yards per carry to back fields and then seventh in yards allowed before
37:46contact per rush. So, yep.
37:48>> The commanders are again playing better than I expected them to against the run this year.
37:52>> Agree.
37:52>> David Montgomery first Ctier >> for sure. Yes.
37:56>> Okay. This is your excuse me, I got choked up. This is your running back 22 at the Tennessee Titans. You know, that
38:05statement started strong and then it struggled just like Dave Montgomery season. Uh running back six, 48, 36, and 45 over the last four weeks. Uh, we keep
38:17saying it that like, hey, the matchup lines up and that means it could be a solid Dave Montgomery game. That didn't
38:23happen last week against the Cowboys, albeit they scored so many points here.
38:27They're favored despite being on the road against the Titans. So, might it happen here?
38:32>> I hope so. You know, that's that's the the lone positive note that I have is, you know, the game script should be on
38:38his side. Um, we were promised more Woody Marks. We did get it. How the Texans have operated in the first three
38:45weeks was that David Montgomery gets the first two drives and then it's a driveby- drive rotation for the rest of the game. Last week, Woody Marks is out
38:52there for the second drive. So, like that's congratulations to Woody Marks, you you're playing more in the rotation.
38:57Um, so yeah, you can chop the team total almost in half because Woody Marks is going to be out there for half of the
39:02the snaps. I think that Woody Marks and David Montgomery, it's like doesn't matter behind this offensive line and the Titans have absolute freaks across
39:09the defensive line. So, it's it's one of these tricky spots where they're expected to score a lot of points, but it's a pass funnel. So, I can feel great
39:15about Nico Collins, but if Nico Collins on the field, that means the Texans are moving the ball, which means there's more red zone opportunities. So, I think
39:21like on the whole, I think the bottom has kind of we kind of hit the bottom with David Montgomery the last couple
39:26weeks, and that the Texans are going to be >> I would hope so.
39:32>> If there's a bottom worse than the running back 48, 36, and 45, uh, we might be in negative points territory
39:38here. Well, remember it could always get worse. Like Woody Marks could just like take this thing by by uh by the horns
39:44here. Um but I just think the Texans offense like probably will, you know, be a little bit better. Um >> yeah,
39:50>> but they're also just like they should just like never run the ball. This this team should honestly be like number one
39:54in neutral pass rate. Like that's how bad their offensive line is.
39:57>> Uh Tika Ryan just got on the mic and announced that he's taking over play calling duties on the defensive side of
40:04the ball. Uh at first I thought he was gonna say offense, but no, he said defense. I would like to see that.
40:10>> Just play call color on both sides. Do you think we'll ever see that in the NFL?
40:13>> Uh, no. But if that means that somebody else is in charge of timeouts, I think that might help the Texans.
40:19>> I love it. Okay. Omarian Hampton is up.
40:23Is this Dtier or Ctier? I mean, >> I I I'll put him in Ctier. It would be quite funny if if I was the only player
40:30in that. Uh, Steve Steven Hagglland >> uh is a longtime fan of the Chargers.
40:36Let's put it that way. does a good job and host a podcast uh that covers a team. This is his guest for the Chargers
40:41offensive line against the Broncos this week. You ready?
40:44>> Left tackle Branson Taylor, left guard Logan Taylor, center Jake Slaughter, right guard Cole Strange, right tackle Travis Burke.
40:55>> Oh boy.
40:56Like two of those names could easily have just been in GBT. Yes. Like absolutely. Um, did you see how Joel got
41:06injured in this one? It was >> awful.
41:08>> Like he was just like minding his own business and then here comes like Nick Man Warrior off the side and just like
41:13just hits him in the head and like he just like gets like stun gun. So, you know, he might not go to injured
41:18reserve. Rashan Slater is going to injured reserve. Ladoni also he got hurt. He got hurt on the interception and because he was trying to turn uh and
41:26go try to chase down the the guy with the ball and then his foot got worse and he didn't play after that.
41:32you know, Omari Hampton, it can always get worse. Uh, I will say this, they're catching the Broncos at the right time
41:38at least with Patan hurt, Riley Moss is hurt, Jonathan Cooper still sideline because of the alleged domestic abuse.
41:44They've had the defensive tackle issues from the offseason exits. The linebackers have been absolutely terrible. So, like, this is the worst
41:50the Broncos have looked defensively in years and years and years going into a game. Um, all four running backs against Denver have finished as top 20 backs.
42:00They've allowed 143 rushing yards per game, which is the fourth most. Um, that's like the reason why I'm holding on. And I think that he's going to get
42:08almost every single goal line opportunity, even though he's just he's absolutely not trusting the basket at all. So, >> uh, he's been the running back 36, 38,
42:18and 23. Okay, let's talk RJ Harvey. As promised, he is the number one Broncos running back on your rankings. Here's your small trophy to the people who
42:29drafted RJ Harvey. I mean, what he he had 10 catches last week and still finishes like the the running back 23.
42:36So, >> it's really bad. Like, when I was going through my rankings and my writeups, like I was like, I can write up a pretty
42:42positive story on Quinch and Kyle Manungai, like Scout was kind of interesting. And then I get to this next year and I'm like, wow, it's it's really
42:50that bad. Um, so it's like split back field and you're just like trying to get a lean on how things are going to operate. Dobbins
42:58wasn't being utilized as many like his percentage of snaps on early downs was down and I think you know that might be
43:04like the signal that I was looking for.
43:05Um, and then you know Pat Ryan not being out there and you know Marvin Mims and whatnot. It's like I think that the
43:11receiving work is like pretty stable and then he could be the goal line back moving forward. I I don't know that.
43:16But, you know, I'm trying to like find any reason to play running backs in this tier. And Denver's projected for 23
43:22points as favorites against the Chargers who did not want to tackle Emanuel Wilson at all last week.
43:28>> Yep. Okay. Like you're saying, I mean, the cliff from B to C is and I would even say after Dave Montgomery, it's
43:35almost further. I don't know. Maybe DM should be in there, too. He's he's hanging on. Let's say >> I don't know. He's the last one. Hanging
43:43on. Yeah, there should be a a graphic right here that it's just like falling into the Grand Canyon because next is is
43:49Bill Crosky Merritt.
43:50>> Oh.
43:51>> Um I mean, look, the matchup is sound from a standpoint that the New York Giants from the underlying metric standpoint,
44:0030th in yards per carry to running backs, rate of 10 plus yards, that is 30th.
44:05But after week one when Bill was the running back 17, he has no week better than running back 40 at this moment.
44:13>> The Commanders used four running backs um last week. Wonderful.
44:17>> Even with Rashad White out, what was interesting about the split though was Austin Eckler was not playing the late down snaps. Austin Eckler's split, the
44:26early down work with Bill Crosky Merritt, which was like weird to me because you think of Austin Eckler as the, you know, the third down guy. Uh
44:33but that's not what happened there. like they had Katron Allen and Craig Reynolds were sprinkling in a little bit. So this
44:37is as committee as it gets. Um and I think that Austin Eckler like lowkey kind of looked pretty good. Um uh so I
44:45don't know what to do with Bill Crosky.
44:47Merit he's RB36 on RB30 usage. Last week he was RB27 usage. Um the only thing positive I can say is they're projected for 23 and a half
44:56points. You know, we're going to talk about some committee backfields in a second that aren't projected for that many points and they're favorites. So
45:03I'm just and I know that he's capable of the explosive play. We saw like that 48 yard touchdown that got called back.
45:07Like he's capable of that. You know, you get one one of those every four or five weeks. So you're just like hoping that
45:12it hits this week.
45:13>> One of the split backfields is the New Orleans Saints. Uh Alvin Chimera was the touchdown scam last week. Uh he only had
45:2348% of the backfield touches and again it was all about touchdowns for him. My question here against the Minnesota Vikings, one at home only project for 20
45:31and a half points. Um, is Alvin Chimera gonna be out there that much with the pass protection duties that Brian Flores
45:40forces on your back field?
45:42>> I don't think he's going to play that much, but I and I think that Kendry Miller could steal the some of the goal
45:47line work. It's not going to be 100% of Alvin Chamra at the goal line. I will say I think you can like design a couple
45:53targets to Alvin Chamra on early downs, but like that's as far as I'm willing to go. Um, and typically you kind of just
46:00like throw the ball to the flats to like, you know, a Chris Olive and a Veillay and a Jawan Johnson. And I think
46:06that's going to be, you know, quick releases to the flats like those type of guys is kind of the way to to beat
46:11Minnesota. Um, yeah, Vikings are second best against fantasy running backs after adjusting for schedule. opposing running backs are rushing less and receiving
46:19less in terms of volume against them.
46:20So, it's like both phases gets hurt by the Vikings defense. And yeah, Saints are a weird team right now. The vibes
46:27seem off like kind It's like almost like from the Kelvin Banks injury and then like the defense kind of falling apart.
46:32It's like the vibes are suddenly weird.
46:35>> Yeah. And again, nationally, the Saints and Falcons rivalry is just like a another game. But there it's like, hey, losing three straight is a pretty big
46:44freaking deal for a Falcon team that has not been good over the last two years.
46:48>> No.
46:48>> You know. Okay. Bucky Irving is up next for you. This is running back 27. This is at the Dallas Cowboys. I mean, we've
46:58already gone through the ringer, I will say, with Bucky Irving. And after week one, I was like, man, I regretted not
47:05drafting enough of Bucky Irving. And then it kind of changed this past week.
47:10I mean, he handled a season low 66% of the backfield touches. He did not have a catch or a target. And then most
47:17importantly, as you pointed out, Shawn Tucker is now involved and he's now getting the short yardage work. And both of those things combined really tanks
47:26Bucky's value for you moving forward.
47:28>> Yeah. On top of that, Bucks project for 19 and a half points with an undrafted free agent playing on the road uh on the
47:33short week. So, uh, it was like as bad of a, you know, like reset that you can have from like aside from an injury with
47:40for Bucky Irving last week. It was his fewest amount of expected points since week 14 of 2024 at 8 and a half. Um, and
47:50the Shawn Tucker stuff. It was a third and one or Bucky Irving was on the field. Then it was a third and one. They
47:57subbed Sean Tucker in. He failed. It was fourth and one. He picks up that one.
48:02Bucky Irving comes in for a play. They get down to the one yard line. I forget who catches a pass or whatever. And then
48:08they bring Shawn Tucker right back in for the uh goal line opportunity from the first yard line. So like this was
48:14not just like, oh, he was out there.
48:15Let's keep him in. It's like, no, Bucky's on the field. They get to short yardage. Let's bring in Shawn Tucker, who by the way has a good 30 pounds on
48:22Bucky Irving, and this is what they did last year. So like, I'm nervous. Like I would I would be trading Bucky Irving
48:28away. He's he's such a fan favorite and I don't think that his film has been nearly as good as other people talking
48:32about. So, I think he's like an excellent sell uh sell low, sell high, whatever you want to call this one. I'm
48:37just selling.
48:38>> Yeah. Unfortunately, the Bucks have also only produced 14 plays that have gained 15 or more yards. Uh that's the fewest
48:45in the league. Uh so, we'll see if you know our guy Jaylen Daniels can make some magic happen on Thursday.
48:55>> Okay. Hey, Will Shipley, the Waverwire number one target of the week, sits here as running back 28. Uh, this is at the
49:02Jacksonville Jaguars. That's a major reason for that. But also a major reason, Hayden, is we are seeing a reset before our eyes. We know that Landon
49:10Dickerson after week one when he played horribly was placed in injury reserve.
49:15Lane Johnson retires, not playing in week four and then ahead of week five.
49:20And then they just traded Cam Jurgens for a 2028 second round pick to the Baltimore Ravens. And Jurgens, who moved from
49:28center to left guard to replace Leonard Dickerson, was playing horribly.
49:32>> So now they're going with a youth movement along the offensive line. Um, but man, this is not the time to do it
49:39against a Jaguars defense of the big old boys up front who are long and athletic and don't move off the ball backwards.
49:47>> Yeah. So their three of their play uh starters are now extremely inexperienced and Willie Lamkin is like an absolute stud, but he's 5'11 290. Like they're
49:59kind of like running an experiment of like could we get away with this? Like not at center, but at at guard. Um so
50:04this will be fascinating to watch. I I did hear from one of the Eagles beat writers who EJ Smith who mentioned that
50:14maybe Lanin now will play center and then they'll move Kendall to left guard.
50:18>> Um >> but you know, who knows what I I kind of it's two sides of this, right? I'm sure the Eagles are going to put out there to
50:27multiple multiple media members, hey, we saw these guys in training camp and we can't wait to see them on the field. You
50:33know, we're really excited to get them out there. At the same time, this was not their plan.
50:38>> Of course not.
50:39>> Easily heading into week one. We saw what their plan was and uh it didn't even last three weeks.
50:44>> Yeah. And and we said how he gets aggressive and he said this team is over. And I think that means the head
50:52coach it's over. The trenches it's over.
50:55And they might even trade away other players to get picks. I think bravo by Howie Roseman for getting a second rounder. Cam Jurgens has not been the
51:02same player since his back surgery moving him positions like it was a good experiment for two weeks, but it failed miserably. And you know the you can say
51:10like the Eagles are like more or less tanking. Like you know if you're trading future uh or current players for future
51:16capital like to me that's what tanking kind of is here. So Will Shipley gets he's finds himself in a really bad spot.
51:22You know Jacksonville's defensive line is awesome and they're big and physical.
51:25I'm talking about you know like this interior uh is is really now really tiny. Um, so it's it's going to be a
51:32problem. They're projected for under 18 points. That's 29th. Uh, I think Will Shipley is gonna get the ball a ton. I
51:37just don't think it's gonna go anywhere.
51:38It's Damen Pierce, Carson Steel, and Jaden Blue. They have no choice but to give Shipley the ball.
51:44>> Yeah, Damen Pierce was caught up from the practice squad. Uh, Jaden Blue, I don't think was. So, to all you Jaden
51:50blue drafters, like that is truly the worst possible outcome on on a team that has two running back injuries on not the
51:58one that you drafted him on. Uh he's he's still not getting called up.
52:02>> Yeah.
52:02>> Um >> a couple things here. You mentioned that Howie is aggressive and I actually love that from a team that is going through
52:12all this change because that should give the Eagles fans hope that hey, we're not slow playing this. We're going to do it
52:18almost all at once and that's awesome.
52:21Uh that's what you want as part of the fan base.
52:24>> My question to you, Hayden, I know he's injured for multiple weeks. Do you think it's a possibility that the Eagles would
52:28trade Saquon Barkley?
52:30>> Wow. I don't know the contract, but like I don't see >> they would save about 1.3 million doing it.
52:36>> Yeah. Uh I think that would make a lot of sense. Like I think they're going to get creative. Like could they get rid of
52:42Dallas GD? Like could like you name a player. I think Devonte Smith is going to be on this football team and
52:47obviously Mle Lemon. Uh but they're going to get creative, you know, definitely. though.
52:53>> Yeah, I was even, you know, fantasizing is one word to use of where Saquon Barkley would be drafted or excuse me,
53:01traded.
53:02>> Uh oh.
53:03>> Um I I think I have a top two for you.
53:08>> Okay.
53:08>> Top three. I have a top three.
53:10>> Pure fantasy. This is as speculative as we've ever gotten and I like it.
53:14>> Okay. My my top three Saquon Barkley trade destinations. You ready? Number one, Minnesota Vikings.
53:23Number two, Seattle Seahawks.
53:27>> Number three, Denver Broncos. Thoughts?
53:30>> Better than the Eagles. That would be a huge win. Uh yeah. Um that's that's fascinating. I I think that's like exactly how Roseman
53:40thinks about this. If you get anything for Saquon, next year's Eagles team's not going to go anywhere either. Like they have they're they're way behind. Um
53:47so >> Okay.
53:49>> Wow.
53:50>> Yeah. E Eagles now have a a first and second extra picks in 2028. So, uh, that's going to be very interesting to
53:59see.
54:00Ali Gordon is your running back 29. This is against the Cincinnati Bengals. Uh, he shocked the world last week actually having explosive runs against the
54:11Minnesota Vikings. Uh, Cincinnati against bad defensive lines. I'm looking at you, Houston, uh, has dominated that.
54:19I mean, Dexter Lawrence was unblockable in that game, and that might be the case here against Miami, but their offensive line is probably better than what their
54:27rushing attack has shown so far this season.
54:29>> Yeah, I like their offensive line. There were a couple key blocks for those big runs for Ollie Gordon. They were largely
54:35like untouched. Like there might have been like a little paw on him like going through those holes, but those were like
54:39largely untouched runs for for Ollie Gordon. I can't say that. I was like, "Wow, look at Ollie Gordon on tape."
54:45Like I was like, "There there he goes.
54:46He's running right up the middle as he as he should there." Um, I did not know that Jaylen Wright started this game. No
54:52one no one told me that. Jaylen Jaylen Wright was the starter. Played the first drive and then afterwards Ollie Gordon played 60% of the snaps after that
55:00drive. So, not 100% 60%. Um, I think this one's largely, you know, still up in the air. Um, so that's my my bold
55:08take. Uh, he had 7.6 expected half PPR points, nine carries, two receptions.
55:12Um, they're not going to trust Jaylen Wright in pass protection. I think that's how he's going to get on the field a little bit more. Um, but they're
55:19projected for the 18th uh or 18 points.
55:22That's 28th in the NFL against, you know, I think a largely, you know, you attack the Bengals by throwing the ball
55:28to your tight end over the middle or slot wide receiver. Um, yeah, this is the my biggest prediction uh heading into a week is now Olly Gordon lower
55:38than 25 and a half total yards. That's the biggest play I've made.
55:43>> Did you lad that down? Did you lad that down? Why is it at 65 and a half?
55:48>> Oh, okay. Got it. So, you did ladder it down.
55:51>> I mean, but that that No, that's just like I just think that's that's way off.
55:55>> Okay, I understand you can't ladder things down. I just uh you know, one >> maybe I am I'm going to pull it up in a
56:02second after the show. I might I might just I might go buy a ladder from Home Depot.
56:06>> Okay. Uh I guess we can begin on on Dtier here because it's a bunch of running back twos. We already talked
56:12about Tyler Algier and monitor the injury report and if you get the notification that Jerem is out of practice, uh, go and pick up
56:20>> Yes.
56:20>> Tyler Algier. Uh, that's against the Detroit Lions. I did want to bring up Brian Robinson next for you. Uh, he has
56:27entered the Kung guy Blake Cororm of the past, you know, role here. Heck, maybe even the Jamal Williams roles of the
56:37past.
56:38>> Um, not necessarily just pure touchdown scorer. Uh but in terms of a backfield that does enough to support two, he's
56:46running back 39 in consensus rankings and running back 31 here for you.
56:51>> Maybe it's like a diet version of like the David Montgomery role. I think he's going to get some touches in all four
56:57quarters. This is not just late in the game. It's not just short yards. Like he's getting some work. The difference is, you know, when David Montgomery was
57:05like the RB 22 uh per week, uh the Lions were projecting for 28 points or even sometimes more than that, where the
57:12Falcons, they're at 23 and a half. So, I think he's he's in the flex territory.
57:18He's projecting for 35 and a half rushing yards by the betting markets right now. That feels about right. I think he's live for a touchdown. This is
57:24not the easiest match up against the Baltimore Ravens. Um, but yeah, I I think you know, Blake Cororm, old David Montgomery, um, I don't think he's going
57:33to be quite as good as the Kung guy stuff, uh, because he's probably not as big of a big play threat, but, um, we're
57:38in that ballpark.
57:39>> Okay, I'm just going to throw up through running back 39 here if you don't mind.
57:43Uh, that is Katon Mitchell, Tony Pard, that's the first time we've mentioned a Titans running back. Uh Woody Marx, JK Dobbins, Crod, Marshon Lloyd is the
57:54first time we've mentioned a Packers running back. Mike Washington, and then um I might call my shot. And uh Blake Korn might have a few more points than
58:03he typically does this week.
58:04>> Okay, I like that. Yeah, huge team total. Uh quickly on Pard, um I was looking at it. Um they're projected for
58:1115 and a half points because they're facing the Texans. There's been 12 games for Pard with Cam Ward where they've scored under 20 points. So, I'm giving
58:18you like the benefit of the doubt. So, not just under 15 points. He's averaging 7.6 half DPR points. His high is at 12
58:25points with a score under 20. And I just don't think they're going to score over 20 in this one. So, a hard refresh
58:31there. And then with Katon Mitchell, uh last two weeks 9.8 11 uh expected um fantasy points from him. So, like I
58:39think he's getting in the mix because they're throwing him the ball and if like Lad McConny's not out there, they're going to have like no choice.
58:44And with the state of their offensive line, like I would not be surprised if they say screw it. It's like swing
58:50passes, wheel routes to Keaton Mitchell, and let's just see what happens. Um, yeah, and the Broncos linebackers have been bad. It's like that's the story you
58:58tell with Keem Mitchell, but it's not a good group. Like, this to me is tight ends, wide receivers.
59:04>> Oh, yeah.
59:04>> Please don't tell me that you're RB2. If you if they these are your RB2s, it's time to go read a book and, you know,
59:10well, >> touch some grass.
59:11>> Hey, you're you're talking to me.
59:13>> I know. This is This is one of the groups in the expert league. I have Ken Walker, Saquon, and Bree Hall.
59:22>> Yeah.
59:22>> I mean, I'm so down bad.
59:24>> Yeah, it's over.
59:24>> I I truly was thinking of just like waving the white flag this week and benching everyone and just like having a
59:30moment and putting up a zero. Uh but I know that could come back to bite me in the end. Uh Woody Marks is my my best
59:36running back.
59:36>> Yeah. Last week >> I I have had in the expert league Devon Aan Chuba Hubards on um a buy right now
59:45and then Jeremiah Love might not play.
59:46So I'm going to be right there with you as well. It happens. But this is I might go outside this this week is what I'm
59:53saying instead of watch.
59:55>> All right, that's going to do it for us.
59:58Thanks everyone for tuning in again.
59:59We'll be back on Friday with the wide receiver rankings episode. And uh if you want to go watch, you know, the fantasy
60:08forecast, I'll be over there on Thursday >> as well.
60:12>> All right, everyone. Up the villa. Talk to you guys soon. See you.
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