Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Austin Ekeler acknowledges Blake Corum's footwork and skill but maintains that the Rams' backfield currently belongs to Kyren Williams, who will receive the majority of the work if he plays well.

Matthew Berry selects Kyren Williams as his pick for the rushing yards leader, noting that despite concerns about Blake Corum, Williams is expected to command the lion's share of work in a high-powered Rams offense.

Austin Ekeler picks Kimani Vidal as his choice for the regular season rushing yards leader, citing the Chargers' philosophy of running the ball heavily and Vidal's hard-running style.

Austin Ekeler highlights Jeremy McNichols as a player who was effective on third downs last year and will likely be part of the Commanders' backfield rotation.

Austin Ekeler expects Brian Robinson to serve as the starter on paper for the Commanders, but warns that the team's tendency to rotate backs under their current coaching staff makes it difficult to draft him highly.

Austin Ekeler identifies Chris Rodriguez as a sleeper back who possesses downhill running ability and earned a role in Jacksonville. Ekeler notes he did not see bad tape from Rodriguez and expects him to carve out a role in a tandem backfield, limiting the workload of other backs.

Matthew Berry notes that coaches have a specific affinity for Gainwell, suggesting his role is bolstered more by his name and coaching preference than pure production metrics.

Matthew Berry reports that a Tampa Bay source indicated the team plans to use Kenneth Gainwell between the tackles, suggesting he will not be limited to a pure third-down passing role.

Austin Ekeler believes Bucky Irving is worth drafting in the 5th-6th round because he has the upside to reclaim the starting role in Tampa Bay once fully healthy, despite the presence of Kenneth Gainwell.

Austin Ekeler views David Montgomery as a potential workhorse in Houston who could have a career year and pop into the top 10, noting that he is an unsexy but reliable value pick who will likely go too low in drafts.

Austin Ekeler and Matthew Berry expect Jeremiah Love to operate in a tandem backfield with Tyler Algier and James Conner, projecting him for 13-15 touches per game early in the season rather than a full-time workhorse role.

Austin Ekeler and Matthew Berry both doubt Devon Achan will be a top-10 fantasy running back this year, primarily due to concerns about the Miami quarterback situation and the offense's reliance on a mobile quarterback who may not prioritize passing to running backs.

Matthew Berry expresses confidence in Tyrone Tracy's ability to contribute, questioning whether he and Jackson Dart might eat into Scadaboo's goal-line work.

Matthew Berry notes that the Ravens signed Henry specifically to handle goal-line duties, allowing them to reduce Lamar Jackson's usage in that area to keep him healthy.

Matthew Berry ranks Derrick Henry as RB9 (15th overall), which is higher than his current ADP of RB12 (21st overall). Berry notes that Henry's value is bolstered in half-point PPR formats and by the Ravens' desire to keep Lamar Jackson healthy by using Henry in the red zone.

Austin Ekeler and Matthew Berry remain high on Derrick Henry, dismissing age concerns for the 33-year-old. Ekeler calls him a 'werewolf' and an anomaly, expecting him to continue producing at a high level as the primary goal-line back for Baltimore.

Matthew Berry notes that Saquon Barkley's fantasy value is hindered by Jalen Hurts' goal-line usage, specifically the 'tush push,' which limits Barkley's touchdown opportunities. Berry expects the Eagles to pass more under Sean Mannion, potentially reducing Barkley's run-heavy volume.

Austin Ekeler views Saquon Barkley as a staple of the Eagles' offense but doubts he will replicate his 2024 peak. Ekeler projects Barkley for 1,100-1,300 yards, noting that the current offensive situation is different from his breakout year.

Austin Ekeler projects for 15-16 points per game, noting that while he is still a key option in the passing game, his overall fantasy ceiling is capped by the team's offensive situation.

Ekeler views Bijan Robinson as an elite, stable playmaker who will carry his offense, noting that Robinson remained dominant even on a four-win team last year. While Ekeler prefers Gibbs for the number one spot, he acknowledges Robinson is a top-tier talent.

Ekeler ranks Jahmyr Gibbs as his number one overall fantasy pick, citing the stability of the Lions' offense and the fact that David Montgomery is no longer on the team, which increases the reliance on Gibbs in the backfield.

Ekeler is currently a free agent coming off an Achilles tear and is fully healthy, but he is looking for the right situation to join as a support-role player rather than a workhorse. He is not rushing into a decision and is waiting for an advantageous opportunity, potentially even waiting for an injury to occur on a playoff-contending team.

Matthew Berry and Dan Graziano discuss the latest training camp updates regarding Keenan Allen.

Matthew Berry and Dan Graziano discuss the latest training camp updates regarding Stefon Diggs.

Matthew Berry and Dan Graziano discuss the recent contract extension news surrounding Zay Flowers, noting it as a key training camp development.

Matthew Berry and Dan Graziano discuss the recent contract extension news surrounding Bijan Robinson, noting it as a key training camp development.

Josh Allen is mentioned as a key factor for the Bills, who are considered one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl with odds around 10-to-1.

Caleb Williams is expected to make the Bears interesting this year, with the hosts drawing a comparison to Joe Burrow's second-year success, despite this being Williams' third year.

The hosts project a strong season for Lamar Jackson, expecting him to get back on track and stay healthy as part of a potential Super Bowl run for the Ravens.

Matthew Berry expresses confidence in Brock Purdy for the upcoming season, suggesting he and Mike Evans will develop a strong connection that benefits fantasy production.

Matthew Berry remains a consistent target for Mike Evans in fantasy drafts, noting that as long as he is in the NFL, he is a must-draft player. Berry views him as a high-end WR2 with significant goal-line upside, stating that no one has proven they can stop him in the end zone.

Matthew Berry ranks Mike Evans at 25 overall (WR25), significantly higher than his 61+ ADP. Berry compares Evans to Davante Adams, expecting him to be the primary red-zone threat for the 49ers. He notes Evans' high efficiency on 50-50 balls and expects him to thrive in a high-scoring offense, especially with Ricky Pearsall out and George Kittle's status uncertain.

Lawrence Jackson and Matthew Berry view Kenneth Gainwell as a value pick in PPR leagues, noting his 73 receptions last year and expected role in the Bucs' offense following Mike Evans' departure. While Bucky Irving is considered the lead back, Berry reports that team sources expect Gainwell to be used in multiple ways, making him a viable flex play.

Matthew Berry is very bullish on Colston Loveland, ranking him as the TE3 (38th overall) compared to his 42 ADP. Berry cites his strong finish to the season, where he averaged 20+ fantasy points in games with a 20% target share, and expects a big year in the Bears' offense under Ben Johnson.

Lawrence Jackson notes that while Tyler Warren's production dipped in his last nine games, it correlated with Daniel Jones' performance. Jackson projects Warren for 800-900 yards and 75 catches, suggesting he could lead the Colts in receptions, especially with Michael Pittman gone and a 28% red zone target share.

Matthew Berry ranks Devontae Smith at WR12 (27th overall), well above his 34 ADP, expecting a monster season as the Eagles' alpha receiver. Berry notes that Smith averages over 19 fantasy points per game when seeing a 30% target share and over 80 yards in games with 7+ targets. He expects the offense to pass more under Sean Mannion, creating more volume for Smith.

Lawrence Jackson highlights Zay Flowers' 29% target share and WR9 utilization score from last year, noting he is one of only nine wide receivers to record 200+ PPR points in each of the last three seasons. Jackson expects a breakout toward an elite tier, supported by a favorable schedule against bottom-12 defenses and explicit intent from Lamar Jackson and the coaching staff to get him the ball.

Matthew Berry ranks Kenneth Walker at 14 overall and RB8, significantly higher than his consensus ADP of 20 overall (RB11). Berry expects a monster year, citing the team's financial commitment to him as a focal point, and dismisses concerns about a committee or vulture situation, noting Andy Reid's history of making lead backs fantasy-relevant.

Matthew Berry ranks Kenneth Walker III as RB8 (14th overall), significantly higher than his consensus ADP of 20. Berry cites his elite efficiency (3rd highest rate of 10+ yard runs) and the Chiefs' high-volume red zone offense as reasons for a projected monster season as the clear focal point.

Matthew Berry and Lawrence Jackson are both targeting Saquon Barkley. Despite a down 2024, he remained a top-15 RB in PPG. With a better offensive line, a new offensive coordinator, and a favorable schedule (nine games against bottom-12 defenses), Berry ranks him as RB7 (13th overall), higher than his consensus ADP of 16.