Matt Waldman RSP Film Room

Bob Harris and Matt Waldman express significant skepticism regarding Justin Herbert's performance, with Harris questioning if the team's attempts to alter his footwork and accelerate his release are counterproductive. Waldman characterizes Herbert as an average to below-average starter who, despite elite physical arm talent and movement skills, suffers from persistent decision-making flaws and mechanical issues dating back to his time at Oregon. Waldman argues that Mike McDaniel's efforts to force mechanical adjustments in the shotgun are a misguided attempt to fit the player into a system rather than addressing inherent blind spots and inaccuracies in Herbert's game.

Matt Waldman views Jordan Addison as a fantasy WR2 with WR1 upside, especially if Justin Jefferson misses time. He compares Addison favorably to DeVonta Smith, noting Addison is more rugged and better in tight coverage.

Matt Waldman suggests that while Braelon Allen is running well, he is currently overpriced. He recommends buying only if Allen is a throw-in in a trade, noting that Chris Rodriguez Jr. is running just as effectively.

Matt Waldman dismisses the idea of ranking Breece Hall above Christian McCaffrey, implying McCaffrey remains the standard for top running back production.

Breece Hall is dealing with a thigh injury of unknown severity, but Matt Waldman maintains he is a top-10 running back talent who would be the RB1 in football if traded to the 49ers, potentially tied with Jahmyr Gibbs in value.

Matt Waldman characterizes Keaton Mitchell as a player who struggles outside the tackles; while he is effective at pounding the ball inside, he lacks the versatility to be a consistent outside threat.

Drake London has been a major fantasy beneficiary whenever Michael Penix Jr. is on the field, making him a strong value pick for those who drafted him at cost.

Raheem Sanders is earning significant usage as an outlet receiver and is receiving an increasing share of carries, suggesting the team favors his skill set in the backfield rotation alongside Quinshon Judkins.

Quinshon Judkins is currently in a near 50-50 snap share split with Raheem Sanders; while he is a hard runner, his real-world utility currently outweighs his fantasy production.

Deshaun Watson is a 'fade' for fantasy purposes due to high-risk decision-making. He is prone to throwing multiple interceptable passes that would have resulted in turnovers against more competent defenses, and his off-field baggage remains a persistent distraction.

Parker Washington is considered the best receiver on his team and the second-best in his division behind Nico Collins. He has shown the ability to make difficult, low-ball catches in tight coverage and has been a strong value investment for fantasy managers, providing production that exceeds his draft discount.

Travis Etienne is expected to miss time due to a hamstring injury. Prior to the injury, he had been sharing the backfield workload, though he recently recorded a career-high 57 rushing yards.

Marcus Mariota is a viable fantasy starter, recently throwing for 183 yards and three touchdowns. His recent success is attributed to an offensive structure that effectively fits his specific skill set.

Amari Cooper's availability is a key factor in the Jets' offensive scheme, specifically regarding how his presence or absence influences slot usage patterns for other receivers.

Mason Taylor is currently sidelined with a thumb injury, which is contributing to the ongoing attrition within the Jets' receiving corps.

Kenyon Sadiq is a viable streaming option at tight end who could provide TE1-level production. Despite occasional drops, he has shown significant run-after-catch ability and is being utilized frequently in the slot.

Alvin Kamara is a recommended buy while Travis Hchen is sidelined. He is viewed as a versatile back capable of handling hard yards and receiving work, similar to the role Aaron Jones occupied two weeks prior.

Omar Cooper is a viable fantasy option for managers needing tight end help; he saw significant slot usage and, despite some drops, demonstrated good positioning and the ability to make plays on inaccurate throws. He is projected to provide TE1-level production.

Matt Waldman notes that while Malik Willis may be improving incrementally, he is not a viable fantasy asset. The Miami offense is limited by its reliance on Willis's legs, which forces routes to break away from the quarterback and hinders the production of both the running backs and the passing game.

Jarquz Hunter is a potential candidate to be promoted from the practice squad to the active roster following the season-ending injury to Devon Achane.

Malik Washington saw some snaps in the Miami backfield rotation following the injury to Devon Achane.

Jaylen Wright was unavailable for the most recent game. Matt Waldman advises against prioritizing him on the waiver wire, anticipating a committee backfield in Miami that lacks significant fantasy upside.

Devon Achane has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL.

Despite backfield competition from Bucky Irving and Kameron Allen, Rachaad White remains a strong hold and a trade target. He is considered the superior all-around back compared to his teammates due to his blocking, receiving, and running skills.

Matt Waldman acknowledges George Pickens is a talented receiver who excels specifically on slants, noting his unique positioning ability on those routes. However, he is not considered a standard-issue wide receiver, implying potential limitations compared to top-tier options.

CeeDee Lamb is the clear primary wide receiver to own in the Dallas Cowboys' offense. He is capable of doing everything on the field and is seeing increased red zone usage, leading to expectations of a rebound year.

Matt Waldman highlights Denzel Boston as a breakout candidate, noting that at least three beat writers identified him as the best player in the Browns' offense throughout the offseason. He showed chemistry with Deshaun Watson, including a back-shoulder catch and a post route where he spun off two defenders.

Alec Pierce left the game early after apparently aggravating the same injury that caused him to miss the entire offseason.

Following Alec Pierce's injury, Matt Waldman suggests Laquon Treadwell as a desperation play for fantasy managers in deep leagues (20-25 roster spots). Treadwell showed the ability to get open on deep posts and slants with some physicality after the catch, though he remains a veteran with a history of drop issues.

Aaron Jones is functioning as a lead back for the Vikings, evidenced by a 23-carry, 105-yard performance. Matt Waldman praises his smart, workmanlike running style, noting his ability to transition from perimeter to downhill approaches and his continued effectiveness despite a slight decline in pure explosiveness. While he is dealing with a minor knee injury, Waldman recommends starting him as a reliable fantasy option.

Matt Waldman highlights Kyle Monangai as a strong short-yardage runner who excels at the collision point, gets low, and accelerates through contact. While he lacks elite explosion for a lead-back role, he has improved as a receiver and is becoming a confident, all-around back. Waldman projects him as a potential top-25 to top-30 fantasy producer over the next two to four years.

Sam Roush struggled with drops, including a critical seam route pass that would have set the Bears up with first-and-goal inside the five-yard line.

Caleb Williams showed flashes of playmaking ability, including a nice scramble and an eight-yard completion to Khif Raymond, but he suffered a hamstring injury during the game.

With JK Dobbins injured and RJ Harvey inactive, Jonah Coleman stepped into the primary back role for the Broncos, recording 10 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown. Matt Waldman views him as a solid backup-caliber player who can catch and run downhill but lacks elite creativity and power, comparing his ceiling to Lendale White rather than a star like Terrell Davis.

RJ Harvey was inactive for the Sunday night game against the Rams due to a hamstring injury.

JK Dobbins suffered a left hamstring injury in the third quarter of the Broncos' win over the Jaguars. While Sean Payton characterized the injury as minor, Matt Waldman emphasizes that Dobbins' long-term durability remains a significant concern, despite viewing him as head and shoulders more talented than backup Jonah Coleman.

DeVonta Smith has emerged as a fantasy WR1 following the departure of AJ Brown. Bob Harris and Matt Waldman highlight his recent performance of 27.7 fantasy points and a 38% target share. Waldman notes that Smith thrives against zone and off-coverage, solidifying his status as a high-end fantasy starter.

Matt Waldman is 'totally feeling' the recent success of Bryce Young, who has posted 20-plus fantasy points in back-to-back games. Waldman attributes this to Young's improved film performance, specifically his ability to beat the blitz, reset in the pocket, and place the ball accurately. Waldman projects him as a QB10 to QB15 for the season, citing improved surrounding personnel and a return to his Alabama-level form.

Darren Waller benefits from having two other legitimate receivers on the field, which allows him to exploit matchup advantages against smaller cornerbacks due to his size.

Despite limited snaps, Ladd McConkey is considered the 'straw that stirs the drink' for the Chargers' offense. Matt Waldman expects him to return to form within a week or two as he integrates further into the scheme.