
The #1 RB You Should AVOID: Week 4 Preview
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You've seen the headlines, heard the debates. The three point ball has created a monotonous rhythm to the game.
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Has the three pointer ruined basketball?
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And how did we get here? The rise of the three point shot can be partially traced to an eccentric Kansas genius named Martin Manley, whose story didn't turn out quite the way he imagined.
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I decided I wanted to have one of the most organized goodbyes in history.
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30 for 30 podcast presents Chasing Basketball Heaven.
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Available now wherever you get your podcasts.
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What's good, friends? Welcome to Fantasy Focus Football alongside Mike Clay and Phil Jates. My name is Daniel Dopp, and I barely made it here on time.
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Yeah, I wish people could have seen that chaos that was in here. You literally sat on your seat two seconds ago. Well done.
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Thank you very much. I do have an excuse. I was. I live on the other side, Hartford. Right. So, like, I have a. I've got a little bit of a longer commute. And there was a dump truck that had stopped in the middle of the highway on my side of Hartford in the middle lane.
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Okay.
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That was stopping all of the traffic. Everyone did not know whether to go right or left around him. It took forever. And why did you do that? I don't know. I wanted to stop and ask, but I called our producer, Tyler. I was like, tyler, I might be a little bit late today, so I know you guys were prepared to be able to make fun of me in case I was late.
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We're still gonna make fun of. Not gonna lie.
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We had a lot of. We had 30 seconds worth of mat.
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I need some. Do you want to give it to me so I can know what we're doing? We got a fun show planned here today, though, my friends. We are diving into our week four preview, part one. Obviously, the PlayBook comes out. We're going to dive into the wide receiver, cornerback matchups. We're going to give you a long shot as well towards the end. And then, obviously, a Thursday Night Football preview.
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We can't wait. I got to tell you guys, and I'm sure many out there listening, have the same feeling, but once you get into the rhythm of the football season, I don't know what to do with myself on Tuesday and Wednesday night.
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Yes, agreed.
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My father was in town last night. Both of our kids were off from school. My wife is a coach in the fall, so we were both unavailable to pick up our kids to take care of our kids in the afternoon. So my dad came now, which is so incredibly kind of him, and he's had a great Time with the girls. But last night, after our girls went down, my dad was like, do you want to go watch some tv? Let's go catch up with the old man. And I was like, what do we watch? My dad and I don't have, like, the same, like, Netflix tastes, per se, you know? So we ended up watching the Cubs and the Mets, and neither one of us is a Cubs or Mets fan, but it's sports, and we watch sports.
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That's amazing.
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Just watch film.
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Yeah, Yeah.
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I was grinding the tape instead. That's right.
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Yeah.
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We went to battle, like, 9:55.
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No way.
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I mean, yes, for me, 955 is very normal on Tuesday or Wednesday.
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That's. That's true.
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Okay, well, when your kids wake up. When my kids wake up, like, we can have a conversation.
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Well, that's better than what I was doing because I bought a sofa and a giant one and built it, and then it's just too hard. Like, I don't like it. Oh, no.
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It's like a Goldilocks and I should.
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Try to find a way to package it back up. So I was out, like, shopping for a new sofa. Trying to find one that you, like, sink into. Yeah.
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Yeah.
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That's important. I don't understand all these sofas where you're just like. Like this. Yeah.
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Nobody wants. You don't want to sit on an airplane on your palace. Nobody wants that. Yes.
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So I'm trying. If anyone has any suggestions for a good sofa, I'm in the market for a nice.
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Everybody be careful with Mike. No crazy suggestions.
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Are you.
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Are you sofa sleepers? Because I know you talked about the divot that gets in your. Like, will you fall asleep on your couch, like, while you're watching games? Or are you like, I can't. I don't lay down because I know. I had a friend a long time ago that was like, I will not lay down on my sofa. And I was like, that's the weirdest thing. What do you mean you won't lay down your sofa? And he was like, the couch cushions separate in an uneven way, the way that they're not supposed to, and they break down sooner. So I will. If I'm gonna lay down. I never lay down on my sofa.
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And I wanna sink in. I wanna be able to sleep on it if I want to feel like a cloud. Exactly right. That's what I'm looking for. So I was out shopping. That's what I was doing on my non football nights. All right, well, sofa hunting. So I'm comfortable When watching the games.
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On Thursday, Mike Clay bragging about A, having a life and B, having a lot of money. Thanks.
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No big deal.
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I got money for two sofas and I don't even need one of them.
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Yeah, I have all my money because I won the long shot.
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Okay. All right, quick shout out to our friends over at trophy smack. Head on over to trophy smack.com and get 10% off using the promo code focus10 for whatever you want to get for your league, whether it's a belt or a trophy or a ring or a chain or a toilet seat. They got a bunch of different options for you.
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They have couches.
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The trophy smack couch. Yeah.
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Yeah, that sounds good to me. And by the way, hanging out in our YouTube chat today is our buddy Eric Moody. Follow him on social media at Eric and Moody and ask him all the questions you want today in our YouTube chat. All right, let's kick things off with a week four preview, part one. We will do part two tomorrow, but we're going to bring a couple of questions to the table and I'm going to start, if you guys don't mind, please.
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Why not?
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Yeah.
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I. I will always get a kick out of you asking for permission because I will always say yes.
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I appreciate that.
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Field is bored already. He's ordering lunch already. We're sitting here trying to talk ball. He is a lunch.
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I am pre plan I have to get out of in a snap right after the show. I forgot to order my lunch prior. You can order a.
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You know, we'll hold down the for you. Do you guys do.
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What'd you say? Let me.
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Let me get Taco Thursday. Everyone knows it's Taco Thursday.
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Taco and nachos at the ESPN caf on Thursday.
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I can't wait.
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That's happening.
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All right, here's my first question.
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What'd you guys say? Sorry, I'm too busy ordering my coffee.
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Coming off a 224 yard for touchdown performance, are the Lions running back set up for a trap game against the Cleveland Browns? Well, I say a lot of good things about the Lions and I want to just like I balance.
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Right?
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Exactly. This is a balance situation. I'm going to mostly focus on Jameer Gibbs. We might talk about David Montgomery in the RB2 conversation in a little bit. So I'm going to. I'm basically focusing on Jameer, but here is. Here's the good. Okay, okay.
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He's Jameer Gibbs.
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He's Jameer Gibbs. Can that be the end of the conversation?
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Works for me.
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This workload Split just in case everyone's not watching the Lions the way that I have, this workload split has shifted.
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Sure.
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Last year it was. We're going to start with David Montgomery. He is going to be our lead back. He's going to wear defenses down and then we're going to bring in Jameer Gibbs who's going to now have this explosive boost to be able to take advantage of all these tired defenses. It is not that this year. This year it is actually the exact opposite of that. Jameer Gibbs is getting the majority of the run. David Montgomery is the guy that they come in. He's still the change of pace back, but he's like the change of pace hammer back now rather than being a speed guy. Gibbs has played 50 more snaps and has 21 more touches. That's seven touches a game that he's getting over the David Montgomery. He has been money for fantasy managers. 15 fantasy points in week one, 19.4 in week two, 26.9 in week three. There is all the reasons why we have always like ranked him inside the top five.
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Yeah.
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Is there a but?
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The but is this Browns defense has been really good against running backs. Week one they played Chase Brown. He scored 13.1 fantasy points and that's only because he got in the end zone after 17 attempts from inside the 5 yard line.
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Don't fact check that.
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Do not fact check 17.
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It was actually 18, but not that big of a deal.
C
It took too many. It took too many. Week two they shut down Derrick Henry 2.3 fantasy points. And then week three they played Josh Jacobs. He scored 12.4. All three of those were top ten running backs last year and they didn't top more than 13.1 fantasy points. They've given up the second fewest amount of fantasy points to running back so far this year. I'm not not playing him. I'm not benching him. There's not like an actionable necessarily to this, but it's the idea of I won't be shocked. I would be disappointed, but I won't be shocked if a guy that we're ranking as running back five finishes as running back 12 to 18. Because that's sort of in line with where running backs have been finishing when taken on this defense.
A
Like it. Yeah. The good thing that Jameer Gibbs has going for him on top of the fact that he's Jameer Gibbs is that he's an amazing receiver, better than any of the players you mentioned. Chase Brown is a good receiver, but Derrick Henry and Josh Jacobs of course, make their money for their 20 to 25 carries a game. I think David Montgomery is. Interesting conversation because of everything you just said. Monty was already kind of flirting with that. Is he a lock it in RB2 after what we saw the first two weeks, is it impossible to bench him after he went ham this past Monday night? He, to me, feels like the bigger decision if you have to make one involving David Montgomery and other options at RBI this week.
C
I'm with you on that. And, Mike, I kind of left David Montgomery on the table because I think we're going to talk about a couple of RB2s here in case you want to dive into some of that.
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But we are going.
C
I am with you. That is my fear as well, is that Jameer is the obvious start and maybe David Montgomery, I mean, maybe it's going to be tough for him to find a way in the flex, which is difficult to say after the week that he had last week.
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Yeah, maybe a little more juice for the passing game. I actually have a Monroe St. Brown at wide receiver two this week, so a little boost for. For those guys a little bit. I mean, not as high on golf as a streamer, just because that's fair. The lack of rushing still crushes me. Just too many. Too many duds mixed in with the good ones. So a streamer for me.
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Okay. All right.
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Well, what about you, Mike? Why don't you go next?
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I take a little longer here because I'm going to kind of. I'm going to utilize you guys here. We're having a little fun show. I'm gonna put on my. My Drew Carey hat, play a little Price is Right sort of game here.
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Very thin one that he has.
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Yeah, I need that Here. I got the pen. Little pen. Yeah, like this. All right, welcome. Welcome to the show.
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Thank you.
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Good to be here. Since the price is wrong, if you disagree with any of my takes. So this is what we're gonna do here. I'm gonna get rid of that. I don't like it.
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Which was that Happy Gilmore. The price is wrong.
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Bob.
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Bob.
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There we go.
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And then we. If you disagree with takes, we. We roll around in the ground and fist fight.
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That sounds like a plan.
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All right, so here's what we're going to do. Yesterday I talked about, like, running back 10 to 30, essentially was very similar. A lot of, you know, guys have fallen out of the RB1 mix. We had some injuries, so other guys moved up. We have some breakout players, and the tier is gigantic. And it was kind of tricky. For us to rank these guys this week. So I'm just going to roll through my rankings. I'm going to go from 11 through 30, so 10 and 10. And then at any point you disagree, just stop me.
A
Okay.
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And then you just say stop, and then you explain why I'm wrong. Too high. Too low on this guy. Okay. All right, so. So I've. Derrick Henry's 10, and then we'll start at 11. Jalen Warren. All right, let's hear it.
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Just wanted to do that.
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I love it.
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It's gonna be like the whole show. That's the whole thing.
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The whole show will just be 20 straight incorrect. You're not. We're not there yet.
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Dale and Warren at 11 ahead of Amarian Hampton.
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He's averaging more than anyone else. Almost anyone left on the board. There's only four guys I haven't said yet that are ranking more fantasy. Have more fantasy points per game than in the season.
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So his passing game volume is silly right now.
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Yeah. Yeah. All right, so he's 11. 12AMarion Hampton, 13. Kyron Williams.
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Still good with it.
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14, J.K. dobbins against the Bengals.
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I'm okay with it.
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You're okay with it? Yeah. Great matchup. 15 Breece Hall, Dolphins. Yeah. 16. Ashton Genty stopped.
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I feel uncomfortable there.
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Okay. All right.
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Well, I definitely got you. I mean, I'm a. So here's where I'm at with Ashton Genti. I am his running back, 24. So you are too high. I really hope that in four weeks, maybe even four days, this is a take that has aged like milk, right? Yes. But you're talking about a player who's getting very good, not even elite, but very good rushing opportunities. Rushing volume.
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Yeah. Oh, yeah.
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Not elite, but very good. Maybe even like, slightly above good because he had 11 carries two weeks ago. So let's call it somewhere between good and very good rushing opportunities with the worst offensive line of the NFL. Specific to run blocking with no passing game rule.
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Yeah.
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Now, the reasons for optimism. Yeah, the reasons for optimism are that he is an amazing talent. We still believe that. The Raiders are saying they need to get him going. Maybe that means something. Maybe it means nothing.
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Do you know actions speak louder than words?
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Yeah, they do. Like, you know, more than two yards of carry would be nice as well.
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Yeah.
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Thing.
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And perhaps the most pertinent thing that I'm sure Mike is going to point out, it's a very good matchup.
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Yeah. Chicago Bears 6. Most fantasy points to running backs. I like that. And. And again, I don't I won't get too into the details cause we talked about. I made this case yesterday but you know he's handled, you know a good chunk of their carries, almost all of their running back carries and he's been on the field for 60% of their past play. So I think the targets will come. They have to like the target share is going to appear at some point. I hope it's not a Derrick Henry like target share. I hope it's higher than that. But I think it has the possibility to change. I think they just have to manufacture those.
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He's splitting touches with Zemir White and Dylan Lowry.
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Not really splitting.
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Agree. But like they're the only other running backs in that backfield.
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Yeah.
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I don't think is that like he's not. Don't confuse him with Jameer Gibbs. Don't even confuse him with like whoever you think is a pretty good pass catching running back Jalen Warren. But he led the FBS in running back receiving yards two years ago. Like no running back in all of FBS had more than Ashton Genti's 567 receiving yards two seasons ago. Now I get it. The most obvious counterpoint that all the people that are just laughing at the idea of taking Ashton Jensen in fantasy football right now are coming back with is well he played in Boise State. They played against Cupcakes in the Mountain West. That's fine. If he was like the 30th best running back in terms of receiving yards in the fbs, it might be an issue. He was number one. Like I don't care who you're playing. Like that's still a notable statistic that illustrates the point that this is a capable receiver. The Raiders have just opted not to tap into that very much so far. I don't know man. Tough.
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I'm a little more optimistic.
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Do you have any updates field on potential do you think Boise lines offensive line? Boise State's offensive line is better than the Raiders offensive line might be.
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Shoot.
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I mean let's give him a good left tackle Casey.
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I think he'll start making some place he's board bet.
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I don't know. What do you want to do? Like you have a 16. I'm at 24.
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I think I'll. I'll say it's a top 20 week.
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Okay. I'll go outside the top 20.
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Okay. Okay. Bam.
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You go first.
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All right. I say Ashton Genti will be a top 20 scorer in fantasy football points here in week number four.
A
And I say Ashton Jetty will not be a top 20 scoring running back in week four.
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Put it on the board.
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All right. We got not many of those this year, so we got one.
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To be clear, like, if I win the board bet. Yes. We can track it somewhere, but I mostly just want Mike's shirt. If I.
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You don't. You have a very similar shirt. I feel like I saw you wear this recently, and I was like that. Yeah. Zara, right?
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No. Mike, again, I don't know. Geez.
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Look.
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Can't hide money.
B
Look, we have a couple. I have a couple nice shirts. All right. I brought one out today. All right. We're all wearing collars for once, which we are. Yeah. Anyway, next up on the board, DeAndre Swift against the Raiders.
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Yep.
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Alvin Camara against.
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In Buffalo.
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Against Buffalo Bills. He's been okay. He's been all right. Next up, 19, here's a riser, Quinchon Judkins playing against your Detroit Lions.
A
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At 20. Another riser. Kim Scatabo against the Chargers. That's a tough matchup but in a good spot with no Tyrone Tracy. 21.
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My takeaway from 10 to 15 to 16 to 20 is that that's a big drop off, man.
C
There's a drop.
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Like I'm pumped about some of the guys you have from 10 to 15 or 11 to 15 and then all of a sudden six.
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Are you though? I mean like Warren and Hampton, Hampton's on their ice, but like Kyron's, you know, he's been fine. But Dobbins and Hall, like I think Dobbins and Hall are very similar to all these guys. I don't. Okay.
C
I don't know.
B
I kind of disagree. I think they're all very close. All right, so we are at Scoutbo 21. Jordan Mason against Pittsburgh Steelers 22. Daniel's boy, Chase Brown. Yeah, Broncos.
C
That might be too high for me.
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Too high.
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Yeah, I've got him five spots lower than that.
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I've got Denver. I mean back to back terrible games against run for Denver. I know we talked about this. A little bit of a different style. Well, a lot of bit different style player. But hey, it's a couple running Brown.
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And his twin brother Sidney Brown and stacked them on top of each other. They would equal one John.
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So you get some running lanes.
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I mean you just can.
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I just need a couple plays.
C
Can I read something to you about Chase Brown?
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Please, please do. Yeah.
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Our buddy John Perelin from stats and info.
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John? Yeah, yeah.
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John's great.
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He is amazing.
C
He, him and I were talking about Chase Brown yesterday and he wanted to give me this nugget in order to help make me feel better. It didn't help make me feel better. The rushing in particular has been rough on the season. Chase Brown has a total of 47 rushes for 93 yards through the first three weeks of the season.
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Non good.
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In the super bowl era, there are 813 players that had at least 47 rush attempts in their team's first three games. Chase Brown's 93 rushing yards are the fewest of that entire group.
B
Wow.
C
Out of all 813 players.
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That's. I'm not even mad.
A
You gotta tweet that, dude. Why don't you?
C
That is because it's a John Perlin stat. John Perlin should do that. But, like, that is buddy John. Yeah, that is.
A
I don't think John's awful.
C
He's not much of a tweeter. Unbelievable. Yeah. He works on Monday Night Football stuff.
B
Yeah. He is so good.
C
So I just wanted to get that out.
A
Joe and Troy recently. It was really cool. That sounds awesome.
C
Well, do you think the shout out from me is better than the shout out from Joe and Troy? I think that's not good.
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It's important to be honest with your friends, Mike.
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The price. The problem is the offensive line isn't going to get any better with Chase Brown. That's the thing that makes me super nervous about this. So anyways, I just wanted to give.
B
That out there because that was a brutal matchup last week. I'm just hoping is that, remember, Jake Browning was productive two seasons ago for a while, like, it's possible that it's at least some lanes open up and it'll be, you know, he's involved in the passing game, too. This is not a guy that just relies only on that rushing. So. Yep. But I'm hoping that, you know, he gets five targets to go with 12 carries and he's fine.
C
There's not a single person that is starting Chase Brown this week that feels good about the decision they're making. They're just saying I have to because of where I drafted him and what the rest of the running back room probably looks like on this squad.
A
An awesome locker room segment where somebody like, went around and interviewed players like, hey, if you're starting yourself in fantasy right now, be honest. Like, how do you feel that would.
C
Be good if players would lean into that. That would be really fun.
B
We know Micah Parsons is honest about his fantasy.
C
That's right.
B
Did not take himself first. Wouldn't reach for himself. He knew there was what he took.
C
Yeah.
B
Yeah.
A
So, hey, Zaire, Franklin and IDP league. But I digress.
B
Anyway, okay, so Chase Brown you think is too 22, which is hard to believe, but especially coming from you, Daniel, that I know.
C
Hey, listen, you got to be honest. When you get Paul wrong, there's still hope.
B
All right, this guy down a little down quite a bit from where we had him last week. Javante Williams, 23 against that tough packers defense, 24. This guy plays tonight. We'll talk about it more Later. Trey Benson. Yeah. Up 25. Chuba Hubbard against the New England Patriots. Down a little bit from the usual. Tony Pollard at 26. Nick Chubb at 27 against the Titans.
C
That's too high for me.
B
Too high? Yeah. Too high for Nick Chubb.
C
I would put Nick Chubb at the end of this whole list.
B
There's a. I mean, terrific matchup. A lot of volume for him. And he's getting a couple targets, too. So I think he'll. I think he's good against his Tennessee defense. So, like him here. 28. Ken Walker, the third. Now, this assumes Zach Charbonnet is back for this game, which, you know, he's.
A
Questionable despite practicing in full. We'll talk about that if.
B
If sharpening's out, obviously, Walker jumps up quite a bit, probably to the top of this list we just laid out here. 29. Your boy David Montgomery against Cleveland. Again, tough. Tough run defense that.
C
Cause he scored 29 fantasy points last week. You had him ranked as running back 29.
B
Yeah, that's how it works. Right?
C
That's how that works.
B
Playing the 31st run defense.
A
That's why Chase Bratton is RB1 this week.
B
That's right. And wow, that was good. That was smooth. I almost missed it. Well done.
C
That was good.
B
And 30, Travis Etienne. So the first guy to miss is Ramandre Stevenson.
C
He only got a couple of duds in there, but mostly. That's a really good list.
B
I mean, actually, I was expecting you guys to protest more often. You stopped me like, twice.
A
No, we're okay with this. I want to. I'm going to table my Stevenson thoughts because you mentioned he was 31 for you. Moderate Stevenson. Okay, got it. We will talk about that in just a few moments.
B
Yeah, that could change depending on what you know. We'll get to it. We'll get to it. Yeah, yeah. It's unpredictable, but we're monitoring reports on that back. But you go.
C
You go first.
A
No, no, you go. My point is going to stink anyway.
B
So you're next up. Right.
C
It's really tough because you had mentioned David Gum Ray, but there's. It's really tough to bench a guy that just scored 29 points for your squad and then think you have him as almost RB30 when he's still on one of the best offenses in football. And like this. My fear is that this defense is just going to be this good. This is a really big test because if I watch the Browns do this against the Lions running game for the basically fourth week in a row, we're going to be saying to ourselves like this is a defense.
B
Defense.
C
Exactly.
B
We saw that in week one. Right. I mean, that kind of happened. The Lions running backs already against the Green Bay Packers. What did Jameer Gibbs had like what.
C
10 catches for 31? 31, yeah.
B
That week one. I mean, we've seen them be bottled up to an extent. So you're right, it's tricky. But again, that's kind of the point. That's why we did this experiment. You go from 11 to 31. I mean, it's so these guys are so close.
A
I think.
B
Three points apart, roughly.
A
So our reaction to your list underscores your initial point is that it is very close from 11 to 31.
B
Yeah.
A
All right. My first question for the weekend ahead is we all know that CD Lamb is extremely unlikely to play. Note because I've gotten a couple of questions on this. If the Cowboys declare him out, we will make him. We via outsourcing. We'll make him IR eligible until that time comes. Very sorry, but he is not yet IR eligible. CD Lamb doesn't play. What does that mean for George Pickens?
B
Means good.
A
And Jake Ferguson? Is it possible that Jake Ferguson's value can go up any higher? I guess the only way it could is if he actually scored a touchdown.
C
In the end zone.
A
Yeah, but good lord, he is tight end one on the season so far for Jake Ferguson, I've got him as tight end three this week. I have him at three, Daniel at four, Mike at five. So we're not that far off. We all believe he is a lineup lock. The volume should be incredible even if the yardage is just okay and even if there's no touchdown for him. But I think George Pickens is kind of interesting. Has he crept into lineup lock territory for either of you?
B
Yes.
C
Agreed.
B
And by the way, I'm going to talk a little bit more about Ferguson, surely, because I have some just kind of interesting nuggets on him. But Pickens. Yeah, I have him at 17. I know they're playing the Packers. They've been good against, obviously. They've been really good defensively so far, but the targets have been there. He's averaging 14 fantasy points a game. And now there's no CD Lamb and his 30% target share. Are you kidding me? Yeah. Pickens should be locked into lineups. I don't know how you bench it.
C
Packers have a corner that. That would shadow George Pickens, by any chance?
B
I don't think they're. I don't think they'll shadow they just have such a good trend anymore with teams is like they'll just move their corners around a lot, but it's not necessarily one on one matchups.
A
I, you know, packers might do that a little bit. The hardest part about calling George Pickens a lineup lock is he's not a trustworthy player. He just isn't. Right. Like, I mean, four years into his career, like, he's very, very talented, but it feels like he's been in great spots before and he's dudded and there's been times where you would expect a pedestrian day and he goes off because he's super talented.
C
There's more volatility than you would expect with his sk.
B
But you, I mean, I think if you look at down wide receiving, you're like, who could score 27 fantasy points this week? He is on that list. He could have. I mean, the targets have been huge the last couple of weeks. He could have.
A
Garbage, no doubt.
B
Yeah.
A
I think across the board. Just to stamp this thought, none of us are starting Dak Prescott this week.
B
No.
A
Okay.
C
I am not against the Green Bay.
B
Okay.
A
I'm not. He is outside my top 15 by a decent amount.
B
24 in mine.
C
24.
B
I mean, I was not, not. I'm not a big dak guy in fantasy this year. He's just not running. I mean, that was the trend last year and still the trend. He's just not adding any value with his legs.
C
I expected him to be better this year because I thought the defense was going to be bad. They'd have to throw the ball a ton. But that's just. I mean, they have had to throw the ball.
A
Yeah.
C
It just hasn't worked out.
A
Yeah.
C
So my second one is going to be a. I mean, coming off the Dak Prescott conversation. Okay, maybe Dak Prescott isn't a starter, but I do believe. Field, I think you're on board with me with this because I saw you do a video on it earlier this week.
B
Yeah.
C
Jordan Love is a sneaky top five to eight quarterback this week and it's because of his matchup.
B
Yeah. Not sneaky.
C
No. I mean he's. Well, I would say sneaky because I don't think of Jordan Love as being a top five to seven quarterback more often than not in fantasy football. But this week against the Dallas Cowboys, it is. Absolutely. They do hate us. But like the Cowboys have been roasted by quarterbacks so far this year. Really quickly, Jalen hurts. Mike, you already know. This week one scored 24 fantasy points. To be honest, most of it was with his legs. He got in the zone twice at 60 rushing. But the good news is he was 19 for 23, completed 82% of his passes. That's awesome. You love that. Week two, Russell Wilson, 450 yards and three touchdowns. Week three, Caleb Williams, two 98 and four touchdowns. So they.
B
Wow. Russ had that game. I mean, he must be. He's back then, huh?
C
Yeah. It seems like there's no way he's getting benched, right?
B
No way.
C
How does A guy throw 450 yards and four touchdowns and has benched the next Cowboys defense.
A
Cowboys defense.
B
And that's.
A
That's how bad they are.
B
That's what we're talking about. Agree more.
C
They've given up almost 750 passing yards and seven touchdowns over the last two weeks. I don't think that Jordan Love is elite, but this is the kind of matchup that you just cannot go away from. I do not believe though that I would start any of his pass catchers. This is one of those like rare mo. Like times where I'm fine. Like I'll start a quarterback. Yeah. Tucker Craft, I would start.
A
Okay.
B
Okay.
C
But, but all the wide receivers I would be out on. So I just, I don't think we've. Unfortunately, much to all of our chagrin, we've not had an alpha establish himself.
B
But I do. They tried a little bit like two weeks ago. Don Tavian. Wis came out and, and last week they tried with Matthew golden, but then they just stopped. Yeah. You know, he got his handful of targets and then they were like, all right, you just run routes now. Yeah. So I don't know if Jordan Love.
C
Is one of your two quarterbacks that you're rostering because you do two. Two different quarterbacks. He's the guy that you should be starting this week against the Dallas Cowboys. And it's another one of those matchups where if he puts up 20 plus fantasy points, opposite of the Browns saying we're going to avoid them all the time, we're going to be saying, start all of your quarterbacks against the Cowboys.
B
Yeah.
A
This game is going to be just, I mean they're all. Must see for each of us but like, like Jerry Jones has put himself into the blender this week. Like on top of the fact that it's prime time Sunday Night Football traded away Micah Parsons. Like they're going to get, I believe, completely pancaked on Sunday night, which means they'll probably win 13 10. That works.
B
Yeah.
C
You're up.
B
Ready?
C
Next one.
B
Mike Clay yeah. Next up for me is tightening up tight end. Get it?
C
I got it.
B
Tight end tightening Shingo Conquo this is comedy. Okay.
C
For your for Friday.
B
Okay. Good for me to know this is comedy.
A
Oh yeah.
B
Just. Just want to talk through a couple options. One was Jake Ferguson. He was the top of my list. I have him a tight end. Five this week. He is the number one scoring fantasy tight end and first in targets, catches and fantasy points this year. But I mostly wanted to talk about him. Obviously we're locking in a lineups. Good matchup. The packers have been crushed by tight end so far. But a couple just interesting fun facts on on Jake Ferguson. At least 12 targets nine catches and 78 yards in consecutive games. That's only happened 15 times since 1978 according to Pro Football Reference. I mean by a tight end. By a tight end. I'm sorry, yeah. Only 15 times by a tight end. Back to back games with that sort of usage. So it just shows you the extent of the volume he is getting. Also this is kind of a fun fact too. Remember at the playoff game back in after the 2023 season, the packers played the Cowboys and in that game Jake Ferguson had three touchdowns. Okay. Yep. I remember these teams play for the first time since that game today. He hasn't scored a touchdown since that game.
A
That's not fun, Mike.
C
No way.
B
He has zero touchdowns since he scored three touchdowns in that game. So kind of interesting to see if he can turn all this heavy volume into to his first touchdown since that game. So really fascinated by him.
C
What do you have, what do you have projected for his targets for this week? Do you know, do you have like over 10 targets?
B
No, no, no, no. It's rare. I mean you need to be like a peak end wide receiver or like Trey McBride to get close to that. So like seven. Okay. Yeah, right around seven.
A
I'll take the couple more Jake Ferguson fun facts. He is the grandson of Barry Alvarez, longtime Wisconsin head Coach. He's born 1-18-99. So he'll be 27 this upcoming January. And he's actually from Rapid City South.
C
All of those are just as fun as the one that Mike shared.
B
No, wait, mine are way better.
A
They are better.
B
You were, you were shocked by that touchdown fact.
C
Dude, 2023. He hasn't got in the end zone.
A
Since that game was against the Packers. Right. There were three of them in that game.
B
That's right. How'd you know that?
A
I was just testing you.
B
Regression alert. Yep. Okay. A couple other tight ends. Dullen Kincaid, Another fascinating one. We mentioned him briefly yesterday. Remember week one had the 14.8 fantasy points which was more than he had in any game all of last season. Then last week had a career high 17.6 fantasy points. But here's my, you know, actually a question for you guys. I want to know if you think he's turned the corner and I'll tell you why. Okay. He's playing 51% of the snaps this season. Last year was 54%. So pretty much not much different than last year. His target share when he finished 19th last year in fantasy points per game was 19%. It's 16 and a half percent this year.
A
You're answering the question.
B
The difference. The difference is two touchdowns already this season that matches his total from all of last season. He does have three end zone targets, which is tied for the tight end Lee, but four is career high. So is that a trend or is that something that's going to go away?
C
Does he only have 17 targets on the season? He's got like 16 or 17 targets through three games.
B
Target share is not very high.
A
I think he has gotten fortunate. He plays an absolute wagon offense where they're going to score a lot of touchdowns and so far he has been the beneficiary.
B
Yeah, last year he was not. So yeah, I mean maybe it's a little better than last year but I'm not sure he's going to be. I'm not sure he's hit his stride and is a tight end, one that we thought he'd be. I was happy with that. So 13th for me against the Saints this week. Last one for me of course. How can we not talk about this guy? And we're talking about confusing Titans. Mark Andrews, of course. Seven yards and four targets the first two games last week, 91 yards and two touchdowns on just six targets. The playing time was the same as the first two weeks. He just happened to see the ball more often from Lamar, looked his way more often and he hit for touchdowns. Isaiah likely looks like he has a good chance to play in this game. I still think he's a touchdown dependent fringe starter. I don't think there's any difference after last week. You know, the Chiefs look like a bad matchup. I'm not worried about that. They've had a light slate so far. But for me, Andrews is a tight end too. Still, even after what we saw last week, I.
C
So here's the thing and I look at our rankings.
A
You go on Montgomery theorem here.
C
I know, but like, like I, I have him ranked as tight end 14.
B
Yeah, me too.
C
I mean, but field you have him at tight end 23 and that's where my heart really feels Mark Andrews should be. I think that if I had him based on name value and the offense that he plays in, I'm probably starting him over a bunch of the guys that are outside the top 15. But in my heart, I feel like he's not going to be a top 15 guy just with the way that the offense has utilized him. The emotional side of the game is the hard part for me. So why do you have them all the way down outside the top 20?
A
Well, mostly because I haven't touched it since the Monday Night Football game took place. I worked ahead of my ranks Monday afternoon. So yeah, I will go in there and maybe give. I'll give.
C
Boost them a little bit.
A
But yes, that's mostly the reason.
B
Okay, got it.
C
But still doesn't feel great.
A
There's like great 250 players you're trying to rank and sometimes you let one slide through the crack, especially with those Monday Night Football outliers.
C
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A
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A
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C
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B
I'm still keeping Isaiah Likely on the end of my bench. I want to see his. Absolutely. In case they just decide he's our guy now. Yep. Absolutely. There's a chance of it.
A
All right, my question here is, is Caleb Williams just a weekly starter in fantasy now?
B
Yeah.
A
Like are we in that corner just like he's just one of them or is he a matchup dependent guy? Because he currently is tied for the NFL lead in passing touchdowns. He is using his legs a lot as well. The dramatic confidence uptick is to me completely noticeable. And he gets a great matchup this weekend. We all have him as at least quarterback seven. I'm quarterback seven. You guys are both quarterback five for Caleb this weekend. I get it. They're one and two. I get it. They play in a great division and maybe this team will finish with just seven or eight wins this year. I love the Caleb Williams story, though. I love it. I love seeing Caleb make these strides like it's grinds me To a nub. Sometimes when a guy has one okay, season and we're saying to ourselves, this is the biggest bus NFL history. Is Tyson Bajan going to be the quarterback of the future? They're like, what are we doing, guys?
C
We're so overreactionary so quickly. Yeah, it's how it works, especially the time.
A
And like we were having this conversation at lunch yesterday. Why do bad franchises stay back? I don't want to get us off the rails here, but I really believe one of the biggest issues is owners have grown so impatient. They make change for the sake of change. Caleb Williams has a ton of talent. If you don't see it by now, that's on you. Is he perfect? No. Are there areas to continue to improve upon? Yes. For our purposes right now, the combination of much improved passing, excellent group of pass catchers to throw the ball to an amazing matchup, and some leg utilization makes Caleb Williams a starter. They go into their buy in week five. We'll evaluate this in week six. But for this weekend, feeling really good about it.
B
Isn't it funny how Daniel Jones is like so good and he's first in QBR is Daniel Jones. It's great. But he's averaging 23 fantasy points a game. He's such a positive success story. Caleb Williams is averaging 23 fantasy points a game. Same thing. He's ninth in QBR, which is terrific, you know, ahead of a lot of very good quarterbacks. So you're right. He's been. He's been good so far. I think there might be scenarios where he is a really tough matchup and we're like, yeah, probably, you know, maybe we look for a streamer this week.
A
But play the packers and we'll talk about it.
B
If you say neutral matchups across the board. Yeah, he's probably seventh or eighth in our. In our ranks right now. Yeah. Yep. Okay.
C
And with. You're right, that was a good one. Last one for me and it's going to be pretty quick. I think this one is going to be a much quicker takeaway. But it's just wanting to let the people know. If you've been waiting for three weeks for Jordan Addison to return, he's now available to be able to come out. However, you're going to wait, I think, another week before you put him in your starting lineup. I don't think that this Vikings offense can support three pass catchers, just support Justin Jefferson. Honestly, that is the whole thing. Like I. Last week I tried to give a little bit of optimism around TJ Hawkinson with the way that Carson Wentz Mike, you know this like he had utilized his Eagles tight ends really well but he was playing with Zach Erts and Dallas Scott so we know that he had like a bunch of really good tight ends. We got to see an uptick from TJ Hawkinson last week. I love that but I'd love to see Justin Jefferson be able to get back on track. I don't think we've seen a number two wide receiver like Jalen Naylor and and who's the Adam Thielen. Yeah. Like neither one of them have done anything right now that are useful for us in fantasy. So I know you've been waiting for Jordan Addison to come back. He officially is back from suspension. He can play this week but I am not putting him into my starting lineup. He's unfortunately going to be in my bench bench for one more week.
B
Who gets more targets, Jordan Addison or DeMarcus Robinson? Who's coming back this week from suspension as well for 49ers.
A
Find out later on in the Niners.
B
Need I mean the Niners need Ricky.
C
Pearsall and Juwan Jennings, both DNPs to start the week is something that we're going to continue to monitor.
A
Both of them sound well Ricky Pearsall sounds confident that he will play. We haven't heard on Juwan Jennings but we will find out probably a little bit more in the next 30 hours from right now.
B
If you start like six receivers in your fantasy league Robinson could be in the to keep an eye on.
C
If you start six receivers. That was a good caveat. Good caveat Mike.
B
He might be busy though field.
C
You got one more. Mike only brought two to the table because we're going to dive into his wide receiver slackers.
B
Well no we did right with that running back segment was so long. Yeah we beat that too last one.
A
I know Mike has hinted at this in a few different places but it may not necessarily be perfect. May not always be pretty. Drake may creeping on up into that quarterback one kind of realizing some of his some of the preseason hopes right. We have seen some really good stuff from Drake May as a runner so far this year. That's the most encouraging part. He's got games. He's got two out of three games with at least seven rushing attempts. He had 45 rushing yards last weekend. The Patriots are throwing the football a lot right now, perhaps not by design and the pass catching group is not all that inspiring. And yet Drake May feels like a top 10 option once again this week. I've got him as quarterback. 11. Daniel at quarterback. 10 Mike has him as quarterback. 13. A little bit lower. This Panthers defense better than we anticipated.
B
Yeah. Yeah. Let me tell you why they are they're running Cover 3 at the highest rate in the NFL. They're allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, the highest yards per carry at running backs and almost six yards per carry. I I would imagine that's connected. That could be. That could be good news for the running backs, actually, this week, which it sounds like we're gonna talk about at some point, but what's coming up right next? Yeah, yeah. So maybe we get into that. But yeah, I think that's kind of fascinating. That's the Panthers approaches. It's working against pass, but it's not working against running back.
A
Fix it.
B
Yeah.
A
So it's but just really cool to see for F again. I still think Drake and I'm a gigantic, gigantic Drake May believer in fan. So I am very optimistic about the outlook for him in New England as a real quarterback. But for fantasy, he's already coming around. And like, the cost was so favorable this preseason that if you decided to roll the dice with Drake May in like the 10th round, it's been one of your better value picks across all positions. But perhaps the bigger question mark this weekend for the Patriots is how are we forecasting this Patriot Patriots backfield? I think it's natural, it's instinctive to say to yourself, all right, Ramon Dre Stevenson puts the ball on the ground twice last weekend. That has been an area that he has struggled with throughout his career. Coming into next week, it's the Trayvon Henderson opportunity for him to at least lead the way. I think that's possible. I don't think it's a certainty, though. I still think there is a little bit of a veteran deference that comes along with Ramon Dre Stevenson at this point of his career. On top of that, Mike Vrabel said right after the game last year, you know, coaches can answer things in a variety of different ways. And perhaps it's just Rabel being a very he just knows how to connect with his players so well and knows how some guys need tough love and some guys need, like, the positive reinforcement. And he was like, we need Ramon Dre. We need this guy for us. He's a huge part of us. Right? So I think Ramandre Stevenson is going to resume a role. I think the Patriots backfield this week. This is, if I had to just guess, it's completely throwing a dart against Them wall. I think it's more like week one than it is week two or week three. That's my guess. Remember, because week one, it was. Ramondre was leading the way, but it was a decent amount of Travion Henderson in terms of designed utilization. He played like 35% of the snaps, but he had six targets. Like, that was really inspiring. If you can get six targets in 35% of the snaps, imagine if that role grows by 10% of the snaps. You could be a legitimate RB2 candidate. These past couple weeks, it's been heavier, skewed, or at least week two and week three by design, was skewed more heavily towards Ramontre Stevenson. After the we saw more of Trayvon Henderson. I think it looks like week one.
B
Well, I mean, the. The problem here for me is that it wasn't Henderson first. It was Antonio Gibson.
A
Well, he put the ball on the ground.
B
Yeah, well, right. But I'm saying what it was like. Henderson really wasn't playing. It was Stevenson and then Gibson was coming in to give him a break, and then the fumbles happened and then it was more Gibson and then he fumbled and then it was all Henderson. Well, not all they. That's the thing. Hender or Stevenson was not completely benched. He still played a handful of snaps.
A
No more rushing attempts. He just got in there for a few snaps. I. Well, let's put rankings to it then. How about that?
B
Oh, yeah, I will. I just want to add one more thing, which is that Henderson, by the way, once he stepped in, he did play like 80% of the snaps. After the all the fumbles, he didn't really move the needle much, unfortunately. There was a lot of usage. He didn't really do much.
C
Yeah, but at least he didn't drop the needle like the other two guys.
B
He didn't, but it was not enough where you're like, okay. If he crushed it, then you're like, okay. It's his backfield. I did see a report that he was. Was the first running back up in practice. I don't want to make much of that.
A
I talked to Mike Reese about that. Mike Reese, who is our Patriots reporter, who's great, he's the best, literally sets the bar. It's one of the greatest humans to ever walk this earth. And I mean that sincerely. I talked to him, I said, hey, does that mean he posted the video of Trayvon Henderson being first in running back drills? And I was like, does that mean something? Is this typically how they usually go? Like starters first, et cetera, et Cetera. He said, I don't know. He said it might mean stuff, it might mean nothing. He's like, it doesn't mean anything. He just, you know, he just was so. I don't want people to. I don't want people to get mad, have venom towards the reporters who are posting the videos. Because while it could be the Henderson takes over on Sunday, it is not simply because of what we saw in a running back draw.
C
You had asked how are you forecasting this backfield? For me, it is cloudy with 100% chance of benching. I'm not playing either of these two players.
A
Well said. So, yeah, the highest ranked Patriots running back I have is RB28, which was Ramandre Stevenson, which to me is a guy you don't want to be playing.
B
I'm at 31 on, on Stevenson, 39 on Hender, and I'm fine to avoid this week.
C
This could be one of those weeks though where we think this with everything you just laid out, Mike. Yeah, maybe all of a sudden the boom game from Travyon Henderson happens because of the way that this Panthers offense works out. I just can't trust it with like confidence right now until I see more. Last thing that any of us wanted was for the Patriots coach to be pumping Ramandre Stevenson heading into week four. We were really hoping that Henderson was going to, to just be able to grab this running back room or at least if it doesn't become his, just at least feel like he's going to be more involved than what he's been through the first three weeks.
B
I will say though, keep Henderson on standby because Stevenson might be one fumble away from just.
C
I mean, he's a buy low candidate. A major by low candidate for me.
B
Yes.
A
All right, that's my last one there.
B
So.
A
Yeah, I mentioned Stevens in 28, Henderson 35. Next up, wide receiver, cornerback stuff.
C
Yeah. Mike Clay Shadow report highlighting notable wide receiver cornerback matchups from the playbook available at ESPN Fantasy right now. Go check that out.
B
Out.
C
Mike, why don't you give us some wide receiver upgrades?
B
All right, let's do it. Yeah, we'll roll through a few of these. We're going to start with the Bills receivers who are, I feel like, are kind of interesting because you might be considering a Keon Coleman or someone like that for your flex.
A
Spot is now projected for 6.2 up from.
B
Up from 5.9. Yeah, look. Saints struggling so far. We predicted this in the off season. Third most fantasy points to the perimeter, which is Coleman and Josh Palmer. Can't trust Palmer obviously, but maybe Coleman is a little more appealing feeling in your flex. Next one. Same game, Raiders and Bears receivers against obviously the opposite defenses. The Bears will add the Lee High six touchdowns and the fourth most fantasy points of receivers. So another Trey Tucker game. Jacoby Myers Bears receivers of course, Roma Dunes they were locking in. He's been fantastic. But DJ Moore, I. I would still call him a lineup lock but obviously trending down a little bit. They faced the Raiders third most fantasy points of receivers. They've allowed at least double digits fantasy points to six receivers already in just three games. The Raiders have to a lot. Yeah. And then last one in upgrades here is of course the packers wide receivers. Again same similar to the Bills. Right. You're like Matthew Golden Wicks Romeo Dobbs. Can I consider them in a deeper league for my flex? Well, maybe this is the week the most yards, touchdowns and fantasy points including the most to the perimeter by the Cowboys so far this season. I think Duron Blaine will play in this game which helps them but nonetheless we still expect them to give up a ton of points.
A
I would say out of the players that you just mentioned who are due for an upgrade this week, the one who is probably like closest to maybe being benched that you're now feeling more confident is actually DJ Moore.
B
Agreed.
A
Yeah, like I don't, you know, like with all due respect to like Matthew Gold, like I would love it for Matthew golden to have a monster game. I don't think a lot of people are planning to start him this weekend. Same with Keon Coleman. Same with who else? Did you mention anybody?
B
Tuckers on the Tuckers after the big week?
C
Toby Myers.
B
Oh, yeah. We packers receivers. Yeah.
A
Yeah.
C
Let me who do you think has more targets this year? DJ Moore or Marvin Harrison Jr.
A
So far this season?
B
Targets. Yeah. Oh. Who has more? Yeah.
A
Three games.
B
Harrison. I don't know.
C
Harrison has 17 more.
B
Has 16.
C
Like the idea that like they've both just fallen into the. We're a five to six target a game wide receiver at this point. Disappointing right now.
B
Yeah. Don't like it.
C
It really is. All right, so a couple of upgrades though. We love the upgrades. Mike Clay. That's positivity actually.
A
Before we get to the downgrades, who are you guys picking in the Bill Sleep Saints game?
B
Is it. Are you getting like 20 points? Yeah, I know. Yeah.
A
17.
C
That's the line. The spread is 17.
A
It's a huge number.
B
I'm gonna go out and take the Bills money line. Yes.
A
All right.
B
Downgrades how much did you have to.
A
Bet to make like a dollar off that?
C
Probably.
B
What do you think it is?
C
Minus 800. Minus a thousand.
B
Eight dollars to make win one dollar. Yeah. Yeah. Something like that. Yeah. All right. Not. Not good. Don't do that. Probably downgrades this one Would have been more fun had Joe Burrow been acted. But Jamar Chase against Pat Sartan, he's going to shadow him most likely this week. Sir Tan has already shadowed Calvin Ridley, Michael Pittman and believe it or not Quentin Johnston last week, which I, you know we did hint on the long touchdown in this segment. Yeah. And I say, you know we weren't surprised. We. I talked about it on the show last week. That may happen but Johnson did pretty good in that game considering better than the other guys. Those three did average 9.9 fantasy points. So he's been as usual terrific self. Even though Johnson did a nice job last week. These teams played in Week 17 last week. Now again Joe Burrow played in that game. Jamar Chase had a huge game, 102 yards on 15 targets. He did that mostly away from certain. Yep. But on the other side this is the really the real key because we know a starting Chase, T. Higgins was shadowed by Raleigh Riley Moss in that game. 12 targets, 11 catches, 131 yards, three touchdowns for T. Higgins in that game. Wow. Should be the same matchup this week. So I know it's not Joe Burrow, but again this is one of them things where you're thinking about your wide receiver 3 slot or your flex maybe Tiggins T. Higgins makes the. Makes the cut. Good matchup. That's tough.
C
I don't that everything about watching Jake Browning last week feels like just a stay away.
A
Right. This is the inverse of the David Montgomery. Yes, yes, exactly. Montgomery. Meanwhile, how can I play?
C
How can I play any of these guys?
B
That's what we're doing.
C
Jamar Chase doesn't feel good like you're starting him but like I don't feel like I'm getting Jamar Chase look level like with Jamar with Jake Browning under center. Jamar Chase is more like a. What's a. Who's a mid tier wide receiver too that he would turn into. I mean he's not DK Metcalf.
B
We're going that far. Wide receiver too. I mean he did crush it with Browning two weeks ago. I mean we have a one full game sample this year. It was Minnesota, one of the best defenses in the NFL. It went terribly but the week before he had 10 catches just from Browning. I mean, it's possible he can give us top 10 numbers.
A
Who's the biggest riser for wide receivers so far this season?
B
Oh, dunes.
A
Okay, so probably Roma Dunes A. Who would you rather have right now, Roman Dunzer or Jamar Chase?
C
I'd rather have Roma, dude. That's a great question. I'd rather have.
A
Is that a wild question to ask in.
B
Yeah, that's. That's tough.
A
The hard part is how wild is that?
C
Yeah, you would have Chase.
B
Dude, he's the best raw talent receiver in the NFL. Maybe Justin Jefferson is. But.
A
Yeah, you know, same question for Jefferson.
C
The one.
A
I think Jefferson's due soon. I think it's coming very soon.
C
Does. Is raw talent one of those things that automatically shows up on the stat sheet or you actually need to have.
B
Production for raw talent?
C
No, I don't think I am. I would rather. I would rather you are just straight.
A
No, no, I'm in a point for raw talent.
C
Oh, okay. Got it, got it, got it. Yeah, I would rather have Roma Dunes A because I think he's going to have a consistent quarterback for the rest of the season. And knowing how bad the offensive line is, we're looking at Jake Browning until December ish.
B
Until they trade.
A
I think Joe's not going to play this year.
C
I can't imagine that by the time that Joe's eligible to come back, the team is in a spot where they want to be able to actually bring him back. They're not going to be a playoff contender. It doesn't feel like.
B
I would agree. That's a.
C
That's a tough one anyway.
B
So we got that one. Steelers receivers against the Vikings. The Vikings just talked about it. Most fewest catches and fantasy points allowed to receivers. And that's interesting, guys, because they've played the Bears, Falcons and Bengals receivers and they've led the fewest catches in fantasy points. So that's been a tough challenge and they've been really good. Only one receiver has reached double digit fantasy points in. Daniel Dopp has called him better than Jamar Chase. Romo Doomsday.
C
That's right. That's right. That's true.
B
Patriots receivers against. Oh, by the way, that of course applies to DK Metcalf most notably and then Patriots receivers against the Panthers. I just talked about this. They're playing a lot of COVID three. They've led the third fewest fantasy points to receivers this season, including the fewest to the perimeter. So K Sean Booty avoiding him in our flex this week. Probably the same For Stefan Diggs and guys, the last one is Calvin Ridley up against Derek Stingley Jr. If Stingley plays, he's dealing with an oblique. If he goes. He shadowed Devonte Adams and Mike Evans. Him and Kamari Lasseter combined to shadow Brian Thomas last week. The point totals for those three receivers in those games, 7.2, 10.6, 7.5. So it's been a tough start for Ridley. Inefficient. He's been shadowed a lot. That's been a big reason for it. It's just another tough matchup for him this week. So if Stingley goes. If Stingley doesn't go, Lassiter will shadow him. Still tougher. Not as tough, but he's. He's a tough one.
A
Did Ian Eagle drop? He went for the.
C
What was it like?
A
The. He used a great line on KON Booty.
C
Oh, I.
A
He grabbed the booty. He grabbed Booty.
B
It was like along those lines, right?
A
I needle. What a legend that guy is.
C
I. I want to ask you guys a question that shocked me when I looked it up. You guys are numbers guys, obviously.
B
I've heard of numbers.
C
DK Metcalf.
B
Okay.
C
Ranks where? In air yards per target. This is season. There are 80 qualified wide receivers.
B
It's low. 74th.
C
He's 78th out of 80. He's averaging 5.6 air yards per target. He is not the guy that, like, we thought DK Metcalf was going to be coming from Seattle. Aaron Rodgers is just not really finding him deep at all. I. I was shocked when I saw that set because I try not to watch many Steelers games if I can help it. It's just not fun.
A
Yeah, we need lack of creativity on display again. Is that what you're saying?
B
That's kind of.
C
I didn't want to say it field. Thank you for saying it for me then.
A
No problem.
B
Yeah, we like high to stir us, but we need more vertical for 100%. The dude is massive. Let's make. Let's get him the ball.
C
Yeah. When Kendrick Bourne and Mac Hollins have deeper areas per target than you do, you know your.
B
I think we have a couple other quick ones here. Neutral matchups for the full screen, maybe. Yeah.
C
Oh, yeah. We got a full screen. Sure.
B
All right. Shadow report.
A
Wow.
C
For those not watching the YouTube chat. Go ahead, Micah, and give us the.
B
Yeah. Terry McLean McLaren against A.J. terrell. I don't think either of those is going to play, to be honest. But if they do, terrell will shadow McLaren.
C
If McLaren doesn't play, will Terrell shadow another wide receiver.
B
Tebow moves around too much so I doubt it. Terrell may not play either. Legarius need against Nico Collins again, neutral matchup. Sneed hasn't done. He's a good player but he hasn't slowed opposing number ones yet this season. And then finally and again, this is Tyler. This is not me. By the way, Daniel top up against standup comedy. That's going to be a tough one Friday tomorrow.
C
Yeah, it's going to be a Friday matchup.
A
I can't wait for that. Did you guys see by the way, Legerious need was asked about Nico Collins. I don't miss that. He was asked in the Titans locker room about Nico Collins and I believe in on two separate occasions he said.
B
Who Evidently not afraid. All right, well, maybe a little added juice.
A
Oh, I wish, you know, I wish. It's like Nico Collins is a good player.
B
Yeah.
C
You can't not start Nico.
A
Texans are favored by a touchdown in this game. I get it. The Titans are not good either. But like to the Texans who have 38 points in this is it going to be literally like 20 to 13 is going to be the first final. Yeah.
B
What is what, you know, Survivor. You guys do Eliminator as well. Like they're. They're an 0 and 3 team and they're very appealing this week in Eliminator. The Texans. Yeah.
C
I mean that'll be something.
B
Yeah. It's tough to this deep in the league to take a team without a win in Eliminator, but it's hard to pass on them.
C
Yeah.
B
You know, got to burn them at some point.
C
All right, let's talk about a Thursday Night Football preview. Seahawks taking on the Cardinals tonight. We had a couple of lineup blocks here. Mike, you want to give us your lineup blocks for this game?
B
Sure. Jackson Smith and Jigsaw McBride.
C
There you go.
B
Dre McBride. That is it. Yeah. We're not. We're not putting Harrison there. We're not putting Vince in there. Ken Walker. Ken Walker's. Yes. If Zach Charbonnet is inactive but if not, he is not a line of block.
C
That projection we have on the screen is assuming that Charbonnet plays right now. Correct. That's why it's at.
B
It is as well. Yeah, I have. I'm doing, you know, EBL tonight and they were like, do you have any anytime touchdown props that you want to talk about? I said nope, I don't at all. I mean I don't like. There's just nothing good. There's nothing I love here for those.
A
That haven't combed through the Seahawks practice reports this week, Charbonnet was a full participant both Monday and Tuesday on these short weeks. These aren't exactly full throttle practices, but typically full participation means you're going to play.
B
That's why he's projected as such.
A
Yep, he is questionable officially.
B
They do.
A
They obviously traveled yesterday. He made the trip. So some good signs there surrounding his availability, maybe some bad signs surrounding the fantasy outlook for the backfield as a result of him playing. To me, though, and we're going to hit each kind of like one big storyline for this game. To me, it's no surprise who is going to be the Cardinals featured back tonight. It's going to be Trey Benson. The role should be big. It should be legitimate. We're Talking about maybe 70, maybe even more than 70% of the snaps and the opportunities out of the backfield. I like the player a lot coming out of college. I've seen some good things on tape so far through 19 games of his NFL career, whatever it is, 20 games. What does it actually look like, though? We've seen guys who, they looked good in small doses and they take on a bigger role and it's not quite the right fit for them. Is Trey Benson ready for prime time, which is the role he should get for Arizona? I've got him as RB18. You guys have him as RB21 for Daniel, RB24 for Mike.
B
Yeah.
C
I think my fear in this situation, and I don't think this is what it is, I don't want to talk badly about the player, but, like, my fear in this situation is that you get like an Alexander, Matt Madison type of a performance where as a guy that we were waiting for, waiting to be able to grab the, you know, running back room to himself, and then he just sort of disappoints. Even though you had high expectations, I do expect more out of Trey Benson. I love the juice the guy has.
B
Yeah, me too. And some passing game involvement as well. Also, last week after James Connor went out, he played 20 of 27 snaps. And then of course, we get to say Amari Di Mercado now because he's nice.
C
All right, thank you.
B
Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, so he'll have a little bit of role. We like him. You know, that was good.
A
Yeah. Anyways, so. But big night for Trey Benson and all those who have been waiting for Trey Benson. He was a very popular Dynasty pickup at the beginning of last season. What do you got, Mike? What do you watch?
B
It was mine. Is of course I. I don't want to talk about this, But Marvin Harrison Jr. I want to see him in prime time. Let's see if he can actually catch the football because he should have had a long touchdown last week. Slow start, five or six targets in all three games so far. He had that 71 yards on five catches and a touchdown in week one. Since the then five catches for 71 yards in the last two games, Target shares down from last year. Arizona still has trailed. Trailed on just 50 or. Let's. Let me. Let me start over with that stat. Okay. Arizona has trailed on 15% of their offensive snaps. It's their lowest in the NFL. So hopefully in more competitive games the volume will be higher. I used that last week, that stat last week. It obviously didn't apply in week three for whatever reason, didn't transfer and. But this is a tough matchup too. Seattle's a lot the second fewest fantasy points to receive. Mike McDonald's continuing to make waves with that defense. So yeah, 33rd for me in my rankings. Not a must start, not a lineup block flex option at best. Yeah.
C
What do you got for me? What I'm watching is JSN is awesome. We know that. I just love watching him be out there on the field. But does a second pass catcher emerge in this offense? Just looking to see if Torrey Horton maybe can build off the last two games that he's had. He had in the end zone for both of the last two games. 11.2 fantasy points in week two, 18.2 fantasy points in week three. Part of that was the, the punt return that he had, which was a touchdown, which obviously counts. But we haven't seen Cooper cup really be a big part of this passing game. That was. And that was it. Like I. I wonder. The one thing that's interesting to me. Tory Horton has played exactly 26 snaps in every game this season.
A
So they have a snap count.
C
It kind of felt that way. I would like to see him on the field a little bit more, but he's kind of got that like I think MVS actually is on this squad, but he's kind of got that MVS feel to me. Oh, that's right. You're right. He's on the 49ers.
B
Yeah.
A
Of kind cut by the Seahawks.
B
Yeah. It's going to be curious too because JSN is not going to keep up at this level, most likely. I mean he has. Speak for yourself. 90 plus yards risers too.
A
For money.
B
Yeah, he is. But 90 plus yards in three straight games like that. Like the guys that did that. Four straight games last year. There was like a very short list. I mean it's very hard.
C
Was it one of Sam Darnold's pass catchers? Like I could see Justin Jefferson being the guy.
B
Why can't just chase it six in a row and that. No. And then there's someone like did it four times and that was.
C
There was Robinson in that group.
B
Yeah. It's just. It's hard. He's not going to sustain that level each and every week and so it's going to open the door for other players.
C
I say he does sustain that level each and every week, Mike.
B
Okay, so the line's 85 and a half receiving guards this week. What do you want?
C
Is it really?
B
Yeah. Wow.
A
Under even get some wiggle room. If you go over, you can get 86.
C
Yeah, that's true. Yeah. I would take over on 85 and a half, Mike.
B
I think Jackson, Smith and Jigba goes under 85 and a half receiving yards.
C
I think he goes over 85 and a half receiving yards tonight. Put it on the board.
A
Last thing I'm going to say on this game really quickly before we pick it is for fantasy. He's not there for us. He may not get there. Sam Donald's played some really good football the last. He has been surprised about how well he plays, if he plays really well.
B
Yeah, it was one of the big questions of the year with them saying Gino's gone. We're going with the younger Sam Darnold. We're going to take that chance. And we thought does he crash back to earth going to, you know, from the great situation in Minnesota to Seattle and so far he's been solid.
A
I was going to say that bet will still long way to go. But through three weeks it has looked like a wise bet by Seattle to get younger, comparably expensive and get a third round pick.
B
And honestly it's worked for both because the Raiders haven't had a good quarterback play in so long. Having Geno at least gives him a chance. Feels good.
C
Yeah. For them, I'm sure.
A
The game is in Arizona. We have some question marks on Arizona's defense, including their rookie corner, Will Johnson. I am taking the Seahawks tonight.
C
I am taking the Seahawks too. I thought I was going to be the only one.
B
I have the Seahawks.
C
Let me see what we're all taking the Seahawks.
B
That's never good. You know what my. My projected score is 2020. So it's a tie, guys. So we're getting a tie tonight. Yeah. I. I give a slight edge to Seattle. Okay. Yeah.
C
There you have it.
A
Last bit of business here, guys.
B
Let's do it.
C
The Raheem Sanders monopoly fund. Here's how this one works. We're trying to pick long shots. We are allowed to pick. Yeah. The longest of long shots. They have to be rostered below 0.5%. This was brutal right now in order.
B
To be able to choose options. So we didn't recap last week. So I had Kendrick Bourne did not score. Played a big role in that game because I said that before Juwan Jennings was ruled out. Still did not score. So that was an L. Who did you have?
A
I had Tez Walker who got. Who had one catch for the Ravens and it went down to like the three yard line.
B
So close. That's right. That's. Yeah, I remember. I originally had Smith who played four snaps.
C
Well, originally I had to Rod Taylor and decided again, QB was not in the spirit of the game.
A
That would have not paid off. Correct.
B
Are we keeping an eye on that? Like, is Justin Field still the starter for the Jets?
A
He's gonna open it practice until today. So.
B
But it was even like is he the starter went healthy and it was like not definitive yet.
A
Defensive coach speak.
B
Yeah, probably so too. Maybe. But that's not what I will be anyway.
A
Wow.
B
That would be a. Wow.
C
Is it a lock that Jaden Daniel is going to play this week? Well, maybe we talk about that a little bit more tomorrow.
A
More tomorrow? Yeah, for sure. Yes.
C
All right, so let's go with. Oh, and by the way, our producers. I got to. I got to just say this really quick. Yes, our producers technically picked a guy that scored a touchdown in Cole commit. It was a great call. However, we changed the rules and our producers didn't realize. So Cole Comet was technically above the allowed roster percentage. So we're going to keep the money in the bucket. However, I just want to give them some credit because Cole Comet did find the end zone and it was a great call.
B
So shout out.
A
They had used check the week before. Who scored, who scored the next week.
B
All right. Hey, I'm.
C
Yeah. Good job.
A
Christine already won. Yes.
B
Since we're not following the rules, I'll just take Josh Jacobs. All right. Okay, you're up.
A
There you go.
B
I didn't know we could just go outside now.
C
I can't wait for Josh not to get in the end zone. I'm going to go with Hassan Haskins roster league number two running back for the Chargers. Maybe gets a Goal line try now that Najee Harris is not there. So I'm going to go with Hassan Haskins for mine. What about you guys?
A
Okay. Mike has this name has actually already been mentioned on the podcast today.
B
Okay.
A
I am going with 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson.
C
I love it.
A
Robinson is Elizabeth play on Sunday after serving a three game suspension. And they are paper thin at wide receiver. As Mike noted, Kendrick Bourne played a lot last week. Does sound like Brock Purdy has a real chance to play.
B
By the way.
A
If we get a more definitive update, we'll have that tomorrow.
B
Yeah, my short list was Robinson was on there. I think Tommy Tremble was one with Tavian Sanders out for Carolina. But the guy I went with is Isaiah Bond.
C
Oh, the Browns.
B
Isaiah Bond.
A
How many, how many catches he have so far this year?
C
Two or three.
B
Let's see. He played well. He played 67% of the snaps last week. I think he has four targets, maybe three catches. But their playing time went up a lot last week at Harold Fannin's expense. We play a little bit more. Your lines have already let four touchdowns a wide receivers. So I thought kind of an interesting play. Remember this was a guy that was not invited to the combine for off the field issues but as soon as he became eligible the Brown scooped him up and he's already their number three receiver. I mean he's, he moved right past Deontay Johnson who they cut and Jamari Thrash. So he's, he's kind of on the ins. The ascent. We actually, I believe Tyler said. Tyler can correct me in my. If I'm wrong but he's like the only player that we like in the database that doesn't have a player. A headshot. Headshot like an older. It was a collegiate headshot. So that's how unknown he is at this point. So this is a very much a long shot.
A
Disturbing legal situations arise prior to the draft, which is why he went undrafted. But during his college days at Alabama and Texas he was a very highly touted prospect.
B
Yep.
C
All right, we got one more. Our producers this week are going to pick Bill's wide receiver Elijah Moore to.
B
Find the long list for me.
C
He's on 3%. That's, that's right.
A
Didn't he score last week? So they're, they're taking my Tez Walker logic, which is there's no way a long shot could score in back to back weeks. Which actually means there's.
C
He scored in Week 2 against the Jets. He did not score last week. Maybe that should be a rule. They're allowed to have scored before, but just not like.
B
No, I don't. I don't know, 5%.
C
Okay.
B
And soon we're going to be under 0.3 if we. If someone else scores, so.
C
Hey, Field, I just actually got a notification. The head coach from Iceland on the Mighty Ducks called, and he wants his haircut back.
A
Oh.
C
I was just curious. I'm just practicing for Friday, guys. I gotta feel like I can maybe get a couple things out. Oh, good.
B
I would have laughed really hard if you say that one. I gotta. I gotta text you. Your lunch is ready.
A
Oh, thanks.
C
That's all right. Everyone's good here. All right, that's gonna do it for us today. Make sure you have fun watching Thursday Night Football. Don't forget to love each other. Be kind to yourself. Set your lineup. Put all your guys in the flex that need to be in the flex. Don't start a Thursday Night football player in the flex. All right? And we'll see you guys tomorrow for a Friday preview.
B
Mari D. Mercado, you're in the hole. 6, 0, 1 0. Focus.
A
Fantasy.
B
Fantasy. Focus.
Podcast: Fantasy Focus Football (ESPN)
Hosts: Field Yates, Daniel Dopp, Mike Clay
Date: September 25, 2025
Episode Theme: Deep dive into Week 4 fantasy storylines and previews—the RB you should avoid, debate over tricky start/sit players, wide receiver/cornerback matchups, injury outlooks, and bold long-shot calls for the week.
This episode launches into the first part of the Week 4 fantasy football preview. The crew dissects running back tiers, highlights matchup traps, debates rankings, and outlines must-watch players. Special focus is given to the shifting Detroit backfield, the Browns' defensive prowess, and which mid-tier backs can truly be trusted this week. Later, they dig into wide receiver/cornerback matchups and close with their fun Monopoly Fund long-shot touchdown picks.
Jameer Gibbs is getting more work than last year, flipping last season’s roles with David Montgomery.
David Montgomery: Coming off a huge week ("went ham Monday night"), but facing a team that's shut down all RBs.
Mike Clay's Rankings Debated:
CD Lamb injury impact:
Jordan Love as a “sneaky” QB1 vs Dallas:
“Welcome, welcome to the show… ‘The price is wrong’ if you disagree with any of my takes!”
— Mike Clay, embracing a Price is Right bit for RB debates (09:03)
“Chase Brown: 47 rushes for 93 yards in three games. Out of 813 players in the Super Bowl era with 47+ rushes, that's the fewest yards.”
— Daniel via ESPN Stats (17:51)
“I was out shopping for a new sofa... That’s what I was doing on my non football nights.”
— Mike Clay (02:57)
“If anyone has suggestions for a good sofa, I’m in the market.”
— Mike Clay (03:14)
| Timestamp | Topic | |-------------|------------------------------------------------| | 00:44 | Opening, off-field banter | | 04:47 | Week 4 Preview kicks off | | 05:16 | Lions RB breakdown: Gibbs/Montgomery vs Browns | | 09:03 | Mike’s RB rankings: “Price Is Right” | | 13:38 | Field/Mike make Ashton Gentry board bet | | 22:36 | WR/TE: Lamb injury, Ferguson, Pickens, Dak | | 25:12 | Jordan Love as top-8 QB this week | | 31:26 | Tight end chatter: Ferguson, Kincaid, Andrews | | 37:45 | Drake May, Patriots backfield mess | | 42:28 | WR vs. CB matchups (Shadow Report) | | 52:22 | Thursday Night Football (Seahawks-Cardinals): Preview, lineups, storylines | | 58:43 | Monopoly Fund Long Shot Calls |
This summary covers all essential fantasy context, big debates, and the hosts’ signature humor—useful for fantasy football players seeking actionable advice and a feel for how the ESPN crew is viewing some of the trickiest situations in Week 4.