Connor Rogers (1:39)

Godless.

Matthew Berry (1:40)

He is godless. He's soulless.

Jay Croucher (1:41)

Yes.

Matthew Berry (1:42)

Yes.

Connor Rogers (1:42)

Unbelievable. Vicious terms.

Matthew Berry (1:48)

Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry.

Jay Croucher (1:54)

Welcome to the Fantasy Football Happy Hour. Connor Rogers, Matthew Berry and a very comfortable looking Jay Croucher. Yeah, what a fit.

Matthew Berry (2:02)

Yeah, looks good.

Connor Rogers (2:03)

Got a dual vibe. One, as we were mentioning before, kind of rich guy on plane.

Jay Croucher (2:08)

Yes.

Connor Rogers (2:08)

You're in first class, but then also kind of like Casey Affleck in the town about to rob a bank.

Matthew Berry (2:13)

Yeah.

Connor Rogers (2:13)

So you go either way. Very happy with it. But it's comfortable, which is the undeniable element.

Jay Croucher (2:19)

It's weird they don't put you in that. I'm just pointing it out.

Matthew Berry (2:22)

I just. I show up and I put on what they dress me in. But right for all the lessons, you know, you're soulless, you're godless, you're moneyless.

Jay Croucher (2:31)

Not looking like that.

Matthew Berry (2:32)

Humorless, but you're not fashionless.

Connor Rogers (2:34)

Full of comfort as well.

Matthew Berry (2:35)

Yes, full of comfort.

Connor Rogers (2:37)

You're not comfortless.

Jay Croucher (2:38)

All right. Plenty of action to go through another week of preseason. We're going to get through today. We got utilization reports that caught our attention. Usage.

Matthew Berry (2:46)

Oh yeah.

Jay Croucher (2:47)

Two weeks of preseason in the books right now. So we're going to talk about some notable risers and fallers starting with the man who drinks free today. And that is Trayvon Henderson, the rookie running back for the New England Patriots. Boy, does he look good. Guys average averaging 7.6 yards per carry this preseason has been targeted on 44% of his routes. The Patriots need an explosive weapon in this offense, Matthew, and they're looking to get the most out of their second round running back.

Matthew Berry (3:11)

Yeah. Ramondre, who when you think about Josh McDanielson, the kind of offenses he likes to coach. Right. Running backs and specifically running backs in the passing game have always been a hallmark of Josh McDaniel's teams. Right. Top in he's. He's had eight seasons as a head coach or an offense coordinator. Josh McDaniel says in six of those eight, at least six the last eight. I should say six. The last eight his teams have ranked top five in running back target share. Like again, that's just a stat. Tells you what you know. If you ever watch the Josh McDaniels team, especially recently is that like they throw to the running back and so they're going to use on a team that doesn't have a ton of explosiveness but has a little bit more this year than they had previous regimes. They're going to use Treveon Henderson in smart ways, creative ways, get him in space, take him over. Like I don't think he's going to be a bell cow running back, but I don't think he needs to be.

Jay Croucher (4:01)

That's right.

Matthew Berry (4:02)

I think this is. I could see usage similar to Jameer Gibbs rookie year.

Jay Croucher (4:06)

I think that's spot on.

Matthew Berry (4:07)

Yeah.

Jay Croucher (4:08)

You hope he hits the explosive play. He catches enough passes, Jay, that he's viable in fantasy right away.

Matthew Berry (4:13)

12 to 15 touches.

Jay Croucher (4:15)

Right.

Connor Rogers (4:15)

When I think of Josh McDaniels, I think of like Shane Vereen and James White just getting crazy usage and seemingly like always being out there with the game on the line. Do you think Conor is too much of a gap in terms of the perception of the roles of like Genti and Hampton versus someone like Trayvon this year.

Jay Croucher (4:32)

No, because the volume those two can handle, you just feel better about when you draft them. You go, okay, I know they are going to be such a foundation of the offense here, especially Genti, because not only where they took him, but he's a unique talent. He's built for it. Henderson, for as amazing as he is, the problem is nothing to do with talent or explosiveness at Ohio State in his young, young part of his career. I think his sophomore year, serious foot injury took a while to get his feet back under him. He ended up playing all four years through his senior season. A lot of running backs don't do that. He's healthy now, but he was always a guy that Ohio State got the best out of when they were careful with his touches. Even that national championship season. So that's why there is that gap. But he will have weeks where he hits the 60 yarder and he scores with those guys.

Matthew Berry (5:11)

Yeah, look, I mean, I think I tweeted out something like my timeline was basically like, who's the greatest Patriot of all time? Is it Tom Brady or Treveon Henderson? Like, the hype is unbelievable. And like, I do worry, I think he's going to be a very good fantasy player this year. I do worry that the hype is so crazy that he's actually going to be overdrafted because I think he's going to be great. But again, I think there's going to be. There is going to be a committee in New England. Josh McDaniels has always used multiple running backs. How good do we think this offense can be? We think it's going to be better under Drake May, under Josh McDaniels. They added Kyle Williams and Stefon Diggs this offseason. I think both guys are interesting. The rookie Kyle Williams and I think Diggs is going to be healthy. You've got Pop Douglas there. Hunter Henry is always a perennial. But like, like at the end of the day, like, if it's a middle of the packed offense, you'd be happy with it, I think. And so you know Matty Randoms. I like the name matty randoms on YouTube asking what round we getting Henderson at?

Jay Croucher (6:07)

Yeah, so fantasy life, consensus ADP right now. We'll pull that up in a second just to kind of see where he's going in redraft leagues, which is really, really important to know. Henderson, he's still outside. I think the top 25 here, guys. So you're not.

Matthew Berry (6:21)

I have him at. I'm at running. I currently have him at running back 20. I'm at 57 overall. So you're looking at signing like into the fifth. Top of the sixth for me now again, I think the hype is so crazy. Could I see him going in the fourth round? Of course. You know what I mean.

Jay Croucher (6:34)

Here's the tier of players we're talking about and this is going to fly, right? This is specifically on Yahoo. To look at redraft, not consensus. That factors in best ball and everything like that. And of course, guillotine. He's kind of in this bucket of Caleb Johnson, DeAndre Swift, the two in front of him, Aaron Jones, Brian Robinson Jr. Another guy we're going to talk about in a second. Tyrone, Tracy are behind him, I would guess. Matthew.

Matthew Berry (6:54)

I'd rather have him than all those guys.

Jay Croucher (6:56)

Me too. I think you're going to be drafting them closer into the RJ Harvey, David Montgomery, which is 20 and 21 out of the running backs very soon, maybe higher.

Matthew Berry (7:05)

And by the way, that's what I am. I am at running back 20. So again, you can go to Rotterworld.com NBCSports.com to check out my rankings for free, of course. I'm a company man.

Jay Croucher (7:12)

All right, we're gonna keep it rolling here. Another question From Zach on YouTube. Is it crazy to take Henderson, say the full name?

Matthew Berry (7:19)

Is it crazy given name?

Jay Croucher (7:21)

No. That's why I didn't say it.

Matthew Berry (7:23)

You don't think so? I will say the Nana Boo Boo name is. Is well known throughout parts of Australia as being royalty down there.

Connor Rogers (7:33)

Yeah, yeah, right. There's a community in Alice Springs, of course.

Jay Croucher (7:38)

Is it crazy to take Henderson over someone like Breece hall or Ken Walker? So for perspective on that, Breece hall is going as RB14, Ken Walker is going as RB17. I mean, nobody would call you crazy.

Matthew Berry (7:49)

I wouldn't do it.

Jay Croucher (7:51)

I'm still taking Breece, by the way. Omarion Hampton, Chuba Hubbard, Kenneth Walker, Alvin Kamara and James Conner are those running backs ahead of David Montgomery. So, yeah, I mean, it's.

Connor Rogers (8:01)

I need an update on Ken Walker's foot because Mike McDonald gave a one word update yesterday and it's like, here we go again. Yes, he is unable to practice right now with the foot.

Matthew Berry (8:10)

So just to answer your question. Right, exactly. Like we wouldn't do that either. My rankings reflect what I would do there. But is it crazy? It's absolutely not crazy. Like we've all said this many Times we talked about this yesterday on the mock draft show. Like, on some level, get your guys. Like, if you're in that range, like, he's probably not coming back to you around. So if, like, you believe in Treveon Henderson, you should do it. If we were sitting here a year ago, you easily. I could have easily seen a question saying, like, am I crazy to take Malik Nabors or Brian Thomas Jr. Over Marvin Harrison Jr. And we'd have said, like, you know, and everyone, including myself, had Marvin Harrison Jr. As the number one rookie wide receiver, but we would have said at that time, no, you're not crazy. Those guys are all super talented. And yet now, a year later, Malik Nabors, Brian Thomas Jr. And Ladd McConkey were all better rookie wide receivers than. Can't miss Marvin Harris. And so it's. It's not crazy at all. It's fantasy football. Like, weird stuff's going to happen, but all you're doing is playing what's most likely to happen. And what's most likely to happen is that Breece hall and Ken Walker with larger, larger examples of productivity in the NFL and fantasy football than Travion Henderson, who's had two nice preseason games. Like, you just feel better about those guys. But all of us are sitting here saying, Trayvon Henderson is the real deal. He's going to be used and used effectively in Josh McDaniel's offense. And the hype is there for a reason. We're buying the hype.

Jay Croucher (9:34)

Another running back on the rise, guys. Tyrone Tracy. Check this out. 75% snap rate, 88% of the rushing attempts with the starters in Week 2. Cam Scataboo, the rookie running back they took on day two, he didn't play. He's dealing with the hamstring. But Tracy looks good. I don't care about the usage. And, oh, Cam Scatterboo is coming back. Tyrone Tracy just looks really good. Matthew. He's creative. He's explosive on an offensive line that hopefully can get the same push they got this weekend and give him some room.

Matthew Berry (9:58)

He, you know, he's also a great pass catcher. We've talked about this a lot. Obviously, he's a converted wide receiver, and so there's different ways. I think Dabal is a creative offensive mind. I know the New York media, you know, sometimes tries to bag on him. I actually think Day Ball has done a very good job with what limited amount of resources he's been given since he came to New York. So they're going to find different ways to get Tracy the ball, get him in space, try to be creative with him. You think about last year. He had 12 starts, averaged almost 17 touches a game, averaged over 13 fantasy points per game. He proved that he wasn't just kind of this converted wide receiver that was going to be a, you know, a gadget guy like that. He was a legit NFL wide receiver. The only question about him coming into this year is what, when healthy is Scatabo's usage? Can the offensive line hold up and is this offense going to be any good? But I think the offense, whatever you think of the offense this year, it's going to be better than it was last year. Right. Whether it's Russell Wilson or Jackson Dart, their quarterback play will be significantly better than what they were last year. Second year of Malik Neighbors, who's a true star? I like Theo Johnson as a breakout here. We're getting some nice reports about Wandell Robinson. Darius Slayton's always around like they have some pieces again, I don't. It's not, it's not going to be an amazing offense, but it's going to be a confident one.

Connor Rogers (11:15)

J. Yeah, I don't think it'll be a good offense, but I think there will be flirtation with competence throughout the season. And I think that, look, they have a really difficult schedule. Game scripts probably not going to be favorable, but I think they're going to have a defense that keeps them in games enough where they're not going to have to just be dropping back from the start of the third quarter to play catch up all the time. And Tyrone Tracy, all the reporting is that it seems like when they're both healthy, it's going to be like 70% Tyrone Tracy, 30% scatterboo, which seems to make sense to me.

Matthew Berry (11:41)

Yeah.

Jay Croucher (11:41)

And on top of that, you have Russell Wilson starting over Jackson Dart right now we don't have to worry about touchdown equity in terms of rushing. Russ doesn't run for a lot of touchdowns anymore. Clay Latham said, not concerned about the fumble issues with Tracy. I think he'll be fine. I understand it was an issue last year, but once again, this is somebody that was converted just a couple years ago to the position. And I think it was an emphasis for him this offseason.

Matthew Berry (12:01)

Brian Daboll isn't, at least to my knowledge, doesn't feel like one of those, like, you know, Belichickian type coaches. Like, oh, you fumbled all right.

Jay Croucher (12:08)

Never see you again.

Matthew Berry (12:09)

I'll see you in week eight. You know, I mean, like, like, you know, he's more of a players coach. He's. He's more of the supportive type. So 70, 30. Do you think it's going to be 70, 30? Like, I mean, you're part of the New York media. You're part of the angry New York media. Connor, when people are complaining about the insane New York media, they include you in that.

Jay Croucher (12:29)

Yes, I'm a noted character of being a lot of those problems stirring the pot, I like to say. I mean, we saw a lot of Motor Singletary, by the way, in this as well. I don't know. I wouldn't. If Scatterboo continues to miss time. Yeah, I would go that way. Here's the thing. I know everybody likes Cam Scatterboo. He's a fun player to watch. He's a power runner. He's gonna score touchdowns when he's healthy. I think Tyrone Tracy's a better round, more rounded player. Like, he's a more interesting, creative pass catcher. He's a more explosive outside runner. If I think this year it should be. That depends how invested they are in making the rookie situation.

Connor Rogers (13:03)

If you're better and not a rookie. And it's not like they spent massive draft equity on Scatterboo either.

Matthew Berry (13:08)

So. Yeah.

Connor Rogers (13:09)

Suspects just going to be Tyrone.

Matthew Berry (13:10)

Are you surprised by the pick, though, given that they had trace, they still have the veteran Devin Singletary you could probably find like, laid around, you know, some.

Jay Croucher (13:16)

Guess they wanted like a true power downhill kind of threat and they didn't view. They definitely didn't view Tracy that way. And Singletary is getting up there a little bit and it's a smaller guy, runs hard. I think they just wanted a true power back.

Matthew Berry (13:28)

Okay, so I'll allow it. Okay.

Connor Rogers (13:33)

Well done, Brian.

Jay Croucher (13:33)

Very good, Joe. Shane, you heard it.

Matthew Berry (13:35)

I've thought about it. I've considered it. I've decided to allow it.

Jay Croucher (13:37)

You get to stay on the Giants roster. Cams got a booth. We're very happy for you.

Matthew Berry (13:40)

Approve the request.

Jay Croucher (13:42)

Jalen Waddle is our next riser here. Listen, first. First three NFL seasons for Jalen Waddle. 70 catches, a thousand plus receiving yards, and then 20, 24 guys last year under obviously both those marks. So more of a question, Matthew, do you buy the dip now on Jalen Waddle?

Matthew Berry (13:59)

I really do. Look, this is somebody who in his first three NFL seasons had a 23% target share. Obviously it dipped last year. You mentioned that with 16%, but this is a guy that, like, you know, from 2022 to 2023, top three in the NFL. In both yards per target, yards per route run. He came out of Alabama as a truly special prospect. Right. And now you've got Tyreek Hill who's dealing with injuries, dealt with injuries last year. John smith leaves a 19% target share that's up for grabs. That hasn't really been replaced. I mean we'll see if Darren Waller has anything right. But like, like there's, there's a very, there's very much a non zero chance that Jaylen Waddle leads the Dolphins in targets at the end of this year. Right. Like given, given Hill's injury issue, given the other, the other pieces there. And by the way, Devon A Chan, we should talk about this as well because he's such a big part of the passing game. News came out over the weekend that Devon Achan is dealing with some soft tissue injury. He's going to be out in between days and weeks. We're not really sure a timetable return. They're saying he'll be ready for week one. I don't know Connor, but like you.

Jay Croucher (15:07)

Just don't like hearing soft tissue with any skill player, you know, especially not.

Matthew Berry (15:10)

A, not a running back that's dealt with injuries. But the point is is like some of the short yardage stuff that goes to hn if he were to miss any time, Waddle seems like a natural placement for just given his skill set and his speed.

Connor Rogers (15:22)

Yeah, I have no idea what the hell happened to Waddle and Tyreek last year because it didn't even make sense. Even when there was the Tyler Huntley show. Like when Tour came back and when Tour was playing to play 12 games last year. It's not like he was out for the whole season and they just didn't seem to be clicking. The vibe was off the whole time. Like halfway through 2023 this looks like the greatest show on turf. Like two unstoppable wide receivers with a genius offensive coordinator and now it's like Jaylen Waddle was like washed at 26. Doesn't seem to make much sense. So I think particularly with Waddle like Tyreek there's more concerns I think just because of his age and being on the other side and being so dependent on his speed. But Jay Wattle's 26 like shouldn't be done at this point. So I think the Dolphins very high variance team, they seem to have lost half their team on defense but should be in shootouts and certainly there's upside for these.

Matthew Berry (16:11)

I have a, I have a lot of Waddle this year just because I feel like People are sort of over him and he just. He always seems to be a value in drafts.

Jay Croucher (16:17)

Connor West Bacchus Waddle is great if Tua is on the field. Had issues with him every game to a miss. Hey, that's the Dolphins offense, right, by the way.

Matthew Berry (16:25)

Yeah.

Jay Croucher (16:26)

It happens to their backfield. It happens to their wide receivers. The offense falls apart without Tua and as we've said before, I know he played better in week two than week one, but they're one step away from Zach Wilson. So that's. You have to factor that in when.

Matthew Berry (16:37)

You draft and what could go wrong there? What could possibly. So listen, there's obviously risk there. I will say though, just as long as we're on the wide receivers from the Dolphins, I just kind of want to mention Malik Washington. Connor, I would love to get more of your thoughts here. This is a guy who I have him in the Dynasty League. He led the team with four targets in week one. In preseason, Tyreek Hill was out, but just another like a crazy speed guy that you sort of feel like there aren't. There aren't that many wide receiver insurance guys where there's insurance running backs that you know like, well, if Ken Walker's out, Zach Charbonnet is going to be the guy. But I do feel like if Tyree Kill were to miss time, it would be Malik Washington.

Jay Croucher (17:14)

Insanely explosive. When the Dolphins took him as late as they did, you kind of like roll your eyes and go, of course the Dolphins took him.

Matthew Berry (17:20)

Yeah.

Jay Croucher (17:20)

Like think of a smaller explosive target that you want to get him in space. You want to get the ball in his hands and let him run after the catch. That's. That's how they play their wide receivers. So I'm with you, Matthew. I like the upside of him, especially with, you know, as much as Waddle and Tyreek are great, they're also two guys that get hurt enough where we might be one play away from these guys having. Having Malik Washington inserted into this offense.

Matthew Berry (17:41)

Yeah.

Connor Rogers (17:41)

By the way, Week one Dolphins at Colts, which is like the weirdest game. No idea what either of those teams are remotely close and the line. Fittingly it's just pick.

Matthew Berry (17:54)

The Nanaboubu family back in the.

Jay Croucher (17:56)

There's many of them. This one from the iteration of Zack Nanaboubu. Does someone like Ollie Gordon now become relevant with von a chain as compared to Jalen Wright?

Matthew Berry (18:07)

I'm glad, Zach, you brought this up because yeah, you know, at the moment, Jalen Wright is the presumed number two in the running back depth chart. And that's how it's played out so far in the preseason. But Ali Gordon has looked impressive. Jalen Wright has not. Ali Gordon looked good. Now. He was playing against third stringers. He was with the third string. But, but I, I think that's an interesting name. Zach Nanabu. And if I was drafting for sort of backup running backs, I do feel like if anything were to happen to hn and we're currently looking at it right now, I think it would probably be some sort of mixture between Wright and Ali Gordon. I don't know that any either one of those guys is going to be a one for one replacement. But certainly as we sort of talked during the show about preseason risers and fallers, Ollie Gordon is making a push to either tie or overtake Jalen Wright for that number two spot. At least based on what we've seen so far.

Jay Croucher (18:59)

Yeah, Alec Gordon, one of the most interesting players in the draft in terms of two years ago. He had over 1700 rushing yards and looked like a top 40 pick. Like Ali Gordon should have been in the Quinshon Judkins, Trayvon Henderson, maybe even Amari and Hampton Range.

Matthew Berry (19:11)

Right, right.

Jay Croucher (19:12)

Falls off a cliff his final college season. Looks like a shell of himself falls in the draft and maybe he found it again in Miami. Maybe he kind of just needed that, you know, that tough reality check. And now he's back. So he's a really interesting name to keep an eye on. Another riser at wide receiver. Ameca Buka catches a five yard touchdown in preseason week two, a really, really nice play. And Matthew with no Chris Godwin to start the season. There's a reason they took Emeka buuka in the first round.

Matthew Berry (19:38)

Think about how this offense runs top 10 last year in slot targets, receptions, yards and touchdowns. Like that is such a massive part of the offense. Godwin, we think he's starting the season on the physically unable to perform list. We like Jalen McMillan but you know, Baker Mayfield has gone out of his way to praise Abuka many times this year. Connor, you've said many times you said this on draft night that one of if not the most pro ready wide receiver to come out of college this year. So really interesting I haven't wide receiver 38. I'm at 73 overall, so I'm in like a seventh to eighth pick. But continues to rise. The drumbeat continues to get louder for this kid.

Connor Rogers (20:15)

Yeah, I think it's not, it's not likely but there are worlds, Connor, where a Mechag Booker is the number one Option on a top two offense in football. Like this was a top five offense in football last year and I think they got stronger overall. If Tristan Wirth comes back, Mike Evans is probably going to be the main guy. But you know, Mike Evans is on the other side of 30. You never know.

Matthew Berry (20:32)

Mike Evans was four weeks, four weeks with a hamstring injury last year.

Jay Croucher (20:35)

He misses practice every week with that same hamstring, which is fine for veteran wide receivers. But I like that call Jay there. Like we could be on this show after week one and be like, oh, Mecha Buka went 8 for 110 and a touchdown.

Connor Rogers (20:47)

I think if there's anyone who's going to pop like Brian Thomas Jr. Did, like relative to kind of where he was taken last year is right in that mix.

Matthew Berry (20:54)

I like that call a lot.

Jay Croucher (20:55)

One more rookie wide receiver, Matthew Golden. We know the packers how difficult it could be to figure out their pass catching group, but as we've said last week, Jaden Reed is now dealing with a foot injury. He's not guaranteed to play Week 1. And for the first time in a long time, Matthew, they invested a round one pick in a wide receiver in Golden.

Matthew Berry (21:12)

Yeah, I mean, I think they realize they have to do something for the position. Christian Watson, you know, continues to not be able to get on the field. You got Jaden Reed now dealing with a foot. Romeo Dobbs and Duntavian Wicks have been inconsistent to be kind and so.

Connor Rogers (21:27)

And injured as well.

Matthew Berry (21:28)

Yeah, and injured as well. And so look, Jordan Love is somebody that, that certainly when he's given time when he can throw, he's been fairly accurate over his two seasons as a starter. He's top three in the NFL, both average depth of target and deep ball rate. Like he's somebody who likes to throw deep. That is obviously a part of Matthew Golden's game and he has played 100% of the snaps this preseason. 100% route participation, I should say this preseason when playing out there with the starter. So Matthew golden so far is as advertised.

Connor Rogers (22:00)

How sophisticated is his route tree going to be, do you think?

Jay Croucher (22:03)

No worries there at all. I thought his routes were phenomenal in college. The thing with golden that I never really could get a grasp on was he times as a burner and I didn't think he plays like one. That doesn't mean he's not effective. Really good route runner, especially in the intermediate range and the deep range as well. So I don't think he's going to run by a ton of people as a rookie.

Matthew Berry (22:19)

Year.

Jay Croucher (22:19)

I don't think he has to. I think he could be kind of a possession guy that Jordan Love has been missing, quite honestly. So excited for golden as well.

Matthew Berry (22:26)

Couple of deep league guys that I just want to kind of whip through here real quickly. Marvin Mims played nearly full time with the first team in week number one. He rested with the starters in week number two. We should say real quickly, shout out to Duane McFarland of FantasyLife.com he watches every single game. He charts all the utilization. It's part of his utilization report. By the way, the article is free. Check it out. The tool is amazing and it's part of Fantasy Life plus, which you can get with the promo code. Roto 20 gets you 20% off FantasyLife.com, but go check out Duane McMarlin's utilization report. It's incredibly valuable. He watches all the games so you don't have to. And our utilization notes today come courtesy of duane and fantasylife.com so I mentioned Mims rested with the starters in week number two, but played nearly full time with the first team in week one. So Marvin Mims starting to increase his time. Braylon Allen has rotated in with the starters in both preseason games so far. Find that interesting, especially with all the news about hey, we think Breece hall is going to be in more of a committee than people think. Jaquori Crosky, Merritt, Bill.

Jay Croucher (23:30)

That's right, it's Bill time.

Matthew Berry (23:31)

Bill. Bill time. He's really had an impressive training camp. There's now a rumor that Brian Robinson might be on the trade block, which.

Jay Croucher (23:37)

Is tell us what they think about Bill.

Matthew Berry (23:40)

The Bill hype is real and you heard it here first. Of course Robinson and Eckler both have missed time due to injury. Keaton Mitchell, Jay, you talked about it as well. Just how explosive he looks like. Jay had the crazy take with Keith Mitchell probably will overtake Derek Henry as the RB one. I don't I'm not ready to go that far.

Connor Rogers (23:58)

I think Cooper Rush might give Lamar Jackson some problems.

Matthew Berry (24:02)

Again, not ready to go that far. But I appreciate you you trying to juice the ratings here with some crazy takes, but it is but either way to the eye test, Keaton Mitchell looks all the way back in terms of the explosives and we've actually seen Justice Hill in that that complementary to Derek Henry role actually be fantasy productive. And I think Keith Mitchell is just a much faster version of Justin Justice Hill.

Jay Croucher (24:26)

The Ravens do this with every position. They always have a younger guy like when the guy in front of him is a year or two away from free agency. It's like, okay, we got the next thing. Yeah, so Justice Hill, I know they extended him, but it's a very short extension. I think they have plans for Keaton Mitchell.

Matthew Berry (24:40)

One of the best front offices in the NFL year after year after year. Baltimore is Dante Thornton looks to have basically a pretty firm hold on the Raiders wide receiver three role. It's going to be Jacoby Myers, it's going to be Jack Besch. And then it looks like Dante Thornton here, he's been running a lot of deep routes and so kind of an interesting speedster. And then we've already talked about Jalen Wright and Ollie Gordon again. Gordon has looked better and more productive than Wright, though Wright at the moment is running with the twos and Gordon with the threes.

Jay Croucher (25:07)

A couple fallers here, guys, as we start with Joe Mixon, who might not be ready for week one as he rehabs from a lingering foot ankle injury. Jay, you don't like the feeling around this one. Not only the mystery, but it doesn't feel like there's any answers for a guy that his value is based on being a workhorse. And he's not ready to be a workhorse right now.

Connor Rogers (25:25)

He's banged up last year, missed time with an ankle. Doesn't bode well. Also, just the lack of updates that we've had throughout camp around Joe Mixon. And we might be in for year two of chubby magic, but this time a different Chubby. No longer Chuba Hubbard, but Nick Chubb, the original Chubbler.

Matthew Berry (25:41)

Who? The original Chubbler. The original Chub, by the way, sounds like a discarded McDonald's character. Like, you know, oh, we've got Hamburglar and Grimace. What about the Chubbler? Maybe leave that one on the cutting room floor.

Connor Rogers (25:52)

Yeah, you have a lot of experience with McDonald's Kids Meals. We'll say that for another show.

Matthew Berry (25:56)

But.

Connor Rogers (25:57)

So the original Chubbler, he didn't look.

Matthew Berry (25:59)

He didn't. I might be the original Chubbler.

Connor Rogers (26:01)

By the way, Nick Chubb didn't even look like the original Chubbler on the weekends, but looked kind of closer to it than you'd expect. He went 5 for 25. Like those jokes that he looked like an offensive line right camp, like that stuff. Like he looked like an NFL running back. And also he was the guy playing with the starters like he is the RB one in this office. He's going to get, I think, the goal line work. And so Nick Chubb, particularly with the just the Downside of Joe Mixon. I want to see Joe Mixon for the first month of the season. I've got no idea when we're going to see him. So Chubb, I think, is now going too late in drafts.

Matthew Berry (26:32)

I don't mind a flyer on Chubb, who's basically free in drafts. I do think those points about Chubb is just yet another reason why Joe Mixon is love. Hate comes out this Thursday. Joe Mixon will be on the hate list. Not a shock.

Jay Croucher (26:44)

Another player that is trending downward and it's been like this for a while because we haven't seen him. Najee Harris. He still hasn't been activated from the NFL, Jay. The NFI list.

Connor Rogers (26:51)

I know I'm not getting activated from the nfi.

Matthew Berry (26:55)

Listen, this is your fault. No, no.

Connor Rogers (26:58)

Steel is here.

Matthew Berry (26:59)

Najee Harris.

Jay Croucher (27:00)

He might not be ready for week one.

Connor Rogers (27:01)

I'm not Nick Tubga.

Jay Croucher (27:04)

Nobody jumps shit fast.

Matthew Berry (27:06)

No 100%.

Jay Croucher (27:07)

Those travel comfort clothes.

Matthew Berry (27:10)

My 13 year old daughters tell me that the kids today, the nickname is a bop for a girl. That goes from guy to guy to guy is a bop. And I think you're a bop.

Connor Rogers (27:21)

I still have people.

Matthew Berry (27:22)

Connor, you're a bop.

Connor Rogers (27:23)

I have people randomly tagging me like Michael Thomas tweets.

Matthew Berry (27:25)

Yes.

Connor Rogers (27:26)

You know those like highlight reels. Like, look at Michael Thomas in 2019. Tag. What do I do with this?

Jay Croucher (27:33)

Now you're the Najee Harris guy.

Matthew Berry (27:34)

For now you're the Najee Harris guy. Yeah, you're.

Jay Croucher (27:36)

Is that looking good for Najee Harris?

Matthew Berry (27:38)

It's just.

Jay Croucher (27:38)

It's simply not. There's just. Once again, it's like Joe Mixon where there's a lot of mystery around this.

Matthew Berry (27:42)

And, you know, further confidence in Omarion Hampton. Make them as my ride or die. I get it. The Rashawn Slater injury, not good. I suspect they'll be running to the right side quite a bit.

Jay Croucher (27:53)

Go all over and just keep going.

Matthew Berry (27:54)

To the left side. Exactly. They'll figure that out. But I don't know, like, lots of criticism. People like, oh, you know, he should have taken CD Lamb as his ride or die. Like completely missing the point of like.

Jay Croucher (28:06)

The fourth overall pick in fantasy chess.

Matthew Berry (28:07)

Exactly. Wow. That's why we pay you the big bucks. Ashton Genty. It was like we're going, you know, sixth overall. Like, what are we doing? What are we doing, people? All right, here we go. Here's my running back rankings. I have Najee there at 53.

Connor Rogers (28:19)

Abradur of the Chopla.

Matthew Berry (28:21)

Yeah, I might have to.

Jay Croucher (28:22)

I'd Rather have Bill. I know.

Matthew Berry (28:23)

Yeah. Jakorta, Crosby, Merritt. 100% will Shipley and Rico Dowdle. Dowdle. You know Dowdle's actually starting to get. Speaking of the secondary. Chubbler. Chubbler. Junior Rico Dowdle actually getting more passing game work.

Connor Rogers (28:39)

Junior Chubby.

Matthew Berry (28:40)

Yeah, Junior chubby. We'll come up with something not awkward eventually.

Connor Rogers (28:44)

Honestly, I'd rather take a flyer that you know which injury upon it. I'd rather take a flyer that Saquon gets hurt after the workload last year and take Will Shipley over Conor's man Najee Harris.

Jay Croucher (28:54)

Yes. Good swerve.

Matthew Berry (28:56)

The thing about Najee Harris, like even if he gets healthy and he's going to be on the wrong side of a timeshare with Omar and Hampton, like he needs a touchdown to be effective. Without a touchdown he is single digit fantasy points every single week. He's not involved in the passing game. He's not explosive. So he basically needs volume and touchdowns and I don't think he's not going to get volumes volume with the Chargers. So the question is do you think he gets touchdowns? And he might, he might, he might mix in there. We just don't know how that's all going to play out. But you know in games in which he does not score, he is basically eight points a game.

Jay Croucher (29:26)

It's not a fun way to play. Fantasy is watching the games waiting for a Najee Harris touchdown to fall. We know you love to play that.

Matthew Berry (29:32)

Way but yeah, you love Najee Harris.

Connor Rogers (29:34)

The man got volume.

Matthew Berry (29:35)

Yes he did in Pittsburgh. He's not going to get it in la.

Jay Croucher (29:38)

Mentioned in our risers, Emeka Buka, the rookie wide receiver for the Bucs on the fallers, Chris Godwin simply because of health. The puta reports Scott Reynolds, who's been covering the team for a long time, does a great job would be shocked if Chris Godwin doesn't start the year on the PUP list. So if you need a high level wide receiver for those first four games, don't expect it right now from Chris Godwin.

Matthew Berry (29:59)

Yeah, but you know what? Which I think like totally fine. Again when you are constructing your roster you are. You are not constructing a roster that needs to win every single week. You are constructing an entire team that each week gives you the optionality to build the best possible team. Especially if you have an IR spot. Like I'd much rather Chris Godwin than Brandon Aiyuk at cost. Like again like Ayuk I think is interesting too but my sense is that Ayuk's gonna miss more time. And I think there's more questions about it. People forget Aiyuk was not good last year. Now, I think he's an insanely talented wide receiver. I think they will when he is finally back healthy. I think he'll be good. Don't get it twisted here, but I will say that I do think Chris Godwin, who was like wide receiver 7 last year before he got hurt. Right, Right. And so check on fantasy. Like, where's Chris Godwin going right now?

Jay Croucher (30:49)

So in redraft, he is the 36th wide receiver taking the ADP is around 97.

Matthew Berry (30:54)

Think of the 10th round.

Jay Croucher (30:55)

Debo Samuels, Stefan Diggs, Jordan Addison, Jared Judy range, which. That's laughable. I'd want him over all of those guys. I could afford to be patient.

Matthew Berry (31:03)

Yeah. Because by the way, okay, great throwing on IR spot for four weeks. You're not hitting buys yet. You shouldn't need him right there. But then you've got potentially a top 10, maybe top 20 wide receiver for the rest of the way that you got in the 10th round. It's not like Chris Godwin, some flyer that you're taking the 10th round going like, I hope this guy pays off like Chris Godwin. It's Chris Godwin, like, when he's out there, he's going to be really effing good. Yeah.

Connor Rogers (31:25)

The first four weeks as well. The Bucks, they play the Falcons in week one. They might not throw a pass in that game. So he's going to run it down. Atlanta's throw. The Atlanta run defense does not look particularly inspiring. And then it's like Jets, Texans, Eagles, like, these are brutal defensive matchups. So it's not like he's going to miss out really on like feasting on the weakest defense, the pass can.

Jay Croucher (31:43)

This next question from Tyler Olson is drafting a Booka before Godwin justified? I just don't think you have to right now for. And maybe this changes by the time you draft, but for context, Macabuka is going around pick 109. Godwin's going around pick 97. So know your league mates. If they're higher on rookies than typical players, then maybe you do.

Matthew Berry (32:05)

I don't know if I would use the word justified. Is it, you know, is it crazy? Is it, like, unthinkable? No, of course not. There's absolutely a scenario where, as Jay said, where Meka Bucha is like your best wide receiver on one of the best offenses in football. We assume Chris Godwin is going to come back after four weeks. And be Chris Godwin in capital letters. But he may suffer a setback. It may take him a while to get up to speed. You know, he may see different coverages. That's not crazy at all. Like, we really like, you know, we really like Emeka Abuka as well. So no, it's not crazy.

Jay Croucher (32:43)

Another wide receiver fall. You mentioned him, Matthew. Brandon Ayuk. Kyle Shanahan said Ayuk, with coming back from the knee injury, is on track to be back around week six. So I kind of get the sense Matthew, this isn't a patience issue you have with him, but more of we don't know if he'll actually be that great when he's back.

Matthew Berry (32:58)

I just, he just, again, he had the held out last year and then he came back and he wasn't great. And then. And then he gets hurt. Right. And so it's all small sample size stuff, but you know, their offense is going to look different. Right. And so this will be the first time we've seen him without Deebo Samuel, you know, and we're going to see Ricky Pearsall and hopefully Juwan Jennings out there and a healthy Chris McCaffrey. Right. And so I just. There's just so much unknown. The other thing is, is that like, the expectations is that IU comes back in week six, but we don't know. And you know, if there's a team in the NFL that I don't trust at all to be honest about when their players are coming back, it's the San Francisco 49ers. I mean, we've seen it a million times, right? Like, are you coming back in week 10? Wouldn't shock me. Yeah. Like, or coming back, you just don't know. And so in a game of variance, which fantasy football is nothing but variance, and all you're trying to do is trying to limit your risk, you know, try to cut down on a much as much variance as he can. There's just a massive wide range of outcomes on Brandon Iuk.

Connor Rogers (34:01)

And the thing is like, okay, so say he gets back in week six. Well, he's gonna be a snap count to start. He's not gonna full go from. So he. Maybe he's ramping up by week 10, 11, 12. Like there are worlds where Brandon Ayuk is the number five guy on the Niners offense, like McCaffrey, Kittle, Pierce, Soldier 1, Jennings. Like, they could all be in front of Aiyuk in the pecking order, particularly given he's coming off a serious injury.

Jay Croucher (34:22)

All right, Their first five Games, Seahawks, Saints, Cardinals, Jaguars, Rams, which a lot of mystery around the Rams and Stafford right now say the Niners are three and two after that. And the offense looks pretty good with Ricky Pearsall getting a lot of targets, Jennings getting enough targets, Kittle and McCaffrey. They're not just going to force IUK back in, like you said, on this high volume rate, Jay, so week six is like the date in your head, but if you want the real Brandon Aiuki, it might be week nine or ten.

Matthew Berry (34:48)

Like you said, they've invested a ton of money on him. You know, he signed to the massive deal the previous year, and so they're going to want to be careful with him, especially if they don't, quote, unquote, need him immediately. If they're rolling and they feel pretty good about where they're at, they're playing the long game. The San Francisco 49ers think they have a shot at the super bowl this year, and they do. If they stay healthy, they legitimately do.

Connor Rogers (35:09)

Even though they went like 611 last year last in the division, they're the third favorite to win the NFC right now. I think people are surprised by it, but not a lot of respect for the commanders or in my mind, the Packers. But, yeah, they are a Super bowl contender.

Jay Croucher (35:22)

Our next faller, your commander's wide receiver, Matthew. For now, Terry McLaurin, activated from the PUP list, which is a good sign. This is much different than all the other players we've talked about because McLaurin is being drafted as a top 20 wide receiver. You're using a top 45 pick on him. So the expectations are really high here, Matthew, and obviously, there's a lot of risk associated.

Matthew Berry (35:41)

There's 100% risk because there's multiple risks. Right. Number one is, is that, like, he. He keeps holding out, and I don't think he will, honestly, at some point, like, when you start missing game checks, like, that's real money, right? That's real money. He's. I mean, what is he making, like something like 15, 16 million dollars a year this year? So it's. He's like he's any game. He sits out. He's. He's just, hey, keep. That's $1 million. I'm just giving away before you even get to the fine. So I think ultimately, and I know commanders want to get something done, so they're just. They're a little bit apart, but I'm sure at some point that will get figured out. So I expect him to be there. But there is a Chance that he does miss some time. I don't know how great that chance is, but there is a chance. We know he's been working out, but like, but working out on his own is different than working out with a team. He. Now finally, for the, you know, one of the pro Terry McLaurin arguments for years and years and years was he was the only guy on the team. But now with Deebo Samuel, like there's a legit competition for targets. Now they also have a great quarterback for the first time in McLaurin's career. But the other thing is last year he had a career high 13 touchdowns. He's never been a massive touchdown scorer. And the question is that because of the kind of player he is or is that just because he's had like Kyle Allen as his quarterback and you know, Garrett Gilbert and. Yeah, I mean, like, he literally has, like those are real names of actual quarterbacks that have thrown passes to him. Taylor Heinecke, I mean, like, he's just had. It's just been a, you know, it's, it's been a Carson Wentz. It's just not been a great Alex Smith on one leg. It just hasn't been a great quarterback. Yeah, go for it.

Jay Croucher (37:13)

Case Keenum, Dwayne Haskins, rest in peace. Colt McCoy, Alex Smith, Kyle Allen, Taylor Heinecke, Garrett Gilbert, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Carson Wentz and Sam Howell.

Connor Rogers (37:23)

Yeah, Just the volume of names can't.

Matthew Berry (37:27)

Even develop a chemistry. Yeah. Yeah.

Connor Rogers (37:30)

So DraftKings has Terry McLaren's next team. The Commanders are the favorite at minus 380. Minus 380 implies like a 79% chance he's more than a 79% chance to play. His next step for the Washington Commanders, I think that's like, again, not knowing any of the inside stuff, but I would say it's like a 95% chance he should be minus 2000.

Matthew Berry (37:47)

They're not trading him. They're just not trading him. So anyway, I agree with that. But I do think fantasy wise there's some risk because you're, you know where he's being drafted. You're, you're counting on kind of last season's numbers. And I don't think, I think I've actually said this about the commanders in general. I think the Commanders are going to be a better NFL team this year because the improves in the offensive line and adding Deebo Samuel and some additions they made on defense and they're actually going to have a worse record. Sure. Like last year, everything that could have gone right for Them did. Every single bounce went their way, like the Hail Mary. They won. They won. What is it, six games, seven games on the last possession. Like, just every single thing that went right for them. Yeah. I mean, just went right from them. They stayed relatively healthy. And so I actually think there'll be a better NFL team this year with actually a worse NFL record than they had last year. Still. I think they're still in the playoffs, but.

Jay Croucher (38:37)

So, anyway, couple deeper league fallers. Matthew. We have to start, of course, with Matthew Stafford, as this doesn't look to be getting any better.

Matthew Berry (38:44)

No timetable for his return. You know, the. The back injury continues to linger, and the longer this goes on, you know, I mean, again, he's. He's. You know, when we see him out of practice, which is good.

Jay Croucher (38:56)

This just came in, by the way.

Matthew Berry (38:58)

Yeah.

Jay Croucher (38:59)

From the Rams official account that he's out at practice, so we'll see what he does. But leading up to this, it's looks.

Matthew Berry (39:05)

Like he's walking gingerly.

Jay Croucher (39:07)

There's been, you know, enough concern, and you got to get him ramped up, ready to play an NFL game. Yeah, we'll see. Hope. Hopefully that's a good sign.

Matthew Berry (39:14)

Hopefully. Yeah.

Connor Rogers (39:15)

And Will Anderson and Danil Hunt. A week one for Matthew Stafford.

Matthew Berry (39:19)

Isaiah likely, by the way, had foot surgery on August 1st first. There's like a, you know, six to eight week timetable, so there's a chance he's not back for week one. It's kind of crazy, but that's me a month ago, like, or three months ago. Who's the starting titan of the Ravens? Be like Isaiah likely on week one, Mark Andrews won't even be on the team, and yet looks like that's going to be the opposite here. That likely might be out Week one. Mark Andrews is still there. Trey Harris has been having an inconsistent camp. We've got the KLS hype that we've talked about quite a bit, but. But there is some hope. And not that you're ever rooting for this, but Quinton Johnson, stopping, you've heard this before, is struggling in camp. Also, unfortunately left early with a concussion.

Jay Croucher (40:02)

Brutal.

Matthew Berry (40:02)

Yeah.

Jay Croucher (40:03)

Brutal hit.

Matthew Berry (40:03)

Very scary hit. So we're hoping QJ is a lot better, but certainly maybe that opens an opportunity for Trey Harris to earn some more playing time. I still believe in Kyle Williams.

Jay Croucher (40:14)

He's good in his routes. They just can't get him the ball even when he's open.

Matthew Berry (40:18)

Yeah, it's weird, but he's been playing behind Matt Collins, Pop Douglas and Kayshawn Booty so far. This preseason. I still think ultimately Kyle Williams ends up getting significant playing time, but it's taken a little while.

Jay Croucher (40:30)

All right, we're going to take a break here. Coming up though, some of the most notable performances from week two of the preseason. Right after this, when work gets crazy.

Matthew Berry (40:45)

I like to stop by the bar after have a few cold ones.

Commercial Announcer (40:48)

I don't drink at all until 4 o'.

Matthew Berry (40:51)

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Jay Croucher (41:45)

Can I remember to invest every month?

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Matthew Berry (41:55)

Huh, that sounds easier than I thought. You got this?

Jay Croucher (41:58)

Yeah, I do. Now where did I put my keys?

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Connor Rogers (42:15)

Welcome to the Fantasy Football Happy Hour Happy Hour Hood looks Happy Hour Hive Happy Hour Nation Happy Hour. Still working on it.

Jay Croucher (42:22)

That's a good one.

Matthew Berry (42:23)

That happy hour regulars is pretty good. That's strong. Happy hour Bargoyles. Also happy hour patrons. Furnace shock collars. I like that. Happy hour benders. Yeah, that's right.

Connor Rogers (42:38)

Courage, Responsible drinking. The norms.

Matthew Berry (42:40)

The norms. Yeah.

Connor Rogers (42:42)

RIP George went Berry Bar flies.

Matthew Berry (42:45)

I like that. I'm pretty sure that's what their new name is already. I'm pretty sure that's what my wife's nickname is.

Jay Croucher (42:54)

We really need to get to the bottom of this. Join the conversation live and tell us what we should call you guys. Tune in daily to the NFL on NBC YouTube channel. That's @ noon Eastern for our live stream of happy hour and comment. And don't forget of course you can still catch us on Peacock and the NBC Sports now channel at 5 Eastern so here's the happy hour name poll right now, by the way, you can actually use that QR code because our producer Steven is not only amazing, but has spent a lot of time doing this, concocting this.

Matthew Berry (43:27)

So those of you watching live on YouTube use the QR code, vote right now. Barry's boozers at 0%, Bargoyle's at 0%. But the shot collars and the norms coming up so strong. Okay, fair enough. So we.

Jay Croucher (43:41)

I like the regulars.

Matthew Berry (43:42)

Shot Merchants.

Connor Rogers (43:43)

I like slot merchants though.

Matthew Berry (43:45)

Slot merchants. Shot Merchants is pretty good though because it's drinking. But I get it with slot merchants as well. If slot, if Shot Merchants wins, then we can debate whether it's shot merchants or slot merchants. I do like the regulars, so we'll see how that all plays out.

Jay Croucher (43:58)

All right, so go, go. And if you're listening to this, just check us out on YouTube for once and you can scan the QR code on the end, get in on the action.

Matthew Berry (44:06)

Yeah, you can. That's 100% right? Voting will not be final at the end of the year. So.

Jay Croucher (44:11)

Alright guys, how about a preseason week two recap? Let's jump into some of these utilization reports that you mentioned. Matthew from Dwayne McFarland on Fantasy Life. Lad McConkey played 75% of his snaps from the slot. He remained on the field for two wide receiver sets. Keenan Allen had a 20% slot rate. We got to hear from their quarterback, of course, Justin Herbert on the both of them playing together.

Justin Herbert (44:33)

It never hurts having playmakers like that. You know, we kind of mentioned it a couple weeks ago of them playing the same position, but I think Keenan and Lad too. And based when we have we've got two tight ends, two receivers, I think they're both able to play out there F and Z. So I think it's definitely going to be good to have both those guys out there knowing that teams may try and double Lad or they may try and double Keenan, but someone else is going to be one on one too. And so I think it helps us an offense, and especially, you know, you never want to talk about it, but adversity is going to come and to have another guy like Keenan helping those guys, whether he's in there at F or Z, you know, it never hurts.

Jay Croucher (45:09)

Justin Herbert. Yeah, I mean I'm not worried about, we talked about this last week like zero worry about lad McConkey just because Keenan Allen is here.

Matthew Berry (45:16)

No 100% at all.

Jay Croucher (45:17)

And if people in your league are concerned, good for you because again, you.

Matthew Berry (45:20)

Get to buy draft more lad McConkey he's just you know he's going to. He's going to be a superstar. He's not coming off the field at all as you saw. Like he remained on the field for all the two wide receiver sets. Like he's. He doesn't always need to be in the slot. So I think as we've said Keenan Allen is more concerned about QJ and Trey Harris and some of these other guys. Not McConkey.

Jay Croucher (45:41)

Ricky Piersol on the 49ers.

Matthew Berry (45:42)

I think Kenan Allen's kind of a late round flyer type. Like yeah.

Jay Croucher (45:46)

I mean they gave him 8 million bucks and now you have QJ injury. Trey Harris spent a slower summer.

Connor Rogers (45:52)

Number two wide receiver for Justin Huss, right?

Matthew Berry (45:55)

That's right. And has a familiarity obviously scored like I think he scored seven touchdowns last year.

Jay Croucher (45:59)

Keenan Allen wide receiver on the rise. Ricky Pearsall. He saw 57% target share from Brock Purdy on his only drive of the game. Brock Purdy talked about establishing that connection in year two with Ricky Pearsall to reps and practice.

Network Advertiser (46:12)

Ricky comes up to me and he's like hey man, I ran this route because I got this look or this leverage and this is what I was trying to do. And then I'll tell him like hey I need you here or that was good. Keep working that. I'll get. I'll get back to you after I watch the film. Like we're just always talking. We watch a lot of stuff from last year too and understanding like where we both need to be better when you know, obviously I'm throwing to them and I think we honed in on some things this year in camp and in the game. Man, we just go out there and I feel like it's pretty natural just both of us, our chemistry and everything so. But it is. It was one preseason game so we just got to keep doing it and keep our heads down and keep working hard together.

Jay Croucher (46:48)

Jay, you're a Brock Purdy man.

Connor Rogers (46:50)

I am, yes. That one I will own. Happy Michael Thomas Najee Harris with Brock Purdy all in on Brock. I thought that hugely encouraging does seem to they have that like telepathic thing that you need with Brock Purdy. Purdy had a very Purdy completion to Pierce all the kind of the quintessential Brock Purdy throw that's over the linebacker before the safety. The in breaking route time that up perfectly. Also an out of structure play where it seemed like they were on the same page. PSL cut back in so I don't know just all the things that you want to see like Ricky Pearsall's good chance early on as Jennings gets ramped up IU who's out that he's the number one wide receiver for Brock Purdy and what is should be an elite offense.

Matthew Berry (47:26)

Yeah, I mean first round draft pick.

Jay Croucher (47:27)

I mean draft pick, really good player. Does everything that Kyle Shanahan demands out of receivers that route timing, good hands, Ricky Pierce, all his ADP has just been skyrocketing upwards and I'm still and rightfully so.

Matthew Berry (47:39)

Yeah, I agree.

Jay Croucher (47:40)

I'm still in. Over in Seattle, Jackson Smith and Jigba and Cooper cup both had 100% route participation with the starters and remained on the field in two wide receiver sets. So this is one we're going to track pretty much very early in the season. Matthew. Because the usage for both of them matters so much.

Matthew Berry (47:55)

It does. But it seems like whether one guy's in the slot, one guy's outside. If they're doing two wide receiver sets, they'll both play outside. Like they're both versatile enough and they're both talented enough compared to the rest of the room that you know you're going to see them heavily. I think people who are already targeted JSN so Cooper cup because we just weren't sure it didn't end great in Los Angeles. Production was down towards the end of his career with the Rams and so the fact that he's going to be out there if Sam Darnold looks competent, this offense looks competent under Clint Kubiak, which I think it will.

Connor Rogers (48:25)

Yeah, I think.

Matthew Berry (48:25)

I actually think Cooper cup is potentially a value this year. Again, health is a concern, but feels like a fairly narrow target tree. Feels like a fairly narrow target tree on what should be a solid offense in Seattle.

Jay Croucher (48:39)

I know it was only about three weeks of health, but when Clint Kubiak had the Saints healthy, they were rolling.

Connor Rogers (48:46)

Their first 17 drives and then every.

Jay Croucher (48:48)

Literally everybody at once it feels like got hurt.

Connor Rogers (48:50)

I lost 60% of their offensive line in week three and then Kyle was done in week five and it was over.

Matthew Berry (48:55)

Yeah.

Jay Croucher (48:55)

You mentioned Rico Dowdle earlier, replaced Chuba Hubbard on third downs in passing situations.

Matthew Berry (49:00)

Which is a weird one because it's not good for Chuba. But is it good for the Panthers? Like is Rico Dowdle that much a better pass catcher than Chuba Hubbard?

Jay Croucher (49:10)

Interesting.

Matthew Berry (49:10)

Hubbard came into the league as a pass catcher. That was his original role. People forget, but he was the third down back to Christian McCaffrey initially so this is a weird one to me. Connor.

Jay Croucher (49:20)

Yeah, kind of. To be honest, for me, it doesn't really mean anything positive to me. In fantasy for Rico Daddle, it scares me for Chuba Hubbard because Chuba Hubbard is an expensive draft pick right now and with his volume last year, Jay is, you know, very well, chubby magic. Yes, it was awesome.

Connor Rogers (49:35)

It was magical.

Jay Croucher (49:35)

But if he starts to lose some of that in an offense that, you know, has its question marks, you get a little. Little bit of cold feet.

Connor Rogers (49:41)

I mean, they paid Rico Dowdle. Rico, that was good last year, solid. So it's a little bit of a concern. I think it spells great news for Rico Dodle's fantasy relevance, necessarily. It's just more a dent to chubby magic.

Matthew Berry (49:51)

Yeah. Yeah. I do think Chuba Hubbard probably, maybe we need to be a little less optimistic on his usage, but. And for those of you who draft insurance running backs, does seem like Dowdle would be a good one for Hubbard.

Jay Croucher (50:06)

Another backfield that we know the team wants to run the ball a lot. We don't know how they're going to use their backs. The Steelers, Kenneth Gainwell started again and has played ahead of Caleb Johnson in both preseason games. Caleb Johnson looked pretty good in this recent one. When he did play, obviously Jalen Warren rested again. So, yeah, they just used everybody they could.

Matthew Berry (50:23)

You're dealing with Arthur Smith here. You're dealing with Arthur Smith, who used a top five overall NFL draft pick on Bajan Robinson and then gave Tyler Algier 200 touches, right? And Cordello Patterson, like five touches a game that same year. Like they all touched it. So there's absolutely a scenario where Kenneth Gainwell, Caleb Johnson and Jaylen Warren and John Smith and John Smith are all involved in the run game of Pittsburgh this year. There's no question about it. But Gainwell is somebody who needs to be on your radar.

Jay Croucher (50:51)

Quick mention here. DJ Giddens entered the game ahead of Tyler Goodson, who later left with an elbow injury. Of course, that's going to be a big insurance talking point for the Colts. And one more note here. Over in Tennessee, Chigaconkwa and Gunner Helm rotated with the starters on passing downs. Cam Ward, though, spoke glowingly about the rookie tight end and Gunner Helm after the game.

Cam Ward (51:12)

Gunner Dawg, every chance I get to target him in practice, whether I throw a back shoulder ball, a ball like BA threw, he always comes down with it. He's a big target. Those two connected on a great touchdown. But I think the biggest thing about Gunner, he never complains he's somebody who shows up to work every day, puts the work in and you know, we call it verticals right there. So, you know, when in doubt, vertical it out.

Matthew Berry (51:34)

When in doubt, vertical it out. I say that to my kids all the time. Gunner a dog is the quote from Cam Ward. Anytime I get a chance to throw him the ball, I do it. This was not, you know, this is not Colson Loveland or Tyler Warren. No. In terms of a tight end prospect, what do we know about gunner Helm?

Jay Croucher (51:53)

Well, he was really good last year in a breakout year. It was year four for him at Texas. It took a little while to get there, but he had 60 catches for almost 800 yards and seven touchdowns on one of the best teams in the country. He only dropped two of his 73 targets. So, and this is somebody 35 of those 60 catches went for first down. So he's a good player. He had the weird sprained ankle on the 40 and it just nuked his draft stock. And then you see the picture of the ankle after the combine was about four times swollen. So they might got a steel and Gunner Helm and I love when Cam Ward hypes up one of his guys. You could tell the authenticity with it for sure.

Matthew Berry (52:21)

And again, after Calvin Ridley, there's not a lot there for target competition. You got Tyler Lockett, you got Chigaconkwo, you know, but honestly, there's Van Jefferson. Yeah, Van Jefferson, exactly. There is going to be opportunities for somebody to carve out a significant fantasy relevant role outside of Calvin Ridley in what should be a pass first Titans offense.

Jay Croucher (52:39)

We're taking our last break. When we're back. Last call. We're looking at the most regular season rushing touchdowns board on DraftKings right after this.

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Matthew Berry (53:39)

Oh, the cross is yours.

Jay Croucher (53:43)

That's right. You heard it here first. The crown is yours. Last call here's the odds board for most regular season rushing touchdowns. Guys with the king at the top of plus 450. But Jay wrote off is the rest of his career, so I know he's going somewhere else.

Matthew Berry (53:57)

Yeah. What are the odds on Keith Mitchell being this. Are you taking him pretty long?

Connor Rogers (54:02)

Jonathan Taylor, 13 to 1 is interesting, but I'm going to take Christian McCaffrey 22 to 1. He had 14 two years ago when he was last healthy.

Jay Croucher (54:09)

I'll eat the chalk on this one. Give me the king at plus 450. There's a reason that's his nickname. He'll score a million touchdowns. I'm. I'm buying in again.

Matthew Berry (54:15)

I'll take Jameer Gibbs at 10 to 1. He's had 32 career games. He's got 26 rushing touchdowns. Everyone thinks of him as such this pass catcher on the back. But like 26 rushing touchdowns and just 32 career games. And I think after the way he ended last year, they're going to use them more around the goal line right now. What are we at the poll the norms at 14%. I'm curious here. I'm curious.

Jay Croucher (54:37)

The regular is at 42%.

Matthew Berry (54:39)

Yeah. Which I like that a lot.

Jay Croucher (54:40)

That's my favorite one.

Matthew Berry (54:41)

That's my favorite one.

Jay Croucher (54:41)

I haven't voted yet either. That's not.

Matthew Berry (54:43)

That's. We'll see how that all goes.

Jay Croucher (54:45)

Shop merch.

Matthew Berry (54:45)

Continue to. Continue to. Please vote. If you're just hearing this as a podcast, come to our YouTube page to see the link. It's closing time. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here. We're back tomorrow live at noon. For Jay and Connor. I'm Matthew. Peace out.

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