RB Tiers: Slotting De’Von Achane, Ashton Jeanty among others + Rashee Rice suspended

Summary

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Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode: RB Tiers: Slotting De’Von Achane, Ashton Jeanty among others + Rashee Rice suspended
Date: August 27, 2025
Host: Matthew Berry (NBC Sports)
Co-Hosts: Connor Rogers, Jay Croucher

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode is anchored around detailed fantasy football running back (RB) tiers for 2025 drafts, focusing on the relative placement of high-upside players like De’Von Achane and rookie Ashton Jeanty. The hosts analyze the shifting landscape after recent NFL news, including injury updates and suspensions (notably Rashee Rice), with plenty of lively banter, strategic insights, and actionable draft recommendations. If you seek clarity on how to approach this year’s RB classes—especially in the early and mid-rounds—this episode is packed with context, history, and current values.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Banter & Set-Up ([01:33]–[06:18])

• Podcast routine: The regular crew jibes about Matthew Berry's "homer" tendencies and his League of Assholes home league ([01:52], [02:27]).
• Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce engagement: Quick cultural aside; Berry confesses his Swiftie status ([04:54]).
• Adam Thielen traded to the Vikings: Immediate fantasy implications discussed—Berry sees Thielen as “cheap value” for the first three weeks while Jordan Addison is suspended ([06:36]).

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RB Tier 1: The Fantasy Elites ([09:06]–[15:13])

Headliners

• Bijan Robinson
• Jahmyr Gibbs
• Christian McCaffrey
• Saquon Barkley
• Ashton Jeanty
• De’Von Achane

Achane’s Health & Upside ([09:23])

• Berry clarifies: Dolphins GM says Achane will be ready for Week 1, quelling injury concerns.
• Target share: “He’s in that conversation of who could finish as the No. 1 running back in fantasy.”
  — Matthew Berry, [10:11]
• Achane's unique scheme/usage in Miami gives him massive weekly upside ("didn't need 20–25 touches to be productive" - [11:17]), especially in PPR.

Ashton Jeanty’s Outlook ([11:58])

• Background: High draft capital; Chip Kelly/Pete Carroll system heavily favors workhorse RBs.
• Historical precedent: “Since 2012, five of the seven RBs drafted inside the top 10 overall averaged at least 19 touches a game... and finished top 7.”
  — Matthew Berry, [12:25]
• The floor is “very high,” injury aside.

Other Notes

• Bijan Robinson's O-line woes and elite skill day; not enough to move him from RB1 overall for most analysts ([13:11]).
• Jameer Gibbs: Touch split with David Montgomery caps absolute ceiling, but Berry says “no one had more fantasy points per touch” last year ([14:13]).
• All these RBs profiled as weekly RB1s who can elevate fantasy rosters in any format.

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RB Tier 2: High-Upside & Reliable Starters ([15:27]–[23:17])

Key Players

• Derrick Henry
• Chase Brown
• Bucky Irving
• Jonathan Taylor
• Josh Jacobs
• Kyren Williams
• Maron Hampton

Notable Insights

• Derrick Henry: “Five of the past six seasons, he's been top four in points per game. …Barring injury, 12 touchdowns is the bare minimum.”
  — Matthew Berry, [16:06]
• Chase Brown & Bucky Irving: Both projected as dual-threat backs in high-scoring offenses.
  • Berry: Slight preference for Chase Brown due to offensive situation (“You have to nitpick at this level, but I feel safer with Chase Brown” – [21:00]).
• Jonathan Taylor: Extremely variable outlook; huge peak when healthy, but durability and pass-game usage in doubt.
  • “He’s going to have weeks that he wins you weeks... but for consistency, I might take Kyren Williams over him right now.”
    — Connor Rogers, [17:55]
  • Berry: “He’s a top 10 RB, just a Tier 2 guy this year” ([19:28]).
• Kyren Williams: Workhorse role reinforced by recent contract and team trust ([19:00]).

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RB Tier 3: Strong Contributors with Uncertainty ([23:24]–[32:30])

Key Players

• Alvin Kamara
• RJ Harvey
• Tony Pollard
• Trey Henderson
• Zach Charbonnet
• James Cook
• DeAndre Swift

News & Updates

• Alvin Kamara: Role secure in Saints' passing game despite QB change (“Never had a season with a target share below 18%” – [25:19]); perennial value for teams needing in-draft stability.
• Discussion on Saints' QB Spencer Rattler: Could depress offensive ceiling but may boost Kamara’s PPR output ([25:27]).

RJ Harvey vs J.K. Dobbins in Denver ([28:32])

• Berry remains cautious: “Harvey is very expensive right now…I don’t know that they trust him in pass protection yet; Dobbins is undervalued” ([30:03]).
• Connor Rogers: Sees upside if Harvey can adapt NFL running style under Sean Payton ([30:07]).

Rashee Rice Suspension Breaking News ([31:21])

• Six games, starts Week 1: Significantly more favorable than feared for drafters (“this is actually great news…value knowing it’s only the first six weeks now” – Matthew Berry, [32:36]).
• Fantasy spin: Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown gain early value, but Berry remains bullish on Rice as the primary KC WR when active.

Roundtable on Chiefs WRs after Week 7 ([34:16])

• Berry: “Rice is a special player…at worst a 1B to Worthy’s 1A, but Rice will be ranked higher when both are active” ([35:03]).

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RB Tier 4: Committees, Value Bets & Potential Sleepers ([41:13]–[43:56])

Notable Names

• Bill (Jacorey Croskey-Merritt)
• Zach Charbonnet
• Aaron Jones & Jordan Mason (Vikings)
• Jalen Warren
• Jaguars Backfield (ETN, Bigsby, Bashful Toootin)

Insights

• Berry on Bill: Real shot to lead the Broncos backfield; labeled a “top 30 guy” ([41:41]).
• Jaguars’ Backfield: Fluid, difficult to project; Berry advocating taking a late stab at ETN or Tuton, with “one of them is going to end up with a lot of value” ([43:05]).

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RB Tier 5 & Deep Sleepers ([43:56]–[46:46])

Main Points

• Handcuff/committee RBs: Tank Bigsby, Nick Chubb (Houston), Woody Marks, Jermar Sampson/Jerome Ford (Cleveland)
• Nick Chubb (in Houston): Berry—"Could fall his way into RB3/flex value if Mixon doesn't return." ([45:11])
• Cleveland backfield: Avoid if possible; stash Judkins late if you can ([45:41]).

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Draft Strategy & Philosophy

Guillotine League RB1 Debate ([46:00])

• Both Berry and Rogers: Bijan Robinson is the top pick, with Jahmyr Gibbs narrowing the gap (“just the floor is too high in guillotine” – Berry, [46:46]).

Cameo Draft Order Reveal ([47:25])

• Fun segment: Emmy-winner Todd Zeile delivers the show league’s draft order via Cameo, with Connor Rogers trolled into last pick ([47:59]).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On De’Von Achane’s Ceiling:
  “I think there’s a chance that Achane being the No. 1 RB in fantasy this year is within the realm of possibilities.”
  — Matthew Berry, [10:11]

• On Ashton Jeanty:
  “I think unless he gets hurt, the floor is very high for Ashton Jeanty. But also so is the ceiling.”
  — Matthew Berry, [12:55]

• On Derrick Henry’s Consistency:
  “Barring injury, 12 touchdowns is like the bare minimum Henry gets.”
  — Matthew Berry, [16:06]

• On Chase Brown vs. Bucky Irving:
  "I feel safer with Chase Brown…competing with Taj Brooks and Samaje Perine in a great offense."
  — Matthew Berry, [21:00]

• On Alvin Kamara:
  "Every single year he just sort of...he’s a PPR cheat code and produces top 15 numbers."
  — Matthew Berry, [26:19]

• On Rashee Rice Suspension:
  “This is actually great news...I'm merely talking about the suspension, the fact that we know when, that it's six games...Rashee Rice becomes more of a value in fantasy drafts knowing this information.”
  — Matthew Berry, [32:36]

• On Tier 3 Upside Backs:
  “If Kenneth Walker stays healthy for a full year in the Clint Kubiak offense, then next year he’s drafted as a top 10 running back for sure.”
  — Connor Rogers, [39:49]

• On Fun & Community:
  “Regulars are on fire. They’ve gotten more comments on today than I think in any previous show. Regulars are on fire. They’re in fuego.”
  — Matthew Berry, [49:36]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [06:30] Adam Thielen traded; Panthers and Vikings WR implications
• [09:06] Running Back Tier 1 breakdown begins
• [13:11] Bijan Robinson’s O-line loss context
• [15:27] Running Back Tier 2 breakdown
• [23:24] Running Back Tier 3 and Saints QB news
• [31:21] Rashee Rice 6-game suspension—breaking news and impact
• [41:13] Running Back Tier 4 and committee evaluations
• [43:56] Running Back Tier 5 & sleeper stashes
• [46:00] Guillotine league RB1 debate
• [47:25] Draft order Cameo announcement
• [55:06] Fun closing banter and shout-outs

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Conclusion: Actionable Takeaways

• Devon Achane and Ashton Jeanty are legitimate Tier 1 RBs for 2025—both offer league-winning upside, especially in PPR, and are worth high picks.
• Bucky Irving and Chase Brown are strong RB2 values, with a slight safety edge to Brown.
• Alvin Kamara remains undervalued; draft with confidence, especially in PPR leagues.
• Rashee Rice’s suspension clarity provides an exploitable draft-day discount; stash for late-season upside.
• Know your format: Contextualize each RB recommendation to your league size, settings, and scoring.

This episode arms you with advanced context and humor as you approach draft day, especially for those navigating crowded backfields and ambiguous suspensions. Berry's insights help you prioritize both high-floor and high-ceiling picks at running back in every draft round.

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Transcript

[A]

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[A]

If he regresses in the touchdowns and he's like closer to like six or seven, which I think is reasonable, even eight, you know, maybe so. I actually think I might be a little bit too high on McLaren.

[C]

Sad to say this Matthew turning you back.

[D]

I'm not scary when things got good.

[C]

Too high on him, you say unbelievable.

[A]

Screw you guys.

[D]

Finally got good and you leave out.

[A]

Hey, no no, no. Screw you guys and the regulars. Because like all I do is get. Hang on. All I do is get accused of being homer. All I do is getting accused of being a homer on this show. And then when I actually like, then I'm like when I'm not a home, like you guys like bail on me for for not being homer enough.

[B]

Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry.

[D]

Welcome to the Fantasy Football Happy Hour. Connor Rogers, Matthew Barry, Jay Croucher. Welcome to all the regulars. Even though Matthew said screw you yesterday.

[A]

I have to tell you something. Seeing you guys try to pit me against the regulars who I love, it is fitting that today is the draft of the League of Assholes. So we are doing our draft later today. Later on the I am crashing out an early meltdown. First of many to come. It's 1201. It's 1201.

[D]

Make it to the over under at 1206.

[A]

Yeah, exactly. Yeah, the under cashed. All I'm going to say here very simply is that we are later today in the show, we are going to announce our draft order for the League of Assholes and then we're doing our draft later today. So it is not surprising that the Vultures are out in full force once again trying to take me down. Trying to screw up my mojo. Trying to rattle you. My back to back championship mojo that I have. Jay Croucher.

[C]

Yeah. There's been a lot of bad moments from you in the draft over the past few years.

[D]

We had a lot of memories.

[C]

First year, didn't know it was Super Flex. The next year you had like three seconds left on the clock and then you screamed out, stop the clock.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

As though someone could stop the clock. Like the clock keeps going there.

[A]

I'll tell you why. I'll tell you why. Because you know what happens? What they don't understand is like, so we were filming it all for social and I'm having to do this stuff and they're interviewing me because I have to carry this effing show. I have to carry all these a holes, which is why it's a League of Assholes. So, you know what I mean? Like, if you guys could, like, you know, pony up a little bit, some personality and I could focus on my draft occasionally, then, yeah, we'd be okay. We'd be okay. But no, no, no, I've got to do it all myself. So. Yeah, you're damn right, Conor.

[C]

Just interviewing Kate Fernandez.

[A]

I know. Went viral. Went viral.

[D]

I'm coming for that Emmy this year. Todd Zeal. Be on watch. High alert.

[A]

We'll see. We'll see. Todd Zeal. Good luck. Like, do you think. Do you think that viral clip of you just asking one little question is enough to get you.

[D]

That's not what I'm nominated for. I'm nominated for Jets. Okay, that's not on the real.

[A]

Not even on the real.

[D]

So, no, it doesn't help.

[A]

Do Emmy voters take that into account when a guest that you've interviewed goes viral?

[D]

I don't think so. Yeah, I don't think they're online.

[C]

Like, I actually found out yesterday that Keith Hernandez, he narrowly beat Todd zeal for the 1979 MVP case. Squeaked it out. Todd Zeals. Which you couldn't do the past.

[A]

No.

[D]

We'll see how it goes this year, but.

[A]

All right, one last thing here before. And we're getting to our Running back tears in one second here. But we just have to take a moment here to, like, everyone in the universe, literally everyone in the universe, was celebrating the engagement of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Of course, we've got an 87 up there on our wall as well. We love Travis here. We love. We love Taylor Swift. We're a bunch of Swifties. I certainly am. I'm a big swiftie.

[D]

I'm not. But I don't have any problem with her. I just couldn't name you one song.

[C]

We're all Swifties. 33% of the table.

[A]

Exactly. When you have daughters, you'll become a Swiftie. Like, you will appreciate her show.

[D]

There'll be someone else by then anyway.

[A]

Whatever. I'm a legitimate Swiftie. I have seen her in concert. I have all the albums. Love me some Taylor Swift. Love me some Travis Kelce had him on a number of fantasy teams, including Dynasty. Teams thrilled with their wedding or their engagement, I should say. Everyone's talking about it. And so you'd think they would drink free today at the happy hour as we join the entire universe in toasting their impending nuptials. Yes, but no, actually, drinking free today, producer Adam decided it was. It was. Denny.

[D]

What a reveal. Actually, she had a curtain over it. Yeah, that kind of reveal.

[A]

Yeah. Denny Carter drinks for free. It's his birthday.

[D]

Happy birthday.

[A]

Happy birthday, Denny.

[D]

You'll see him on Friday.

[A]

It'll be on Friday. You know, and with all of his conspiracy theories, what the mainstream media doesn't want you to know, he's in our. He's in our league of assholes. He's here in town for the draft and some of the other stuff as well.

[D]

Unearthing Parker Washington Target Share.

[A]

Yeah, exactly. Exactly. But anyway, just so you know. So, like, we're the only people on the planet not celebrating Taylor and Travis, but we've got Denny.

[C]

Yes, we've got Denny.

[A]

Happy birthday.

[D]

Good trade.

[A]

Yeah, sure.

[D]

Some would say even.

[A]

Yeah, some should say even. Denny, by the way, Denny is. I think Denny's doing a Q and A right after this, right. Right here on YouTube. Him and Roto Pat. So obviously.

[C]

Please stay tuned for that from the ear.

[A]

Ask him. Ask him why he's not as popular as Taylor Swift. Do me. That should be the first question.

[D]

Yes, we do have running back tears today, which is a doozy. A lot of tears to go through for running backs. But before we do any of that, we have a little bit of news. Welcome back, Adam Thielen, to where it all began with the Vikings. That's right.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

I feel like when you go to the Vikings, it's a nice little applause for sure. Friend of the show. Friend of the show, Adam Thielen.

[A]

Yes, sir.

[D]

For a lot of draft capital associated with day three over the next two years. So the Vikings, Matthew, while Jordan Addison is suspended, get some wide receiver help in the veteran who was pretty good when he was healthy last year.

[A]

Yeah, he certainly was. And the other thing about Thielen is, is that. So he got a massive target share early on when he was sort of the only game in town, but like still clearly has something. And then you think about this offense, right. And so, you know, he obviously is very familiar with, with, with the Vikings and that offense there. And so I think he'll fit right in. Especially as you mentioned, Jordan Addison out for the first three games. Jalen Naylor banged up. We don't know his availability for week one. So they're suddenly pretty thin. And so for them to get using one of those magical fifth round picks, by the way, they swap fives with the, with the Panthers. They also give up a four. Panthers send back a conditional seventh. I think Thielen's actually going to have some cheap fantasy value the first three weeks this season. I think once Addison comes back, it's hard to see him having consistent fantasy value in a, you know, in a, in a normal sized league and a non deep league because you're going to have Addison, obviously you have Jefferson there. We know they want to use the running backs and of course TJ Hawkinson's there as well. Rare Rider says. Or Rare Rider.

[D]

Sure.

[A]

I don't. Sure. I don't know.

[D]

Jettis of the moon.

[A]

Yeah, exactly. Jedis to the moon, no question. Yeah.

[C]

I mean, story here though, Matthew. It's an amazing day for cokeheads across America.

[A]

Cokeheads unite. Jaylen Coker. Clearly this was a move to. As the Carolina Panthers turned to a youth movement. You know, they, they have T. Mac on one side, Xavier Leggett from the other, but Jalen Coker now becomes the big slot for Bryce Young.

[D]

Yeah, I think it signals their belief in the step that Coker has made this summer. And he had some flashes last year, but now you look at it, he's starting in 11 personnel for them. And honestly, is there a world where Xavier Leggette gets banged up again or things don't click for him, that Coker is the number two option in this offense? I don't think that's out of the range of outcomes, so.

[A]

Not at all. I Mean, I think questions are still open. You know, it's still, still to be determined.

[D]

On Xavier Legate, they, they don't just trade feeling, thinking like they got to win some games this year. The Panthers, right, there's only so many years over and over again that you can lose. So they obviously weren't just going to give feeling away unless they actually had some belief in the young players on this roster. I am a believer in Coker in this offense.

[C]

It's just a great signal.

[A]

It's.

[C]

It's the same thing with Devon Vale getting traded and what that signals for Pat Brian and Troy Franklin like this means that there is a level of confidence in guys like Jalen Coker that perhaps there, you know, wasn't three, four months ago, but now they've seen enough.

[A]

Cokeheads unite. We're back, baby. We're back.

[D]

And with that, let's go to the running back tiers. Of course, Tier 1 headline by a lot of the popular names you see in the first round this year. Bijan Robinson, Jameer Gibbs, Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, Ashton Genty and Devon Achan there. Matthews sneaks into tier one as well.

[A]

News coming out earlier today with the general manager Basing Singh they expect Devon Achan to be ready for week one. He's sort of been dropping in drafts because people are worried about the injury, but he's going to be there in week one. And so, you know, Devon Hn is somebody who just gets massive target share. He was on the love list, as you know, as well. And we talk about that. You know, we talk about these kind of teams that have narrow target trees and it really is. It's Tyreek Hill, it's Jaden Waddle, it's Devon A Chan. And given that we've seen injury issues from. Well, honestly, all three, but specifically we've seen that from. From Tyreek, given his age. I think there's, there's a chance that Hn Hn being the number one running back in fantasy this year is within the realm of possibilities. I don't know that I would put heavy odds on it again when you've got Bijan and if Chris McCaffrey stays healthy, you know, you know, Saquon obviously got a chance, Gibbs, but he's in that conversation of like, who are the guys that could finish the year as the number one running back in fantasy? And he's in there.

[C]

Yeah. As opposed to guy like Josh Jacobs isn't going to be the number one running back in fantasy, even though he has A relatively high floor with you on HN fantasy. It helps as well that Johnny Smith isn't around just because they scheme up those gadgety plays. I think that will be reallocated to Achan. Two years ago, Devon Achan looked like a different species on the football field. The way that he was running for those touchdowns against the Giants and the Broncos, like that player is still there somewhere. The Dolphins offense makes me a bit nervous in general, but there's certainly upside.

[A]

In games last year that Tua Tungavailoa started, Devon HN averaged over 22 fantasy points per game. Like he was right there at the top of any running back. You know, just in the games in which Tua started. Now there is risk, obviously with Achan's injury and Tua's injury, which is why I have him at running back six, but I do think he's in that tier one. I do think that if you left your draft with HN as your number one running back, you're feeling good.

[D]

This comment from Daniel Capps is kind of interesting. A Chan PPR machine. He gets you 20 points getting less than 70 yards. That's kind of the structure of the offense, Matthew.

[A]

Yeah, that's exactly right. They use him a lot in the passing game and we'll see. Like, you know, do they use Ollie Gordon at the goal line? Does he not get as much, you know, short yardage stuff? But it's not like he's got a running threat at quarterback the way some running backs do. That might take some opportunities there. Achan is similar to Gibbs and it gets McCaffrey on a little bit of level, which is that he doesn't need 20 to 25 touches a game to be productive. Somebody that has that big playability that has so much usage in the passing game. And we always talk about this, targets are more valuable than. Than carries. When it comes to running backs, you'd rather receptions than. Than touches, you know, than. Than hands, I should say. In terms of fantasy value, how about.

[D]

The confidence in Ashton Genti in this tier? Obviously a special running back prospect going to a place. Matthew, that Pete Carroll, Chip Kelly, they want to run the football a lot and now they got the talent to do it. And I think this line is a little underrated.

[A]

There's been four years that Chip Kelly's been a head coach in the NFL, three of those his teams in terms of rushing attempts. And you don't use the kind of draft capital that you used on Ash and Genti. If you don't expect to use him early and often. Since 2012, five of the seven running backs drafted inside the top 10 overall, which Genti was, have averaged at least 19 touches a game. At least 19. And in fact all five of those running backs that I just mentioned finished as top seven fantasy running backs there here at Saquon Barkley, Ezekiel Elliott, Todd Gurley, some superstars, but then Leonard Fournette, who, you know, had some nice years and then Trent Richardson. I mean even Trent Richardson, right? So I'm just saying, like I think unless he gets hurt, the floor is very high for Ashton Genty. But also so is the ceiling.

[C]

Yep, definitely Connor. How big of a deal is Caleb McGarry being out for the season for Bijan Robinson? Because not only is McGarry out, who's been one of the better right tackles in football and Panics is blindside, but Storm Norton, the backup is also out for six to eight.

[A]

Right?

[C]

So now they're down to a third string right tackle.

[D]

It is a big deal, but some running backs are, you know, can overcome that. And Bijan is that kind of talent. Right. The guys in this tier specifically can overcome average offensive line play. The Falcons still have a good offensive line even without him. But you're right, Jay, it's a big deal. But here's the difference. I think the threat of Penix being able to push the ball down the field is going to open up better run opportunity for Bijan Robinson. They're still going to throw him the ball anyway. So I'm like if I was picking number one and I wanted a running back, I would be taking Bijon Robinson most likely. Obviously Chase is in the combo is the number one pick but for this exercise sake I'm not as worried about it where it drops him behind any of these guys.

[C]

Okay, that makes sense. Yeah, the other guy, Jameer Gibbs as well. Just to mention his name, his value. If you told me that Dave Montgomery is only going to get seven or eight carries a game, then Jimmy Gibbs might be the number one running back. But this just the scope for that to get a little bit higher. Montgomery's you still got, I think three years left on his contract with that team is a big part of their identity suspected he's going to eat into Gibbs enough to just to make Gibbs not the number one running back. But still there's certainly Wells where he could.

[A]

No one had more fantasy points per touch among running backs last year than Jameer Gibbs. So even if he gets like a couple more touches this week and I told you like I think you'll see him used in the red zone a little bit more. I think the end of last year when Dave Montgomery was out was very instructive on Gibbs, where he took on a massive workload and proved that he could be that dude, that he could be that guy. I agree with you. Dave Montgomery is not going away. But. But I do think that whereas a year ago we were sort of looking at it like, yeah, Gibbs is higher, but maybe a round or two higher, now there's a more significant gap between the two. I have Bijan at one, Gibbs at two. But if somebody drafted Jameer Gibbs as the number one overall player or is the number one running back, I'm not looking at him.

[D]

Weird comment here from Johnny Dangerly Genti equals new beast mode, Las Vegas style. That'd be pretty high praise.

[A]

Yeah. What do you think Johnny truly is Danger or is this Danger Lee? So it's like he's sort of dangerous.

[D]

Just a little bit.

[A]

Yeah, he's kind of dangerous.

[D]

He doesn't want to set the expectations too.

[A]

Yeah, he's just like, yeah, I'm dangerous.

[C]

Danger adjacent.

[A]

Yeah, exactly. In the neighborhood of danger. Like he waves to a. Driving home to his safe house. Right? Yeah.

[D]

But one actually, like rob a bank.

[A]

No, no, no. He's. Yeah, his middle name is in danger, but he's probably got a cousin named it. Yeah.

[D]

Let's move to tier two here, guys. And this is another group that. Listen, if you're one of those people, say you open your draft taking a wide receiver like Ja' Marr Chase. You're hoping when things swing back to you that you can capitalize on this group. Derrick Henry, a mainstay in fantasy, obviously. Chase Brown and Bucky Irving. A lot of upside. Matthew Jonathan Taylor trying to get back to form. He had a couple years ago where he was, you know, obviously one of the best players in fantasy and then maybe a step down. Josh Jacobs, Kyron Williams and Ride or die. Marion Hampton.

[A]

Yeah. We'll start with Derrick Henry, who Jay hates. Jay has already. Jay's got a ton of Keaton Mitchell. Ton of Keaton Mitchell.

[D]

Said it was Keaton Mitchell's backfield.

[A]

Yeah, exactly. That's what Jay said.

[C]

If the king is dead.

[A]

Exactly, exactly. He's like a young Najee Harris to you. Look, five of the past six seasons, he's been top four fantasy running back in points per game basis. He doesn't play a ton of snap. Like, he plays basically like 50% of the snaps. But it's just again, we expect this to be One of the best offenses in the NFL. When they get in close, they don't like to use Lamar at the goal line as much. For as mobile as Lamar is, I don't feel like Lamar is the same threat as a Josh Allen or a Jalen. Hurts when they get in close. Like when they, when they get in close, it's going to King Henry. Right. So I do think that barring injury, 12 touchdowns is like the floor is like the bare minimum that Henry gets. And obviously he's got the upside of getting to 20. Brown and Irving here, those are the two guys that again, as we talk about targets more valuable than carries, they're both going to be fairly heavily involved in their team's passing attacks, both of which we think are going to be among the best offenses in football.

[C]

Yeah, Bucky Irving is one of the most efficient running backs in football last year. Underlying advanced stats. Love him and Chase Brown, it's very simple with Chase Brown, he's just on the field all the time with Joe Burrow, Jamar, Chase and T. Higgins. So the offense is just going to score. It's going to be a great offense. Defense is still going to be bad and he's just going to be in scoring position a lot and put in advantageous situations. To me, the most interesting guy in this tier, Connor, is Jonathan Taylor, who is. It's strange for JT to be really high variance because we know Jonathan Taylor. He's been in our lives for quite a while now.

[A]

Friend of the podcast, Jonathan Taylor.

[C]

Yes. Multiple time appear on the Happy hour. His past 17 games when he's been healthy, it's like almost 1800 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. And that's playing with. He's been banged up playing through that. He's played with a mishmash of quarterbacks and he's still got a mishmash of quarterbacks. But I think that Daniel Jones is probably going to be more competent than what he's for sure in recent years. So I think that JT did the pass game usage, which he had a little bit in 2021, then it really fell off. That's the knock with him and also the health. But there are worlds still where JT can be the best running back in football.

[D]

Yeah, I get it. I just feel like, you know, you got to deal with his injuries all the time at this point. He's going to have weeks that he wins you the weeks. But you want to talk about consistency across the whole season. I might take Kyron Williams over him right now and I know Kyron's been banged up too before, but just looking at that offense, I just have a more consistent belief in it right now than the Colts with Daniel Jones, where I know they have talent. But it can get ugly quick when Daniel Jones isn't challenging down the field.

[C]

Tony Rogers riding off Jonathan Taylor.

[D]

Yeah, yeah. I mean, I. I don't have any shares of Jonathan Taylor this year.

[A]

It's fair. Look, I have. I have Taylor at 10, I have Kyron Williams at 12. Like, and I get it. Kyron Williams, right? No, running back last year had more red zone touches than Kyron Williams. He led all running backs in snap rate as well, especially when they get in close. He just got paid this offseason. Showing the rams and Sean McVay their belief in Kyron Williams. Like, not worried about Blake Corum or Jarquez Hunter. They're only going to get on the field if there's an injury to Kyron Williams. Now, that's the knock on Williams. He has missed time every year of his NFL career, but obviously the Rams felt comfortable enough in him to give him. Give him a significant contract. The pro Jonathan Taylor argument. I'm more with you, Jay. I'm on that side because I do think he doesn't have the threat. While Daniel Jones is mobile and could, you know, bootleg some touchdowns, he's not Anthony Richardson at the goal line, so you have less of a goal line threat to Vulture. Now, they do have Tyler Warren who could fill that role for the Colts, but I do think that. I think the offense will just be more competent under Daniel Jones. They'll stay on the field longer. They'll be in scoring position more often. It's not a division that scares you. We know he's an elite talent. So a lot would have to go, right, Jay, For Jonathan Taylor to finish the year as the number one running back in fantasy. But we've seen that before, and I don't know that there's a reason why it couldn't happen again. There's a lot more that would have to go right than it did the year that he was. But again, I think he's a top 10 running back. I have him as a tier two guy, you know, so he's just sort of right there.

[C]

I like your playbook here, Matthew. Just being positive. Positive on Jonathan Taylor, positive on Derrick Henry. The only two guys you don't like are Joe Mixon and Terry McLaren. Joe Mixon, who might not play football again, and then Terry McLaren.

[A]

Wait till we get to wait. Wait till you get to James Cook and Breece Hall. But no, yeah, look, they're in tier 2 for a reason as well. And then of course we've talked a significant amount of I feel safe. So question here from Kevin D on YouTube. Who says, who do you feel safer with, Bucky or Brown? I feel safe with both those guys. But give me Chase Brown. I just, I feel like, you know, again at this level you have to nitpick. I have them right next to each other. Right. Obviously I have Brown at 8 and I have Bucky Irving at 9. But you're asking me the question. So I feel safer with Chase Brown who's competing with Taj Brooks and Samaj Pirine. Right. In a great offense. Whereas Bucky Irving has Rashad White who will have a role, has Sean Tucker who they have confidence in. Tristan Wirfs is out for a couple of games here as well. So just again, I think Bucky is going to have a monster game. Bucky part of the championship run on Live at Noon of the Cock. My championship team from last year, Jay Croucher. So you know, never forget backup producer Pete tried to steal Bucky Irving from me in the, in the middle of the season. I wouldn't give it to him.

[D]

So glass spamming, you trade request.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

Excited to wipe the slate clean this afternoon. New teams, new board. Just knew everything. We'd have to hear about your past successes.

[A]

That's right. I'm the. I'm the defending champion for only a couple more hours. That's right.

[D]

I don't think it's going to stop, by the way. I'm never optimistic.

[A]

Actually, you know what, I'm probably the defending champ until. Until it is.

[D]

I wasn't going to remind you of that.

[A]

But that is actually championship until there's a new champion name named if there is one. I have won, you know.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

The last two years when you start.

[C]

Three and six, you won't be crowing as much one thing. So yes, I agree with you on Chase Brown over Bucky Irving. It's interesting Todd Bowles think yesterday went on radio and he was talking about because Chris Godwin and Tristan Wurfs, both of them not on the pop list. And he was saying in terms of a return date he doesn't give away much Todd Bowles but he did say with Tristan Wirfs, same timeline as Chris Godwin anywhere between week two and week five. So the fact that he's keeping the door open for like an early season return, that's good news for both of those guys. And by extension for Bucky Irving if he gets his, you know, superstar left tackle back.

[D]

And I believe him because they would have kept the roster spot if they didn't actually think that. So there's no reason for him to lie there.

[A]

One note on Chase, especially right now, by the way. Like, like, it's one thing to put somebody, you know, in the middle of the season. Yes. But right now, when roster cuts are, when every spot is so valuable, trying.

[D]

To steal players and you easily.

[A]

Right, exactly. You easily could have and no one would have questioned it. You easily could have put Godwin and Wurfs on the PUP list. Say, we'll see you in week five. Don't worry about it. We're going to steal two roster spots, as it were. The fact that they didn't, I think is very telling. And by the way, Godwin remains of value in drafts because I think people are like, I think they're treating him like Brandon Aiyuk, like, ah, maybe we'll see him mid season. We're going to see him a lot sooner than later. Right, exactly. According to. Right, exactly. And this is a guy who, prior to getting hurt last year, was the seventh best wide receiver in fantasy football.

[D]

One more note on Chase Brown. Would it surprise anyone if he caught 70 passes this year? I mean, I think this team is going to be throwing all the time. They already showed in a limited sample last year, 65 targets. There's just so much to like about both him and Bucky. If you get an elite wide receiver and get one of those two guys as your RB one. And there it is right there from Johnny. Slightly dangerous.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

Occasionally Brown is going to be a PPR machine.

[C]

A safe take.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

Yes. Yeah.

[A]

He didn't want dangerous take.

[D]

He didn't want to be too crazy.

[A]

No.

[D]

Saying very on brand, John. I like it.

[A]

Exactly.

[D]

All right, let's go to tier three. And we got a little bit of news as we kick off Tier 3, which is headlined by Alvin King Camara. Spencer Rattler will be the Saints starting quarterback.

[A]

Spencer Rattler is underway.

[D]

Saints, Cardinals.

[A]

Week one, baby.

[D]

Fire it up. Oh, man. Alvin Camara kicks off tier three. Part of that reason is probably because his quarterback is Spencer Rattler. But Matthew, this is somebody that, because of what he does in the past game, he always stays, obviously.

[A]

By the way, they released. They released Jake Haner. Yeah. So what does this say about Tyler Schucker that. That Spencer Rattler won this job? Because you don't love it. Spencer Rattler did not look ready for primetime last year. In the limited action he got. Yeah.

[D]

You don't love it, I guess It's a classic. It's easy to pull the plug on Rattler and put Shuck in, rather than shuck has a bad start after seven years of college.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah.

[D]

And do we go to Rattler now and then back to Shuck later? So I think that's more of what it was. I don't have a lot of confidence in this offensive Rattler.

[C]

I mean, Rattler was a better prospect than Shock, right? Yeah, for the most part.

[D]

I mean, you're asking me to divvy up like, two guys that I didn't think would be long term starting quarterbacks. But it's. It's closer. It's pretty close, honestly.

[A]

I will tell you. I'm in. I'm currently in a 12 team, super deep, super flex, best ball draft with a bunch of, you know, fantasy experts. Rotopad is also in this draft. And there was a. Like, I have hertz and golf and so I sort of waited on quarterback and there was just a crazy run. And so there's nothing more sad than saying, yes, I would like to draft Spencer Rattler, like in the second. That's what I did. I had to know. I had to. I pushed the button on the app. But I'm just saying, like, you know, the app says to you, are you sure you want to draft Spencer Rattler? And you're like, yeah, I guess so. It's best ball. It's. It's a super flex. He's my third quarterback.

[C]

I think Rattler is a bit more Nick Mullins in him than Tim Boyle in terms of the way that he's. He'll chalk it up.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

His early college career. He was that guy.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

Like someone's down there. Here it goes. Then he started to dial it in a little bit. Let's see if he could find, you know, the Green Goblin yelling at him to get back to himself again.

[A]

Listen, again, he's got a big arm. And so if. If Rashid Shahid and Chris Olave can stay healthy. Right. And you feel competent in the coaching staff under Kellen Moore. Like, I'm not. I'm not saying draft, you know, Spencer Rattler unless you're in the. Well, no. Unless you're in, like a crazy deep, super flex league where you're desperate for a quarterback, a third quarterback, which I was. But I'm saying I think there's a scenario where he's competent enough to keep the fantasy floor of these guys high enough. And especially with Alvin Kamara, who has literally never had a season with a target share below 18%. And I suspect with Kellen Moore, who likes to use his running backs, unlocked Saquon Barkley last year in a big way. I do think Kamara remains a value in drafts because no one ever likes him. He was running back 14. You feel like he's been around forever, gets hurt, but he's actually every single year he just sort of. He's a PPR cheat code and produces top 15 numbers.

[C]

How good of an offensive mind do you think Kellen Moore is Because he got so much buzz with the Eagles winning Super Bowl, Kind of felt like they were on the same play. Bash the Saquon button and then go balls with Jalen. Hurts. They worked. But is he going to scheme?

[A]

It didn't work with the Chargers. It did work with the Cowboys.

[D]

Right. Here's the sleeper with the Saints, who have the lowest win total in the NFL. They've invested a lot into this offensive line.

[C]

Four first round picks.

[D]

There are four first round picks galore that if Kellen Moore can kind of lean on that and that would help Alvin Camara and it would help the young quarterback, maybe they can be somewhat competent.

[A]

Right.

[D]

I mean there's talent in this offense. I don't think the defense is going.

[A]

To be good, which helps team the NFL. Two weeks in, two weeks in last.

[C]

Year, 17 straight drives. The thing with Rattler last year too is that when he came in it's like, all right, 60% of the offensive line is done injured. I think Olave and Rashid, they were getting hurt. So he just didn't. I don't think he's going to be great, but we didn't really see him fail with his full kind of assortment of offensive teammates. So I don't know. There are worlds where they could be interesting. On offense, I think the defense is going to be bad.

[D]

Two points, which is good in fantasy by the way. You're winning back some of the regulars. Oh, I had another comment in here from Viscerani that says future three peat champion Matthew Barry.

[A]

Let's go.

[D]

I know, but why is that one.

[A]

On on the screen?

[D]

Ventura, thanks for the Camaro analysis. Thinking of drafting him in the fourth round of my super flex if he FL falls.

[A]

Love it. So I, I think actually in a super flex he'll fall further than that.

[D]

By the way.

[A]

That's probably, I think, yeah, because there'll be a lot of quarterbacks that go. So I think probably fifth or sixth round actually. Herberto. But I like the Call there. Well, yeah. Why. Why did we not get the comment about me? 3 peating up comments sucked.

[D]

State media is against you.

[A]

Yeah, I see, I see what's going on. I. There we go. Viserani. Yeah. Don't, don't let these people suppress your God given right to praise me. Make no mistake about it. Yeah, let's write regulars 100%. Yeah, I understand the algorithm over here wants to suppress my praise, but no, no. Yeah, there's no shadow banning going on over here on our YouTube comments.

[D]

Let's get back to tier three and see this large collection of names because there's some guys here, Matthew, that quite frankly we don't know what their role is going to be out of the gate. And I think RJ Harvey fits that.

[A]

Bill to a tee under Sean Payton. No running back. No team has more running back target share than the Denver Broncos. They're first. We know that Sean Payton likes to use the running backs in the passing game. So RJ Harvey, who some people pre draft had just on the same level as Jacori Crosby, merits.

[D]

Some people like Bill a little better.

[A]

A little better. But like just to give you an idea of how good Harvey is, he's almost as good as Zechariah, Krosky, Merritt, but you know, so I don't make.

[D]

Or break me, by the way.

[A]

Yeah, exactly. Hundred percent. You're all in on that.

[D]

We're sitting on that one.

[A]

No, but that's a great call by you. I'm going to. I'm not letting that one go. I will say this about RJ Harvey, so I do think that's going to be the key to unlocking any fantasy value for him, is his, his role in this offense. But I remain like, I don't have a lot of shares of RJ Harvey this year just because I keep, I don't want multiple Denver running backs and I keep finding J.K. dobbins to be an unbelievable value. I get the injury history, but Harvey, I don't know that they trust Harvey in pass protection yet. And I do know they trust Dobbins. And I do think that we know Peyton wants to use multiple running backs and I do think that Dobbins is going to be the early down, goal line, short yardage back as long as he's healthy. And again, just relative to cost, I'm not saying Dobbins is as good as Harvey or even that he'll have as good a year as Harvey, but relative to cost, I think there's a, there's a very reasonable scenario where J.K. collins becomes the better value this year in fantasy drafts, when we look a year from now, like in terms of what it cost you to get Harvey, who was so buzzy and Dobbins, who everyone is just sort of left for dead.

[C]

A lot of X content out there. Connor on RJ Harvey not saying running lines.

[D]

Do you buy that is my number one criticism. I mean, if you have a guy behind bill as RB13. I like Harvey's explosive. I like him in space, which Sean Payton is excellent as getting his running backs in space with the ball in their hands. But that's my number one criticism. I'm like, he's, he bounces a lot of runs outside because he's a premium athlete that can get away with it in the NFL. They're going to have to tailor his game so he doesn't do that as much so. And Sean Payton won't like, won't live with that very long now. I don't think it's going to be a massive issue this year. But I'm with you, Matthew. That at cost. Harvey is very, very expensive right now.

[A]

Yeah. And by the way, they also, they have guys there in Jahliel McLaughlin and Audrey estimate like, you know, no, he's a draft exchange favorite. But like, jokes aside, like, my point is there's enough running backs in that room that Peyton has confidence in that could not have fantasy value for us, but could take five touches here that could take, you know, a couple of targets there and all of a sudden just again, for where Harvey is going, like, you know, look, I, I think there are other guys in that range that I feel better. Better with, you know, Tony Pollard.

[C]

Much rather have Tony Pollard.

[D]

Yeah, get that right.

[C]

Just know that he is, he's gonna be a workhorse starter for at least the first four weeks of the season with tyres.

[D]

We have some breaking news, guys. We have the Rasheed Rice suspension.

[A]

Okay.

[D]

It will be six games to start the season. He has accepted the six game suspension. This is working to be finalized between the NFL and the NFLPA. So it'll make him eligible to return. Week 7 against the Raiders, that is.

[A]

And, and I say this again, we're a fantasy football show. We're going to talk about the fantasy football impact of his suspension. I do not in any way want to give the impression that we are, we are making light or diminishing what he's been accused of and, and what he did. But this is actually great news to the extent that again, I'm merely talking about the suspension the fact that we a know when the suspension is that at six games there was talk of eight games, there was talk of longer given the seriousness of the allegations and the, and the crime. And so the fact that it's six games and it's the first six games because there was thought process that, oh, the hearing's not going to be until after week four, it might take two weeks. And now all of a sudden you're looking at a eight game suspension that starts in week seven. And it takes you through the middle of the season, through all the buys and into the fantasy playoffs. So the fact that you're only going to have like a couple of weeks of buys, you're going to, you know, and you know, it's the first six weeks of the season. I actually think Rasheed Rice becomes more of a value in fantasy drafts knowing this information.

[D]

Yep, definitely his ADP will fall off a cliff now.

[C]

Yes. Comes back just in time to face your commanders as well, Matthew. And he misses a game against my Giants. So the NFC marches, marches on. I don't think it's going to change much. They'll lose anyway. But no, look, Rasheed Rice, I think overall this just bodes well for the Chiefs offense because there was a lot of uncertainty that this is going to be an even longer suspension. Don't know when it's going to start or end. We saw last year when he was on the field wasn't so much the yardage, just the amount of targets that he was getting.

[A]

He was not 16, 14. It was like a 30% target share. For the first three weeks of the season. He was the second best wide receiver in fantasy, averaging over 21 fantasy points per game. Now Xavier Worthy hadn't really emerged at that point. You know, he was still, still getting up to speed and Kelsey had a slow start. So, you know, there's some mitigating factors that aren't going to be here this year. Worthy is now up to speed. I do think, all jokes aside about the engagement, everything like that, I think Travis Kelce ends up going out in a big year. You know, I think he just has. I think this is his last year. I think he retires at the end of this year and you know, and, and gets married at halftime of the super bowl to Taylor Swift. No, but I do like, I think he's going to have a monster year. I think, I think Kelsey is actually going to be a value in drafts. So. And I think this, but this bodes well for Mahomes. It bodes well for the Chiefs offense. And I think as you approach drafts, I think Rice and Worthy are right there. Like, I think when both are on the field, you prefer Rice, but you move Worthy up because he's not going to miss the six games. But, like, in a given week when both are on the field, Rice will be ranked higher for me than Worthy.

[C]

Yeah. And it's a unique situation where unlike say, other guys that you might be drafting who are going to miss the start of season, like Godwin and iuk, they're going to take time to ramp up coming off the injuries. Like, shit, Rice is fully healthy. Like, yeah, it might be a little bit of a slow burn the first game, but, like, he's going to be full go pretty quickly once he's playing games.

[D]

We got a comment from Raise the flags. What is Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown are just better after six weeks. Rice could be wide receiver three.

[A]

Anything's possible. Raise the flags. If you haven't actually watched football, but whatever.

[D]

Stick with us regulars. This is not your friend.

[A]

Sorry, sorry. Raise the flags. I love you, brother. No, listen.

[D]

No, he doesn't. I don't listen to it.

[A]

I don't think. I don't think that. I think Rice is actually a very special place race.

[D]

The flags goes woof.

[A]

Right? You know, Raise the flags. Raise the flags. Is now. Raise the middle finger. Yeah, exactly. I don't blame you. Raise the flags. Feel free to. You know what? The rest of the regulars are not allowed to, but. Ooh. Raise the. Fair enough. Raise the flags. Raise the flags. Is allowed to. He should change his avatar to like, someone giving me the middle face or whatever. Yeah.

[D]

Or just your face with the crossed out.

[A]

100%. You're allowed to be my villain. Raise the flags. These two A holes are not. But Raise the flags. I respect you. No, I just.

[D]

Raise the flags. I'm going to ask Denny Carter his opinion.

[A]

It's on you should. The rivalry begins the Roto World Q and A live after this. You absolutely should ask Denny Carter his opinion on that question and ask him about me. By all means. Him and Rotopat doing that. Okay. So all I was going to say is I just think. I think Rasheed Rice is a special player. We like Worthy as a lot of Hollywood Brown's had his moments, but just feels like he's going to be more of a complimentary player in this offense. I find it legitimately. I get the question. I think it would be. Barring injury to any one of them, I think it would be surprising if Rasheed Rice was not the number one wide receiver on this team. At worst a 1B to Worthy's 1A. But I do think that, you know, Rice has just had too long of a of a track record of being productive in this offense with Patrick Mahomes.

[D]

David Adams, this is good for Rice owners. You don't got to worry about him getting suspended late in the season.

[A]

Exactly.

[D]

I think that was your opening point.

[A]

Exactly right.

[D]

So we're aligned with that. Big Ten Saturday night is back. We're kicking off the season from the big House as 14th ranked Michigan host New Mexico. Coverage begins at 7:00pm Eastern on NBC. And Peacock, here comes Saturday night and for all our real sicko regulars out there, you can catch multiple draft season marathons of fantasy football happy hour over the next few weeks. That includes next Sunday at 9am and a mammoth 12 hour marathon this Sunday. That's all for free on the NBC Sports now channel. We're taking a break, but when we're back, we still have more running back tiers to go through, starting with tier four. And who could crack the top 20? And the big reveal of the League of Assholes draft order right after this.

[A]

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[E]

Disorder and addiction is so isolating. And so as a Black woman in recovery, hope must be loud. It grows louder when you ask for help and you're vulnerable. It is the thread that lets you know that no matter what happens, you will be okay.

[D]

When we learn the power of hope recovery is possible, find out [e-mail] brought to you by the National Council for Mental well Being Shatterproof and the AD Council. All right, as we continue to go through Tier three here, a couple closing thoughts as we got through. Alvin Camara, of course we've talked a lot about RJ Harvey and Tony Pollard's role. But Trey Henderson, I mean you're always looking for rookies that could pop Matthew, guys that are a little bit in a lower tier but they have so much upside. It feels like Henderson is that guy because if he took over New England's backfield and the threat that he is in the pass game, the explosive threat that he is, he feels like a player in this range that could really go off.

[A]

He's my running back 18 and yeah, you know, Canadian Scorsese says is Henderson the guy most likely be considered Tier 1 or Tier 2 next year in this range? Certainly I'd say yes. I would say yes as well because again I think similar to like a Jameer Gibbs type. Like he is not somebody that is going to need a ton of volume to be productive in this offense. He can be really effective on 15 touches.

[C]

Say the other guy there too. If Kenneth Walker stays healthy for a full year in the Clint Kubiak offense, then next year he's drafted as a top 10 running back for sure.

[A]

I will just tell you I prefer Zach. I have a lot more Zach Charbonnet this year than Ken Walker. When I've gotten Ken Walker I've reached for Charbonnet just because again combined we know there but I'm just, I'm nervous about the health of Walker but I do we'll get into sort of the insurance running backs but Charbonnet is one of my one guy that have a lot of this year because I do really like him when he's out there as well. I don't have a ton of James Cook this year as we've talked about made the hate list. 40% of his fantasy points last season came from touchdowns. We expect some regression there as well. You know, one guy we haven't really talked about very quickly is DeAndre Swift. Like I'm not the biggest DeAndre Swift guy but Kalman Onigay who we really like and we'll talk about here in a second but like he's been banged up. Doesn't seem like they love Roshan Johnson.

[D]

I love Swift this year.

[A]

Right. Like it's a good offensive line.

[D]

Right?

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

He looks like a guy that you can get right outside the top 20 that'll probably safely finish RB16 and everybody's always looking around, 20 going, who can finish in the top 10 for me and win my league. And I get it, you have to take picks like that. But if you get a running back early that you really, really like and they can carry your offense and you need a floor at running back, I think Swift is one of the best values at the position.

[C]

Yeah, if you just step back and he's up a one in a Ben Johnson offense with what I think could be an elite offensive line. So that's just, that's the sell on DeAndre Swift and it's a pretty good.

[D]

One and they should throw to him this year. I mean, that's how the Ben Johnson offense should work for him. So if you're looking for a reception uptick, I think DeAndre Swift will give you that as well. Yeah, let's go to tier four here guys, because a lot of names to sort through here. As you see, Bill does make the list. His ascension continues. Charbonnet is on this list as well. Matthew, there's a lot of guys that are in committee backfields. As you see the two Minnesota guys in this range as well, Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. The newly acquired Jordan Mason.

[A]

Mason, who's averaged over 5 yards per carry in every season his career and should get a lot of the early down, short yardage work. They're going to use Jones in the passing game. He was top eight among running backs last year in receptions and receiving yards. And so for a Young quarterback like J.J. mcCarthy, they're going to use Aaron Jones especially again as we talked about, they just got Adam Thielen because Addison's suspended, Naylor's banged up. So I actually think both guys, especially where they're going, have value this year. We've talked a ton about Jacore, Crosky, Merritt, Bill, he comes in at running back 30 for me as well. How him as a has of a top 30 guy, you know, one. And I will say that Jalen Warren I think is sort of interesting here just because like it seems like Caleb Johnson is slow on the uptick. They're using Kenneth Gainwell like Jalen Warren feels like the guy that they have the most confidence in. And what is going to be a run heavy scheme. Rodgers not scared to dump it up to a running back.

[D]

And I think that's the underlying factor. Aaron Rodgers, if you're a running back next to him and you don't know the protections or the routes, he doesn't want you out there. And I like Caleb Johnson a lot. I think he's the future of that backfield. I don't have much expectations for him early in the season, unfortunately.

[C]

Yep. Matthew, the backfield I get, I think the most just random text about from friends and I think maybe the most confusing backfield in the NFL is the Jags. Yeah, we've got Travis Etienne, we've got Tank Bigsby, we've got Bashful Tootin. Very confusing where it seemed like Tank Bigsby and training camp was getting most of the run with the stars, but in preseason it's etn. So what are you doing with that backfield?

[A]

Yeah, I'm taking a stab late and just look, I think. I think Tutin's really interesting, but I think at least early on it's going to be Etna and Bigsby in that order. I think that one of them is going to end up in the year with a lot of value and I think we just don't know. So I'm very high on the Jaguars offense this year, as you guys know. I think Lawrence is a great pick, obviously. BTJ and Travis Hunter. I'm all in on Breton Strange and Parker Washington in super deep leagues late. But so what I'm doing with that is I'm just sort of. I don't want multiple pieces of this backfield. So just depending on where it is in your draft and how your roster construction is going to. I'm taking a stab at one of them. I've wound up with more ETN and Tuton than I have Bigsby this year, just in terms of the way drafts have gone. But that's my sort of take is that one of those guys is going to emerge and that it's worth. Because of how late they're going, that it's worth taking a shot on one of them.

[D]

Let's Open up Tier 5 with Tank Bigsby who kicks off that list. And this is a lot of guys that are handcuffed backs, depth options as well. And then other players that are, you know, like, look at Javon Sports Williams, he should be the starter for the Cowboys, but ultimately, Matthew, what does that mean? Nick Chubb would be the starter for the Texans, but what does that mean?

[A]

Yeah, I mean I just. It's. It's a. It's a great question. Right. Like, I think it'll. Like. We just haven't seen it. Right. We just haven't seen it. Like right. Does. Right. And. And he's not gonna be used on third down. So whether it's. It's Dario Gumbawale or Woody Marks again, we think that it'll be more pass happy. I don't mind them if you're in this range. Just sort of like, sure, why not? He's Nick Chubb. Could he fall in? Like there's a chance where Joe Mixon doesn't play football this year. Like again, this injury, it's been lingering. Lingering. He's. We already know he's missing four games. We don't know when he's coming back. So there's a chance that Nick Chubb, you know, has three yards per carry but winds up with double digit touchdowns just because of the nature of like he's getting the work now we'll see if they sign any veterans in the next few days. But it looks like Nick Chubb is going to be over Damian Pierce to lead this backfield and it's sort of ugly and inefficient but I could see him, you know, kind of falling his way into, you know, a, a running back three low end flex kind of value.

[C]

I think you need to get a little more chubby. I think that he is. I think it's instructive that they haven't gone out and gotten another running back and he was the guy with the starters in preseason and also in the preseason game. He didn't look like, you know, Nick Chubb in 2022, but he's 5 for 25. He looked okay, looked like an NFL running back. He's presumably will get better as the season goes on as well as he gets more tread on the tides and gets more back up to speed. So look, he is the number one running back in an offense with C.J. stroud and Nico Collins.

[A]

Real quickly, what do you do with Cleveland's backfield? Judkins isn't even there.

[D]

You'd love to, you'd love to not have to rely on any of it, but if you do, I think the only thing I'd be interested in doing is grabbing Judkins for free at the end and maybe you stash them if you have a stash worthy spot. If you don't have a roster that you could do that, don't do that. I'm not relying on any of the guys in front of him right now to give us significant production.

[A]

It looks like Sampson and Florida are going to. Sampson and Jerome Ford are going to split the early down, split the workload early on in the season here and they're both going in this range. Last quick question for you before we get to this draft order. I'm in the middle right now of a guillotine League draft. I have the number two overall pick. Ja' Mar Chase has gone number one. Bijan Justin Jefferson. I had this in our guillotineleads.com, go check out the app. It's so much fun. It's free. But guillotineleagues.com, where would you guys go? I'm curious.

[C]

I think Bichon, but I think it's closer between Bajan and Jameer Gibbs than it was before the Caleb McGarry.

[D]

I had this exact scenario in our Guillotine League. I think RotoPat had the first pick, Chase went first. I had the second pick. I took Bajan. It just ain't Guillotine. I know you really, really good about it. I also took Rasheed Rice, so things are looking up for me.

[A]

There you go. No running. He was the only running back to rank top five in both rush attempts and targets Bajan Robinson. So I agree just the floor is too high in Guillotine. So there you go. I've taken Bajan Robinson. But by the way, so we wanted to, we wanted to do our, our draft order and so I went to Cameo. You can go to Cameo and order a lot of drafts. Orders. I'm on Cameo, by the way. I do it for charity, by the way. If anyone wants me to do their draft order, you can find me on Cameo. I do it to raise money for charity. But anyway, I was searching Cameo to see if I could find somebody that could do a draft order for us and well, I did. Adam, go ahead and roll the tape.

[F]

Hey, it's Emmy award winning broadcaster and analyst Todd Zeal. Just here for Matthew to give you guys the draft order for this year's fantasy football camp. We're going to start out with Roto Pat at the top followed by Denny. And then Matthew is going to be third, Lawrence fourth, Jay fifth, Adam, and then followed Adam with stupid Dev. That's a great one. Pete's going to be 8, 9 is going to be Stefan and. Or it could be Stephen. If I'm pronouncing that wrong, I apologize. But I am an Emmy award winning broadcaster.

[D]

Those things.

[C]

Right, Right.

[D]

I didn't know.

[F]

Number 10 is going to be Damien and number 11, George. And I guess that would leave number 12 and absolutely dead last, that would be Connor. Let me make sure that I got that list right. Let me grab that list. Oh, yeah, here it is right here under.

[D]

This is unbelievable. It's always your own people dirty. You know what's even better? I mean, 10 out of 10 from Todd. No Surprise. I'm an award winner, very talented broadcaster. Mets pre and post game, phenomenal. That's my other place of work that I was done at. Like, that's literally when I'm not here. I am in that exact office with that exact backdrop.

[C]

It's so funny because it was only.

[D]

Ever going to be so good.

[C]

It was only going to be Todd Seal or Joe Flacco. I thought Flacco was going to be.

[A]

I looked to see if I could find Flacco. He's not on cameo. I literally did think about trying because I have a friend on the Browns PR staff. I was thinking about trying to get Flacco to do it, but we ran out of time.

[D]

I had no idea. I have the rundown, but it doesn't say in the rundown. And I thought the same as you. I go, there's a really good chance this is Joe Flacco or Todd Zeal and one of us is in big trouble. You know what? Thank you, Todd. I want to pick last.

[A]

There you go.

[D]

I'm actually pretty happy.

[A]

I will tell you the message I gave to Todd when I ordered. I said, listen, hey, Todd. Matthew Berry from NBC Sports. The entire point of this cameo is just to give. Give crap to Connor Rogers.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

I don't care what you do, but you have to introduce yourself as Emmy award winning Todd Zeal and Conor has to pick last. That's all I care. I don't care.

[D]

Phenomenal.

[A]

And that's phenomenal. He's amazing. Thank God. Thank God.

[D]

That was awesome.

[A]

Comic Avalon. Matthew picking third for his third one in a row. It is meant to be. I agree with you. I agree with you. Target on my back.

[C]

Tough day for the regulars today.

[D]

Yeah, the regulars.

[A]

Regulars are on fire. They've gotten more comments on today than I think in any previous show. Regulars are on fire. They're in fuego.

[D]

Oh, man. So many good comments here from the regulars right now. Louis Garcia, cokehead Barry strikes again. I think that was Jalen Coker. Is it? That was.

[A]

Yeah, of course.

[D]

Yes. Just, just, just to make sure, as a Jalen Coker fan club, okay, we are a family show. I'd like to make that very, very clear.

[A]

All right, guys, we're not a family show. I don't. As we sit here and talk about the League of Assholes draft.

[C]

Family. Family adjacent.

[A]

Family adjacent.

[D]

That brings. The League of Assholes actually brings out the worst in all of us.

[A]

It really does.

[D]

Something that brings out the best in us, though, is fantasy life. Plus, get personalized fantasy football Insights based on your league settings with Fantasy Life plus your league is unique. Your advice should be too. Head to FantasyLife.com and use code. Yeah, you can use Roto 20 for 20% off. How about Connor 20?

[A]

Connor 20, J20, Matthew 20. I will tell you after yesterday, Jay and I are tied for the lead.

[C]

Oh bang.

[A]

Connor. Hope that Connor picking loss. Connor is last and he's significantly behind both of us.

[D]

I like being the underdog.

[A]

I will say that. So if you feel for your boy Conor, use [e-mail] or J20Matthew. But here's what's happening. Here is season rankings you put in. Hey, are you tight in premium or your half point ppr? Are you a superplex? Do you play four wide receivers? Do you play two? Whatever. You can customize this to whatever crazy scoring. Do you get points per first down? Whatever crazy scoring. You have more points for your tight ends, etc. Etc. You put it in there and then you customize the ranks. You see all of our experts right there at Fantasy Light here. Super Flexi Standard, Super Flex Titan Premium. If you're playing on a certain platform, you know, espn, cbs, wherever you're playing, like we have all the, we have all the ADP from literally my fantasy league, RT Sports. Like, you know, if you're playing in high stakes leagues, ffpc, that kind of stuff, it's all there. Underdog, you name it. It's, it's, it's available for [e-mail] let's see if the Connor 20 promo code can get some love today because J20 and Matthew 20 launched out to a big lead yesterday overnight.

[C]

Tough four minutes for Connor Rogers.

[D]

Yeah, I'll be back. Much to my chagrin at some point this week. Yeah, one more comment here before we go to break. Camilo Rojas. How do I add a stop the clock feature on my upcoming. Yeah, you got to draft it.

[A]

I would have thought that was the.

[C]

First thing you asked the Fantasy Life engineer.

[A]

I was just going to say that's, that's, that's backup producer Pete under, under his, you know, his burner account. That's clearly what that is.

[D]

All right, we're taking one more break when we're back. Last call is coming up next.

[A]

Among my favorite late round sleepers, Ollie Gordon, Kyle Menonige and Sean Tucker.

[D]

Kyle Manungai too.

[A]

Manungai. I'll get his name right eventually.

[D]

All right, we'll be back to talk NFC north champions right after this.

[A]

It's amazing you haven't won an Emmy given how well you are pronouncing names.

[D]

I'm overlooked and underappreciated.

[E]

Substance use disorder and addiction is so isolating. And so as a black woman in recovery, hope must be loud. It grows louder when you ask for help and you're vulnerable. It is the thread that lets you know that no matter what happens, you will be okay.

[D]

When we learn the power of hope, recovery is possible. Find out [e-mail] brought to you by the National Council for Mental well Being, Shatterproof and the Ad Council DraftKings is the official daily fantasy partner of the NFL and right now all Pick Six customers can play free for a share of DraftKings biggest bag ever. Hit all six picks for your cut of 1 million or more. Just download the Pick Six app and use promo code FFHH when you sign up. Ride the upside with Pick Six.

[C]

The crown is yours.

[D]

Not in the script.

[A]

Not in the script. It may or may not be yours.

[D]

We're working on it.

[A]

We're waiting for clarification on DraftKings, but go play pick six.

[D]

NFC north odds I'm blown away by the disrespect of the Detroit Lions at this point. All I have to say is give me the +160. I know this division's loaded. I know it's going to be more competitive. I'm not buying in on the Lions demise.

[A]

Yeah, I'm there as well. I'll take the Lions at plus money. I think if they had stayed healthy last year. They're in the super bowl. Like you know, I'm glad my commanders won that game obviously, but they just had no one in defense there as well. If I was going to do a non Lions bet, just the bears at plus 550 like just I mean again it's such a tough division if you know, you could see if things go right for them like I'd rather the the the the higher odds and take a shot here. But yeah, I think the Lions at, you know, 16 to 1 is the.

[C]

Is the right 60. Yeah. And I get the Lions. I think that they will be better than people anticipating. The brain drain is a little overrated, but I'm going to take the packers at 225, one of the youngest teams in the NFL. Drop just natural aging curve thinking any better? Jordan Love will be healthier. They have a slightly easier schedule than the Lions as well.

[D]

Yeah, I'm with you. I mean imagine a Micah Parsons trade.

[C]

I want it. Yeah.

[D]

Now we'll change these a lot of.

[C]

Packers stuff so I Like Micah on the board.

[A]

I'm sure you would as well. I will say, as much as the regulars do love me, Jay, there is some support from Conor Sympathy. So.

[D]

Sympathy support.

[A]

Nicholas Lombardo. Connor needs a raise with all this banter. Do you get paid?

[D]

Believe it or not, I am a paid employee.

[A]

I thought he was an intern this whole time.

[D]

HR maker. Sure, there's some rules to that. I am paid. But hey, Nicholas, I appreciate it. Fair enough. You want to be my agent? This is good work right here.

[C]

I'm the whipping boy. This is a great transition. Yeah, Connor Rogers smacked.

[D]

I'm ready for it. I needed this motivation before our draft today.

[A]

That's right.

[D]

I'm not sitting with any of you, by the way, during this draft.

[A]

Nor should you.

[D]

No, I'll be.

[A]

Nor should you. We got a big draft board. No clock on this one, so be excited. I'm not going to have to say, stop it. I can can just focus on winning for a third straight year. I intend to slap your grapes. I intend to, I don't know, slap yours as well.

[D]

Okay. Very good.

[A]

Yeah. Maybe I'll borrow Todd Zeal's Emmy. Or use my own.

[D]

Oh, is that right?

[A]

Wow.

[D]

That's a subtle flex.

[A]

That's right. There you go. There you go.

[D]

Subtle flex back on Television in 1963.

[A]

Wow. It's close enough. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here. For J and the poor Connor Rogers. I'm Matthew Berry. We love you, Todd Zeal. Happy birthday, Denny. Peace out.

[E]

Substance use disorder and addiction is so isolating. And so, as a black woman in recovery, hope must be loud. It grows louder when you ask for help and you're vulnerable. It is the thread that lets you know that no matter what happens, you will be okay.

[D]

When we learn the power of hope, recovery is possible. Find out [e-mail] brought to you by the National Council for Mental well Being, Shatterproof and the AD Council.