Early Top 10 RB Rankings, McVay Cologne, Dinner Bells

Summary

Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary
Title: Early Top 10 RB Rankings, McVay Cologne, Dinner Bells
Release Date: April 2, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

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1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with a light-hearted banter among the hosts, marking the end of April Fool's Day and transitioning into the core fantasy football discussions. Andy Holloway emphasizes the importance of early rankings for the upcoming 2019 season, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of running backs.

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2. Poll Discussion: Stranded Scenario

Timestamp: [02:18] - [04:14]

Mike Wright presents a fun poll to the Foot Clan audience: "You're on a cross-country road trip, blow a tire, and a stranger stops to help. Who do you want to lend a hand—Andy, Mike, or Jason?"

• Poll Results:
  • Mike Wright: 45%
  • Andy Holloway: 37%
  • Jason Moore: 18%

Notable Quote:
Mike Wright [04:05]: "Mike is winning the poll. 45% of people would want to see Mike get out of that car."

The hosts humorously discuss the results, highlighting their personalities and roles within the podcast.

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3. Jordan Howard Trade Impact

Timestamp: [04:22] - [09:23]

The primary focus shifts to the trade of Jordan Howard from the Chicago Bears to the Philadelphia Eagles. The discussion revolves around how this move affects both teams' backfields.

• Andy Holloway argues that the Bears benefit by acquiring Mike Davis, a versatile back who can complement their roster.

  Quote:
  Andy Holloway [05:15]: "Mike Davis is the big winner here as well as the opportunity."

• Mike Wright expresses confidence in the Eagles' ability to utilize Howard's skills effectively within their offense.

  Quote:
  Mike Wright [07:43]: "Jordan Howard, I like it."

• Jason Moore emphasizes the potential for Howard to thrive in Philadelphia's offense, drawing comparisons to past players.

  Quote:
  Jason Moore [08:37]: "Jameson Crowder going away. It looks like Clement and Adams will be there..."

Key Insights:

• Philadelphia Eagles: Opportunity for Howard to achieve double-digit touchdowns due to a robust offensive scheme.
• Chicago Bears: Acquisition of Mike Davis offers depth and flexibility without the uncertainties associated with Howard's performance trends.

---

4. News and Updates from the League

Timestamp: [11:05] - [16:40]

The hosts delve into various NFL news affecting fantasy football players:

• Raiders Acquire Isaiah Crowell:
  Mike Wright [11:13]: "Raiders have agreed to terms with Isaiah Crowell..."

• Building Around Derrick Henry:
  Discussion on the Tennessee Titans' strategy to center their offense around Derrick Henry, highlighting coach Mike Vrabel's commitment.

  Andy Holloway [12:13]: "They started giving Henry 18 carries a game... They are figuring out how to use them."

• Colts' Confidence in Marlon Mack:
  Mike Wright [14:00]: "Chris Ballard says the team believes Marlon Mack can play on all three downs."

• Vikings' Dalvin Cook and Jay Gruden's Excitement for Trey Quinn:
  Jay Gruden: Enthusiasm for Trey Quinn's role in the offense, positioning him as a key slot receiver.

Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [12:13]: "I am a believer [in building around Henry]."

---

5. Consensus Top 10 Running Back Rankings

Timestamp: [17:17] - [57:06]

The heart of the episode is the discussion and consensus-building around the early Top 10 running backs for the 2019 season. Each host shares their rankings and the reasoning behind their positions, incorporating statistical analysis and team dynamics.

Top 10 Running Backs:

1. Ezekiel Elliott (DAL)

   • Consensus: Number 1
   • Key Points:
     • Transition to a more pass-heavy role with increased receptions.
     • Consistently high rushing yards per game.
     • Offensive improvements with additions like Amari Cooper.

   Notable Quote:
   Mike Wright [18:05]: "He had four fewer targets than Alvin Camara. I agree the positive regression makes sense with Zeke, but..."

2. Saquon Barkley (NYG)

   • Consensus: Number 2
   • Key Points:
     • High volume of receptions and rushing attempts.
     • Led league in scrimmage yards in his rookie season.
     • Concerns about workload and potential regression.

   Notable Quote:
   Andy Holloway [22:32]: "Saquon would be my number one because I do expect Zeke to slightly go backwards in receptions."

3. Christian McCaffrey (CAR)

   • Consensus: Number 3
   • Key Points:
     • Versatile in both rushing and receiving.
     • Concerns about workload and Cam Newton's health.
     • High ceiling due to usage in the offense.

   Notable Quote:
   Mike Wright [20:09]: "He belongs. He's cemented in the top five."

4. Melvin Gordon (LAR)

   • Consensus: Number 4
   • Key Points:
     • Reliable three-down back.
     • Injury concerns and missed games.
     • High touchdown potential when healthy.

   Notable Quote:
   Jason Moore [30:23]: "I take him as the foundational running back for my team."

5. Alvin Kamara (NO)

   • Consensus: Number 5
   • Key Points:
     • Established as a dominant back in a high-powered offense.
     • Concerns about usage consistency.
     • High receive metrics enhance fantasy value.

6. Todd Gurley (LAR)

   • Consensus: Number 6
   • Key Points:
     • Busy offseason with injury concerns.
     • High touchdown potential if healthy.
     • Dependent on team’s offensive strategy.

7. Joe Mixon (CIN)

   • Consensus: Number 7
   • Key Points:
     • Significant improvement and increased usage under new coaching.
     • Potential to be a top producer if given more touches.
     • Stability and talent make him a reliable fantasy asset.

   Notable Quote:
   Andy Holloway [43:37]: "Joe Mixon should be an absolute one, should be drafted with full confidence."

8. James Conner (PIT)

   • Consensus: Number 8
   • Key Points:
     • Stepped up as the primary back after Le'Veon Bell's departure.
     • Concerns about offensive line and system adjustments.
     • Potential for high usage but with some speculative risks.

9. Dalvin Cook (MIN)

   • Consensus: Number 9
   • Key Points:
     • Exceptional talent and high yardage per carry.
     • Health concerns due to past knee issues.
     • Central figure in Minnesota's offense, offering high upside.

   Notable Quote:
   Mike Wright [49:32]: "Dalvin Cook is the best combination of upside and draft value available for the entire season."

10. Le'Veon Bell (NYJ)

    • Consensus: Number 10
    • Key Points:
      • High usage in a struggling offense.
      • Potential for consistent touches but limited by team performance.
      • Lower ceiling due to offensive constraints.

Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [56:26]: "Nothing makes me happier than a dinner bell. Because nothing makes me happier than dinner. So should he show out, we are getting a dinner bell."

Additional Insights:

• Risk vs. Reward: The hosts emphasize balancing player talent with injury risk and team offense quality.
• Consistency vs. Upside: Players like Ezekiel Elliott and Saquon Barkley are lauded for their consistency, while others like Dalvin Cook offer higher upside with potential risks.
• Team Dynamics: The impact of coaching changes and team strategies are pivotal in determining player performance, especially for emerging backs.

---

6. Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [57:06] - [58:29]

The hosts wrap up the Top 10 rankings, reiterating the importance of these players in early fantasy considerations. They briefly discuss an email about a Carrion Johnson signed jersey available on Pristine Auction, encouraging listeners to check out authentic merchandise.

Notable Quote:
Mike Wright [57:06]: "Zeke, Saquon, Christian McCaffrey, Melvin Gordon, Alvin Camara, Todd Gurley, Joe Mixon, James Conner, Dalvin Cook, Lev Bell."

The episode concludes with standard fare, inviting listeners to join their fantasy football community and follow them on Twitter for more updates and insights.

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Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides a comprehensive early-season analysis of running back rankings, enriched with statistical assessment and insights into team strategies. The hosts blend humor and expertise, making complex fantasy decisions accessible and engaging for listeners. Notable quotes and discussions highlight the depth of their analysis, offering valuable guidance for fantasy football enthusiasts gearing up for the 2019 season.

Transcript

[Andy Holloway]

Hey, Foot Clan. Today we are getting into rankings, early rankings. And you know what that means. That means it is time to get your mind back on fantasy football for the 2019 season. And there is no better way to do it than getting yourself prepared with the Ultimate Draft Kit. It is the tool to win your league every year. Get it at its lowest price right now as a pre order atultimate draft kit.com.

[Mike Wright]

Hi, this is Eric Dickinson, NFL hall of Famer, and you're listening to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast.

[Andy Holloway]

Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast coming to you from pristineauction.com studios with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore and Mike Wright.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, welcome in another fine show. It's another fine Tuesday. It is April 2nd. The scourge that is April Fool's Day is over. Mike, are you laughing at the fact 24 hours has passed?

[Jason Moore]

Well, here's.

[Mike Wright]

Here's what I know about a time is over.

[Jason Moore]

Here's what I know about April Fool's Day. If we somehow end up in the new America, Purge Day actually becomes a real thing.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Just like the movies, right? It all started because of April Fool's Day. Oh, you're saying, I hope you're all happy in 20 years.

[Mike Wright]

Mike, always a big fan of a day of jolly fun.

[Jason Moore]

See, the thing is, I'm good with like a fun prank on someone.

[Mike Wright]

As long I change your phone background to a baboon butt.

[Jason Moore]

Hilarious. That's hilarious. Where I, where I draw the line is lying to people.

[Mike Wright]

Okay?

[Jason Moore]

That's the problem.

[Mike Wright]

For example, like if you and your wife told your whole family you're pregnant.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, get does the worst, the absolute worst. Or if I come in here and I'm like, hey guys, Joe Mixon's my number one running back. He's not.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, okay. All right, that's good to know. We've got the consensus early running back rankings on the show today.

[Jason Moore]

Actually, he is. He's not.

[Mike Wright]

April 2nd, you were really off the rails. Welcome into the show. I wanted to have a little fun. There's actually two quick questions today. You guys didn't know this. There's one quick question about Jordan Howard. There was a big trade. We're talking about the impact. There was a second one that I post to the Foot Clan because I just wanted to know the answer, alright? And I said that, I asked them this. I said, look, you're on a cross country road trip. Suddenly you blow a tire, you pull off to the side of the road. It's a remote desert landscape. A car pulls up behind you. Someone Is stopping to help soil above. And I wanted to know, I said, who do you want to lend a hand? Andy, Mike or Jason?

[Andy Holloway]

Now I want to interject here real quick. I saw the poll.

[Jason Moore]

I did not see this.

[Andy Holloway]

I voted on the poll.

[Mike Wright]

So you know what's going on.

[Andy Holloway]

And for the first time in my life, like we've got, you know, the spitballers. We put out the poll every week from our. From our fund drafts. And I don't care if I think I won or not. I always vote for me. I could not get myself to.

[Mike Wright]

Vote for yourself.

[Andy Holloway]

I wouldn't want it to be me for so many reasons. No, I did not vote for myself.

[Mike Wright]

Brooks, did you know that this was up? I did, I did.

[Andy Holloway]

See, you sent me.

[Mike Wright]

Okay, so I was gonna have you guess. Yeah, it's on the FF ballers. That's why I asked you for the login earlier today, Mike. So here is the poll results, in case you're curious. Mike is winning the poll. 45% of people would want to see Mike get out of that car.

[Jason Moore]

Well, because they just want to see me get out.

[Mike Wright]

Shocking. I'm at 37%, Jason, with a cool 18% of the vote.

[Andy Holloway]

Sorry, people, because those people. No service to you.

[Mike Wright]

As you see, those people would not have. They wouldn't get back on the road, but they would be highly entertained.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, we'd have a great time. They would. I mean, it would be a great day for them waiting for the tow truck, but yes, it would be a great day while waiting for a tow truck.

[Mike Wright]

All right, follow us on twitter @the ffballers. That way you can weigh in. Here is the actual quick question of the day. How does the Jordan Howard trade impact both the Eagles and the Bears backfields? Jordan Howard was traded for half a box of toothpicks at best. At best? Yeah. It can go down to a six round pick.

[Jason Moore]

It's not the flavored ones.

[Mike Wright]

No, not those. Are those better?

[Jason Moore]

The cinnamon ones?

[Andy Holloway]

Strong.

[Jason Moore]

They made you a lot cooler in.

[Mike Wright]

Grade school if they were cinnamon.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, they were currency back then.

[Mike Wright]

Well, I didn't realize that. You went to a weird school, bro.

[Andy Holloway]

Like cigarettes in prison. Yes.

[Mike Wright]

With cinnamon toothpicks.

[Jason Moore]

You didn't have that. Did anyone else have that?

[Andy Holloway]

No.

[Jason Moore]

Okay.

[Mike Wright]

You lived a charmed life, Mike. Eagles. They acquired Jordan Howard from the bears for a 2026 round pick. What are your thoughts on this deal and how does it affect both of those backfields?

[Andy Holloway]

I'll take a stab at the Bears situation. I think the big winner here is Mike Davis now to reco. And a lot of people are excited for him. But Mike Davis, they brought him in, he's got. He's basically like a. He is a well rounded, not special, anything back that can do everything. And that's what they wanted Jordan Howard to be. They tried like crazy this last year to get Jordan Howard to be able to catch the ball. And you saw Mike Davis use. You know who he is, who Mike Davis is. Yeah, give me the comp.

[Mike Wright]

Damian Williams.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, no, I get it. That's a. That's not a bad comp.

[Jason Moore]

Doesn't have a.

[Andy Holloway]

He's.

[Mike Wright]

They hang out.

[Jason Moore]

The burst.

[Mike Wright]

They hang out and they were like, man, if we could get one contract between the two of us now.

[Andy Holloway]

So he's the big winner here as well as the opportunity.

[Jason Moore]

Cohen's still a winner though for a.

[Andy Holloway]

Rookie to come in because now if they were to draft someone with some good capital, you know, they get a. Get a third round rookie running back. I think it's a great situation for them to come in. Had Jordan Howard been there, it would have been murky. You wouldn't have been able to put your trust there.

[Mike Wright]

I actually think it's a. Right now, Today, Mike, you're 100% right. Tariko and Mike Davis, big winners. If they draft someone, it can change quickly because Jordan Howard was a known non pass catching commodity that was somehow permanently in the doghouse despite consistent numbers. Although since his rookie season, yards per carry have gone down year after year. He's just 25 years old, but this.

[Jason Moore]

Is, this was, you know who Jordan. I have the confere, Jordan Howard. He's Jeremy Hill.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. From a, from a youth production decline standpoint, that's not. I don't like hearing that as a Jordan Howard dynasty owner now on the, on the Philadelphia side. No, you're not wrong. On the Philadelphia side though. Low risk investment to get a banger into town. Corey Clement couldn't do it in opportunities to be the guy. They barely even let him try. Josh Adams, there was talk of him being cut this offseason. It looks like Clement and Adams will be there, but they're going to play a subsidiary, a role behind them. I think I was going to say the wrong word there.

[Jason Moore]

A subsidiary.

[Mike Wright]

That's definitely not.

[Andy Holloway]

I think that works.

[Mike Wright]

Does it?

[Andy Holloway]

I think so.

[Mike Wright]

No. Yeah. I'm taking grammar advice.

[Jason Moore]

Subterranean.

[Mike Wright]

Subterranean role beneath the earth. Here's the deal. Jordan Howard, I like it.

[Andy Holloway]

Less important than. But related or supplementary to something.

[Mike Wright]

So I was right about that.

[Jason Moore]

Should have trusted your gut I really should have a second guesser now.

[Mike Wright]

I asked Jason for grammar advice and spelling advice. Like you could spell that word.

[Andy Holloway]

I spelled it right the first time. I was shocked. Google did not correct me.

[Mike Wright]

Here's the reality though. To me, I don't think that the outcome to the season is probably going to be a whole lot different for Jordan Howard in Philadelphia than Chicago. But I like the fact that there is a bending upside instead of a bending downside in Chicago. You could have ended up in a situation where Matt Nagy threw his hands up and was just kind of tough of dealing with finding a role for Jordan Howard. Philadelphia wants to find a role for Jordan Howard right now. If Jordan Howard's no good, you know he was going to fail in both places if that's the case. But at least in Philadelphia they have weapons on that team. They've got a nice looking offense. I think there's opportunity for, you know, double digit touchdowns for Jordan Howard.

[Jason Moore]

That's everything. It comes down to touchdowns because Wendell Smallwood is still there as well. I mean there's four now they brought in. It's to me, he's going to be LeGarrett blunt for Philadelphia.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I saw you tweeted about that.

[Jason Moore]

A couple years back. They brought him in when they made the super bowl run. And Jordan Howard or I apologize, LeGarrett Blunt's numbers that year, 173 carries on the ground, 766 yards, but only two touchdowns for Legara Blunt. So that's not me saying Jordan Howard won't get the touchdowns. But it's up in the air.

[Mike Wright]

It's up in the air. No doubt about it. We'll have to see what happens in Philly this year. Jordan Howard, at least he's got a starting role.

[Jason Moore]

Startish.

[Mike Wright]

Starting is starting.

[Jason Moore]

Ish.

[Andy Holloway]

I will say this, man. The Eagles, they're, they're such a smart organization. I mean the fact that they trade nothing for a real genuine improvement at the running back position, they pay him nothing. And then because they traded for him and basically own the rights, should Jordan Howard at age 25 go out and sign with someone else next year, they get a compensatory pick back that's better than the one they gave up to have the player play for them.

[Mike Wright]

Just really didn't they get a pick for Golden Tate?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, yeah, they will didn't.

[Mike Wright]

Did you guys see how Tampa Bay screwed everything up because of the signings that they made? Lost a couple compensatory picks.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, yeah. You got to know how to Play the game. And there's certain teams that know how to play.

[Mike Wright]

By the way, shout out to Matt Purpura on Twitter. He makes the point that grandpa Andy would be the most prepared with the necessary materials and most importantly, a triple A membership. If you broke down side of the road.

[Andy Holloway]

No offense, Mike. I mean I see both you every day. I definitely voted for Andy. I know he would be the most efficient at changing my time.

[Jason Moore]

I don't blame you. I can do it. But I will say this. Hopefully we have cell service because I may need to jump onto YouTube.

[Andy Holloway]

See, I 100% can change the tire. I know how. I don't need the YouTube. I just absolutely am unwilling.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, it's the worst.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm not going to do it.

[Mike Wright]

You can get a AAA membership by being what AARP is what I was thinking of 55 or older or a Rocky.

[Jason Moore]

Change this tire.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, yeah, I'm not going to.

[Andy Holloway]

Little help.

[Jason Moore]

It's like the. Can you go to the. Can I go to the bathroom?

[Mike Wright]

All right, let's get into the news.

[Andy Holloway]

News and notes from around the league presented by Sleeper.

[Mike Wright]

There's a new Krampus in town. Raiders have agreed to terms with Isaiah Crowell, formerly of the jets, on a one year contract. I don't know if Mike's so excited for Isaiah Cruell's production or my.

[Jason Moore]

A little bit of both.

[Mike Wright]

A little bit of both. Look, Raiders add Isaiah Crowell to a backfield that includes Jalen Richard, Chris Warren.

[Jason Moore]

Jalen Richard.

[Mike Wright]

Jalen Richard, that's fine. And look, they're candidates to pick somebody up in the draft. They are. It'll be an interesting situation there because Marshawn lynch could still return. If Marshawn lynch still returns, you can slot Isaiah Cruell firmly into that Doug Martin roll.

[Andy Holloway]

Right?

[Mike Wright]

Right.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I would agree if it's a win. For now for.

[Mike Wright]

Yep, no doubt. All right, let's. Let's go ahead and initiate the hype train, guys. It's important. We gotta get on the tracks. Mike Vrabel, wouldn't you know he'd like to build the offense around Derrick Henry and better than that, he'd like to tell everybody about it right here, right now in the offseason.

[Andy Holloway]

I would like to speak for further on this. So when this came out, I was on the clock in a startup dynasty league trying to decide whether to take Henry. As I looked into this, it was not just Vrabel, it was so the tight end coach who took over the offensive coordinator role. He was talking about the owner of the Titans was talking about it. Vrabel was talking about it. They all said they figured something out at the end of the year when they started giving Henry 18 carries a game. And they won their games, got in the playoffs, and they all said, this is what we're going to build around. This is what we want to do. So. But, Andy, you said it best in the studio. I think it was Friday before we left. If he. If Derek Henry sucks, it doesn't matter. Like, they want to build around him and they want to give him the ball, but if they give him the ball 22 times and he's running it, you know, 3.6 yards per carry like he's done for most of his career so far, they're not going to be able to keep doing it. But I will say this. I think he succeeds. I think he's got fresh legs. He is a beast. They're figuring out how to use them. Reading more into it. The tight end coach taking over for the offensive coordinator role talked about the zone scheme that works well with Henry's style and that they. That that was part of what they found last year. And they're going to implement that and build the offense for Henry because Henry can't run in every style. You can't just plug Henry into any team and have him succeed. But what he's good at, he's great at. And so, yeah, I am a believer.

[Mike Wright]

I think that's well said. And we have to.

[Jason Moore]

It only took three and a half. Wait 3.75 years in the league.

[Mike Wright]

Is that his yards per carry?

[Jason Moore]

Oh, it's both.

[Mike Wright]

All right. More hype. Train news. GM of the Colts.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, man.

[Mike Wright]

My guy, Chris Ballard says the team believes Marlon Mack can play on all three downs. Do you buy the Marlon Mack hype? There has been talk. There's been talk of Jai coming in for a work. Marlon Mack now has the hype.

[Jason Moore]

We are undefeated.

[Andy Holloway]

Mike, speak to your guy. What. What should the Footland do about Marlon Mack? Since you are the Marlon Mack guy.

[Jason Moore]

All I care about is who's playing running back for the Indianapolis.

[Mike Wright]

You've said that time and time again.

[Jason Moore]

And if it's going to be Marlon Mack, he's going to be very successful.

[Mike Wright]

Is Naim Heinz going to be underdrafted?

[Jason Moore]

No.

[Mike Wright]

Okay. Yes. Who weighed in there?

[Andy Holloway]

Brooks did. Brooks is a huge believer in Naim Hines tried to get me to draft him in our dynasty League. I did not.

[Jason Moore]

Good for you.

[Andy Holloway]

Thank you. But I know Brooks. He does. Look, Brooks does not chime in on.

[Mike Wright]

His own Often only when he's so compelled.

[Andy Holloway]

He internally is a true believer. And I will say this, Brooks, you're a very good fantasy football player. You've had a great dynasty team. You've got a good eye for this.

[Mike Wright]

Where's this going?

[Andy Holloway]

So maybe.

[Mike Wright]

All right, one more piece of hype. Jay Gruden, he is excited for second year. Wide receiver. Trey Quinn is, quote, ready to watch him jump into the slot, roll and dominate the position. We don't just take above average play here. We take domination to the bank.

[Jason Moore]

I think he could. Trey Quinn was a great college player. Massive, massive production just didn't fit the. The correct profile for NFL teams. I think he was Mr. Irrelevant back last year or so. I mean, he was very, very, very late in the draft, but I think he's a good player. We'll see if he can succeed with Case Keenum, or I was gonna say Case Calcium cold.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Case Keenum loves him some shorts.

[Jason Moore]

He does.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. He wears the shorts shorts.

[Jason Moore]

He loves jorts, cargoes.

[Mike Wright]

And he likes Trey Quinn in the slot.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Because about eight yards from line of scrimmage is his power zone.

[Andy Holloway]

A lot of. A lot of targets in that area. Obviously vacated targets coming with Jameson Crowder going away. I mean, Trey Quinn is a guy that. Where I am personally happy that we are recording this the day before because I plan on my next round. I'm in like the 15, 16.

[Jason Moore]

Are you gonna grab him?

[Andy Holloway]

I'm grabbing Drake Wynn here in my draft.

[Jason Moore]

Now, to be fair, Jay Gruden also said that Jordan Reed was gonna buck the trends and be back and be a great player again.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Yeah. Was he wearing the. The lie detector test on that one?

[Andy Holloway]

I don't know.

[Mike Wright]

All right, don't forget, switch your dynasty league to Sleeper. Download the Sleeper app today. You can get news. You can get one of the best platforms that exists and they're always improving.

[Jason Moore]

And before we jump into the rankings, wanna remind you about our rankings. Very excited for the rankings.

[Mike Wright]

Very excited.

[Jason Moore]

Remind you about the side pod entertainment. That's the name of the game on the Spitballers podcast. We just have a good time answering absolutely ridiculous questions. New episodes drop every Monday. Right into work in style. Hit the gym.

[Andy Holloway]

Have a head.

[Jason Moore]

It's a gas.

[Mike Wright]

Have a laugh.

[Andy Holloway]

Just don't listen to the Spitballers while doing heavyweights. Sure not good for health, but spitballs.

[Jason Moore]

Pod wherever you listen to your podcast.

[Mike Wright]

All right, it's time to get into the early top 10 running backs.

[Andy Holloway]

Running backs.

[Mike Wright]

See, see, we're getting into running Backs. All right, this is the April 2nd episode of the show. Here's our early running back ranks. We all, we've all ranked out our top 15, 16, 17 running backs at this point, put them together in a spreadsheet, figured out the consensus.

[Andy Holloway]

This excludes rookies, although I don't anticipate that.

[Jason Moore]

I don't either.

[Andy Holloway]

I don't anticipate that any rookie is going to pop it in the top 10 running backs this season.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I think you're fair to say that. I think that's right. There is no Saquon entering the NFL this season. Number one. Let's start it right here at the top, Ezekiel Elliott.

[Jason Moore]

I think people will be surprised.

[Mike Wright]

Number one. I agree with you. I think they will. He is number one for Jason and Mike. He is number two on my list. What is there to say about Ezekiel Elliott that hasn't been said? And why do you guys have so much confidence in him at the top of the ranking?

[Jason Moore]

So for me, it's all about the transition of the Dallas offense. Zeke turned into a pass catcher. The pass catcher we knew he could be from his tape at back in college, but they wouldn't use him that way for whatever reason. And then they finally unleashed him. 95 targets. I mean, he had four fewer targets than Alvin Camara. I mean, that's absolutely ridiculous when you're talking about Ezekiel Elliott, who since he has entered the league, has led the league in rushing yards per game on a per game basis in all three years that he has played, plus positive regression coming in the touchdown area. His rookie season, he scored a rushing touchdown on about every 21 carries. That's pretty frequent. But then the next year balanced out, it was to 34. And then last year, every 50 carries, he scored a rushing touchdown. I don't think that holds up. The offense has improved with the addition of Mari Cooper. So Zeke is my number one guy.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, it's pretty much exactly what I believe. It's the security Zeke has held up. He has proven. I mean, he was a top 10 back two years ago when he only played 10 games. And you look at his 16 game pace last season of 1530 rushing yards with only six touchdowns. It doesn't make sense. So to me it's a matter of like, okay, maybe Gurley's ahead. I don't want the risk right now with Gurley. I don't want the risk of a putrid offense. Dallas's offense is good enough. Zeke is the center of it. He's going to get the ball. He holds up, you know, and I think the touchdowns are going to come. If he, if he gets back to his normal touchdown pace, then he should be a lock for a top three. And when we look at our risk ratings inside the ultimate draft kit, Zeke will have one of the lowest.

[Mike Wright]

For me, no, it was a complete wildfire of Zeke points from weeks 10 through 16 to end the year. I mean, just monstrous numbers. 34 fantasy points. 30, 23, 23, 25. You guys make a compelling argument. He led the league in rushing attempts with 304, and that was the lowest for a league leader at the position since 2000. So you need to count on receptions. The question is going to be, does, is the 77 repeatable? Are those going to change? If they feel comfortable with Randall Cobb and with Amari Cooper, who weren't in the fold for the entirety of last year. But I don't blame either of you for making that pick. It's a very narrow decision for me. I have him at two. So when I say he's not my number one, he's my number two. But I went with this guy, Saquon Barkley. He had 121 targets, caught 14 more receptions than Zeke did. And it just comes down to what I think is more guaranteed in the passing game. I think they're going to get very similar volume in the running game. Obviously, saquon had the 11 touchdowns last year to Zeke six. And I agree the positive regression makes sense with Zeke, but it's, look, it's, it's a narrow margin here between the two. They both put up a quote, unquote good game 94% of the time. They both were absolutely dominant. Saquon never busted in his rookie season at all. He led all running backs in scrimmage yards. You know, the question for him is, is he bulletproof? What chance does he have to regress in your minds? And does it, you know, Eli's not special, but he wasn't special last year.

[Jason Moore]

Don't tell that to Dave. My goodness, Dave G. Yeah, I mean, 20, 20, they got him penciled in already.

[Mike Wright]

Break that pencil. Break it.

[Andy Holloway]

The issues with Zeke are basically the offense. If there are fewer touchdowns. I mean, he had a lot of big, huge breakaway play touchdowns. And while that makes sense because of his talent and, you know, his ability to break away, those are the stats that are usually the least sticky, even for players who have great talent. You don't. You can't bank on 50 yard breakaway touchdown runs because he did it last year. So that's. That's the issue. I agree with you that. I mean, if this was. So we kind of put our rankings together in half point PPR leagues.

[Mike Wright]

If this was full point, would you make the switch?

[Andy Holloway]

Saquon would be my number one because I do expect Zeke to. To slightly go backwards in receptions. Whereas Saquon, I mean, it's hard to imagine him going up from 91 receptions, but I think he might be their number one wide receiver now. So with Odo Becker out of the way. Yeah. I mean, nobody's going to be disappointed with either of those two backs, barring injury.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Yeah. You know, Saquon impressed me so much last year because of the percentage of stacked boxes he faced. I mean, he faced eight plus in the box more than almost anybody in football and still found a way to have those breakaway runs. I agree those are hard to bank on. We've seen that year in and year out. It doesn't matter how good you are. Those are hard to factor in. But just sheer volume. I mean, they're both absolutely outstanding players.

[Andy Holloway]

Believe they're. I believe teams this year will start doing the first 11 man in the box defensive formation against.

[Mike Wright]

Against the Giants.

[Andy Holloway]

Against the Giants.

[Mike Wright]

You're not worried about Sterling shepherd outside?

[Andy Holloway]

I'm not worried about Eli manning behind my 11 in the box cover.

[Jason Moore]

N. Negative two.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Mike Wright]

Wow. Christian McCaffrey comes in at number three. Mike, you have him at three, I have him at four. Jason Esm at five. All this for the number one most consistent player at the position. Last season he finished with 219 carries and 1098 yards, seven touchdowns, where he made his money in the passing game, 107 receptions, 867 yards and six touchdowns on 124 targets. For me, the big not concern because I don't have great concern over Christian McCaffrey. He belongs. He's cemented in the top five. But my biggest question, I should say, and I'll toss it to you guys, is a little bit to do with the offense with Cam Newton. Cam Newton's health. Does DJ Moore take a step forward? What does this offense look like next year? And will they decide to maintain the high workload? Will Christian McCaffrey be able, at his size and stature, to stay healthy through the duration of the year. Those are the questions that I have in terms of Christian McCaffrey. Last year there were four games that he didn't even miss a single snap.

[Jason Moore]

Which is an iron man.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Is he an iron man or is he bucking up against the. The odds with that kind of a workload. You know, players do that for a while. What do you think, Mike? You have in the highest.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Long term, he'll will eventually wear down. And they the rumblings, the whispers from the bushes this offseason have been we got to get somebody else in there to replace Christian McCaffrey. At this point, it's Cameron Artist.

[Mike Wright]

Payne, I was going to say Cameron Artist. Pain raised his hand.

[Jason Moore]

Who is back on, on the team. Is he 31? Is he 28? We don't know. But he's back on the team and he is the primary backup right now for Christian McCaffrey. I think it's safe to say that C.J. anderson had something to offer and they didn't want it. They caught him. They caught him last year. His role in the pass a game is so secure. I can only hope that DJ Moore takes the next step because I want the offense to be better. Only seven rushing touchdowns for Christian McCaffrey. That can go up when a guy has 200 plus carries. And I think that his passing volume is super safe. So it's like Zeke and BARKLEY, where Christian McCaffrey, I have him at three right now. Maybe he's five, maybe he's six. But he's going to be incredibly consistent and I think he's very safe.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. I've got Christian McCaffrey, the lowest of the three of us based solely on Ron Rivera coming out saying they need to lighten his workload.

[Jason Moore]

Did Norv say it?

[Andy Holloway]

But that's. Yeah, that's what I was going to bring up. I looked.

[Jason Moore]

Was Norv in the back shaking his head.

[Andy Holloway]

I know. No, you wish. You wish, Ron. No. And that's the thing. You're a riverboat. Last season, coming into the year, I was making the argument that Christian McCaffrey would be a workhorse because of Nor of Turner. He only. He just doesn't like RB2s. He's great for fantasies. I mean, like you said, they had C.J. anderson. The perfect spell to give, you know, McCaffrey some rest. And they said, go away like you're in Christian's way.

[Mike Wright]

CJ so here's the thing maybe to learn then, because this has been the story of Christian McCaffrey in the NFL so far is there's what the team wants to do, there's what Cam Newton's been good at. And then on the other side, there's Christian McCaffrey.

[Andy Holloway]

It's too good to get off the field.

[Mike Wright]

He's too good to get off the field. When push comes to shove, you need to win the game. When push comes to shove, you got to throw to a guy that can catch out of the backfield. Because two years ago we were talking all about while Cam's no good at throwing to the running back. No. He just didn't have Christian McCaffrey. It changes the equation. So maybe that means that I'm underestimating him and he deserves that all pro respect. After 107 receptions, he just has special.

[Jason Moore]

DNA because you can go back to his college 2015. 337 carries, 253 carries the next year. There's some guys.

[Andy Holloway]

Did you see his Twitter post?

[Jason Moore]

No.

[Andy Holloway]

The.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, is he showing off in the work room?

[Andy Holloway]

The alley oop to himself. Windmill dunk on a 10 foot hoop.

[Jason Moore]

Some people just win the genetic lottery.

[Mike Wright]

So the answer then is you want Chris McCaffrey to get out of the car and help you with your tire.

[Andy Holloway]

That. Oh, heck, yeah. Sorry, Andy. My vote has changed.

[Mike Wright]

All right.

[Andy Holloway]

He'll lift the car up, slap that tire right on.

[Mike Wright]

Yes. Yeah, he doesn't, he doesn't use any of the lug nuts.

[Jason Moore]

No, he just goes full Flintstones.

[Mike Wright]

It is like a Lego.

[Jason Moore]

He smashes his legs to the bottom of your car.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, and he runs.

[Jason Moore]

And he runs.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, yeah, yeah, that's.

[Jason Moore]

That's off season training.

[Mike Wright]

He just carries people from to and fro. You'll call an Uber or you'll call Christian.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, Runs our pedicab service.

[Mike Wright]

All right. Number four on our consensus rankings. By the way. There will be two early running back ranking shows today. We're going to cover the top 10, and then we'll jump into 11 through however many we can. Melvin Gordon comes in at number four.

[Andy Holloway]

Jason.

[Mike Wright]

Jason has him down at six. I've got him at three.

[Andy Holloway]

I can say this honestly. The reason Melvin Gordon is down at 6 has nothing to do with Melvin Gordon. It has to do with the five guys that I have above Melvin Gordon. I think there's a handful of really, really good running backs this season, including Melvin Gordon. Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Melvin Gordon only tied. Gurley has more touchdowns over the last three years than Melvin Gordon does. Melvin Gordon gets in the end zone 38 touchdowns in that span. Gurley has 46. He's been banged up. He was the third most consistent running back, missed week seven and eight. He missed weeks 13, 14 and 15. There has been a situation where we've, we've looked at him coming back from injury, and I remember last year when people were wondering, hey, if he's back on the Field, do you have to worry about a workload problem? No. Generally when he's come back from injury, they just give him the ball again. But does that over time, Is that a concern for you, Mike? Seeing him miss two or three games each and every year doesn't have the opportunity to get out. I mean, last year, 12 games, 885 yards, 10 touchdowns.

[Jason Moore]

It has to factor into your decision when you're going to go all in on Melvin Gordon. I still would take him in the first round. I would take him as the foundational running back for my team. I really appreciate. I had him last year. It was great. I didn't have him in my semis, but he apologized. He apologized to all the fantasy football people out there. So I take that into my consideration.

[Andy Holloway]

That make you feel better?

[Jason Moore]

It made me feel a little bit better. A little bit better because I know that he wants points too and he thinks he wants to share his points with me.

[Mike Wright]

That is comforting, right? As a fantasy owner, to know how intimately aware he is of his fantasy total.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes, I do appreciate. I really do appreciate.

[Jason Moore]

Screw you guys, I don't care, right?

[Andy Holloway]

No, he wants to be good for fantasy players. The whole reason here, like if every player.

[Mike Wright]

And for Mike personally in this.

[Jason Moore]

Yes, well, I did interview him.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes, that's true. If every player in this list, very important, was guaranteed healthy for 16 solid games, Melvin Gordon would be way higher, you know, because on a per game basis, he's unbelievable. He's used as a true three down back. And unlike Christian McCaffrey, who might be, you know, a better pass catching back, Melvin Gordon, between the tackles at the end zone, you know, is a big, you know, bruising back that can really get it done and have a high volume of rushing touchdowns. And so I love him. But when you're talking about the best guys, it's. To me, it's always been risk mitigation. It's just trying to say, okay, they're all great. Who's got the biggest chance of missing games or getting injured or, you know, things like that. And that, that's where history just says, Melvin Gordon's probably not playing 16.

[Mike Wright]

When you're playing fantasy football, you're weighing a ton of different things. Injury, concern, history, or in this case, the way I look at it, the offense. I really believe in and trust what Los Angeles is doing. Would you hear the beginnings? I heard it.

[Jason Moore]

I heard the little snake slip out.

[Mike Wright]

You've never been to Los Angeles before?

[Jason Moore]

I've ordered it from kfc.

[Mike Wright]

But look, I have More confidence in the opportunities for Melvin Gordon to score on the ground. But, you know, when I look at the games missed and I look at the ironman that is Christian McCaffrey, it's, it's narrow, it's real close. I could see those guys flip flopping this offseason in my rankings, depending on the blowing of the wind. Sure. So very tight, very close. We're not breaking news here to say both players are very good.

[Andy Holloway]

I agree. But this next player, let's talk about, I want to see why he's so low in your guys's rankings.

[Mike Wright]

Who are you talking about?

[Andy Holloway]

I'm talking about super camario Alvin Camara.

[Mike Wright]

Last year, preseason, thinking I'm gonna stop it and I'm not.

[Andy Holloway]

Let it go. Last year, preseason. Why does it start it over? Last year, preseason, I, you know, I wasn't fully on board the amount of carries he had rookie year. And looking on a per game basis, you know, he was, he was good, but I saw major areas for regression to happen. And I remember week one, watching it was just quarter one of the first game drive one of the Saints, and I'm just like, oh, he's so. He's just so much better than the defenders out there. Every time he touches the ball, he gets the edge, he skirts a tackle. He's fantastic. And now, unlike going into last year where you thought, okay, his carries could come down. Latavius going from Mark Ingram to Latavius Murray and, you know, they'll probably bring in another rookie. I feel like Camara has solidified himself in the role where on this great offense, he's the dominant one. Now. I worried about, well, what about his stats when Mark Ingram was back? Well, Mark Ingram's gone, so I think Camara is on talent alone, one of, you know, the top three or four backs in the NFL. And now the opportunity should go up, not down from last year.

[Mike Wright]

Is that true and doesn't matter.

[Jason Moore]

I think it goes lateral.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I worry about that. I feel like maybe the shine is off of Camara and we saw what he did without any Ingram in existence. In the first four games he had two. Oh, yeah, that's great, crazy games. But then they were an incredibly successful team for the rest of the season, limiting his, his workload, limiting the opportunities for him. Latavius Murray is kind of built to, whether you like it or not, take the ball around inside the 10 yard line. I'm just, I don't know why I'm concerned, but I feel like they want him around 200 carries max weeks 7 through 16.

[Jason Moore]

So you know this is. Mark Ingram is now back from his suspension. Camara is still great, but on a per points basis running back eight. So still great. Can give you elite weak winning performances. But that's the reason I have him down just a little bit.

[Mike Wright]

He doesn't quite fit the same mold that the guys that I have ranked ahead of him do. Where they feel like they are majority owners of the backfield. Camara feels like they could, they could vote. Camara feels like the most take over the company. Yeah, Camara feels like he is the most important piece and the most talented piece of the backfield, but one that the game plan almost the way that we felt about some players in New England over the past few years. There are going to be times they're going to be games. Week five last year, 12, 13, 14.

[Jason Moore]

Well, week five was the, that was the one. Ingram came back and Camara was a bit banged up from over usage.

[Mike Wright]

Well, what I'm saying is they're going to be games. I think you're going to be disappointed on accident with Alvin Camara just because of the way that Sean Payton calls the game or the people that are on the field. I don't know. Again, we're splitting hairs at the top. We love these guys.

[Jason Moore]

Yep.

[Mike Wright]

That's why they're there. But that's why I have him at 6.

[Andy Holloway]

Sure. I mean it really is the tale of how many carries is going to get because if he gets what, you know, if his, if his workload goes down like it did when Ingram was back and he's, you know, a top eight back like you said, Mike, then you're going to be disappointed at where I have him ranked. I believe his volume will not be where it was the first four weeks when he was so far and away the number one back in fantasy. But it will be up from what you had that last part. So I see him as a top five back.

[Mike Wright]

All right. I'm more excited to talk about number six on our list, Todd Gurley. He's had a very busy offseason. By way of speculation, rumor, injury concerns, the super bowl, the odd usage, the CJ Anderson resurfacing at the end of last season, the arthritis. The arthritis. Look, from weeks, you know, 1 through 10 he was Todd Gurley. Per usual, best running back in football, bar none scoring touchdowns. Had 17 last year. Absolute monster. What is the real worst case scenario for him? Could they draft somebody? Is Malcolm Brown really the next guy up? What do we expect? I've got him at five. Jason has him at four. Mike, you have him at six. I think we're all just hedging.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. The worst case scenario for him is that the utilization comes way down and he turns into a camara style usage back and they bring someone else in to make hay. Here's the reality, though. The Los Angeles Rams are extremely cash strapped right now. They are not in a position to go out and sign someone big. I mean, there's really nobody else left to sign. That's a big name. Well, they, I mean, and I don't believe that they'll spend high draft capital at the running back position. So if that's the case, let's say they go in to 2019, which as I expect them to do with the roster of Todd Gurley, Malcolm Brown and John Kelly, if that is their roster going in, I don't think they have the ability to reel Todd Gurley back too much.

[Mike Wright]

That's. That scenario is flaps up. I mean, we, if they think that they can go into next year, take their chances with the knee and I guess it'd be flaps down, wouldn't it?

[Jason Moore]

I was just looking. Flaps up. I don't fly.

[Mike Wright]

I don't fly.

[Jason Moore]

It's a matter of aerodynamics.

[Andy Holloway]

Put the flaps down.

[Mike Wright]

If you're creating more drag your planes on the side of the road, don't call me. I'm not coming. That's fine. I won't tell you what to do. Here's my point. If they go into the season with the mindset that Todd Gurley's our guy and we can just figure it out later, like we're going to go in, we're going to assume he's healthy and then we'll just sign a player like C.J. anderson, you know, later in the season if we need to, then that's your best case scenario for Todd Gurley. I mean, you're gambling with a little bit of risk, but maybe not a lot.

[Jason Moore]

I think that the team actually is showing us that they have massive amounts of confidence in Malcolm Brown. For to have. To have C.J. anderson come in and play great for them for half a year in maybe they think, okay, C.J. anderson couldn't possibly do this again next year. It was lightning in a bottle. Malcolm Brown got an offer sheet from another team and the Rams said, jason, like you said, they're cash trapped. They're trying to figure things out. But Malcolm Brown was important enough for them to go match the offer and bring him back. I think the team believes Malcolm Brown.

[Mike Wright]

He was A very good Brown player.

[Jason Moore]

And he's capable. I mean, he. He has the same. Careful with what. I'm not saying he has the same type of skill set as Gurley, where he can be the three down type of a player if he needs to be.

[Mike Wright]

We all kind of as good as Gurley, but we all kind of rolled our eyes when he went out last year and Sean McVeigh came out and he was like, this is a.

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Mike Wright]

A massive blow to our team.

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Mike Wright]

But then you saw what they needed from cj so maybe it was.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I mean, I see what you're saying, Mike. I think the reason they signed Malcolm Brown's offer sheet was because it wasn't that expensive. They're like, oh, all right, we can. We can afford this.

[Jason Moore]

Could have probably given Anderson less, though, is what was my point.

[Mike Wright]

Joe Mixon at number seven. He's Mike's number one. From what I understand from April 2nd, he's our consensus seven. Go seven, eight, nine here in the studio. Jason at seven. I have him at eight. Mike has him at nine. In 14 games last season, 237 for over 1100 yards and eight touchdowns, 43 receptions. His stat line to me, and the way he performed it kind of reads kind of like a watered down superback in the sense that. And that the watering down happened by way of a bad offense and bad coaching and a bad quarterback and injuries. And so people are saying, hey, can you take the. What do you. What do you put on, like a go kart to make it not go fast enough? What are they, a governor now? Can we. Can the new head coach take the governor off of Joe Mixon and. No, no, that's the governator. Oh, wait, that's different. They don't put those on the golf cart.

[Jason Moore]

Don't drive me.

[Mike Wright]

No, no, stop, stop. Third most rushing yards per game last year, despite all of those encumbrances. And is he ready to take the next step?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, he is.

[Mike Wright]

I mean, you know, Jason has it figured out 100%.

[Andy Holloway]

Joe Moose is ready to take the next step. The next step is to be a back that touches the ball over 300 times. That's the next step. And you've got Zach Taylor coming in as the new head coach from the Sean McVeigh breathed on him tree. And so you've got mixing out there saying he's.

[Jason Moore]

He needs to make a cologne. Oh, totally.

[Andy Holloway]

I would buy it.

[Jason Moore]

I would 100% buy it. The opposite spritz. Oh, my gosh, the toilet. Sean McVeigh yeah, I could just see.

[Mike Wright]

Somebody in Detroit is spraying the heck out of Matt. Patricia.

[Andy Holloway]

They put it up. Can we get the aerosol version?

[Mike Wright]

Did you just say a crop plane?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, a prop plane covering the crops.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, my goodness.

[Jason Moore]

We're going to supercharge the city with the scent of McVeigh.

[Mike Wright]

McVeigh by Calvin Klein.

[Andy Holloway]

The point is that Marvin Lewis is out of the way and they've brought in a coach who wants to go with the newer styles of offense, and they came from having a Todd Gurley. And there are very few players in football that you could even attempt to say, okay, we've got a girly type player, but. And I don't know if people realize how good. Forget the stats. How good Joe Mixon is as a running back. When he was coming out of the unbelievable draft class that had, you know, six superstar running backs in it, he was a lot of people's number one. He was my number one. As far as just talent goes. He was so good in college in all phases of the game. And so I think he has the talent. And if they will give him the 300 plus touches, which I think they will, he's. He is one of the only guys that's outside the top five that I think I could make a legit argument that he could finish as the number one back last.

[Mike Wright]

Last year was so encouraging because you've had a picture of him in the corner of your mirror for a long time.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Mike Wright]

And to see the. The talent and, you know, the opportunity go up and to see him take advantage of that opportunity. I think there's a lot of optimism surrounding Joe Mixon and for good reason.

[Andy Holloway]

The problem is the Bengals.

[Jason Moore]

I mean, that's a big problem. The problem for me is just his burst games where it wins you the week. He's going to be steady. He'll be in RB1 by the end of the season. But I think it's. You'll have mixing and you'll be peeking over the hedges at teams that have guys like Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley going, man, I wish Joe Mixon would give me 30 points.

[Mike Wright]

All right, James Conner comes in at number eight. Mike, you've got him up at seven. Jason has him at eight. I have him at 10. I have less confidence in James Conner going into, well, his first season of as really being the guy.

[Jason Moore]

Now.

[Mike Wright]

Last year he was the guy.

[Jason Moore]

First preseason being the guy.

[Mike Wright]

What do you mean?

[Jason Moore]

Because he was. He ended up being the guy last year.

[Mike Wright]

Well, yeah, but he's looking over his shoulder the Whole year or for a long.

[Andy Holloway]

Every week a large part of it.

[Mike Wright]

I'm not saying he wasn't the guy on the field. I'm saying that there wasn't a. The team hadn't put all their chips on him from day one. And that's the case this year. I mean, they're saying to James Conner, you're not a stand in, you're not a fill in, you're not left bell light. We're not asking you to go do what he did. We're asking you to be you and be the starter. And he was great. He was dominant.215, 973 and 1255 catches. How many is that? Don't do that again. That was rough.

[Jason Moore]

It was sensual.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, it was troubling.

[Jason Moore]

I hope that was not every.

[Mike Wright]

This morning it was 55 degrees out the 7 and the 10 year old. They both gave me their best rendition when they asked Siri. Siri unfortunately has not been programmed. Siri can't.

[Jason Moore]

Sammy.

[Mike Wright]

What is going on?

[Andy Holloway]

I don't know.

[Jason Moore]

It's a good one.

[Mike Wright]

Okay, so talk to me about James Conner. Where do you see his ceiling? Where do you see his floor?

[Andy Holloway]

So James Conner's ceiling is the history of Mike Tomlin. That's his ceiling. The ceiling is. We have a large enough body of work to say that whoever the running back is for Pittsburgh, they've got a great offensive line, great offensive system, is going to dominate for fantasy. They're not going to share the load. They're not going to seed carries to the back number two when Lev Bell goes down and you know, an old D'Angelo Williams comes in. It's just, it's your show. When D will went down. I forget who the back was at that point.

[Jason Moore]

Is that when we got the Fitzgerald response?

[Andy Holloway]

Yes, I think it was Fitzgerald. Toussaint comes in like Tucson. You're the guy. You're the guy completely. So that is what makes us go okay. James Conner should be an absolute one, should be drafted with full confidence. But on the other side are. It's not as. It's not as. You know, the empirical evidence of Tomlin's history says James Conner will be the guy. But you also have to take into account Jalen Samuels last year was really good and he is a better pass catcher. I mean he was a, I think classified as a tight end in college. And so. And now they've got this situation where they shockingly fired their running backs coach who has been great for a long time.

[Jason Moore]

Well, he told him le'veon Bell was coming back.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes. You're gone.

[Jason Moore]

He had to pay.

[Andy Holloway]

And they, they replaced him with the college coach from Jalen Samuel School. In part because of how prepared Jalen Samuels was. They thought he's a good coach because Jalen Samuels was completely prepped, he had a good teacher and so that's part of why they brought him on. So now they've got a team kind of doing a little bit of investment in Jalen Samuels. So there is worry. So you've got the empirical evidence versus the speculative evidence and two elephants are.

[Mike Wright]

Out of the room. I mean, that needs to be mentioned. Last year, Big Ben, I think 5,000 plus yards, 5,129 yards. They led the league in pass attempts by 45. No more Antonio Brown.

[Jason Moore]

That'll come down.

[Mike Wright]

No more Love Bell. That'll come down. And so I think what happens is I think you see efficiency decline for James Conner this year possibly. And I think you hope that the reliance on the running game, the offensive line, I think you hope that the volume can compensate for the efficiency. He played 13 games last year and he had 12 touchdowns.

[Jason Moore]

Everything to me.

[Mike Wright]

Do that again on that kind of a pace.

[Jason Moore]

Sorry. Everything to me comes down to Jalen Samuels. What Jason was talking about as James Conner is the better runner, the better running back. But Jalen Samuels, he might have an edge on him when it comes to pass catching. But. But Connor still saw that Le'Veon Bell target share 71 targets. I mean that, that's serious business when you are going to be a workhorse running back. And that's why James Conner for me is number seven. If we knew for sure that it was just James Conner inheriting everything and going right into full time Levy on Bell roll like I talked about with the Colts. I just want the Pittsburgh Steeler running back. He would actually be higher in my rankings. That's why he's down at 7 for me.

[Mike Wright]

All right, you know who I want? I want the Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook comes in at number nine on our consensus. I have him at seven, Mike has him at eight, Jason has him at 11. From weeks 12 through 16 last year he was the RB6. And my goodness, fellas, there is no one else in Minnesota. Dalvin Cook is the.

[Andy Holloway]

Amir Abdullah says. How dare you, Mike.

[Mike Wright]

I rest my case. What do we think of Dalvin Cook? I mean this team, their identity changed over the back half of the year. Obviously Cook was injured, he was hurt, but he saw almost 17 touches a game. When he was healthy, he could be another like Dalvin Cook, Joe Mix. Those are two guys I see that could take the next step this season if someone else falters.

[Andy Holloway]

100%. Agree. Dalvin Cook, out of college was, you know, a superstar coming out of college.

[Mike Wright]

Was such a productive collegiate running back.

[Andy Holloway]

And has dominated in the NFL when healthy. The whole issue with him is health. He's dealt with several knee issues and now he has the whole backfield to himself on a team that really wants to get back to running the ball. I mean, if Dalvin Cook is healthy, I love him, but he scares me a lot. You know, these top running backs. I just said a minute ago, I'm more risk adverse when I'm looking at the top guys. He carries a much larger risk to me than some of the others. He doesn't have any history, like Todd Gurley is dealing with injury risk in his knee and the arthritis and all that, but he has a history of complete and utter domination. He's, you know, an MVP candidate last year. We haven't seen that type of stuff yet from Cook. So this is one of those, like, if you're going to draft Cook, you're taking your shot that this is the year where he takes that leap and starts doing that. Maybe you get a better draft value on draft day, but it's. It's risky.

[Mike Wright]

That's what I was going to say. I think Dalvin Cook is the best combination of upside and draft value available for the entire season. I think Dalvin Cook can finish the year as a top three back. I think he can be a top three fantasy football running back with what Minnesota wants to do, with what he's been as a pro. He's 23 years old. He's a 4.7 a carry guy. In his career, both of the seasons that he's played, he was 4.8, 4.7. So the combination, you're always looking for that in fantasy. You're the combination of draft value and upside. And he is a pass catcher. He is a very versatile player. You're not wrong, Jason. He has to stay healthy. But you presume health at a guy at this age. I think the way he finished the season and you presume it in part because of the team's confidence in him. They did not go out so far. We've got the draft, but they didn't bring in somebody to compete with him for carries. He did. They practically did the opposite. They let Tavius Murray go and they replaced him with Amir Abdullah's.

[Jason Moore]

It's not a mirror. Amir Abdullah is a special teams player right now. The backup for Dalma cook as of April 2nd would be Mike Boone. Because it's Mike Boone and Rock Thomas. Rock Thomas has gotten himself into legal trouble. Both of those guys are preseason warriors, but they're also undrafted, so we'll see what Minnesota actually does.

[Andy Holloway]

They have to bring in other running because literally it's Dalvin Cook and nobody.

[Mike Wright]

That sounds great to me. No, no, you're right. You're right.

[Jason Moore]

I don't draft handcuffs in my redraft leagues. But if I draft Dalvin Cook with my last positional pick, I might take a shot on whoever looks like the.

[Mike Wright]

Best backup for Dalvin in 2017. This was super season for the Vikings. Right. They were 13 and 3, one game from the Super Bowl. They were second in rushing attempts in the league. That was the recipe for their success. The 2018 team, they had a better rushing average than in 2017. They just didn't lean on it until the last part of the season.

[Jason Moore]

So chicken, Egg. I think because they were winning, they.

[Mike Wright]

Were able to actually run in 2017.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

I mean, there is a bit of that, but when. When you look at it from kind of a step back and what Mike Zimmer sees. Right.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

That Zimmer wants to run.

[Mike Wright]

Chicken or egg?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

He took the chicken approach because he eventually changed the team. Yeah. Thank you. That's not Isaiah Cruel. That was not.

[Jason Moore]

No, it was not.

[Mike Wright]

That's totally different. But let's go ahead and talk about our last guy here as we close out today's episode. Le'Veon Bell. He made the top 10.

[Jason Moore]

Hey, we could play the.

[Andy Holloway]

The bell.

[Jason Moore]

Do we have the bell sound? He's actually gonna play.

[Mike Wright]

That's pretty ominous, though.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. Like.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, it's just rightly so. I mean, he's number 10.

[Mike Wright]

I mean, you wouldn't want that. Like, let's say he was walking into a restaurant to eat dinner.

[Andy Holloway]

No. Here he comes after week one. If he comes out and has a great week, we'll find a good dinner bell. You know what I mean?

[Mike Wright]

A dinner bell?

[Jason Moore]

Oh, heck, yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Like ringing the dinner bell. Like, come and eat. Come on, everybody. It's dinner time.

[Jason Moore]

Isn't it usually a triangle?

[Andy Holloway]

Sure. That's great. That's still in the bell family.

[Mike Wright]

I think a triangle is in the bell family.

[Jason Moore]

I don't think it's in the bell family. I think, Giamatti, you need the dongle in the middle.

[Mike Wright]

Can we get a judge? Is the triangle in the bell? Family or do you need to have the middle Don our rule no on that. Oh, my gosh. He wrote it again.

[Jason Moore]

I like the undertaker bell.

[Andy Holloway]

That being said, come to bed. That being said, nothing makes me happier than a dinner bell. Because nothing makes me happier than dinner. So should he show out? We are getting a dinner bell.

[Mike Wright]

All right. It's been a. It's been a while. It's been a bit since we've seen left Bell on the field, but the jets would say the jets paid him some cash money and he is their guy. I have him at 9. Jason has a 9. Mike at 10. We all kind of agree there. The last time he played, 321 carries, which would have been most in the NFL if it was last season.

[Jason Moore]

Ah, crap. Was. Wait, what? I thought. I thought Al Borland was. Was telling us that the triangle was a bell. And then I felt bad.

[Mike Wright]

Al Borland being the other production assistant we have here today.

[Jason Moore]

If you don't listen to Spitballers, he.

[Mike Wright]

Was the producer for the Spitballers podcast. Not the actual Al Borland. That would be ridiculous. The actual Richard Karn. You're invited.

[Jason Moore]

No, it's the studio. He's not up to very much.

[Mike Wright]

You're invited to suit. You can't speak Richard, but you can come and watch. Okay. Would you like him over your shoulder? Richard Karn?

[Andy Holloway]

I would not. That would be a little creepy.

[Mike Wright]

You don't want that beard. No, the beard game. So self conscious.

[Andy Holloway]

Here's the deal with Le'Veon Bell. When you give someone that much money, you are committed to giving him that much work. And that's all that matters for fantasy at the running back position is how many times are they going to touch the ball, how much are they going to manufacture things for that player? And love Bell has it, but he's on a bottom half offense.

[Mike Wright]

Is that a guarantee, though?

[Andy Holloway]

It's not a guarantee. I mean, Sam Donald could take a step forward if you believe in that. But I would say the odds on.

[Jason Moore]

Upside'S not very high.

[Andy Holloway]

Odds on favorite Vegas odds would be that the jets are not.

[Mike Wright]

I found a sound effect for their offense.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, no.

[Andy Holloway]

Perfect.

[Mike Wright]

So, I mean, it's like discovered that.

[Andy Holloway]

You know, look at David Johnson last year. David Johnson last year finishes the running back 10. That shocks me.

[Jason Moore]

People hated him last year.

[Andy Holloway]

They hated him because he stunk, but he still finishes the running back 10.

[Mike Wright]

Lev Bell's real good.

[Andy Holloway]

So is David Johnson.

[Mike Wright]

No, I agree with you.

[Andy Holloway]

But now I think that the jets will certainly be better than the league Worst Cardinals last season. But it gives you an example, kind of that, that comp of a really good running back getting a lot of usage on a team that is not really winning ball games to run the clock out or scoring a ton.

[Mike Wright]

Can he still finish at number one? The old left. That ceiling's gone.

[Jason Moore]

I say no.

[Mike Wright]

Been removed.

[Andy Holloway]

Impossible.

[Mike Wright]

Okay. Impossible. What's his real ceiling?

[Jason Moore]

Top five?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Top five. Yeah, I would say is like in the. Like number one.

[Andy Holloway]

No, I would say like five.

[Jason Moore]

Like three to five.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. Three to five. Yeah. There you go.

[Mike Wright]

All right, so that wraps it up for the top 10 running backs in our consensus rankings here in April. Zeke Saquon, Christian McCaffrey, Melvin Gordon, Alvin Camara, Todd Gurley, Joe Mixon, James Conner, Dalvin Cook, Lev Bell. And we'll proceed with the rest on our next episode. Thanks for tuning in to the show. Oh, wait, wait. I can't stop the show. I know I can't stop the show. Cuz we just got an email and I just remembered that we got an email. Did you see this?

[Jason Moore]

No.

[Mike Wright]

Brooks, did you. Did you see that email?

[Jason Moore]

I saw what the deal was and that was made me real happy.

[Mike Wright]

$48 for a carry on Johnson signed jersey on Pristine auction of the day. Jason, what do you do?

[Andy Holloway]

I was. Did the email come from me? No, I don't remember.

[Mike Wright]

You did not get it.

[Jason Moore]

I'm saying, why did you not buy that?

[Mike Wright]

One of our listeners got that.

[Andy Holloway]

Send it to the studio here, say.

[Mike Wright]

Mail it to Jason and I'll forgive you. That way you can put it over the one he's already wearing. But hundreds of daily auctions at Pristine Auction Calm. Do not miss it. There are deals each and every day we bring them up on the show and they only get better because they keep adding more authentic autograph merchandise. You can always steal something.

[Jason Moore]

I'm going to look for Carry on.

[Mike Wright]

You can legally steal it. All right, thanks for tuning in. Thanks for supporting the show. We appreciate your reviews, your subscriptions. We'll be back on Thursday.

[Jason Moore]

See you next time.

[Mike Wright]

Goodbye.

[Andy Holloway]

Goodbye. Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast. Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter the Ffballers.