Top 10 RB Rankings + Duke’s Out, Chubb’s Up

Summary

Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - Top 10 RB Rankings + Duke’s Out, Chubb’s Up

Episode Information:

• Title: Top 10 RB Rankings + Duke’s Out, Chubb’s Up
• Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
• Release Date: August 8, 2019

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1. Introduction

The episode begins with a brief advertisement for the Ultimate Draft Kit (UDK) from Fantasy Footballers, highlighting its comprehensive features essential for dominating fantasy drafts. After the promotional segment, the hosts—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright—welcome listeners to the show and set the stage for the primary topics of discussion.

Quote:

• Andy Holloway [00:03]: "The information I glean from the UDK is beyond value. Not even the tiny green one can keep up with my draft dominance."

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2. Breaking News: Duke Johnson Traded

Jason Moore opens the discussion with breaking news about Duke Johnson’s trade from the Cleveland Browns to the Houston Texans. This unexpected move is set to significantly impact the fantasy landscape, particularly affecting players like Nick Chubb.

Quotes:

• Jason Moore [01:24]: "Some breaking news. Duke Johnson traded. We'll get into that with the quick question on the show today."
• Mike Wright [01:46]: "Look, I actually won. I applaud him for getting that news in right before we start recording the show."

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3. Impact of Duke's Trade on Cleveland and Houston & Nick Chubb

The hosts delve into the ramifications of Duke Johnson’s departure. Houston Texans acquiring Johnson is viewed positively, especially for their quarterback Deshaun Watson, who will benefit from having a reliable pass-catching running back. Conversely, Cleveland Browns lose a key asset, which directly elevates Nick Chubb’s value in fantasy football.

Key Points:

• Houston Texans: Gain a talented pass-catching RB in Duke Johnson, an upgrade from Deonta Foreman.
• Cleveland Browns: Nick Chubb is expected to receive more opportunities, compensating for the loss of Duke Johnson.
• Fantasy Implications: Nick Chubb's involvement in the passing game is anticipated to rise, enhancing his fantasy value.

Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [05:01]: "We do not recommend in a single quarterback league to take one of those early quarterback draft picks. So somewhat irrelevant."
• Mike Wright [06:40]: "Nick Chubb will be involved in the passing game. It's just about, you know, impossible for him not to get a major tick up in receptions."

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4. Running Back Rankings Overview

Transitioning from the trade news, the hosts introduce the main segment: the Top 10 Running Back Rankings for the upcoming fantasy football season. They emphasize the importance of strong running back depth in building a competitive fantasy team.

Key Points:

• Running backs are crucial anchors for fantasy teams.
• Previous season’s performance showed a high correlation between preseason rankings and final rankings.
• Emphasis on the value of consistent performance and injury history.

Quotes:

• Jason Moore [10:29]: "Top 10 running backs on the show today are consensus half point per reception rankings."

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5. Detailed Ranking of Top 10 Running Backs

1. Saquon Barkley

Overview: Saquon Barkley remains the consensus number one running back, praised for his versatility and high ceiling in both rushing and receiving.

Key Points:

• Barkley's performance is deemed "bulletproof," though concerns remain about his offense's overall effectiveness.
• His ability to generate significant fantasy points consistently keeps him at the top.
• Injury history is monitored, but his talent ensures a high floor.

Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [12:51]: "He seems bulletproof to me. He’s not going to drop out of the top 10 running backs in fantasy."
• Mike Wright [13:58]: "He catches just too many passes."

2. Christian McCaffrey

Overview: Christian McCaffrey is ranked just below Barkley, with strong emphasis on his pass-catching prowess and involvement in the offense.

Key Points:

• McCaffrey’s role as a primary pass catcher is highlighted, making him extremely valuable in PPR leagues.
• Concerns about potential workload management by the offense are discussed but ultimately deemed minimal.
• His consistency and high usage ensure a reliable performance.

Quotes:

• Jason Moore [16:10]: "Christian McCaffrey will be on the field now."
• Andy Holloway [17:45]: "He is the best pass catching running back in football."

3. Alvin Kamara

Overview: Alvin Kamara continues to impress with his efficiency and value per touch, maintaining his position as a top-tier running back.

Key Points:

• Kamara’s yards per touch surpasses other running backs, highlighting his effectiveness.
• His role in the Saints’ offense remains stable, ensuring steady fantasy production.
• High scoring opportunities keep him securely within the top rankings.

Quotes:

• Jason Moore [25:08]: "Every touch he has is more valuable than any touch any other running back has."
• Andy Holloway [26:23]: "Camara is the guy."

4. Ezekiel Elliott

Overview: Ezekiel Elliott is positioned as one of the elite running backs, valued for his dual-threat capability in rushing and receiving.

Key Points:

• Elliott’s increased role as a pass-catcher boosts his fantasy value.
• Potential competition from Tony Pollard is a concern but Elliott's established role remains strong.
• His high usage in the Cowboys’ offense underscores his reliability.

Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [27:52]: "Zeke is the best pure running back in the NFL."
• Mike Wright [28:53]: "Dalvin Cook didn't put up Derek Henry's numbers."

5. David Johnson

Overview: David Johnson is recognized for his revival in the Cardinals’ offense, expecting an uptick in opportunities and production.

Key Points:

• Johnson’s involvement in the passing game is expected to increase, enhancing his fantasy upside.
• The Cardinals’ offensive strategy focuses more on utilizing him despite team’s overall performance.
• Injury recovery is a factor, but his talent remains undeniable.

Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [34:16]: "He is going to catch the ball in the offense, he's going to get goal line opportunities."
• Jason Moore [34:56]: "He deserves to be at the number five spot."

6. Dalvin Cook

Overview: Dalvin Cook is lauded for his consistent performance and high usage in the Minnesota Vikings' offense, making him a reliable top-five option.

Key Points:

• Cook’s role as a primary back ensures steady fantasy output.
• His ability to produce big games without high variance keeps him valuable.
• Health and workload are monitored, but his established role provides stability.

Quotes:

• Mike Wright [50:54]: "He's going to be a top five back."
• Andy Holloway [51:18]: "He was always an RB2 or better running."

7. Le'Veon Bell

Overview: Le'Veon Bell is ranked with some reservations due to his changing team and potential adaptation to a new offensive environment.

Key Points:

• Bell’s move to the Jets raises questions about his offensive line and overall utilization.
• Concerns about his fit in a new system and potential competition from teammates.
• Nevertheless, his past performance and skills keep him within the top 10.

Quotes:

• Mike Wright [44:30]: "He is in his opinion by far the best pass catching running back on the team."
• Andy Holloway [44:43]: "He still has so much going around."

8. Damien Williams

Overview: Damien Williams emerges as a strong contender due to his explosive performances and role in the high-powered Kansas City offense.

Key Points:

• Williams’ versatility and involvement in both rushing and receiving increase his fantasy value.
• His tenure with a top offensive team provides ample scoring opportunities.
• Concerns about durability and competition are balanced by his high ceiling.

Quotes:

• Jason Moore [45:03]: "If he's on the field as the 1 in the Kansas City offense, I like him at 8."
• Andy Holloway [46:04]: "He's great."

9. Dalvin Cook (Correction/Alternate Discussions)

Overview: There is some discussion suggesting adjustments in Cook’s ranking based on previous performances and consistency, but overall he remains a top-tier running back.

Key Points:

• Consistency in weekly performances is emphasized.
• Comparison to past performances, highlighting his reliability.
• The importance of his role in the offense to maintain his ranking.

Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [53:41]: "Those are still really good."
• Jason Moore [54:17]: "He was always an RB2 or better running."

10. James Conner

Overview: James Conner rounds out the top 10 with optimism for his role in the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense, despite some concerns about offensive line performance.

Key Points:

• Conner’s dual-threat ability as a runner and receiver enhances his fantasy appeal.
• The Steelers’ offensive dynamics and his recovery from injuries are points of focus.
• Potential fluctuations in his usage based on team performance and offensive strategy.

Quotes:

• Jason Moore [55:05]: "How can it go wrong for James Conner in 2019 that Big Ben sucks."
• Andy Holloway [55:43]: "I think he'll succeed at it."

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6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts briefly discuss additional running backs like Dalvin Cook and James Conner, reinforcing their rankings and addressing listener questions. They also engage in a light-hearted bet regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers' performance within their division, reflecting the competitive and analytical nature of the podcast.

Closing Remarks:

• Jason Moore [60:34]: "We'll talk to you again tomorrow after these preseason games. We'll have some reaction in the morning."
• Andy Holloway [60:56]: "Join our fantasy football community on JoinTheFoot.com and follow us on Twitter the FFballers."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Andy Holloway [00:03]: "The information I glean from the UDK is beyond value."
• Jason Moore [01:24]: "Duke Johnson traded."
• Mike Wright [05:01]: "Deshaun Watson has never had a specialist in the passing game."
• Andy Holloway [12:51]: "He seems bulletproof to me."
• Jason Moore [16:10]: "Christian McCaffrey will be on the field now."
• Andy Holloway [17:45]: "He is the best pass catching running back in football."
• Jason Moore [25:08]: "Every touch he has is more valuable than any touch any other running back has."
• Andy Holloway [27:52]: "Zeke is the best pure running back in the NFL."
• Jason Moore [45:03]: "If he's on the field as the 1 in the Kansas City offense, I like him at 8."
• Jason Moore [55:05]: "How can it go wrong for James Conner in 2019 that Big Ben sucks."

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This detailed summary encapsulates the critical discussions, insights, and conclusions from the Fantasy Footballers' episode on running back rankings and the implications of Duke Johnson's trade. It serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners and those who couldn't tune in, providing valuable information for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to optimize their draft strategies.

Transcript

[Andy Holloway]

When it comes to fantasy football, I can't rely on the force. So I rely on the ultimate draft kit from the Fantasy footballers to help me prepare for my fantasy drafts. The information I glean from the UDK is beyond value. Not even the tiny green one can keep up with my draft dominance. Full projection tier rankings, custom league scoring, and more. No one will find your lack of preparation disturbing. Go to ultimatedraftkit.com and win for the dark side. Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast coming to you from pristineauction.com studios with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore and Mike. Right.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, welcome in.

[Andy Holloway]

Welcome in.

[Jason Moore]

Thank you, Mike, it's me.

[Andy Holloway]

That was a great vader you did before the show, Mike. Thank you.

[Jason Moore]

You're so talented on so many levels.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm the voice artist.

[Jason Moore]

Welcome in to the Fantasy Footballers. Thursday, August 8th. You know who forced their way out of some places? Duke Johnson.

[Andy Holloway]

He did.

[Mike Wright]

With extreme prejudice.

[Jason Moore]

Yes, we will. We'll talk about that momentarily. Some breaking news. Duke Johnson traded. We'll get into that with the quick question on the show today. It is a running back rankings episode.

[Mike Wright]

Look, I actually won. I applaud him for getting that news in right before we start recording the show. Gave us enough time to adjust him. Nick Chubb, all the players involved. Normally these people, they wait until our show is released.

[Jason Moore]

It's extremely convenient.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. So thank you, Cleveland.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. The ultimate draft kit.

[Mike Wright]

We appreciate.

[Andy Holloway]

Already updated with all the teams you got.

[Jason Moore]

We added all the NFL teams.

[Andy Holloway]

We added them all this year.

[Jason Moore]

We only had four teams last year.

[Andy Holloway]

But you got, you know, how does it affect Deshaun Watson?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Everybody.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. No, we'll talk about it. Couple quick reminders as we start the show. Make sure you check us out on YouTube. YouTube.com the fantasy footballers. We just posted the beach race that took place in California from our staff.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, man. It's good.

[Jason Moore]

There was a couple of things that we left out of the video. You're welcome. First, that Brooks, while he won. And you can watch this on the YouTube channel. Brooks.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, you're spoiling it for the people who didn't watch it.

[Jason Moore]

Well, no, I mean, poor form. Not on. You're not on YouTube. Then. Then they didn't see it when it came out. And. And Brooks won. He also spent. Well, he came into the office yesterday or two days ago and said he's never been more sore in his entire life.

[Andy Holloway]

Right. Which is excellent.

[Jason Moore]

Which, surprisingly, you don't do beach races often. Brooks. Nah. Okay. Surprise. Because you dominated. And then secondly, he spent most of that evening throwing up on the beach. So that was another highlight that I left out of the video. Worth it.

[Andy Holloway]

Nothing like sleeping next to a bucket.

[Jason Moore]

Yes, but no. That was really fun. You can check out the YouTube channel. You can see that every episode's on YouTube. And we'll be posting some other fun stuff this year. Al Borland is going to be making sure our water bets get paid out and hit social media. So follow us at the FF Ballers. We make bets each and every week. I've never lost, so once again, another season will continue of perfect projections. The fantasy footballers.com is the website you can also subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify and ad free on Stitcher Premium. And yeah, as Vader said, the ultimate Draft kit available atultimatedraftkit.com.

[Andy Holloway]

That'S right.

[Jason Moore]

That's so good, Mike.

[Andy Holloway]

Just it's spot. I can't even tell that when I look up.

[Jason Moore]

Exactly. I'm expecting to see James Earl Jones.

[Andy Holloway]

It was because I am. Whoa. That's unbelievable.

[Mike Wright]

It's me, Mike.

[Andy Holloway]

It's me.

[Jason Moore]

Surprise, fool. You all right? Quick question is, look, it's all related to the implications of this trade. Duke Johnson traded from the Browns to the Texans in exchange for a 2024 fourth round pick. Duke Johnson, this pickup by Houston, it could go really, really well for them. He's a very talented pass catching running back, 4.3 career yards per carry, even though he didn't have a lot of opportunities between the tackles. But Duke Johnson's an upgrade on what they had in Deonta Foreman who they let go and it helps deshaun Watson.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes. Yeah. Desean Watson has never had a specialist in the passing, in the passing game. And you've seen the fantasy success that comes with like the Drew Brees who can get yards by dumping it off to Alvin Camara. You know, part of the reason I love Cam this year is Christian McCaffrey. DeSean Watson was already my number two quarterback, so he didn't move up and bypass Pat Mahomes. But I do think this is great for him. That being said, we do not recommend in a single quarterback league to take one of those early quarterback draft picks. So somewhat irrelevant. I mean, not irrelevant and also completely irrelevant.

[Jason Moore]

Well, for DeShawn, yeah. I mean, and the thing is, is people will make up. I mean, Twitter's the buzz trying to project what things will look like in Houston. Duke Johnson's a great pass catching running back. Not good. And, and last year people said, I mean, when Cam Newton didn't throw to the running back and Christian McCaffrey was drafted. The refrain was, he doesn't throw to the running back. He'll never throw to the running back. Well, when you have one of the best players in the game and you acquire them, you throw them the football. So I'm not saying that Duke Johnson is going to be this prolific superstar, but they will target the running back more now that they have a great pass catching running back.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. And look, they, they clearly wanted him. They went and they traded for him. It's a fourth round pick that can become a third round pick. I mean that, that's pretty expensive to trade for a running back in today's NFL. They, after cutting Deontiforman, they knew what they needed and they, you know, the reports came out pretty early. It's. They're not going after Melvin Gordon. They want a third down back.

[Mike Wright]

Right.

[Andy Holloway]

Obviously they are wanting to give him the ball in space. But the Cleveland side is the far more interesting side.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

To me, real quick.

[Jason Moore]

By the way, alfred blue saw 170 touches last season.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

So there is some room for Duke to emerge. Yeah, sorry about that. Go on, go on with the Chubb side.

[Andy Holloway]

Thank you for apologizing. No, yeah. So I have been pretty low on Chubb relative to expert consensus rankings out there for two reasons. One is the few touches that will be stolen the second half of the year and we stat these guys for the whole year by Cream Hunt. The other side was the pass catching work. Duke, Nick Chubb was not a pass catching back in college. That's not his specialty. That's not his skill set. He is a bruiser, a beast of a man between the tackles, but that has to fall on his shoulders to some degree. Don Trill Hilliard is there and you're saying who? Maybe he's better than you think just because you don't know the name. But the point is Duke Johnson is gone and he was the pass catching back. Hunt isn't there for eight weeks. So Nick Chubb will be involved in the passing game. It's just about, you know, impossible for him not to get a major tick up in receptions, at least from me, considering I didn't have him with very many.

[Mike Wright]

And to be fair to Nick Chubb, he was, he was definitely serviceable if not good in the receiving game last year, especially once he started, you know, once he became the full time guy. He had multiple games of three targets. He had a game of six targets. And he's, he's not. What I'm saying is he's not bad. He's not bad. So if you project even just a slight uptick, let's say he gets 15 more targets, maybe even 20 more targets than he was slated to get. That's a big deal for his fantasy floor.

[Jason Moore]

It is. And if you believe in the Cleveland offense, if you believe they're going to move the chains, maybe a similar. You can think about how we thought about the Saints and their backfield and okay, Camara's got it to himself and then Ingram comes back. Well, it's a great backfield. I'm not like Chubb is in my top 10. We have a top 10 consensus rankings on today's show. He didn't make it in by consensus rankings, but I'm not too scared off about Hunt's return now that Duke Johnson's gone. I think it makes it. The safety of Nick Chubb is a little bit more secure in that offense.

[Andy Holloway]

Certainly he is. He is worthy of being a top 10 pick, especially look, the first half of the year when top 10 pick, top 10 running back.

[Mike Wright]

Okay.

[Andy Holloway]

He is definitely worthy of being a top 10 running back in the draft because you're going to get off to a hot start here. It's week 10 before Kareem Hunt is back and he could be. I mean, Nick Chubb could easily be a top five back through the first half of the year.

[Jason Moore]

If I'm undefeated. When Kareem Hunt comes back, I'll be very happy.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Because I had Nick Chubb at that point.

[Andy Holloway]

You're. You're in your playoffs.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

So I do think this is a little bit bad. You know, obviously not drastically bad, but I did move Baker down a little bit and ironically as some of those targets went over to Odell Beckham and Jarvis.

[Mike Wright]

Jarvis.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. Jarvis got the biggest bump from me as far as taking some of that role that Duke Johnson will be leaving behind.

[Jason Moore]

I think it's really fair to take a little bit away from Baker there because Duke is just a really good pass catching back. I took up, you know, a passing touchdown away that I don't know if Hilliard will pick up the slack for or Chubb will. So I'm with you on that. Anything you want to add to that, Mike, or should we get into our main event here?

[Mike Wright]

Let's get into it.

[Andy Holloway]

Running backs.

[Jason Moore]

All right, top 10 running backs on the show today are consensus half point per reception rankings and you can see all of our rankings on the website, the fantasy footballers.com youm can see all of our projections for each and every player statted out over the course of the year. And you can see that in the ultimate draft kit atultimatedraftkit.com the running back position. You know, you spend so much time talking about the value of taking a quarterback late. One of the reasons why you do that is because you want to put yourself in a strong position at the running back. With running backs on your roster, you play two every week. They can anchor your team and guys get hurt. You need to stack players up. You need to build depth at this position. Last year, seven of the preseason top 10 running backs, according to average draft position, finished in the final top 10. Does that number surprise you?

[Mike Wright]

No. I mean, it's usually when I've been tracking things, the bust rate is around that three or four guys or so. So this, this year just bounced a little bit better.

[Jason Moore]

And the truth is, one of the three that finished outside was Left Bell. So he didn't fail on the field, right?

[Andy Holloway]

Well, and then Kareem Hunt was one of the three. Certainly did not fail on the field. He failed off the field. And then there's Fournette and he failed.

[Jason Moore]

Both on and off the field.

[Andy Holloway]

That is true. He was like, I'm going to be consistent.

[Mike Wright]

He stuck the double.

[Jason Moore]

And we do have a pretty good injury history article up on the website by Matthew Betts, our injury guy. And so he talks about round one running back injuries and historically. So let's start at the top. Saquon Barkley is our consensus running back one. Jason and I have him one in our rankings. Mikey, I have met two. And I don't know which discussion to have on Saquon. Probably not the one about him being good or not. He's pretty good, yes. I think most people want to know, is he bulletproof regardless of the offense? This morning I believe it was. Evan Silva tweeted cody Latimer is likely the wide receiver too, to start the year. That makes you throw up a little bit. You know, I think this offense may struggle, but Saquon, he seems bulletproof to me.

[Andy Holloway]

He seems bulletproof, yes. As far as is he going to be all right if the offense is the worst offense in the league? If they are the Arizona Cardinals, okay, maybe Saquon does bust and he's the running back 10 like David Johnson was last year. But he can't go lower than that without missing games because, I mean, perfect example, right? Odell Beckham is gone and we saw him play with Odell Beckham and without. He scored nearly five fewer fantasy points in PPR per game. Without Odell Beckham. So Odo Beckham being gone, that hurts him big time. And yet that 5 fewer fantasy points a game was still over 20 points a game. I mean he was still one of the top backs. He just wasn't the clear cut weekly number one. So I think it's kind of an amalgamation where, you know, his upside is outlandishly high, the number one overall. But his floor in the worst case scenario is it's just not that low. He's not going to drop out of the top 10 running backs in fantasy.

[Jason Moore]

16Th best fantasy season of all time last year. Best ever by a rookie. 8th most targets of all time for a running back. Best ever for a rookie and led the league in yards from scrimmage. Third most ever by a rookie.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, it's his pass catching keeps him safe and he is a sensational running back. I've talked about for me, like if you're trying to find the one area that might hurt Saquon Barkley, it was, I've talked about it's his amount of huge runs, which he had a ton of them because he's a great running back. What was interesting is great friend of the show Scott Barrett put out an article and on carries where Barkley didn't bust off a 20 yard run. So you just. The other regular carries, he averaged 2.72 yards per carry, which is the lowest, the worst of 256 qualifying seasons.

[Andy Holloway]

It's nice to break a lot of long runs.

[Jason Moore]

When you, when you qualify that and you said that's the worst of those seasons. Are you talking about that specific stat? Are you talking about that's the worst?

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

Compared to others of runs under 20 yards.

[Mike Wright]

Yes. It's a pro football focused metric they're talking about.

[Andy Holloway]

I just, that was.

[Mike Wright]

It blew my mind to see it actually out in its statistical fashion instead of just knowing how awesome he was with these huge runs. So my point simply is that's like I have him at 2 because I see a regression coming for the big plays. He'll still have a ton of them, probably the most at the running back position. But if he doesn't hit him as consistent as he did last year, then he's just, he's the number two guy.

[Andy Holloway]

I do agree that he has a worse season this season than he had last season, but the whole bulletproof analogy, it's like you got your vest on and you get, you're getting shot a lot and it's going to hurt. You can break ribs but you're going to come Out a lot.

[Mike Wright]

He catches just too many passes. I will say there to be a.

[Andy Holloway]

Problem, small sample size. But he has never finished as in the top 24 running backs in week 15 in his career. So there is that. Watch out championship week 15. That's an important week. I think Andy, you experienced that last year, so just, you know, put that in your.

[Jason Moore]

Don't remind me. I hate Saquon. He's no good. Number two is Christian McCaffrey. Jason and I have him at three. Mike has him at one. I was going to add like I. When you look at the things, you know, again splitting hairs at the top 10 of the position. Certainly we did top 10 wide receivers a couple episodes ago. You're just finding differentiation between great players. Everybody's got those top four in a different order. I would rather lean on the volume of Saquon then looking to Christian McCaffrey to catch over 100 passes. Again, I think Saquon should approach 300 carries on the ground. Whereas I think McCaffrey is going to be in that 220 category. Predictability of, you know, record breaking pass catching years year to year I think is a little bit lower. And that's why I go with Saquon over McCaffrey. But no one can blame Mike for loving McCaffrey. He's his number one overall last year. 219 carries, 1100 yards, seven touchdowns, 107 receptions. And he never busted for a fantasy owner. He was as reliable as they get. 100% of his games qualified as good. 47% great games. We talked about it a little bit last week. The back half of the year, nobody's sure that Cam Newton could throw the ball beyond a certain distance after a while. Definitely helped McCaffrey. Do you believe that the team will reduce the snap count and workload for McCaffrey at all? That's their narrative that they're putting out there is that we want to use him as much, but we don't want him on the field as much. I think.

[Andy Holloway]

I don't think they're going to limit his usage. While he might not have the volume of a Zeke or a sake one, he does have enough volume to be very safe. Norv Turner won't be able to get out of his way. Christian McCaffrey will be on the field now. You know, there's a couple things that I think come down from last year. Right. Obviously his rookie year he's in the middle threes on his yard per carry, goes up to five. Both of those seem like probably the low and the high for him. So he'll probably meet in the middle. And then the pass catching. Look, he is I think the best pass catching running back in football. He's outstanding. They're going to hyper target him. He'll have over 100 targets. But the difference between what happened with the Cam shoulder injury, some of the other injuries to other players like Greg Olson, what you saw in the first half of the year was a guy on pace for 116 targets, which is amazing and outstanding and you love it. And the second half of the year he was on pace for 132 targets, which is just outlandish. Sure.

[Mike Wright]

But I would, I would go against that by saying 116 targets is actually 8 fewer than he received on the season.

[Andy Holloway]

Like that.

[Mike Wright]

That was basically what he ended up with.116,124 targets last year. If he was on 116 pace, there's not a large difference. To me the difference and his rookie are 113 targets. So the difference to me is Cam Newton. We you briefly mentioned at the top the narrative of Cam doesn't throw to the running back. Well, Christian McCaffrey's rookie year, you saw growing pains of Cam Newton targeting the running back where you saw some throws that are should be an easy throw where Cam Newton was way off the mark. I think he's just gotten better at those touch passes to the running back position because there's not a huge target discrepancy between Christian McCaffrey's rookie and sophomore years. It's just the catch percentage.

[Jason Moore]

What about the maturation of Curtis Samuel, DJ Moore and then the return of Greg Olson? Do you think that that can impact the involvement of McCaffrey in the game?

[Mike Wright]

I the Greg Olson returning? No, not at all. To me it just increases the scoring opportunities for Christian McCaffrey because he to me he's still going to be over 100 targets at his floor. So you in seven rushing touchdowns, maybe he that bumps up because Curtis Samuel and DJ Moore take the take the mantle. This is going to be the best offense that Cam Newton has ever been able to work with.

[Jason Moore]

I believe that. I believe that. Yeah, for sure. I love Curtis Samuel, love DJ Moore.

[Mike Wright]

So once again we're splitting hairs. But that's why I prefer Christian McCaffrey at number one.

[Jason Moore]

All right, before we jump into number three on our running back rankings, I want to thank NFL Game Pass. What a perfect time to thank them too. Today is the preseason week one believe.

[Mike Wright]

You mean the debut of Kyler Murray.

[Jason Moore]

What are you guys going to watch tonight?

[Mike Wright]

You're darn right I'm going to watch.

[Jason Moore]

I'm excited, I'm jacked up to see all the rookies, not just Kyler, how the running backs perform, does DK Metcalf get on the field and like monster some people. I'm excited for the preseason and you can get your first look at all the rookies, all the new players on the new teams. I mean if you get NFL game pass, your season starts today. Literally today. I'm, I'm super jacked up. They got a great deal for you. So you can make sure you see everything that happens tonight and through the weekend. You can kick off the 2019 NFL season with a seven day free trial when you sign up [e-mail] fantasy footballers. That is a very easy URL to remember. NFL.com fantasy footballers for a free seven day trial of NFL Game Pass and.

[Andy Holloway]

Hey Footland, look, I know a lot of you, what you're thinking. You're like wait, Jason, is he getting his swole on? Yeah. I've been working with a soul trainer working hard. And it's time to demand more foot clan from our workout gear. That's where no Bull comes in. They are a footwear, apparel and accessory brand for people who train hard and don't believe in excuses. No bull. You know what I'm saying? And don't let the simple design fool you because their gear is built to perform. Made with extremely durable, breathable, abrasion resistant material that moves with you. It's the most comfortable apparel for the most uncomfortable training. It's multi environment design. It's just, it's built to last. It's built to be durable for people who don't want excuses, who want to train hard. If you're ready to challenge your gear the way that you challenge yourself, go to no bullproject.com footballers today. For people who put in the work day after day. Nobleproject.com that's N O B B U L L P R O j e c t.com footballers.

[Jason Moore]

All right, we're moving on number three. If you haven't figured it out, he's invincible. It's Alvin Camara.

[Andy Holloway]

It's a me.

[Jason Moore]

Super Camario himself comes in at number three on our consensus rankings. It was a beautiful year for Alvin Camara. It is a beautiful thing to be a running back on the New Orleans Saints. A report from Sean Payton today expects Alvin Camara to be the same old Alvin Camara in the same old role. And that led to just under 200 carries, 883 yards and 14 touch, 14 touchdowns on the ground, 81 receptions, 709.

[Mike Wright]

I thought you were rebooting over there.

[Jason Moore]

It's just shocking when you see 194 carries and 14 touchdowns.

[Mike Wright]

Sustainable.

[Jason Moore]

Yep. Probably. Probably in this offense.

[Mike Wright]

Offense.

[Andy Holloway]

It's one of those things where last year the narrative, even though I was a huge Camara fan and believer both coming out of college and then obviously what he did his rookie year was outstanding. But last offseason there was a lot of questions. Right. When you want the talent versus the opportunity, I'm always going to lean the opportunity side because, you know, assuming that talent and opportunity are equal parts in the equation, I want the volume. And last season it was. There were worries about Alvin Camara because do you really want to draft a top end pick who's not going to get 200 carries at the running back position? And the answer now is yes, because the talent and opportunity are not equal. The talent of Alvin Camara is special and the opportunity has might not be in volume, but it is in offense because Sean Payton knows what he's doing when they get around the goal line. It's Camara's world. That's part of why Drew Brees has, you know, started to dip down Into Fantasy Streamingville vs just weekly top three fantasy player Alvin Camara, you can make the argument should be the number one draft pick just based on the fact that while his workload will stay near the same, I still think it bumps up having the backup go from Mark Ingram to Latavius Murray.

[Jason Moore]

The thing about Camara is that every touch he has is more valuable than any touch any other running back has, including the top four over the last two years. Both McCaffrey and Barkley, who have been, they're in the top five in this category. Yards from scrimmage per touch was 5.8 for each player. When Camara touches the ball, it's 6.6 yards per touch. And that's over a two year span. That's better than anybody in football. Better than Gurley, better than COHEN, Better than McCaffrey and Barkley. So they're more valuable touches. So you're right. It's more. Are you, are you talented? Are you in an incredible offense? He'll probably get fewer rushing attempts than Christian McCaffrey. He'll probably have fewer total receptions than Christian McCaffrey. Do we disagree about that?

[Andy Holloway]

I think that's correct.

[Mike Wright]

He'll have. But he will have more scoring opportunities. We were joking about the 14 touchdowns, it. That certainly could come down. And that's the only differentiator to me for Alvin Camara versus these guys. Is it 11 or is it something crazy like 14? And that will be the separator to me because fifth most receiving yards last year, 81 receptions, fourth at the running back position. Extremely elusive, broke 27 tackles. That's fourth at the running back position. So he also has the number one.

[Jason Moore]

Ranked offensive line in football according to the huddle heading into the new year. Not something you could say about the Giants, although I think their line will improve. But it has three new starters on it. So Camara has the advantage of this, you know, quarterback that keeps people honest involved in the passing game. I do think that if Peyton's coming out and saying he's going to play the same role, that validates our value. Glance at Latavius Murray. Does it not? There's a role carved out for Latavius and it's not Camara's role. And Camara's role is not that role.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, certainly. I mean, Latavius Murray is going to be in the Mark Ingram role, which has always been good for fantasy over the last couple of years, certainly for where he's being drafted. But Kamara is the guy. And if Latavius Murray is a little bit less effective than Ingram, then Camara will get a few more touches in a game. And whenever he gets a few more touches, I mean, you saw that when Ingram was out first four weeks last year. Not only was Alvin Camara the number one running back over those first four weeks, but he was the number one running back three of those first four weeks. He was dominant. He was on another level. He can certainly do that.

[Jason Moore]

All right, let's talk about Zeke, Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys running back extraordinaire. Mike and Jason maybe both have him at four. I got him at two still last year in 15 games, 304 carries, 77 reception.

[Andy Holloway]

I want Zeke so bad. Like, he's my number one.

[Jason Moore]

I want Brooks. Can we please get somebody specific sound bite carved out for social media?

[Mike Wright]

Thirsty?

[Andy Holloway]

I'm just telling, like, like, settle down. Look, think about all the arguments we've been making. Saquon. Oh, Kitty Elliot here, look, look. Saquon has the talent and the volume, but he's on a bad team. Kamara has the talent, but he doesn't get the volume. Christian McCaffrey, you know, it's like. But Zeke has all of it because he's finally a pass catcher. Last year, after Amari Cooper got there, he was basically pacing with Christian McCaffrey and targets, which is incredible. And I think Zeke is just the way that I said Christian McCaffrey is the best pass catching running back. I think Zeke is the best pure running back in the NFL. It all comes together. I was so excited to make him my one on one. He's easily, I think, the best pick in fantasy if he plays 16 games.

[Jason Moore]

Just get on the field and play football now. I mean, that's a lot of work. 381 touches last year. Do you. I mean, the team is raving about Tony Pollard. Dak is raving about him. Is there a chance that if he's on the field, Pollard steals some of that illustrious target total? It's funny because you said Zeke's a pass catcher now and to me that felt like an upgrade in a video game that you don't get to take away. But you can take it away. I mean, you can take away what he did last year if you want to keep him off the field or whatever the case may be. So maybe talk to me a little bit about that fear and then a little bit about whether you actually expect him there on week one.

[Mike Wright]

Go ahead, Jay.

[Andy Holloway]

So the fear of Tony Pollard, I think that they're going to use him, you know, in more of that Tavon Austin role and obviously Tony Pollard will be very involved if Zeke isn't out there. I still fully expect Zeke to be there week one. Right now I did move him down to number four because last year was a great indication. No matter what you think is going to happen, until a player is there, they're not. And so you have to treat him as. It's incredible insight, deep wisdom from Jack Handy. And the reality is, you know, these things can blow up quickly. I mean, for the worst. That's what happened with Love Bell. A report came out where the teammates were talking trash and then Love Bell's feelings got hurt and it was like, okay, I'm not coming in. And it was like. And the whole thing blew up. And I think Zeke has shown tendencies that could mirror that. So I.

[Jason Moore]

Target jump was crazy. Yeah, the Target jump was 38, 39. 95.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes, yes. And not just 95. Because if you, if you realize what happened when, you know, they had their bye week, they changed their offense and Amari Cooper came. He was on 123 target pace, which is.

[Mike Wright]

I don't expect.

[Andy Holloway]

No, I don't either.

[Jason Moore]

And gets you more hot and bothered.

[Andy Holloway]

It just gets me more hot and bothered. That's exactly right.

[Mike Wright]

To your Point, Andy. Tony Pollard does have pass catching in his college production profile. I mean, last year he was, he was teammates with Darrell Henderson and He put up 39 receptions to Henderson.

[Jason Moore]

That's 19. That's a lot in college. Six foot two hundred and fifteen. A lot of hype out of camp. Then again, I mean, if I were Jerry Jones, I'd be putting all the hype on Tony Pollard out that I could. But they say, you know, the most exciting player at camp.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, of course. But then here's what you need. The context, right? Let's say Zeke is back week one. It's probably on the back of a whole lot of money.

[Jason Moore]

No, you're right.

[Andy Holloway]

And they're going to be like, okay, get him back out there.

[Mike Wright]

And the team is just better if Zeke, Zeke can do everything. And you don't know what, what's going to happen. You bring Pollard out. Oh, well, they're going to pass the ball. And here is an area of positive regression for Zeke should the pass catching come down. Last year, touchdown, he averaged a touchdown every 50 attempts.

[Andy Holloway]

50?

[Mike Wright]

You average out his first two years, it was every 38 attempts.

[Jason Moore]

And I believe in their offense. We talked about this yesterday on the show, right. Kellen Moore, they were a bottom third offense last year.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. And his, his rookie year, it was every 21 and a half attempts per touchdown. I don't think he can get to that level. But you get down to that 38 mark, that's a, that's a huge amount of touchdowns for a guy of an increase of touchdowns for a player who should carry the ball over 300 times.

[Andy Holloway]

And they're getting Travis Frederick back. One of the best, not the best center in the NFL right now. I mean, we don't know how he'll be coming back off of, you know, his.

[Jason Moore]

They have another lineman banged up right now, Brooks.

[Andy Holloway]

Zach Martin was hurt, but I don't, I don't know the exact. Yeah, why don't you look at that? Brooks, I think he's okay, but I'll double check that.

[Jason Moore]

David Johnson comes in at number five. I have him at six. Jason and Mike have him at five.

[Mike Wright]

Zach Martin doesn't expect to miss much time.

[Jason Moore]

Last year, David Johnson, I asked on the live show, I asked fantasy owners to forgive him because Mike McCoy, what he did to David Johnson, criminal, was inhumane.

[Mike Wright]

You guys remember the, back in the early 90s, we had the FBI's Most Wanted. We had that TV show.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, certainly. Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Mike McCoy earned a number 10 spot on that list.

[Jason Moore]

Yes, it Wasn't good. I mean, it was bad. They ran him right up the middle. They didn't target him. He was the number one pass catcher in football two years ago. People need to forgive him. But the burns are real with David Johnson. I believe that this year at a minimum, the pace of play change will afford David Johnson more opportunities. And more opportunities is all he needs. Last year, just 50 receptions. That number can't stay the same to validate a top five finish, but I don't think it will. He's just too valuable in the passing game right now. It feels a lot around Cardinal camp. It feels like it's, you know, Kyler's going to throw it to Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk and Blank. I mean, it's not. There's not another guy emerging. And the guys that are there to emerge are rookies. David Johnson is going to be used in the passing game and this offense is going to run more plays at a minimum, even if they're not the best team in the league at doing so.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I don't expect him to go back to the days of the 2016 touchdown totals where the Cardinals were one of the highest scoring teams in the NFL. They still have a rookie quarterback. You have to keep that in mind no matter how excited you are at the prospects of Kyler and his fantasy goodness with rushing. I don't think he is going to be that, you know, running back one overall due to touchdowns. But the sheer pace, the sheer number of plays run last year versus this year, last year where he was the running back 10. There will be an increase and it's going to be so much more creative in space. David Johnson was a wide receiver in college that converted to running back. That's why he's so good at it. They will utilize that. You know that from Cliff Kingsbury in college. He always targeted the halfback. He was, I believe, top five in all of college football at that during his time. So it's a perfect marriage. And I think he deserves to be at the number five spot. There's no question to me. After the top four, that's where the break is, right? Those top four guys are unbelievable. You're at the five spot. To me, it's. It's clearly David Johnson.

[Jason Moore]

All right, number six is Todd Gurley.

[Andy Holloway]

That's where.

[Jason Moore]

That's my fault.

[Andy Holloway]

No, but that's where you would go at five, right?

[Jason Moore]

Correct. Yeah. Todd Gurley. I'm at five. Jason, you have him at eight, Mike at seven. Voice of public opinion.

[Andy Holloway]

Have you heard that Todd Gurley's got a pretty bad knee injury.

[Jason Moore]

What?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, no. I'll move him. I'll move him down.

[Mike Wright]

It's not actually an injury, it's a condition. Thank you.

[Jason Moore]

I believe. Look, talk out of camp is that Gurley looks explosive. Efficiency will not be a problem for the running back in the Los Angeles Rams offense.

[Mike Wright]

Correct.

[Jason Moore]

So Gurley does not have to put up the kind of volume numbers that you're going to get from Saquon Barkley for him to still be in that Camaro type of category. I'm warming on Todd Gurley. You cannot say a thing about him without acknowledging openly the risk. You know how you have to sign a waiver. I feel like when you draft Gurley as a fantasy owner, they need to bring out a waiver for you to sign, saying, I acknowledge that at any moment in time, Todd Gurley may disappear due to unforeseen swelling. I may be in a bad mood after that. Whatever needs to be on the waiver, you've got to sign that when you draft him. But the thing is right now, in a lot of drafts, he's slipping into the second round. So if you're at the turn and you can grab a top tier, if you can go, Julio Jones, Todd Gurley to start your draft, which people can do right now, I just. The risk is worth the reward to me to secure a guy that, as long as he's healthy, to me is a top 10 running back.

[Andy Holloway]

When it comes to touchdowns, Todd Gurley has not been good. He's been otherworldly. So since McVay's been there the last two years, his 16 game pace average, taking both years in. Do you know his 16 game pace total touchdown numbers? 23. So, yeah, Alvin Camara got 14 rushing and you're like, but he doesn't have enough volume in this offense. It is very feasible that Todd Gurley can get 14 rushing touchdowns instead of his 17 he had last year.

[Jason Moore]

He could take every other game off.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Still hit 14.

[Andy Holloway]

So it is one of those where I think Todd Gurley, when he's out there, is going to be a top five back. I do believe that. I don't think he's going to drop down to being a terr terrible back. The reason that I'm more down on him is the risk of, okay, he's, he's killing it. He's crushing it. Week one, week two looks great. The knee swells after practice. Now they need to give him time off. Now they need to rest him. We just, we saw that Last year they've been babing him so much, we're not going to see him in preseason. So look, it could all be smoke, it could all be, you know, for nothing and he is fine. But the roster moves that the Rams have made, bringing in Daryl Henderson, Darnell Anderson and you know, bringing back Malcolm.

[Mike Wright]

Brown, who's the actual backup. Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

Say that they, they're concerned enough to say we need a backup plan at the least, if not an ever game. Batman and Robin plan.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, there's massive risk there. Number seven, Le'Veon Bell. Lev Belt Question marks, changing teams, returning from a year off a year just to reflect and to think about things. Is he going to look good in green? Is the question that people have.

[Mike Wright]

Well, yes, I've seen it.

[Jason Moore]

He's a great color. What do you think of the new jets uniforms?

[Mike Wright]

No, I'm all about it.

[Andy Holloway]

You like them? I'm undecided. When I first saw them, I was like, eh, they just kind of were plain.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Oh, they certainly are. But I don't know. That doesn't bother me that they're playing.

[Jason Moore]

They just made me, you know, clean. They are clean.

[Andy Holloway]

The problem is it didn't hot and bother me. Mike and I want to be hot and bothered by these uniforms.

[Jason Moore]

Yes. Like Zeke. I just want the NFL to bring back the Kelly Green Philadelphia Eagles. That's all I want. That's all I want in this life. That's it.

[Andy Holloway]

It's a noble goal. I would aim a little higher, but live your life.

[Jason Moore]

The last time we saw Lev Bell, he was okay. 321 carries for 1300 yards, nine touchdowns, 85 receptions for 655 yards and two touchdowns. I do believe in the dark horse New York Jets. I do. I believe in Sam Darnold's progression and evolution. I say whatever you want about Adam Gaze.

[Andy Holloway]

Okay?

[Jason Moore]

Many things which you will, mismanagement of running backs, things like that. But this team, they can't be more committed to two players than they are with Sam Darnold and Le'Veon Bell. This is, this is their team, this is their win now team and a division that has win now possibilities. So I do believe that this team progresses as an offense. I believe Sam Darnold gives you some very elite games and I understand that having a top notch, top five pass catching running back, it helps a quarterback out too. So, you know, we've talked a lot about Love Bell. I understand that there are worries and concern when you spend a top 10 pick on a running back. You want variables like swelling knees and changing teams and body surfing, running styles to be maybe not there.

[Mike Wright]

And you want top offenses as well in a strong offensive line, and it's hard to project those. For the Jets. I don't mind believing in them as a team that really could break out beyond expectations. But as of right now, Pro Football Focus is projecting their offensive line to start the season at number 28. Something that Le'Veon Bell has never, ever dealt with is a bad offensive line. We'll see how his style can match with that.

[Andy Holloway]

Remember how great it was with his bad offensive line?

[Mike Wright]

Right.

[Jason Moore]

They did add. They added what, Matt Khalil, and then they also traded for Ravens O lineman Alex Lewis. So it is in full rebuild mode now, whether that's a result of being in camp and going, holy crap, I got to do something.

[Mike Wright]

But also, it's still good.

[Andy Holloway]

It's still good. They did something.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Pace of play is also a huge deal at Adam Gase. Two out of three years as the head coach, the Miami Dolphins was dead last and not by just a normal fractional margin. In 2018, he was last by one and a half plays per game, which.

[Andy Holloway]

Is impressive because the Cardinals still existed. Yes.

[Jason Moore]

Do you remember him coming out and talking about that?

[Andy Holloway]

Yes. He wanted to run. Yes.

[Jason Moore]

Do you remember they basically said, look, you're kind of known as supposed to be this offensive guru that produces, like, a fast pace of play.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh. And he came out, he was talking about how many plays he wanted to run a game, which was like a number that would lead the league, but he just.

[Jason Moore]

It just didn't materialize. They had to do what they had to do to be 7 to 9.

[Mike Wright]

And I feel like I have to be an intervening meat shield here for my compadre Jason, who we recently were on the Rich Eisen show, and Jason brought up the name Ty Montgomery, to which Rich Eisen was not very pleased about. But head coach Adam Gaze talks a lot about Ty Montgomery. Whether or not that is just coach speak and fluff, that remains to be seen. But that hype from the head coach is happening.

[Andy Holloway]

I forget, did they sign Ty Montgomery before or after Love Bell?

[Jason Moore]

You don't really forget.

[Andy Holloway]

No, I really forgot. That's why I said it. I believe they signed him after, but to me, that makes a little bit of a difference. Like, if you go out and sign, you know, Mike Davis, and then you don't know if you can get David Montgomery, and David Montgomery comes, okay, goodbye, Mike Davis. But if you sign Love Bell and then you're like, ooh, you know what this team could really use for what I want to do. I'm going to go also sign Ty Montgomery. Then that's saying I would expect him to be used at that point.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I mean, a lot of investment in Lev. We'll see what happens. You have red flags around the situation, but upside because of the fact that Love Bell's dropping further down in drafts than where he's been in previous years. But really, he's starting to. With Melvin Gordon and the Zeke situation, he's starting to creep up to uncomfortable levels.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, look, I've been, you know, when we were on the Eisen show, he was one of the bust candidates I brought out. Yet I am the highest of the three of us.

[Jason Moore]

I was going to say I'm at 10, Mike at 8, Jason 7.

[Andy Holloway]

I've got him up at 7 because I do think the volume will be there. I think the talent is there. But some of the concerns you voiced, his running style behind a bad offensive line, the fact that there will be fewer plays and I fully expect him to have a smaller percentage market share even. Even though he'll lead by a wide margin over the other running backs. Smaller than what it was for Mike Tomlin out of a smaller piece of pie. So it's just you're losing a lot of touches and each one becomes a little bit less efficient. There's still so much going around. I think he'll be a top 10 back, but I'm not excited. Like Lev Bell is one of those where if he's my running back one. If that's who I grab in the first round, I'm kind of disappointed.

[Mike Wright]

It's his range of outcomes. Like Le'Veon Bell certainly could be in the top five. But I also see a world where Le'Veon Bell is the running back 14, running back 15. That that's why it's uncomfortable to draft him where he's. He's being taken.

[Jason Moore]

All right. How comfortable are you here, Mike? Number eight, Damian Williams, current average draft position of RB12. We have him ranked it. We have him ranked at RB8 by our consensus rankings. In his three weeks as a starter for Kansas City. Sorry, four weeks. He averaged 19.6 fantasy points per game and half PPR.

[Mike Wright]

You know what Kareem Hunt averaged while he was playing?

[Andy Holloway]

No.

[Mike Wright]

Williams.

[Jason Moore]

I'm guessing it's in the 19.

[Mike Wright]

19.7.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. I mean, this is the best offense in football.

[Andy Holloway]

More. Got it. Yes.

[Jason Moore]

Kareem Hahn averaged way more.

[Mike Wright]

The Kenny Golladay Split more point one.

[Jason Moore]

Well, my, my concern for Damian Williams is not. And mind you, I have him at 8. Somehow I'm the highest on Damian Williams.

[Andy Holloway]

And I love it.

[Jason Moore]

And it I signed feels like I fueled my soul something bad.

[Andy Holloway]

I mean, we're all eight, eight or nine, so.

[Jason Moore]

I know, but Mike was really excited about the fact that I had him a spot higher. Mike, my only concern for Damian Williams is his lack of tenured status in the NFL, which is very fair. It's just.

[Mike Wright]

Get out of here with that nonsense.

[Jason Moore]

Look, Jason can be right, Mike. You should just say that he sucks, but that a sucky player will score 19.6 fantasy points a game.

[Andy Holloway]

Right?

[Jason Moore]

You could go with that route. The thing is his talent or not. If he's on the field as the 1 in the Kansas City offense, I like him at 8.

[Andy Holloway]

He's great.

[Jason Moore]

If he's not. If he's banged up now, he just returned to practice.

[Mike Wright]

If he's off, hallelujah.

[Jason Moore]

If he's not. Look, if he gets banged up, they're not, they're not forcing themselves to put him back at the top of the depth chart is my point.

[Mike Wright]

That's fair.

[Jason Moore]

That being said, Carlos Hyde grabbing a stranglehold at the top is not likely. Darrell Williams grabbing and believe it or not, that's a real player this time is not, you know, likely to grab a stranglehold because Williams does more things in a mediocre fashion than they do. They might be good at one or two things. Williams is secure as a top tier guy in one of the best offenses in football as long as he's healthy.

[Andy Holloway]

I hate the Bengals. No, I just, I hate so much the Bengals for taking a fourth running back in Rodney Anderson. He would have dropped right in the line.

[Mike Wright]

I love that you're committed to this.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm so committed because, oh, it would have been so good.

[Mike Wright]

Like, I've checked my sources. On the Rodney Anderson to Chiefs hype. All that comes up is Jason Moore.

[Andy Holloway]

Ooh, that's just because there's so much. Look, Damian Williams, Andy, you laid it out great. When he's on the field, he's going to be fantastic. I besmirched his name regularly last season, but as soon as he became the starter, I was the highest ranked on him. Said you look, he's got to be played. He's Andy Reed's one. So when he's there, he's great. But he carries risk because, you know, kind of like Tyrod Taylor last year in the sense that there's reason where if he, if he gets injured, he might not, he might not just get his job back. And that's Damian Williams. If Damian Williams gets injured and Darrell Williams gets the shot or anybody gets the shot and all of a sudden, here's the thing, whoever gets a shot, you want to know what they're going to do succeed. That's my belief. I think in this offense, you throw an NFL caliber player out there and they're going to be pretty darn good. And so then it's like, okay, now he comes back, do you just, do you just shift? Do you just throw him back in the mix? So that, that is the worry. But if he plays 16, if you knew he played 16, I mean top.

[Mike Wright]

Five be top five. Yeah, he, what's nice about him having at least some security at his job? He is in my opinion by far the best pass catching running back on the team. Even if Carlos Hyde, if Damian Ways misses some time, Carlos Hyde is showing well on the ground. We've seen enough of Carlos side as a, as a professional football player to know that pass catching is not his strength. It's not going to become his strength. So Damian Williams, if things go really wrong for him, he would still come back into that role.

[Jason Moore]

Yes. Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

Am I allowed to break old news?

[Jason Moore]

You certainly can, but I don't have any drops for you.

[Andy Holloway]

Old news. All right, well, I will.

[Jason Moore]

Tomlinson leads league in fantasy scoring.

[Andy Holloway]

Ty Montgomery was signed one month after they signed Le'Veon Bell.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, there we go.

[Andy Holloway]

Thanks, Brooks.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. Now was that pre or post gays?

[Andy Holloway]

That was, that was post gaze.

[Jason Moore]

Right.

[Andy Holloway]

Because didn't want to sign Love Bell.

[Jason Moore]

Okay. By the way, the deal, the Duke Johnson trade, I don't know if you saw this. It was between Dorsey in Cleveland and Bill O'Brien because they don't have the GM right in Houston. So it was a phone call between those two guys. Ian Rapaport reported that sometimes you just.

[Mike Wright]

Got to pick up a phone.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I mean Dorsey probably just didn't want to deal with, with Duke anymore. All right, Dalvin Cook at number nine, James Conner at number ten. I'm going to bring them up together because Dalvin, Jason and I are very bullish on at 7 and 6, Mike at 14.

[Andy Holloway]

Mike hates him.

[Mike Wright]

Connor just where he ended up, man. I don't hate him.

[Jason Moore]

Connor is Mike's number six running back and Jason and I have him at 11 and 12. So kind of a difference of opinion between these two players. Mike, talk to me about why. I don't know who's more accountable for their take. The guys at 6 and 7 with Cook probably more than the 14.

[Andy Holloway]

That is fair. That's fair. That like even though we're together, we probably have the hotter take than Mike. Having him down at running back 14 considering he's never finished a season higher than 29. Right, exactly.

[Mike Wright]

Not because of talent.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. And that, that's really.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I think it's just, I think there's guaranteed. He's a guaranteed bell cow in the NFL.

[Mike Wright]

Interesting.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes, he is.

[Jason Moore]

I mean he's 100% guaranteed to be the, the guy in Minnesota and that's what I like. I'm not going to factor in potential injury. You know, he had one catastrophic injury and he was banged up last year. I'm not ready to declare him an injury prone player for the duration of his career. A lot of players have started that way before. So there you go. I mean he's going to catch the ball in the offense, he's going to get goal line opportunities. That's what I believe. Jason, why do you like him?

[Andy Holloway]

Well, I mean, because when he's been out there, he's been a great back for fantasy. He's well rounded, he's going to be goal line, he's going to be a pass catching back. He's on a good offense. There's really nothing not to like here. If you look when he got back from his injury the last five weeks of the season, he was the running back six. I mean it was, it was insanely Derek Henry during that time. Yeah, well, and then Christian McCaffrey, Saquon.

[Mike Wright]

And a lot of it was the Miami game.

[Andy Holloway]

No, that's, that's not even. I mean, sure, a lot of it.

[Mike Wright]

A lot of it was the Miami game.

[Andy Holloway]

A lot of it was the Miami game. But he never had a bad game. He was always an RB2 or better running. Here's his ranks. 24 running back one. The next week, running back one. So those can't be both. The Miami game, then the running back 12, then the running back 21. I mean he was just really good. And so the worry is, the worry is 100%. Can he hold up because he got injured in college, been injured in the NFL? I mean he should have the same worries to me that Leonard Fournette has. So, you know, I love Cook. If he's on the field, I'm scared of where I have him. Right.

[Jason Moore]

So he missed four games last season and was on five injury reports for the hamstring strain and that happened in week two. The year before was the week four injury, the ACL reconstruction. Mike, you said that's kind of where he landed.

[Mike Wright]

Correct.

[Jason Moore]

So talk to me about why he didn't end up in a higher position. I mean, do you not believe in the fact that he can be a bell cow in this office?

[Mike Wright]

I don't. And I think it would be a mistake to. For Minnesota to try and force that. He. I have him with 225 carries and 58 receptions. So it was.

[Jason Moore]

That's a lot.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, yeah, yeah. And it just. I just happen to have running backs that I like slightly more. This isn't a major gap in points at all.

[Andy Holloway]

So look, remember how good Derek Henry was? Do you remember? He was unbelievable.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Those finishes I just were spouting off, those were Derek Henry's. So he's really good. And both of those weren't the Miami. So I was right. Both of those were the Miami game.

[Jason Moore]

Dalvin Cook didn't put up Derek Henry's numbers.

[Andy Holloway]

Put up Derek Henry's numbers. But look, listen, they're right next to each other in my page. I was reading and they are still good here.

[Mike Wright]

People trust us.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, that's why I'm bringing this up. People trust us. I don't want, if I say the wrong info, I want to call myself out. Look, here's Dalvin Cook's finishes. Still great. Still had only one game where he wasn't a top 24 running back. It was 18, 14, 9, 3, 24. Those. Those were the weeks that, I mean, read those again. 18, 14, 9, 3, 24.

[Jason Moore]

Right.

[Andy Holloway]

I mean those are still really good.

[Mike Wright]

Those are great numbers. But that, those type of numbers aren't getting you anywhere close to number six on the season.

[Andy Holloway]

If you did that every week, I think you would be.

[Mike Wright]

I disagree.

[Andy Holloway]

Really? Never finishing below 24.

[Mike Wright]

That's all to put you in the top six. It would. I don't think it would happen.

[Jason Moore]

It would certainly put you in the Frank Gore category of fantasy finishes on the end of a year.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I mean, which.

[Jason Moore]

But we haven't ranked. We got him ranked at 9.

[Mike Wright]

So good.

[Jason Moore]

I think it's going to be a very prolific year for Dalvin Cook. He's one of my favorites heading into the season. He's a little bit of my guy candidate.

[Andy Holloway]

So why isn't Derek Henry in our top 10? I mean, remember those back to back number one weeks?

[Mike Wright]

Yes, I do remember talking about. I do recall.

[Jason Moore]

Well, sometimes, sometimes when you read consistency charts out, Jay, you say like running back one week and so that's what I thought. Maybe you meant like not the RB one, but like an RB one, which. He had a nice finish to the scene.

[Andy Holloway]

I should have done that. It would have sounded better. RB2, RB2, RB1, RB1, RB2. Great job, Dalvin.

[Jason Moore]

All right, James Conner. Mike has James Conner as one of his official. My guys, we've talked a lot about him. Mike, you've made the case.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

If you want.

[Jason Moore]

Multiple times.

[Mike Wright]

If you want the full extended. Because I can't imagine. Well, I needed. We need to do it again. If you want the full James Conner take. It's on Monday's show.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. And so what I'll bring up then is there have been some reports of camp hype around Jalen Samuels being used in the passing game both at running back and wide receiver. Former tight end. How could it go wrong for. That's a question for you because you've been very bullish on him. You have him at 6.

[Mike Wright]

Sure.

[Jason Moore]

How can it go wrong for James Conner in 2019 that Big Ben sucks.

[Mike Wright]

Because Antonio Brown is gone.

[Andy Holloway]

I would throw another one in there that he loses the pass catching work that has made Lev Bell and James Conner so valuable for fantasy. That's my feel.

[Jason Moore]

He could.

[Mike Wright]

But he was a better pass catcher than Jalen Samuels last year.

[Andy Holloway]

Look, he's talented at it. I mean, I think if they give him that role, Tomlin always has been a one back guy. I believe they will give him that role.

[Mike Wright]

Third in yards after the catch at the running back position.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, he'll succeed at it. The question is just because of what the reports have been. Because of what happened when Connor came back from his injury after Jalen Samuels had kind of broken out in his stead. And then they did involve him in the passing game more and you saw Connor, who was, you know, Connor didn't disappear, but he didn't have those huge target numbers the way that he had early in the season. The way that Love Bell always had. Yeah, I mean, that's my worry.

[Jason Moore]

He was the RB15 from weeks nine through 17. That's more of the category that I believe his true output will fit in. You talk about range of outcomes with Lev Bell. I believe that there is a wide range of outcomes for James Connor as well because they were a prolific scoring team. He was 23rd in points in that span. So you saw a little bit less and there were some injury games and things like that, but you definitely didn't see what you saw in the first eight weeks over the last Half of the season. I mean, in the first eight weeks, week one, he had 31 fantasy points. Week five, 33, week eight, 35. I mean, those were monstrous weeks that really defined his season. He's a great. He has a great opportunity. I'm less confident in the Steelers as a whole. That's why I have him down a little bit more.

[Andy Holloway]

I want to talk about the Steelers as a whole because I'm realizing, I'm starting to think like, that we need to find some bet between you and I and that. I don't know where Mike stands. How do you view the Steelers as a team? Do you think they're going to be a good team this year? They're going to regress without Antonio Brown?

[Mike Wright]

They won't. There might be a slight regression, but I believe that they are still one of the better offenses.

[Andy Holloway]

Like win count. What? You know, just. I'm just curious because I know, Andy, you've talked a lot about you. You believe they're going to take a step back?

[Jason Moore]

Well, I think they took a step back last year. They didn't make the playoffs, so I still.

[Mike Wright]

They had nine wins. Is that correct?

[Jason Moore]

They had. They were in a tie. They had a tie in there. They're third in the division. That's what I believe. I don't believe that they beat the Ravens or the Browns in the division. Is that. I mean, that's fair. Do you want to do a bet about whether they finish above those two?

[Andy Holloway]

Yes, let's do it. Top two in the division? Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

I have more to lose on this one because I got two spots that they can finish and lose. You think they're going to win the division?

[Andy Holloway]

I think they're going to be top two in the division. That's what I've been saying for years. Water bat.

[Jason Moore]

That's fine.

[Andy Holloway]

But as you were talking, I realized like this.

[Jason Moore]

Who do you like them more?

[Andy Holloway]

I like them, I think, more than I think they beat. Honestly. I think that they have a good shot of winning the division. I think that they will.

[Jason Moore]

All teams do right now.

[Andy Holloway]

Not all teams. The Dolphins fans are really excited.

[Jason Moore]

You don't like the Browns or Ravens to beat them?

[Andy Holloway]

I don't like the Browns or Ravens to beat them.

[Jason Moore]

That's true. Mike. Where do they finish?

[Mike Wright]

Well, they finish in the top two of the division.

[Jason Moore]

Cool. Who wins the division, Mike?

[Mike Wright]

I'll take the Steelers.

[Jason Moore]

Okay. Well, I mean, if you believe they're going to surge without absolute with James Conner, then it makes sense to have him ranked where you do. No doubt.

[Mike Wright]

About it.

[Andy Holloway]

I think a lot of what it comes down to is what are the Steelers like if the Steelers win the division and are great and are a ten plus win team. James Conner had a great year and.

[Jason Moore]

If he can put up Derek Henry numbers the way that Dalvin Cook did.

[Andy Holloway]

Back to back number one.

[Mike Wright]

And here my breakdown of the end of the season for James Conner. It was a little bit strange, but there's explanations for it. The game against Carolina was a blowout and he played 40% of the snaps. He sucked against Jacksonville.

[Andy Holloway]

A lot of people did.

[Mike Wright]

A lot of people sucked against Jacksonville. Then over then nearly 100 yards against Denver. Then he got hurt. I mean so it's to me, I'm not going to look at his, oh, he was running back 16 over that time because there's a lot of wonky things that happened in that those four weeks.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh man. Mike, when I, when I said the back to back ones on the Dalvin Cook, your eyes were like I'm wrong about something that you were looking at. You were like, oh man. Yeah. Just want to call myself out again. Thank you very much.

[Jason Moore]

All right, that is it for today's episode, part two of the Running backs on tomorrow's show. Don't forget, check out our studio sponsor, Pristine Auction. A Todd Gurley signed jersey Yesterday went for $68.

[Mike Wright]

Oh man.

[Jason Moore]

Beckett the knee.

[Mike Wright]

The knee is factoring into his price.

[Jason Moore]

A Beckett witnessed autograph. There are hundreds that go [e-mail] use the registration code ballers when you check out and look, we'll talk to you again tomorrow after these preseason games. We'll have some reaction in the morning.

[Mike Wright]

Get ready for Kyler Murray, everybody.

[Jason Moore]

Let's go boys.

[Mike Wright]

Goodbye.

[Andy Holloway]

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.

[Jason Moore]

All right, foot Clan, let me ask you a question. Do the Cowboys have all the pieces in place to make a run in the nfc? Can the jets challenge the Patriots in the afc? No. With NFL Game Pass, do you get every out of market preseason game live? Make sure you see all the action tonight and on into the preseason. With NFL Game Pass, you can kick off the 2019 NFL season with a seven day free trial when you sign up [e-mail] fantasy footballers.