← FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast
FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast
Week 15 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings & Tiers: Studs, Sleepers, and Must-Starts (Ep. 1891)
00:41:19
Loading summary
Transcript104 lines
- [00:00]
Podcast Host/Advertiser
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.
- [00:05]
Love. The night Reach for Zyn After Dark, a limited cocktail inspired series for those who get up when the sun goes down. Try Zyn's Mojito Spiced Cider and Espresso Martini Nicotine Pouches. Find them at select retailers. Available while supplies last. Zinn After Dark Bring on the night.
- [00:31]
Warning. This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.
- [00:35]
Chris Welsh
What's up friends and welcome into Fantasy Pros. This is the fantasy football podcast running back ranks first week of the playoffs. This is week 15. Running back ranks I am Chris Welch, that is Pat Fitzmaurice and Andrew Erickson. We've got the top 36 RB's we're going to be going through and Fitzy, we're super lucky that we don't have a bye week, you know, for the most important running back, at least for the first week of the playoffs. Unless I did see a lot of people starting last week and that was brutal. But we got everybody back and we're kind of ready to roll.
- [01:03]
Pat Fitzmaurice
Yes, it is nice to have the full arsenal. And of course I was lucky I made the playoffs in one league because in week 14 I was going against a team that had Christian McCaffrey on by and I beat that team by like five points.
- [01:21]
Yeah, that was a real greasy entrance into the playoffs, but I will take it.
- [01:26]
Chris Welsh
That is sicko. So do you have any good sicko stories where Christian McCaffrey was just sitting on a bench? Erickson or any sicko playoff entries.
- [01:36]
Break any hearts?
- [01:37]
Andrew Erickson
Nothing that I can report that's better than the fit story.
- [01:40]
Chris Welsh
Okay, it seemed like a little heartbreaker, like you beat somebody by like half a point and just ruin their day. But we'll hopefully not have any days ruined here. We'll be going through all these RVs. If you guys want to follow along, go to fantasypros.com rankings. That's that is where ECR is at even in the playoffs. It will adjust throughout the week, so make sure to continuously check it out all the way until kickoff on Sunday. Let's look at the big board. Not wasting any more time. Your top 12 running backs for the week. The aforementioned Christian McCaffrey coming in at number one versus the Titans this week. Jameer Gibbs at two, Bijan Robinson at three. Devon Achan, Derek Henry and James Cook. That is your top six. Jonathan Taylor all the way down at seven versus Seattle. But obviously quarterback might be into play there. Bucky Irving, Saquon Barclays, Josh Jacobs, Travis Etienne and Chase Brown. Chalk, chalk, chalk. All the players that there aren't big questions about. Should there be any questions about Travis ETN though? The Jaguars have been awesome, Tutin has loomed. But ETN continues to roll. He's going up against the jets this week. He comes in as running back 11. Both of you have got him higher. So Erickson, actually, why don't you kick us off here? You are the highest running back eight for you, for Travis Etienne talked about.
- [02:53]
Andrew Erickson
It on the prediction show with Worm earlier this week. I think ETN is going to be a top eight fantasy running back this week and because the matchup against the New York jets is absolutely salivating. Ever since they traded Quinn and Williams, this team has been eviscerated by opposing running backs. The last four running backs that they have faced. Achan, RB8 and he didn't even play in the second half of that game. Bijan Robinson, RB1 Derrick Henry RB4 Travion Henderson RB3 so Travis Etn not only is a locked and loaded RB1 this week, I think he could flirt with number one RB1 overall status on the week in week 15, especially if they give him as many touches as they did last week where he had 74 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. Because Bchelle Tutin, he fumbled twice last week, one on the kickoff and one on one of his carries. So I don't think that the tugboat is going to be coming for Travis Etienne's job anytime soon, which I'm a big Tootin fan. But it doesn't look like it's going to happen here in week 15. And you just cannot deny how good of a matchup this is for Travis Etienne and how well he has played. Usually Etienne has been a guy that has fallen off in the second half of seasons. That has not been the case at all this year. He has been on absolute heater inside the top 10 running backs six of his last seven games played, including top seven in three of his last four games. He's the RB10 in points per game in his last seven games, RB8 and expected fancy points per game. So I think ECR is actually slacking here on ETN.
- [04:18]
Chris Welsh
Fitzy, do you feel like you're slacking a little bit on ETN? Only at 10. Do you think he's got like top five 6 RB upside this week?
- [04:25]
Pat Fitzmaurice
I think I maybe am slacking and I might have to look at what Ericsson is doing with his rankings here because right now I've got ETN directly behind three running backs who have tough Matchups. James Cook against the Patriots, Jonathan Taylor against the Seahawks, Josh Jacobs against the Broncos. So etn, I mean, you mentioned that Bashel Tutin has loomed. It's not really looming after the two fumbles. I think it's a pretty good bet that ETN is going to have a workhorse role in week 15 against this jets defense that's given up the third most fantasy points to running backs and looks. ETN's had 18 or more touches in five of his last six games, and the one miss over that span was a 13 touch game. His workload is pretty safe, especially with Tutin losing his hand on ball twice last week.
- [05:17]
Chris Welsh
You know, it's interesting too for this range again, not spending a ton of time obviously on like the big chalk running backs. Maybe it's not a surprise because we don't have any bye weeks, but it's like, man, it looks good. It's like all the players you kind of expect. But also in this top 12, there's really what, two bad matchups? Yeah, two bad matchups. I'm looking at, I guess maybe three. But two of those three, it's like, who cares? And what I'm talking about is Gibbs versus The Rams. Who cares? It's Jameer Gibbs, Jonathan Taylor versus Seattle. I mean, we kind of care because the quarterback play, but it's Jonathan Taylor and then the Josh Jacobs one. I do know there's like some general worry just about, you know, the usage and the Denver Broncos, but you've got like nine of the 12 top 12 running backs just with phenomenal matchups and then only a few questions. This is just a quick aside I didn't put on the sheet, but any worry at all about Josh Jacobs? Fitzy, I've had a couple people in those live chats throw out some concerns about just usage. The Denver Bronco matchup, is there anything that would keep you off of him if someone had an option of like even a Trayvon Henderson who we'll talk about soon, or like a Quinton Judkins versus the Bears?
- [06:32]
Pat Fitzmaurice
No, just because the packers are pretty committed to running the ball and Jacobs has gotten some usage in the passing game. Not, not a ton, but enough to, you know, help buoy his value a little bit. And the guy is just one of the most reliable touchdown scorers we've got at the position.
- [06:48]
Chris Welsh
Yeah, that even if like the touches were to go down, the touch on equity so high. Same thing. Erickson, is there any, like, hate the matchup, hate the potential touch usage? Maybe I go with like A slightly lower upside guy in Henderson or do you echo what Fitz. He was saying?
- [07:03]
Andrew Erickson
Echo what Fitz is saying. It's not like the packers or I'm not projecting them to get shut out against the Denver Brown because I know it's a tough defense, but Jordan Love is playing really well. They're going to be able to move the ball. They have a lot of weapons and Jacobs just. That guy just grinds out yards even in tougher matchups. So too much touchdown equity. I think that, yeah. Where he's ranked in the ECR. Low end fantasy. RB1 is spot on.
- [07:25]
Pat Fitzmaurice
Yeah, well, there's one other guy. I mean, the James Cook matchup against New England is a tough one. New England's run defense is. Is really good. And the first time Cook played the Patriots, 15 carries for 49 yards and no catches. So he kind of laid an egg in that game.
- [07:42]
Chris Welsh
That's a good. That's a good point. Okay, so I mean a couple in there that could be. But I guess the big thing the point is is like the running backs with the questionable matchups, they're not questionable. And then all of the other guys are just in these really phenomenal spots. All right, we got RB2s with a lot more questions coming up, but we've got an offer for you. Unlock a month of Betting Pros premium for free. Just download the Betting Pros app today and use promo code fp. The number one month. Get access to tools like the same game Parlay tool, the Prop Bet Analyzer, and the Price Picks Prop Bet cheat sheet. Don't miss out. Try it for free for one month. Now available on iOS or Android. Promo code FP. The number one month RV2s. These are 13 through 24. We start with Javante Williams coming in at 13. Trevion Henderson, Kyron Williams down at 15. Quinshon Judkins, RJ Harvey, Breece Hall, Ashton Genty, Woody Marks checks in at RB20. Jalen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Ken Walker and Amarian Hampton. I mentioned Travion Henderson. Ooh, that sneaky Ramondre Stevenson. He just brought his head back up. He's there again, just poking around to say gotcha. He's there. But Trevian Henderson, obviously the most talented player. He is ECR 14, which both are lower than ECR. Erickson, why don't we start with you? I know you're disappointed. You want. We want Treveon to just eat, but Ramon Dre is just not going to go away and we just have to come to terms with that.
- [09:07]
Andrew Erickson
So.
- [09:07]
Chris Welsh
So Travion has to. Wherever he is ranked or wherever you put him in, you got to be comfortable with like, can he dominate in his matchup with 12 to 14 touches, right?
- [09:17]
Andrew Erickson
Yep. Yeah, that's kind of the question you're asking as a fantasy manager because the 90% 20 plus touches is probably not in his range of outcomes this week with Ramondre Stevenson coming back. And look, the last time we saw them play, Stevenson was the starter for the Patriots 58% of the snapshot. Henderson was down at 49 again, 49 of the snaps against the New York Giants. But as we typically seen this year, Henderson was still more efficient. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry, rushed 11 times for 67 yards, also caught three passes for 19 yards. So you're still chasing the upside with Henderson because he's facing the Buffalo Bills in a game that should be high scoring. The Patriots know, oh, Josh Allen's coming to town. What need to put up 30 points if we want to win this game. So how do you do that? You get the ball to your most explosive playmakers, which is Travan Henderson and not Ramandre Stevenson. So yes, I think that moving him into the mid RB2 range is appropriate. He's not ranked as a fantasy RB1 this week and I think that's accurate. But maybe myself and Fitz are just giving a little bit more credence to. Hey. Well, Ramandre is going to have some type of role here and it's a matter of kind of like a guessing game with what they do at the goal line because the last two games they've played, they. They've done a bunch of different things and nothing has really been successful. Like two games ago it was all Ramondre Terrell Jennings. They couldn't convert against the Giants. Henderson got the goal line carries, he couldn't convert. So don't exactly know what's going to happen when they get into the red zone. But you know who has the best chance of scoring outside the renzone? It's Travion Henderson.
- [10:48]
Chris Welsh
Fitz, you're a little bit more pessimistic on Travion. You got him around 18, you know, so that that's starting to get into the realm of like there could be other possibilities. What's your take on Trayvon this week?
- [10:57]
Pat Fitzmaurice
Yeah, just that it seems like a lot of the rankers who are Giving Henderson this ECR of running back 13 are forgetting that the last time we saw the Patriots before their buy, Ramon Dre out snapped Travion 38 to 32 and out touched him 15 to 14. So we don't want this to be a split backfield, but it's a split backfield and we do like the matchup against the Bills who struggle to stop the run. But I, I just can't get any higher than mid range RB2 for Henderson, knowing that Ramondre Stevenson is probably going to get about 50% of the work.
- [11:34]
Chris Welsh
All right, the next running back we're going to talk about. This is probably your guys biggest discrepancy where you guys are on other ends. Now the funny thing about it is you guys are technically still both RB2s on this guy, but it's almost the complete opposite end. This player is Breece Hall. Breece hall comes in with an ECR of 18 usage. Their offense, everything is just wild right now. They're going up against the Jags. Matchup grade is not great and this is where you guys are on those opposite ends. Erickson is all the way down at 23, but Fitzy, you're at 15. So you're our positive take on Breece hall this week. So sell us on the comfortability of starting Breeze Hall.
- [12:14]
Pat Fitzmaurice
It's not that comfortable and I, I am going to move him down to running back 17 because I don't right now with 15. I tentatively had him above.
- [12:29]
Let's see, Kyron, Kyron Williams, just because maybe he wasn't getting enough snaps. Has a tough matchup against Detroit, but no, I mean, I think Bree should be behind Kyren and I think he should probably be behind RJ Harvey, even though his matchup against the packers isn't that awesome.
- [12:45]
But that's about as far as I can move him. Do, do we know yet whether it's going to be Justin Fields or Brady Cook? Have the jets made a decision about that? Like, I know Fields was inactive last week because of knee soreness, but is that a real thing or were the jets just making an excuse for Fields not to be active in a game that Tyrod was starting?
- [13:05]
Chris Welsh
Like if you're. Yeah. If you're not, if you're not asking that like as a figurative thing. Yeah, I don't think we have that information yet. It seems like it's Cook, but you know, to your point, it could be like, hey, Fields is better. He's all. Isn't that crazy, guys? He's so good.
- [13:19]
Andrew Erickson
They also said that like Tad could play like to like we don't know. It could be any three of those. We'll all find out together who the jets quarterback will be.
- [13:26]
Pat Fitzmaurice
Yeah, like I, I would maybe be a little less enthusiastic if it was Brady Cook just because at least maybe Fields with his mobility sort of like opens up some some things in the running game for hall or you know, obviously Breeze has worked out really well with to Rod, so I do worry that hall might not get many targets this week if we have a QB change and you know it's going to be challenging for him on the ground against the Jaguars, who have given up the fewest rushing yards to running backs of any team in the league.
- [13:58]
Chris Welsh
Erickson, what do you think? Where are you at on Breeze hall because you're on the opp. Well, I know where you're at. You're at 23, you're on the opposite end. So it kind of sounded from like a pot positive looking rank compared to ECR for fits. I didn't really sound super positive. That sounded a little bit more negative. Where Erickson, your rank is a lot more negative than ecr. So where are you at?
- [14:18]
Andrew Erickson
I think he feels like a landmine player this week. I mean last week he was RB44 after being the RB16 the two weeks prior. He hasn't finished top six since week 10 against the Browns. So we're always searching for upside. Does he have upside against the number one run defense in the NFL with potentially either a undrafted rookie free agent quarterback or a veteran quarterback that's injured? Coming off an injury, you could really see the bottom fallout on Breece Hall. So I understand that we need to rank him in that RB2 range because of the snaps that he sees. He's got the bell cow workload, but he's had that basically all year. And again he has two top six finishes since week eight and one of those was against the Cincinnati Bengals. So we know that was guaranteed to happen. So yeah, I think that he's really risky this week, especially given the matchup, given the ambiguity around the quarterbacks and the inconsistency with the passing immigrant one target last week. Right. So although it seems like okay, we're going the right direction a couple weeks ago, he has four cats for 75 yards. You're thinking, all right, we're involved in the passing game next week. Two catches, so just too inconsistent for Hall. I am really concerned about him this week.
- [15:33]
Pat Fitzmaurice
Yeah. Can I, since I was really negative on that. I mean the selling point with Breeze is that over his last five games he has played more than 70% of the offensive snaps and has averaged about 18 touches. So the volume is there to warrant him being an RB2, I think. But you know, the overall state of the offense and the matchup are the, the parts where you get sweaty palms if you're thinking about starting him.
- [15:59]
Chris Welsh
I think there are, there have been some sweaty palms around Woody Marks, but Woody Marks not going up against Kansas City Chiefs offense, going up against Arizona Cardinals this week he is ECR RB20 and both of you fine gentlemen higher. Higher than ECR. Erickson, you almost float him as an RB1 this week. You've got him at RB14. So why don't you kick off Woody Marks week as you're going to label it.
- [16:23]
Andrew Erickson
Well, naturally, after burying Woody Marks for last week and being wrong, I need to reverse course and be all in on Woody Marks. Look, I don't know if Nick Chubb is going to play in this game. He has a. I think it was originally ruled as a groin injury, but then I think they said it was a rib injury. So he's dealing with some injuries. We don't know if he's going to play in this matchup, but if he doesn't play, it's just going to be the Woody mark show whether he's 100 or not. I know he was terrible on the ground. Again, efficiency wise against the Chiefs. Again, tough matchup, 2.6 yards per carry, but he also had 26 carries on an 87% snap share. The one time that he missed was he had to come out of the game. And of course Daria Gumawale comes in and vultures a touchdown on his one snap played on offense. But Woody Marks did score a receiving touchdown earlier in the game, so it didn't hurt fantasy managers that much. And the matchup. The Cardinals are buns guys against against the run. I mean on defense this team is giving up, right? They keep losing games. They're checked out. Top five matchup for running backs. They just put another defensive tackle on injured reserve. Blake Corm smashed against them last week. Bucky Etn CMC the Seahawks running backs Javante Williams like just look at the list of guys that have faced the Cardinals and they've all smashed. So the matchup is divine. The workload is divine. I think this is where the Texans kind of get going here. This is a team that's trying to make a playoff run. Their defense is elite. They can play ball control here. So assuming that Woody Marks is going to be okay, I know that seemed like he was kind of like a little bit banged up against the Chiefs, but if he's healthy, active, he's going to see a boatload of touches and the matchup is divine.
- [17:54]
Podcast Host/Advertiser
Love the Night Reach for Zinn After Dark, a limited cocktail inspired series for those who get up when the sun goes down. Try Zinn's Mojito Spiced Cider, an espresso martini. Nicotine pouches Find them at select retailers. Available while supplies last. Zinn After Dark Bring on the night.
- [18:20]
This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical so Next.
- [18:24]
Ad Voice
Summer, the biggest soccer event on earth is coming to the US for the first time in over 20 years. Now is the time to get in on the action. Every rivalry, every crazy skill and of course, every goal. And we all know that every goal starts with an assistant. It's true for soccer and it's true for health. That's why Halion, makers of Advil, Tums, Sensodyne, Centrum and Voltaren, is teaming up with US Soccer to launch for the Assist. It's a new campaign that celebrates those everyday acts of support that help people achieve their goals. Whether it's the fans cheering their hearts out in an electric stadium or the rec player who's keeping fit for weekend games, Halion is there for them. To learn more, go to helionassist.
- [19:03]
If.
- [19:04]
You'Re an H Vac technician and a call comes in, Grainger knows that you need a partner that helps you find the right product fast and hassle free. And you know that when the first problem of the day is a clanking blower motor, there's no need to break a sweat. With Grainger's easy to use website and product details, you're confident you'll soon have everything humming right along. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickranger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.
- [19:34]
Chris Welsh
A lot of Divines Fitzy. You got him at 19, you're just one spot above ECR. This looks like a pretty positive play for this week. What's your take on him?
- [19:43]
Pat Fitzmaurice
So yeah, the workload is going to be ample, although Darre Goomba Walley probably is going to play on passing downs I would think. And maybe I should have Marks ranked higher based purely on rushing volume. But thing is, I just. I don't know if Woody Marks is good. I know Breeze hall is good. I don't want to rank Woody Marks ahead of Breece hall even though the matchup is so much better. And Woody Marks had a good matchup a few weeks ago against the Titans and ran 18 times for 44 yards. Like Marks has had at least 16 carries in each of his last four games and he topped out at 26 last week, season high. And yet Marks has not had more than 74 rushing yards in any game this season and he's averaging 3.5 yards per carry. Like he's kind of in the Tony Pollard zone where he's last week notwithstanding, of course with Tony Pollard's huge game. But for most of the season, Tony Pollard was getting volume but just empty volume and still couldn't get to like double digit PPR points. So I'm not sure if that's a zone I really want to be stuck in. So if I have to play Woody Marks, I'm okay with it. He is kind of a mid range RB2 for me, but he just hasn't really done anything to get me excited and he's not really contributing as a pass catcher.
- [21:06]
Chris Welsh
The final running back in this range we're going to talk about, we're in a space where it's really tough to like be comfortable with Rico Dowdle anymore. But even as like Chuba kind of bounces back up, Rico is still getting his touches. To be fair, even though he has not had over 60 yards rushing in four straight weeks. He has had over 20 touches in three of the four. But he has had in his five last five games he has had a declining RV finish from 2 to 15 to 20 to 23, down to 35 this past week and he had 20 touches with 18 carries. Now that was in week 13 by the way. Bye week. They just had. You've got New Orleans so you've got like a theoretical pretty nice matchup. On paper. He comes in as ECR22. You guys are both a little on the opposite side. Fitzy, why don't we start with you. You have the Lower rank at 26 as an RB3. He has been getting volume, but I kind of tend to think I might be with you. I just don't trust Rico. Data, it looks like things are turning in favor of Chuba.
- [22:11]
Pat Fitzmaurice
He did get volume 20 touches in that upset win over the rams in week 13, which was the last time we saw the Panthers since they were on by last week. Chuba Hubbard out snapped Rico Dowdle 38 to 27 in that game and Rico touched the ball on 74% of his snaps, which just.
- [22:35]
Maybe that could. I don't know if his touch percentage is going to be 74% again, but the Panthers are sort of actively trying to hide their quarterback Bryce Young, so we know they're probably going to be run heavy against the Saints this week and maybe this split the Snap split can still work for Rico. I just, I think a lot of Rico Dowdle investors are going to have tough lineup decisions this week because he is a very fringy starter. I think when he's getting, you know, out snapped by 11 to Chuba Hubbard and maybe Rico has more snaps than Chuba this week. But now I think it's to the point where Chuba is, is sort of back in this thing and it's more like a 5050 backfield.
- [23:22]
Chris Welsh
Yeah. You know I would say looking at ECR Erickson in my mind I think it stops at Harvey. Well even Harvey's a question against Green Bay. But like you know, you're feeling like all right, cool. We're, we're, you know, we know what we're doing. I'm looking at C Judkins at 16.
- [23:38]
Pat Fitzmaurice
Cool.
- [23:39]
Chris Welsh
Harvey probably Cool Breeze is like the breeze discussion. Maybe I even add him because even though I don't feel comfortable with it like I do know there's volume but my uncomfortability starts. Ashton Genty that's when I just realized we probably should have talked about we didn't put him in here at 19 against the Eagles. Jalen Warren about Miami Rico's in here like this is a level where I think questions are really starting to pop up of like do I trust these guys out there and Rico might be the leader of that pack. He actually might be the worst of all of those players in like the level of trust I have. What say you?
- [24:13]
Andrew Erickson
I think that's a really good way to pose this type of tier is what was what's my trust level with some of these guys? And I guess I asked the same question but then I also follow up with well what's the upside case if things work out in my favor for this particular running back, can it pan out for me and deliver a weak winning type of performance? We've seen Dowdle be a full blown workhorse at times this year. Whether it's been Chuba back in the lineup or completely out of the lineup. We've seen him also in this exact matchup against the New Orleans Saints earlier in the year. This is a rematch. 78 of the snaps, 18 carries with 53 yards and a touchdown, three catches for 10 yards and three targets. He's RB15 on the week. So we know against the Saints Rico doubt it could be a top 15 fantasy running back. So I kind of like buying into that. I still think that the Panthers are committed to Dowdle as the early down guy and Chuba Hubbard is A guy they like using more on passing downs. When you look at the Saints third most rushing yards allowed per game, the season running backs, third fewest receiving yards allowed to running back. So when you're looking at the Saints, it looks like it's more of a Rico Dowdle type of matchup than one for Chuba Hubbard. Whereas two weeks ago Hubbard was on a heater and they just rode the hot hand. And despite that, it's funny because we're talking about kind of burying doubt a little bit here because of Chuba. He still had 18 touches in that game that he was quote unquote buried against Chuba Hubbard because of how run heavy the Carolina Panthers were. And in that game against the Saints, this panthers had a negative 7% pass rate over expectations. To to Fitz's point, like Rico Data is probably going to see enough volume to be a fantasy RV2 and that's why he's ranked in ECR. He's not a fantasy RB1 where he's been in previous weeks. So I think that the ECR is pretty spot on with where he's being ranked to kind of temper expectation because of Chuba Hubbard. But when Rico Doddle gets going, man, like he is a tough guy to stop, the Panthers like to ride him. And remember he was kind of dealing with a couple injuries. Two popping up on the injury report with a shoulder, a calf here. They're coming off a bye week. So if he's fresh and ready to go against a defense that's been beaten up against the run, I think Dowdle has a little upside. And, and that goes back to the Breeze hall conversation. I just, I don't believe in the Breeze hall upside this week against the Jags. Whereas Dowdle, if he gets 20 carries against the Saints, I'm taking that guy over Breeze Hall.
- [26:32]
Chris Welsh
Okay, let me ask this then because, well, we just got to cover it because it just completely slipped my mind as we were doing this. Ashton Genti. Ashton Genti usage and the Eagles versus You can use like Rico Doddle as a comparison here, but my main question is like, can you start Ashton Genty this week? And Erickson, we'll start with you on this. You can use the lens because if you want to use the lens of Rico Dowdle, he is getting, like I said, 20 plus touches in three of the last four games, even when he's kind of stunk a little bit. Is Rico Dowdle a safer play than Ashton Genti?
- [27:07]
Andrew Erickson
No, I do not think that he is. And that's because again, I talked about the volume with Rico Dowdle, but if this game goes south, saints are up 14. Nothing serico down on the game. No, like there's a chance he's not in the game and it's all Chuba Hubbard in passing situations. Whereas Genti. Look, I get that it's been bad, it's a disappointing rookie year, but he plays all the snaps. He sees a ton of targets out of the backfield. And I'm still not sold on this Eagles defense without Jalen Carter. Right. They've played three games without him in the running backs in those games have had pretty solid fantasy performances. So Genti's gonna see so much volume still. So I lean towards Genti still.
- [27:44]
Chris Welsh
Genti, he has had six or more catches in three of his last four games. That's just catches. He has had only 15 carries in two of those four games. Here are his last four RB finishes in half PPR. He does have a five overall RV finish which is slick. 37, 34 and 43. Now mind you, all those catches he's still getting and some of the volume he's getting and now he's going up against an Eagles defense. Fitzgerald, can you start Ashton Genti this week?
- [28:16]
Pat Fitzmaurice
You can and I think you would have to count on receiving production like that. That is what you're hanging your hat on if you're starting him because over.
- [28:28]
Chris Welsh
His Rico or him.
- [28:31]
Pat Fitzmaurice
I'm. I'm starting Genty just because of the Snapchat thing. Terrifies me with Rico, like if he doesn't get touches on 74% of his snaps, like he could easily finish with just, you know, a dozen or fewer touches. And like Erickson said, if the game script goes south on him. So I mean it's, it's terrifying with Genty because that offensive line is so hideous. Eight straight games for Ashton Genty of averaging 3.5 or fewer yards per carry. Eight straight games going back to like early October. That's brutal.
- [29:08]
Chris Welsh
Yeah. And by the way, every game but one prior to that, he had been like pretty well over it. I mean there's six and I mean may not well but you know, he had continuously gone over that. So that's my worry is he wasn't able to do it against the Dallas Cowboys, he didn't do it against the Chargers, he didn't do it against Denver. And now you're going to go up against this Eagles defense that has been more susceptible but hungry and the team moves away from Genti even after changing coordinators and stuff like once they're behind which they assuredly will be. They just kind of move away from Genti, so I guess he feels a little landminey to me this week. All right, we've got the final set of running backs. These are like the RB3S 25 through 36, but this is your chance to dominate your fantasy football league with fantasy pros Premium available for six months when you deposit and place your first wager on one of our partner sports books. It's a playoffs. You could get this for the playoffs. You could have premium during the draft season as well. It's the easiest way to get full access to all of our fantasy tools all season long. Go to fantasypros.com premium, get started, play around, figure out how you like it and sign back up for next year for the full season, baby. All right, Arby's 25 through 36, Devin Neal comes in at 25, followed by DeAndre Swift, Aaron Jones, Chris Rodriguez, Kyle Manangai and Tyrone Tracy. At 30, 31 through 36 is Tony Pollard, Chuba Hubbard, Devin Singletary, Kareem Hunt, Blake Corum and David Montgomery. Oh, Chris Rodriguez. Lots of Chris Rodriguez questions coming up this week and this is another one of those instances. You guys are on the opposite ends. He has ECR 28. Fitzy, you are the negative case on Chris Rodriguez. You do not have him as a RB3 even at 37. And though this is a fantastic matchup against the Giants, I just hate this triad of running backs and 10 carries. It's like he will have to get the touchdown to be able to recreate the value. But you tell us you are negative on Chris Rodriguez and I'm going to probably join you.
- [31:10]
Pat Fitzmaurice
That's it. While shut I know the Giants are terrible against the run. They're giving up 6.1 yards per carry to running backs. But look, Chris Rodriguez has had more than 12 carries in a game once this season. He had a 15 carry game. Otherwise we we're talking about a guy who's been getting 10 to 12 carries a game and doesn't catch any passes at all. Two targets the entire season, one six yard reception. If Chris Rodriguez doesn't score a touchdown, you are not going to get your money's worth out of him. And it's not like we have gotten a deluge of touchdowns. He has four this season, three in his last five games. I just, I find this profile utterly unappealing and do not want to start him in a playoff game.
- [31:57]
Chris Welsh
Erickson, you are a little bit on the opposite end though. You're Just at ecr, I suppose. But you're definitely, you're the take that like he could be some flex startable asset. But what's your take on Chris Rodriguez?
- [32:09]
Andrew Erickson
I just think he's going to score a touchdown this week. The Giants 32nd in red zone rushing defense this year and Chris Rodriguez has seen goal line carries every single week. Even last week against the Vikings and just fell short of in the end zone. The commanders actually didn't even end up scoring. They went for on fourth down and it was incomplete. So I just think that he's going to find the end zone this week and that doesn't mean he's going to be a top 12 running back. It means he's probably going to be around RB 29, which is where I have an ACR and where I have him ranked.
- [32:41]
Pat Fitzmaurice
So bet him for an anytime touchdown, but do not start him in your fantasy matchup.
- [32:45]
Chris Welsh
Got it. Good advice. Got it, got it, got it. I mean, yeah, I got it. All right, RB31 on this list, Tony Pollard. Tony Pollard comes in. You guys are, you know, both in the general vicinity. He's going up against The San Francisco 49ers who, whose defense has been definitely susceptible. They pounded the rock with Tony Pollard in that last one. Erickson, you've got him at 30. Fitz, you got him at 33. Erickson, let's get the positive ish. Case, you've got him. You actually have him one spot lower than Chris Rodriguez. I might, I might think I go Tony Pollard over Chris Rodriguez here just for some of the volume play because you're, you're betting one thing on Rodriguez. But what say you, Erickson?
- [33:24]
Andrew Erickson
Tony Pollard feels like such a sucker play this week where we have this guy buried in the low 30s sometimes behind Tajai Spears, and then he just blows up for this career game against the Cleveland Browns, a matchup that we didn't necessarily like on paper. Now you have them going on the road against the 49ers as nearly two touchdown underdogs. It's pretty easy to see how things could go south for Tony Pollard. And talking about Chris Rodriguez, he didn't catch passes. Well, Tony Pollard's not the preferred pass catching back. Taj Spears led the team in receiving yards last week. So although Pollard is not a total zero like Rodriguez is as a receiver out of the back, but he will catch some passes. This feels so this is like the quintessential Point Chasey type of play where, oh, now you got to fire up Tony Pollard because he had a career game. And nobody started him last week. So that's what concerns me about him this week. And I was trying to move him up because I think everybody, when they did the rankings this week, they scrolled down to find Tony Pollard. Like, oh, gotta move this guy way up after he had a monster game. And that feels dangerous to me. So the 49ers are coming off a bye week, but, you know, we know their defense has been banged up. I do think that because he's coming off such a great game that the coaching staff is going to look at that and think, okay, let's get Tony Thornton involved. I think that he is safer from a touch projection, but I don't know. I don't feel good about him, really. And RB 30, that's really not. And still in confidence of a guy coming off a career game. Right. That's just, oh, we got to move him up because we have to move him up. Yeah, I get.
- [34:51]
Chris Welsh
I don't know. I gotta push back a little bit. Like, I'm not so sure. Like, if you're talking about Tony Pollard over Woody Marks, then, yeah, I think you are chasing last week's production. But, I mean, ECR has only pushed him up to 30. He's a barely a flex play. Wide receivers are going to still play over him. I think if you're in a desperate situation, Tony Pollard has maybe more upside because of potential volume than even Chris Rodriguez. Because we said Chris Rodriguez has no receiving upside whatsoever. He doesn't have volume upside. He literally has touchdown equity, which, by the way, Mariota is going to be in there and runs a little bit as well. So, I mean, Tony Pollard got 25 touches last week. The 49ers have absolutely no stop on the defensive line. And if at least early on in the game, there's one way the Titans are going to try to keep in this, and it is control the clock. And how do you do that? You run the ball against a team that you can. So I kind of push back that Tony Pollard's like a suckers play. Unless you think like, oh, my God, he's got to be an RB2 this week. It's like, yeah, no, absolutely not. But like he said, I think he's an okay flex play. But Fitzy, what do you. What do you think? I think you are.
- [35:56]
Actually all of that.
- [35:56]
Andrew Erickson
You're.
- [35:57]
Chris Welsh
You're lower than Erickson on that, but you were kind of shaking your head that maybe there's some agreement with me.
- [36:02]
Pat Fitzmaurice
Yeah, I agree that I'd start ahead of Chris Rodriguez. That was the, that's what it was.
- [36:07]
Andrew Erickson
I can move ahead of Chris Rodriguez. I will, I will capitulate with him over Rodriguez.
- [36:13]
Pat Fitzmaurice
But yeah, Erickson painted this pretty pessimistic portrait of Tony Pollard and I'm lower on Pollard than Erickson is. And I kind of just want to proceed as if last week's Tony Pollard game didn't happen. And probably safe take it from someone who drafted Tony Pollard in too many leagues because of the Taj Spears injury at the beginning of the season and thinking like, hey, he's going to get this nice four game Runway with Spears on iron. And then last week was really the first time all season that Tony Pollard has done anything with heavy volume. Before last week Pollard was averaging 14.8 touches a game this season and yet he was averaging 7.9 half point PPR fantasy points per game and there had only been two games in which he scored more than 9.2 points in half point PPR. And then last week he had 25 carries for 162 yards and two touchdowns against the Browns, who on a couple of those long well, I know the first long touchdown run was just like Keystone Cops with Brown's tacklers falling down and just not wanting to stop Tony Pollard from getting to the end zone. I don't want to chase last week's points here, so I would have to be really, really desperate to start Tony Pollard in 15.
- [37:32]
Andrew Erickson
I want to add one other thing because Welsh, you're in my ear a little bit here with I'm probably going to have to. So I moved Tony Pollard ahead of Chris Rodriguez. So let's go. I've capitulated with that, with that ranking because I think to your point, Pollard has more outs in his profile whereas Rodriguez is touchdown or bus. Even though stone cold lock anytime touchdown for C Rod is happening this week.
- [37:53]
Chris Welsh
Check out the betting pro show.
- [37:55]
Andrew Erickson
Apparently betting pro show Pollard against the Jaguars 2 weeks ago actually did look pretty good in that game too. He was averaging six yards of carry. He was actually on a tear on the opening drive. But as it happens in Titans games that got blown out and he becomes irrelevant. So a lot of this has to do with game script. The Titans play with the lead last week against the Cleveland Browns. Now going back to if Vegas is right about this game and the 49ers are blowing them out, that's how you run into issues with Tony Pollard. However, looking back at some of these 49ers matchups and I think Welsh, I don't remember what show you talked about it, you know Brock Perry's not coming off the best game ever if they don't blow out the Titans at home where they tend to be kind of overvalued against the spread anyway. Maybe this is more of a touchdown game and not a two touchdown game where the Titans can actually feed Tony Pollard. So again, kind of spinning a positive towards Pollard here as well. So again opened up as a suckers play. Maybe I'm just the sucker that's falling for it, so who knows.
- [38:52]
Chris Welsh
No, it's a good breakdown. It made me laugh too though when Fitzy said as someone that drafted him, to be fair, I have 0 shares of Tony.
- [38:59]
Andrew Erickson
Yeah right.
- [39:00]
Chris Welsh
It's like I don't have.
- [39:01]
Andrew Erickson
Yeah. Talk about him when you do.
- [39:02]
Chris Welsh
So I'm like what are you guys talking about? This looks pretty cool. Like if I had him, I don't have him anywhere. Last one. I actually want to turn this into a little bit of a versus because this is just an interesting one. Devin Singletary comes in as RB33 on this list going up against Washington. Really good matchup. But I was staring at Blake Corum out there at 35 and we kind of know exactly who he is, his usage, he keeps dominating. He's got Detroit this week and I just wanted to turn this into a versus because you guys are both on opposite ends of Devon Singletary. Fitz you're at 30, Erickson you're at 40. So this is startable to not startable. You're welcome to do your Devin Singletary take on it, but I also want it in the lens of versus Blake Corum. So Fitzy, why don't we start with you. You are kind of a positive on Devin Singletary. So put that cell in there and how does that compare versus Blake Corum?
- [39:54]
Pat Fitzmaurice
So I've got Devin Singletary, RB30, but I have him one spot behind Blake Corum and RB29. So similar usage outlooks. I want to go with the guy who's in the far superior offense with Blake Corum. But as for Singletary, the positive case I think is that he split work with Tyrone Tracy when we last saw the giants in week 13 and Tyrone Tracy injured his hip in that game. Apparently Tracy's fine and he's expected to play this week, but I think Singletary is a better fantasy option than Tyrone Tracy and the matchup against the Commanders is a good one. Washington has allowed the fifth most rushing yards and fifth most fantasy points to running backs, but here are Devin Singletary's carry totals in the three games since The Giants fired Brian Dabel and made Mike Kafka their interim head coach. 16, 14, 12 and in that last game, he added three catches for 34 yards. So it seems like Kafka wants to use Devin Singletary and keep him involved in the offense and in a good matchup. I think he's flex worthy.
- [41:03]
Chris Welsh
So, Erickson, you are much lower on Devin Singletary. This has been that like Tyrone Tracy versus Singletary thing, but Devin Singletary versus Blake Corum in this as well.
- [41:12]
Andrew Erickson
I need to know what Tracy's injury status is because Mike Kafka talked about earlier this week that they still want to see him in the training room and how he's doing in rehab. Usually you don't refer to someone in rehab injuries when it comes to a guy that says he's fine. So I, I need to get more injury information before I can make a definitive statement on how I feel about the Giants running backs. And that also relates to Blake Corum.
- [41:37]
Pat Fitzmaurice
Yeah, just to be clear, I'm ranking, I am ranking Singletary as if Tracy is playing. Like, I, I still feel like Singletary is very playable even if Tracy plays.
- [41:46]
Chris Welsh
Is your rank erickson, currently a 40 that Tracy is going to play?
- [41:51]
Andrew Erickson
Yes, but that's without restriction. Like, that's. Oh, I'm fine. I'm not on the injury report.
- [41:55]
Chris Welsh
Okay, that's fine.
- [41:56]
Andrew Erickson
It doesn't.
- [41:57]
Chris Welsh
So under, under that circumstance, Quorum over Tracy.
- [42:00]
Andrew Erickson
Yes. Or, excuse me, Quorum over Singletary.
- [42:03]
Chris Welsh
Oh, yeah, I'm sorry. Quorum over Singletary. So then if Tracy does not play and it is Singletary and. Or if Tracy is in some limited capacity, Singletary or Corm.
- [42:13]
Andrew Erickson
Singletary over Quorum. Okay. If it's Singletary's backfield, yeah, perfect.
- [42:18]
Chris Welsh
Quorum is going to be just a popular conversation piece, but I think Singletary in this situation as well. Lot of RVs we covered. There could still be a lot more questions. So if we didn't get to something that you might have. Check out the Start and Sit live stream on our YouTube channel. You can come and ask whatever specific Start and Sit questions you have. Thursday, 3pm Eastern. If you're on the pod YouTube.com fantasypro subscribe. Click the noties. Get in there. Get in those live streams while we still got them. That is it. Week 15 RB's in the books for Ericsson and Pat Fitz Morris. I'm Chris Welsh.
- [42:49]
Andrew Erickson
Good luck.
- [42:50]
Chris Welsh
We'll talk to you next time right here on Fantasy Pros.
- [42:52]
Podcast Outro Host
Thanks for listening to the Fantasy Pros Fantasy football podcast. If you love the show. The best free way to support us is by leaving a positive review on apple podcasts@fantasypros.com review or on Spotify. Follow us on X Instagram and TikTok antasypros and subscribe to our YouTube channel at YouTube.com fantasypros.
- [43:35]
Podcast Host/Advertiser
Love the Night Reach for Zinn After Dark, a limited cocktail inspired series for those who get up when the sun goes down. Try Zinn's Mojito Spiced Cider and Espresso Martini Nicotine Pouches. Find them at select retailers. Available while supplies last Zyn After Dark Bring on the night.
- [44:00]
This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical PCs powered.
- [44:05]
Ad Voice
By Snapdragon X Elite processors are made to go the distance with blazing fast performance, next level efficiency and multi day battery life. Snapdragon processors are built to tackle it all, from highlight reel editing to intense player research so you can be at the top of your game wherever the day takes you. Learn more@snapdragon.com laptops snapdragon the heart of your PC battery life varies significantly based on device settings, usage and other factors.
- [44:37]
Podcast Outro Host
Wishing the holidays could come early? If you own or manage your business, they can, with help from iHeartradio. People are already shopping for their loved ones and hunting for deals wherever they can find them, including right here. They're listening to the radio. They're listening to podcasts. They could be listening to you. Don't wait for everyone else to kick off the holidays. Get your best season of the year up and running today. Call 844-844 or iheart or visit iheartadvertising.com.
- [45:07]
Daniel Jeremiah/Bucky Brooks
Hey everybody, Daniel Jeremiah here and I'm Bucky Brooks on Move to six. We take you inside the game, from breaking down college prospects and NFL rookies.
- [45:17]
Pat Fitzmaurice
To evaluating team building philosophies, coaching trends and how front offices construct winning rosters.
- [45:22]
Daniel Jeremiah/Bucky Brooks
We study the tape, talk to decision makers and give you a perspective you won't find anywhere else.
- [45:28]
Pat Fitzmaurice
It's everything you need to understand the why behind what happens on Sundays.
- [45:33]
Daniel Jeremiah/Bucky Brooks
Don't miss it. Listen to the Move the Sticks podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [45:40]
Podcast Host/Advertiser
This is an I Heart Podcast. Guaranteed human.