2025 RB Lotto Ticket Rankings (1 Viewer)

[rockaction]

Bloom and Lammey mentioned Brashard Smith as the next best RB add after Benson. Granted, they did say it’s a bad week for the WW. But, it opened my eyes nonetheless.

I read somewhere today (I think at FBG in the subscriber articles) that . . . wait, here it is. I'll do this in hopes you guys buy subscriptions to FBGs paid content.

Matt Waldman from his article called the "The Top Ten: Week 4" that came out today:

"Brashard Smith: Sometimes listening to the broadcast crew is worthwhile. If Cris Collinsworth was accurate with what he shared on Sunday night, Andy Reid doesn't think Smith is big enough to become a significant contributor to the Chiefs' ground game this year. It renders Smith a gadget play and likely droppable." - Matt Waldman

This may or may not be accurate, but it's one more piece of information to keep in mind.

When Waldman talks running backs, I sit my *** down and listen.

I don’t think Smith’s strengths fit very well with what this Chiefs offense wants out of their run game- they need someone who can soften defenses up and make them honest so Mahomes can sling it. Pass protection is a major asset. Smith just doesn’t have the build to be out there enough to be fantasy relevant IMO.

I love that you read it and found it compelling. I will say that Waldman's overall number one running back in the entire NFL Draft one year was . . . Trey Sermon. I don't think he's lived that one down yet and it's been somewhere around five years or so. Anyway, that's cool and I agree with you about Smith. I stashed him one league and he might be going back like a fish tonight. The problem is that Pacheco and Hunt are so, so bad and all they have on the practice squad is your friend and mine . . . Carson "Croc" Steele. They might have to play Brashard over the next few weeks or the season might be over. So I'll decide at 12:50 AM or so before waivers close.

Anyway, figured I'd pump the brakes on the Waldman excitement but I'm really glad you found this useful. Best of luck and peace.

 

[bolzano]

Bloom and Lammey mentioned Brashard Smith as the next best RB add after Benson. Granted, they did say it’s a bad week for the WW. But, it opened my eyes nonetheless.

I read somewhere today (I think at FBG in the subscriber articles) that . . . wait, here it is. I'll do this in hopes you guys buy subscriptions to FBGs paid content.

Matt Waldman from his article called the "The Top Ten: Week 4" that came out today:

"Brashard Smith: Sometimes listening to the broadcast crew is worthwhile. If Cris Collinsworth was accurate with what he shared on Sunday night, Andy Reid doesn't think Smith is big enough to become a significant contributor to the Chiefs' ground game this year. It renders Smith a gadget play and likely droppable." - Matt Waldman

This may or may not be accurate, but it's one more piece of information to keep in mind.

Thanks for this.

It’s not often that Bloom and Waldman differ this much on a player’s valuation. Waldman seems right to me though. I feel like Bloom is engaging in wishful thinking that someone can unlock the KC running game, as Pacheco and Hunt don’t seem up to the task.

 

[EWV1]

Bloom and Lammey mentioned Brashard Smith as the next best RB add after Benson. Granted, they did say it’s a bad week for the WW. But, it opened my eyes nonetheless.

I read somewhere today (I think at FBG in the subscriber articles) that . . . wait, here it is. I'll do this in hopes you guys buy subscriptions to FBGs paid content.

Matt Waldman from his article called the "The Top Ten: Week 4" that came out today:

"Brashard Smith: Sometimes listening to the broadcast crew is worthwhile. If Cris Collinsworth was accurate with what he shared on Sunday night, Andy Reid doesn't think Smith is big enough to become a significant contributor to the Chiefs' ground game this year. It renders Smith a gadget play and likely droppable." - Matt Waldman

This may or may not be accurate, but it's one more piece of information to keep in mind.

When Waldman talks running backs, I sit my *** down and listen.

I don’t think Smith’s strengths fit very well with what this Chiefs offense wants out of their run game- they need someone who can soften defenses up and make them honest so Mahomes can sling it. Pass protection is a major asset. Smith just doesn’t have the build to be out there enough to be fantasy relevant IMO.

I love that you read it and found it compelling. I will say that Waldman's overall number one running back in the entire NFL Draft one year was . . . Trey Sermon. I don't think he's lived that one down yet and it's been somewhere around five years or so. Anyway, that's cool and I agree with you about Smith. I stashed him one league and he might be going back like a fish tonight. The problem is that Pacheco and Hunt are so, so bad and all they have on the practice squad is your friend and mine . . . Carson "Croc" Steele. They might have to play Brashard over the next few weeks or the season might be over. So I'll decide at 12:50 AM or so before waivers close.

Anyway, figured I'd pump the brakes on the Waldman excitement but I'm really glad you found this useful. Best of luck and peace.

And Elijah Mitchell, right?

 

[rockaction]

Bloom and Lammey mentioned Brashard Smith as the next best RB add after Benson. Granted, they did say it’s a bad week for the WW. But, it opened my eyes nonetheless.

I read somewhere today (I think at FBG in the subscriber articles) that . . . wait, here it is. I'll do this in hopes you guys buy subscriptions to FBGs paid content.

Matt Waldman from his article called the "The Top Ten: Week 4" that came out today:

"Brashard Smith: Sometimes listening to the broadcast crew is worthwhile. If Cris Collinsworth was accurate with what he shared on Sunday night, Andy Reid doesn't think Smith is big enough to become a significant contributor to the Chiefs' ground game this year. It renders Smith a gadget play and likely droppable." - Matt Waldman

This may or may not be accurate, but it's one more piece of information to keep in mind.

When Waldman talks running backs, I sit my *** down and listen.

I don’t think Smith’s strengths fit very well with what this Chiefs offense wants out of their run game- they need someone who can soften defenses up and make them honest so Mahomes can sling it. Pass protection is a major asset. Smith just doesn’t have the build to be out there enough to be fantasy relevant IMO.

I love that you read it and found it compelling. I will say that Waldman's overall number one running back in the entire NFL Draft one year was . . . Trey Sermon. I don't think he's lived that one down yet and it's been somewhere around five years or so. Anyway, that's cool and I agree with you about Smith. I stashed him one league and he might be going back like a fish tonight. The problem is that Pacheco and Hunt are so, so bad and all they have on the practice squad is your friend and mine . . . Carson "Croc" Steele. They might have to play Brashard over the next few weeks or the season might be over. So I'll decide at 12:50 AM or so before waivers close.

Anyway, figured I'd pump the brakes on the Waldman excitement but I'm really glad you found this useful. Best of luck and peace.

And Elijah Mitchell, right?

Yeah, you're right. I forgot for a moment. I think it's pretty clear what they think of him. *shrugs*

Wait, I'm not there with the coaches at practice. I actually don't know for sure what they think of him, but he hasn't dressed yet. Maybe he will. You do make a good implicit point. He's most likely on the roster because he's better than Steele (at least to the coaches). I mean, I think. There might be something with service time and the 53-man roster. Like a vested vet or something. Let me look that up.

 

[rockaction]

We will let the magic of AI guide us for a moment before it either takes all our jobs and turns on us and kills us or it knows everything there is to know about medicine and uses algorithms to keep us eternally radiant and corporeal.

_______________________________________________________________

As of the 2025 NFL season, Elijah Mitchell is considered a vested veteran. This status significantly affects his eligibility and rights regarding the practice squad and waivers.
Is Elijah Mitchell a vested veteran?

Yes, Elijah Mitchell is a vested veteran. A player earns this status after accumulating four or more "accrued seasons". Mitchell was drafted in 2021, and after completing his fourth season in 2024, he met the criteria.

What this means for the practice squad:

For Elijah Mitchell and other vested veterans, there are key differences in how they can end up on a team's practice squad compared to non-veteran players.

• He is not subject to waivers. If a vested veteran is released from a team's 53-man active roster, he does not have to pass through the waiver system. Instead, he immediately becomes a free agent and can sign with any team he chooses, including his former team's practice squad. In contrast, players with less than four accrued seasons must clear waivers before they can be signed to a practice squad.
• He can be signed directly to a practice squad. A team that releases Mitchell can try to re-sign him to their practice squad without waiting for him to clear waivers. This also means another team can contact and sign him without the waiver process.
• He can be signed by another team's active roster at any time. As a free agent, Mitchell could be signed directly to the 53-man roster of any other team. A team would only need to meet his contract demands to add him to their active roster.
• The practice squad has limited veteran spots. While not subject to a limit on accrued seasons, a team's 16-player practice squad can only include a maximum of six veterans. Mitchell would occupy one of these six spots.
• Higher weekly salary. The NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement mandates higher minimum weekly salaries for veteran players on the practice squad compared to non-veterans.
• Impact on his salary. If a vested veteran like Mitchell is on a team's roster in Week 1, their non-guaranteed salary becomes fully guaranteed for the season. For players on the roster bubble, this can make them more expensive to keep than a younger, cheaper player, which sometimes influences roster decision - Google AI

 

[Footballdaz]

I'll comment on the team I know best.

IMO Ray Davis value would be a low end RB2/high end RB3.

Ty Johnson has almost double his snap counts to date, and Josh Allen has publicly stated that Ty is "no doubt the best 3rd down running back in the league".
Josh usually gets what he wants.

I personally have been selling Davis to many of the other guys you have listed above.

Ty would out touch Davis if Cooks went down. Ty is the guy to own NOT Davis imo.

 

[packer_junkie]

Anyone have a feel on Tyjae spears and what his role will be? Almost already looks like Pollard slowing down in the bell cow role? Have to think. this offense starts moving the ball more efficiently as the season moves along.

 

[Absolutely Nothing]

Anyone have a feel on Tyjae spears and what his role will be? Almost already looks like Pollard slowing down in the bell cow role? Have to think. this offense starts moving the ball more efficiently as the season moves along.

I felt this way too but I was reassured by the fact the Tyjae is missing a whole ACL and coming back from injury makes me feel pretty comfortable with Pollard remaining the starter and bellcow unless the Titans decide they need to compete and trade for a running back.

 

[bolzano]

What are people’s thoughts on Ollie Gordon ROS? I rewatched his touches from the preseason and week 3, and he definitely passes the eye test. IMO he looks like a starting RB and steal in round 6.

Any chance the Dolphins continue with the thunder and lightning split? Seemed to work for them against the Bills and kept them in the game.

 

[Schmeabs]

Who is Barkley's back up? Shipley or Bigsby?

 

[rockaction]

What are people’s thoughts on Ollie Gordon ROS? I rewatched his touches from the preseason and week 3, and he definitely passes the eye test. IMO he looks like a starting RB and steal in round 6.

Any chance the Dolphins continue with the thunder and lightning split? Seemed to work for them against the Bills and kept them in the game.

They should. I don't know if they will. McDaniel is a freaking weird guy. It's beyond that, actually. I think he might be a saboteur, and I don't say stuff like that normally. There is weird, weird **** in Miami. I feel bad for Ollie Gordon, actually. And Achane. They're wasting a pretty good backfield. And it's sort of personally ugly. Mike Tanier used to write for Football Outsiders. Go to McDaniel's thread here. I posted a bizarrely true anecdote and two of Tanier's articles. Tanier can be a wise guy, but he knows football. Miami is crazy.

 

[taylormeetstheismann]

Anyone have a feel on Tyjae spears and what his role will be? Almost already looks like Pollard slowing down in the bell cow role? Have to think. this offense starts moving the ball more efficiently as the season moves along.

I felt this way too but I was reassured by the fact the Tyjae is missing a whole ACL

!!!!

 

[rockaction]

Anyone have a feel on Tyjae spears and what his role will be? Almost already looks like Pollard slowing down in the bell cow role? Have to think. this offense starts moving the ball more efficiently as the season moves along.

I felt this way too but I was reassured by the fact the Tyjae is missing a whole ACL

!!!!

Is there an in-joke in here somewhere? lol if so. Mind spilling?

 

[Absolutely Nothing]

Anyone have a feel on Tyjae spears and what his role will be? Almost already looks like Pollard slowing down in the bell cow role? Have to think. this offense starts moving the ball more efficiently as the season moves along.

I felt this way too but I was reassured by the fact the Tyjae is missing a whole ACL

!!!!

Is there an in-joke in here somewhere? lol if so. Mind spilling?

about the missing ACL? Not a joke, during the draft process that one of his ACLs was entirely gone due to prior injury and arthritis. And you can play without an ACL but it makes the risk of injury higher and with a progressive condition like arthritis it could be that his career is on a much faster timer than even a typical injuries. I hope he makes the field and has an impact but it’s possible he’s already past his “prime”.

 

[rockaction]

Anyone have a feel on Tyjae spears and what his role will be? Almost already looks like Pollard slowing down in the bell cow role? Have to think. this offense starts moving the ball more efficiently as the season moves along.

I felt this way too but I was reassured by the fact the Tyjae is missing a whole ACL

!!!!

Is there an in-joke in here somewhere? lol if so. Mind spilling?

about the missing ACL? Not a joke, during the draft process that one of his ACLs was entirely gone due to prior injury and arthritis. And you can play without an ACL but it makes the risk of injury higher and with a progressive condition like arthritis it could be that his career is on a much faster timer than even a typical injuries. I hope he makes the field and has an impact but it’s possible he’s already past his “prime”.

Oh, I absolutely know about Tyjae. That was the issue with him. I thought that maybe somebody was getting on you or something. Just text without intonation is weird and I read what you guys were saying with a different tone than that which would be literal.

Really no big deal. I thought you all had somebody get dogmatic or maybe flip out or something about it. I guess I'm way off. Pardon me and thanks for humoring me. Take care, Absolutely Nothing, which is about what Tyjae has around his knee, unfortunately for him and his career.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

Bloom and Lammey mentioned Brashard Smith as the next best RB add after Benson. Granted, they did say it’s a bad week for the WW. But, it opened my eyes nonetheless.

I read somewhere today (I think at FBG in the subscriber articles) that . . . wait, here it is. I'll do this in hopes you guys buy subscriptions to FBGs paid content.

Matt Waldman from his article called the "The Top Ten: Week 4" that came out today:

"Brashard Smith: Sometimes listening to the broadcast crew is worthwhile. If Cris Collinsworth was accurate with what he shared on Sunday night, Andy Reid doesn't think Smith is big enough to become a significant contributor to the Chiefs' ground game this year. It renders Smith a gadget play and likely droppable." - Matt Waldman

This may or may not be accurate, but it's one more piece of information to keep in mind.

When Waldman talks running backs, I sit my *** down and listen.

I don’t think Smith’s strengths fit very well with what this Chiefs offense wants out of their run game- they need someone who can soften defenses up and make them honest so Mahomes can sling it. Pass protection is a major asset. Smith just doesn’t have the build to be out there enough to be fantasy relevant IMO.

I sure wish the Omarion Hampton owner in my 1QB dynasty league would. He doesn't even understand what a great deal I'm offering in future stud QB Michael Penix and RB Tyjae Spears for the 9th best RB of this draft class.

 

[rockaction]

Bloom and Lammey mentioned Brashard Smith as the next best RB add after Benson. Granted, they did say it’s a bad week for the WW. But, it opened my eyes nonetheless.

I read somewhere today (I think at FBG in the subscriber articles) that . . . wait, here it is. I'll do this in hopes you guys buy subscriptions to FBGs paid content.

Matt Waldman from his article called the "The Top Ten: Week 4" that came out today:

"Brashard Smith: Sometimes listening to the broadcast crew is worthwhile. If Cris Collinsworth was accurate with what he shared on Sunday night, Andy Reid doesn't think Smith is big enough to become a significant contributor to the Chiefs' ground game this year. It renders Smith a gadget play and likely droppable." - Matt Waldman

This may or may not be accurate, but it's one more piece of information to keep in mind.

When Waldman talks running backs, I sit my *** down and listen.

I don’t think Smith’s strengths fit very well with what this Chiefs offense wants out of their run game- they need someone who can soften defenses up and make them honest so Mahomes can sling it. Pass protection is a major asset. Smith just doesn’t have the build to be out there enough to be fantasy relevant IMO.

I sure wish the Omarion Hampton owner in my 1QB dynasty league would. He doesn't even understand what a great deal I'm offering in future stud QB Michael Penix and RB Tyjae Spears for the 9th best RB of this draft class.

OMFUG. Duuude. Maybe we can throw in Chubb and a promise Najee only loses half a step but diagnoses the safety better after a year off so the issue is moot.

 

[Absolutely Nothing]

Anyone have a feel on Tyjae spears and what his role will be? Almost already looks like Pollard slowing down in the bell cow role? Have to think. this offense starts moving the ball more efficiently as the season moves along.

I felt this way too but I was reassured by the fact the Tyjae is missing a whole ACL

!!!!

Is there an in-joke in here somewhere? lol if so. Mind spilling?

about the missing ACL? Not a joke, during the draft process that one of his ACLs was entirely gone due to prior injury and arthritis. And you can play without an ACL but it makes the risk of injury higher and with a progressive condition like arthritis it could be that his career is on a much faster timer than even a typical injuries. I hope he makes the field and has an impact but it’s possible he’s already past his “prime”.

Oh, I absolutely know about Tyjae. That was the issue with him. I thought that maybe somebody was getting on you or something. Just text without intonation is weird and I read what you guys were saying with a different tone than that which would be literal.

Really no big deal. I thought you all had somebody get dogmatic or maybe flip out or something about it. I guess I'm way off. Pardon me and thanks for humoring me. Take care, Absolutely Nothing, which is about what Tyjae has around his knee, unfortunately for him and his career.

No no, I was just worried about Pollard and someone talked me down from being worried about Tyjae taking over (in a very amicable manner)! It’s all good

 

[Footballdaz]

I'm stashing Tyler Goodson as JT backup. I know everyone is stashing Giddens. But Goodson now healthy got more touches then Giddens last week..
Maybe the rookie not ready.

 

[zamboni]

I'm stashing Tyler Goodson as JT backup. I know everyone is stashing Giddens. But Goodson now healthy got more touches then Giddens last week..
Maybe the rookie not ready.

Giddens actually had more snaps than Goodson (8 vs 4) despite having one fewer touch (2 vs 1). Both obviously very small sample sizes, so the backup situation is as clear as mud.

https://x.com/nflplayersnaps/status/1970144915255378186?s=46

 

[steelcityman]

If JT goes down, they'll both get carries. Neither would be special, and maybe not even playable in fantasy.

I was looking to drop Bigsby, now that Shipley appears to be back, and adding Brooks from Cincy. I know Brown is their guy, but probably worth a shot over Saquon getting hurt and Bigsby being the name with the bundle of RBs Philly has now.

 

[Hartliner]

Chris Rodrigues is a RB3 play this week if JCM is ruled out.

Free in 95% of ESPN leagues.

Definitely a lotto pick and prime example!

 

[ponchsox]

Steeler fans, is Kaleb Johnson worth a stash or is he just an injury handcuff at this point?

 

[steelcityman]

Steeler fans, is Kaleb Johnson worth a stash or is he just an injury handcuff at this point?

He's not an injury handcuff. Warren could go down for the year and Kaleb wouldnt see many carries. Gainwell is the handcuff. Trey Sermon would be RB2, and then Kaleb as RB3. Sadly, his career might be over in Pittsburgh already. One rookie mistake, essentially caused by Tomlin, and the city hates him now, Tomlin misused him in preseason, then put him as kick returner. Just a total botch job.
I drafted him 7th overall in my dynasty rookie draft, so I cant do anything with him, and just hope 2026 is a fresh start.

 

[ponchsox]

Steeler fans, is Kaleb Johnson worth a stash or is he just an injury handcuff at this point?

He's not an injury handcuff. Warren could go down for the year and Kaleb wouldnt see many carries. Gainwell is the handcuff. Trey Sermon would be RB2, and then Kaleb as RB3. Sadly, his career might be over in Pittsburgh already. One rookie mistake, essentially caused by Tomlin, and the city hates him now, Tomlin misused him in preseason, then put him as kick returner. Just a total botch job.
I drafted him 7th overall in my dynasty rookie draft, so I cant do anything with him, and just hope 2026 is a fresh start.

Wow, good to know. I’ll leave him on waivers.

 

[steelcityman]

Steeler fans, is Kaleb Johnson worth a stash or is he just an injury handcuff at this point?

He's not an injury handcuff. Warren could go down for the year and Kaleb wouldnt see many carries. Gainwell is the handcuff. Trey Sermon would be RB2, and then Kaleb as RB3. Sadly, his career might be over in Pittsburgh already. One rookie mistake, essentially caused by Tomlin, and the city hates him now, Tomlin misused him in preseason, then put him as kick returner. Just a total botch job.
I drafted him 7th overall in my dynasty rookie draft, so I cant do anything with him, and just hope 2026 is a fresh start.

Wow, good to know. I’ll leave him on waivers.

In a redraft league, yes. In a dynasty league, he is still worth a roster spot, if you have one, for the future.

 

[TVT 0 N S T A]

Chris Rodrigues is a RB3 play this week if JCM is ruled out.

Free in 95% of ESPN leagues.

Definitely a lotto pick and prime example!

Taking a flier on Rodriguez today, as my team is decimated with injuries in the flex - see what Judkins and Rodriguez can bring me in the flex.

I added him for nothing - JCM is back at practice but coaches say he is a GTD. Taking my fantasy team one week at a time...

 

[brewer]

Steeler fans, is Kaleb Johnson worth a stash or is he just an injury handcuff at this point?

He's not an injury handcuff. Warren could go down for the year and Kaleb wouldnt see many carries. Gainwell is the handcuff. Trey Sermon would be RB2, and then Kaleb as RB3. Sadly, his career might be over in Pittsburgh already. One rookie mistake, essentially caused by Tomlin, and the city hates him now, Tomlin misused him in preseason, then put him as kick returner. Just a total botch job.
I drafted him 7th overall in my dynasty rookie draft, so I cant do anything with him, and just hope 2026 is a fresh start.

I saw a lot of Steelers fans piling on Kaleb for the kickoff mistake. But, the first thing that came to me was that’s a coaching issue, too. You’d have thought they would’ve gone over every scenario with Kaleb and the other returners to make sure they knew what to do

Also, the main problem is that he still isn't a very good blocker and with the offensive line issues that the Steelers are having, they can't let this guy get Rodgers killed.

His Pittsburgh career isn't over by any means, but I do think he has a lot of trust to rebuild before seeing any meaningful snaps this year.

 

[tigerz]

Bloom and Lammey mentioned Brashard Smith as the next best RB add after Benson. Granted, they did say it’s a bad week for the WW. But, it opened my eyes nonetheless.

I read somewhere today (I think at FBG in the subscriber articles) that . . . wait, here it is. I'll do this in hopes you guys buy subscriptions to FBGs paid content.

Matt Waldman from his article called the "The Top Ten: Week 4" that came out today:

"Brashard Smith: Sometimes listening to the broadcast crew is worthwhile. If Cris Collinsworth was accurate with what he shared on Sunday night, Andy Reid doesn't think Smith is big enough to become a significant contributor to the Chiefs' ground game this year. It renders Smith a gadget play and likely droppable." - Matt Waldman

This may or may not be accurate, but it's one more piece of information to keep in mind.

When Waldman talks running backs, I sit my *** down and listen.

I don’t think Smith’s strengths fit very well with what this Chiefs offense wants out of their run game- they need someone who can soften defenses up and make them honest so Mahomes can sling it. Pass protection is a major asset. Smith just doesn’t have the build to be out there enough to be fantasy relevant IMO.

I sure wish the Omarion Hampton owner in my 1QB dynasty league would. He doesn't even understand what a great deal I'm offering in future stud QB Michael Penix and RB Tyjae Spears for the 9th best RB of this draft class.

OMFUG. Duuude. Maybe we can throw in Chubb and a promise Najee only loses half a step but diagnoses the safety better after a year off so the issue is moot.

Man. Good to read some waldman comments. Feels like he deserves his own thread. Some of his calls are really good and different from many other analysts but he’s just so out there that I feel he had some very bad calls sometimes. Wish I kept a running list but that trey sermon pick was super painful.

Wish I listened to him about skattebo but this year he costed me a few…

Harris, Chubb, jones, Stevenson… the guy loves aging, non-hyped, and injury prone guys.

He also loves long shots like Sean Tucker and Montegai. I guess when you hit one of those guys Waldman seems like a genius with Nostradamus level foresight but he writes on like every random player.

still pissed at him for his chiefs favoritism though. Seems like every year he goes all in on the chiefs and it’s going to be their best year ever.

Still respect and read his stuff religiously though. But have to be able to decipher what the correct takeaways are as he could really screw you if you reach for his guys early.

 

[rockaction]

Bloom and Lammey mentioned Brashard Smith as the next best RB add after Benson. Granted, they did say it’s a bad week for the WW. But, it opened my eyes nonetheless.

I read somewhere today (I think at FBG in the subscriber articles) that . . . wait, here it is. I'll do this in hopes you guys buy subscriptions to FBGs paid content.

Matt Waldman from his article called the "The Top Ten: Week 4" that came out today:

"Brashard Smith: Sometimes listening to the broadcast crew is worthwhile. If Cris Collinsworth was accurate with what he shared on Sunday night, Andy Reid doesn't think Smith is big enough to become a significant contributor to the Chiefs' ground game this year. It renders Smith a gadget play and likely droppable." - Matt Waldman

This may or may not be accurate, but it's one more piece of information to keep in mind.

When Waldman talks running backs, I sit my *** down and listen.

I don’t think Smith’s strengths fit very well with what this Chiefs offense wants out of their run game- they need someone who can soften defenses up and make them honest so Mahomes can sling it. Pass protection is a major asset. Smith just doesn’t have the build to be out there enough to be fantasy relevant IMO.

I sure wish the Omarion Hampton owner in my 1QB dynasty league would. He doesn't even understand what a great deal I'm offering in future stud QB Michael Penix and RB Tyjae Spears for the 9th best RB of this draft class.

OMFUG. Duuude. Maybe we can throw in Chubb and a promise Najee only loses half a step but diagnoses the safety better after a year off so the issue is moot.

Man. Good to read some waldman comments. Feels like he deserves his own thread. Some of his calls are really good and different from many other analysts but he’s just so out there that I feel he had some very bad calls sometimes. Wish I kept a running list but that trey sermon pick was super painful.

Wish I listened to him about skattebo but this year he costed me a few…

Harris, Chubb, jones, Stevenson… the guy loves aging, non-hyped, and injury prone guys.

He also loves long shots like Sean Tucker and Montegai. I guess when you hit one of those guys Waldman seems like a genius with Nostradamus level foresight but he writes on like every random player.

still pissed at him for his chiefs favoritism though. Seems like every year he goes all in on the chiefs and it’s going to be their best year ever.

Still respect and read his stuff religiously though. But have to be able to decipher what the correct takeaways are as he could really screw you if you reach for his guys early.

Heh. You know what? I have a ton of respect for the man and I try on these boards to be very respectful and give him a massively wide birth. He used to be so instrumental in my knowing who these guys were after the draft. And there are times he is so good with the deeper guys, and my fantasy league is a deep dynasty fantasy league. I give Matt his propers. There are things he might change, and I would only gently suggest them to him—and I would try to do it as kindly as possible because when you hear somebody talk a lot for ten+ years, even if you're just parasocial (an online term that means thinking you know somebody because you hear all their personalized social media content) with them, you can get an idea about their priorities and soul. He seems to have a good priorities and a good soul.

But there are some things you might have identified where he could potentially improve. I will say that we sometimes hear things that might not be there, or he might hqve meant something else. There's one glaring thing you got going. He would not tell you to roster a Chiefs receiver. Like ever. He thinks—and he has been mucho right aside from Rashee, who is a weird zone-beating unicorn—that Andy Reid's system precludes very good receivers from achieving fantasy excellence. He goes off about that. I'm going to have to try and pull it for you.

I do agree that he freaking loves older backs. Were you reading him when the wheels fell off Ezekiel Elliott at around 26? He was donezo and Matt sort of touted him for a long year and a half or two. Oof.

So, yeah, there are grains of salt to be had, but I try to keep it light and not mean or petty. Peace and I'm glad you appreciated our jokes.

 

[Hartliner]

Kaleb Johnson is a buy RN!
Jaylen Warren is inactive.

 

[Doubles]

Kaleb Johnson is a buy RN!
Jaylen Warren is inactive.

Dropped Tillman for him. Let’s see.

 

[KaeptainAmerica]

Kaleb, Tuten, or Woody ROS?

 

[dipandglide]

Kaleb, Tuten, or Woody ROS?

Tuten as much as it pains me to say

 

[Hartliner]

Here's a micro update on some lotto RBs:

TBB:

• Starter: Bucky Irving
• Handcuff: Rachaad White/Sean Tucker
• Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3

Let's add in Sean Tucker, bid for them and we will see MRI status on Bucky. RN worth a speculative FAAB of 15-25% IMO.

PIT:

• Starter: Jaylen Warren
• Handcuff: Kenneth Gainwell/Kaleb Johnson
• Value: Low-end RB3 / Flex

Welp, I grabbed Kaleb and that stunk but might have just been a 1 week thing if Warren is back going to adjust this to reflect that Gainwell is main backup.

• HOU:
  • Starter: Nick Chubb
  • Handcuff: Dameon Pierce/Woody Marks
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3 (uncertain pecking order)

This is just a pending kingmaker update congrats if you got them.

KCC:

• Starter: Isiah Pacheco
• Handcuff: Kareem Hunt/Brashard Smith
• Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3

Worth a spec pickup if you can, the buzz is starting to pick up and news of the OC and HC are saying they want to get them involved sooner than later. Pacheco has been disappointing and we might see a change in snaps.

WAS:

• Starter: JCM "Bill"
• Handcuff: Chris Rodriguez Jr.
• Value: Mid-range RB3

Chris is overtaking the carries and its still pretty bad since this is a 3 headed backfield but maybe you believe in C-ROD

BAL:

• Starter: Derrick Henry
• Handcuff: Keaton Mitchell/Justice Hill
• Value: low-end RB2

Yep, Justice Hill is now more involved and King Henry is older looking but the real problem is next couple of weeks Defenses will key in on run since Lamar will miss time.

 

[Footballdaz]

Here's a micro update on some lotto RBs:

TBB:

• Starter: Bucky Irving
• Handcuff: Rachaad White/Sean Tucker
• Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3

Let's add in Sean Tucker, bid for them and we will see MRI status on Bucky. RN worth a speculative FAAB of 15-25% IMO.

PIT:

• Starter: Jaylen Warren
• Handcuff: Kenneth Gainwell/Kaleb Johnson
• Value: Low-end RB3 / Flex

Welp, I grabbed Kaleb and that stunk but might have just been a 1 week thing if Warren is back going to adjust this to reflect that Gainwell is main backup.

• HOU:
  • Starter: Nick Chubb
  • Handcuff: Dameon Pierce/Woody Marks
  • Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3 (uncertain pecking order)

This is just a pending kingmaker update congrats if you got them.

KCC:

• Starter: Isiah Pacheco
• Handcuff: Kareem Hunt/Brashard Smith
• Value: Low-end RB2 / High-end RB3

Worth a spec pickup if you can, the buzz is starting to pick up and news of the OC and HC are saying they want to get them involved sooner than later. Pacheco has been disappointing and we might see a change in snaps.

WAS:

• Starter: JCM "Bill"
• Handcuff: Chris Rodriguez Jr.
• Value: Mid-range RB3

Chris is overtaking the carries and its still pretty bad since this is a 3 headed backfield but maybe you believe in C-ROD

BAL:

• Starter: Derrick Henry
• Handcuff: Keaton Mitchell/Justice Hill
• Value: low-end RB2

Yep, Justice Hill is now more involved and King Henry is older looking but the real problem is next couple of weeks Defenses will key in on run since Lamar will miss time.

Hill grts garage time points. He does the same every year. He'll have a few games like this in blowouts.

 

[IHEARTFF]

Mostert healthy and played well Sunday. Worth a look in deeper leagues as bye weeks start.

 

[Hartliner]

Sean Tucker…. I would have drop Tyler Allgeier.

 

[JohnnyU]

I just traded Kaleb Johnson and a 2026 1st for Kendre Miller and a 2026 2nd (dynasty). I know it's a risk, but having Chase Brown and Ladd McConkey underperforming, I had to take some risks. Brown's schedule has been brutal and gets better, but still, I felt it was time to roll the dice on someone like Miller. Could it backfire? Sure, but I don't think Kamara will be a Saint much longer (KC?), but even if he is, they should be around 2-11 around fantasy playoff time and I could see Kamara going on the shelf for whatever reason and Miller being a viable lottery ticket.

 

[Footballdaz]

Sean Tucker…. I would have drop Tyler Allgeier.

If White's injury was season ending. It's only a week or so injury. Not worth Tucker unless you need him to start at rb for you and know you can pick Allgerier back up next week.

 

[JohnnyU]

Sean Tucker…. I would have drop Tyler Allgeier.

If White's injury was season ending. It's only a week or so injury. Not worth Tucker unless you need him to start at rb for you and know you can pick Allgerier back up next week.

What is wrong with White? Nothing as I can tell. Irving on the other hand.......I believe HSG quoted a past injury for White in the Tucker thread, or something like that. What am I missing?

 

[tigerz]

Crazy week. I think I might be forced to start woody marks, demarcado, and white this week.

 

[dmac37]

Crazy week. I think I might be forced to start woody marks, demarcado, and white this week.

I think I have you beat. I'm 4-0 but this week starting Tucker and Davis at RB with Wentz at QB.

 

[JohnnyU]

Crazy week. I think I might be forced to start woody marks, demarcado, and white this week.

I think I have you beat. I'm 4-0 but this week starting Tucker and Davis at RB with Wentz at QB.

I would say I feel sorry for you, but you're 4-0, so I can't go there.

 

[Pigskin Fanatic]

Crazy week. I think I might be forced to start woody marks, demarcado, and white this week.

My starting lineup could end up being Hunt, Carter and Tucker so I missed out on the gems you got. Stop rubbing it in.

 

[urbanhack]

Crazy week. I think I might be forced to start woody marks, demarcado, and white this week.

I think I have you beat. I'm 4-0 but this week starting Tucker and Davis at RB with Wentz at QB.

You win.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

Pure speculation, but Dameon Pierce trade potential to Arizona? I believe they're gap heavy.

Not really sure why Carter went from an interesting dynasty asset in his rookie year to 3rd or 4th string. I guess the same could be said for Pierce.

 

[JohnnyU]

Pure speculation, but Dameon Pierce trade potential to Arizona? I believe they're gap heavy.

Not really sure why Carter went from an interesting dynasty asset in his rookie year to 3rd or 4th string. I guess the same could be said for Pierce.

Neither would ever be considered a league winner, but I suppose if you have a desperate bye week issue Carter may be OK in a pinch. Otherwise he's a roster clogger IMO and Pierce is waiver wire fodder regardless of the team he's on.

 

[eagles 123]

Uncle Rico

 

[tigerz]

Crazy week. I think I might be forced to start woody marks, demarcado, and white this week.

I don’t know how you guys feel but I thought dowdle had more potential kingmaker appeal than either Carter or demercado so I dropped both for him. Proven player vs backups in a timeshare.

Think of the pickups this week marks > white > dowdle > carter / demercado.

I still like Tucker and miller in terms of potential, but dowdle has both immediate value this week and potential next week.