Travdogg's positional rankings from week 8 onward (7 Viewers)

[travdogg]

QB
Tier 1:
1. Patrick Mahomes (5), the running didn't disappear, and Rice being back elevated the whole offense. I sorta recalibrated my KC projections overall this week.
2. Lamar Jackson (1)
3. Josh Allen (2)
4. Jalen Hurts (3)

Tier 2:
5. Jayden Daniels (4)
6. Dak Prescott (10), much like KC, I recalibrated my projections for the offense this week. Dak doesn't run like Mahomes, but he's got even more weapons.
7. Drake Maye (9)
8. Justin Herbert (8)

Tier 3:
9. Baker Mayfield (6)
10. Caleb Williams (7)
11. Daniel Jones (NR), been a solid to great start every game except the Rams, a top-5 defense, and can, but doesn't always contribute to the run game.
12. Bo Nix (14)
13. Matthew Stafford (NR), in my opinion, he's playing the best football of his career right now, even better than the Super Bowl season. Zero in the run game holds his ceiling back, but Rams are pretty pass 1st inside the 10 and has the best 1-2 punch at WR in the NFL.
14. Brock Purdy (12)
15. Jaxson Dart (15)

Dropped off: Jared Goff (12), just isn't the GL priority he often is, and the big plays aren't there. Too many games where Lions score 30+ and he scores like 13. Justin Fields (13), benched. Not sure I agree with it, the problems are much greater than just him, but I understand the benching.

 

[travdogg]

RB
Tier 1:
1. Jonathan Taylor (1)
2. Bijan Robinson (2)
3. Christian McCaffrey (3)
4. Jahmyr Gibbs (5), speaking as someone who had a 42-point lead going into Monday Night, Gibbs is scary in a way no other player is. Little underused in the pass game I think, only 16 catches in his last 6 games, that's what will keep him behind the top-3.
5. De'Von Achane (4)

Tier 2:
6. Josh Jacobs (6)
7. James Cook (7)
8. Ashton Jeanty (8)
9. Derrick Henry (10), schedule is beautiful coming out of the bye. Lamar being back, will raise all ships, but Henry's most of all.
10. Saquon Barkley (9)

Tier 3:
11. Javonte Williams (11)
12. Quinshon Judkins (16), game script can be an issue, as he's pretty uninvolved in the pass game (something that likely remains the case even if Ford is traded) but haven't heard a thing on the suspension front, and the direct snaps inside the 5 are a promising development. Offensive centerpiece.
13. Cam Skattebo (14)
14. Bucky Irving (13)

Tier 4:
15. Kyren Williams (12)
16. D'Andre Swift (20), Bears have been much more run heavy coming out of the bye. Could be weather related, could be opponent related, could also just be a change they decided to make. Regardless that's 2 straight top-6 weeks for Swift. It being Swift, I don't hate him as a sell-high, especially in a 2-1 package type deal, but this could also just be real.
17. Omarion Hampton (15)
18. Jaylen Warren (22), snaps were back to pre-injury levels against the Bengals. Never fully trust Arthur Smith, but Warren is a good player, in an offense starved for such. If this proves to be what the Steelers want to do, its possible he should be a tier higher.
19. Jordan Mason (17)

Tier 5:
20. Chase Brown (24), Flacco has revitalized everyone, and Brown is part of everyone. He's losing more snaps than last season, and its possibly the NFL's worst OL, but there should be enough volume to still return solid RB2 value yet. Kudos to those who sold high early or held and didn't sell low.
21. JK Dobbins (21)
22. Travis Etienne (18)
23. Kenneth Walker (19)

Tier 6:
24. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (26)
25. Breece Hall (23)
26. Rico Dowdle (NR), this is feeling like its gonna be a slightly better version of the Seattle backfield. If one of him or Hubbard went down for the season, I'd have the other in tier 3. Carolina can run block.
27. Chuba Hubbard (25)

Tier 7:
28. Rhamondre Stevenson (NR), 74% of the snaps since Gibson got hurt. He's not super effective, but volume is often king, and he's got that right now. Maye is also making this an offense where TDs are the easiest to come by since Brady was there.
29. Woody Marks (30)
30. Alvin Kamara (27)

Dropped off: TreVeyon Henderson (28), I'd still want to hold him, if I wasn't crunched by the bye weeks, but only reason to be optimistic is Stevenson isn't playing especially well and is always a fumble away from the bench. David Montgomery (29), take away that Ravens game, and he looks more like a handcuff than anything startable. Wouldn't be surprised if Gibbs started to see closer to 2/3rds of the work.

 

[travdogg]

WR
Tier 1:
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (1), he's still getting better weekly. Had a PI that prevented a 2nd TD against Houston. 3 straight 8 catch games. On pace for 121-1989-10. That's a peak Antonio Brown season. Should be getting some OPOY votes.
2. Puka Nacua (2)
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown (3)
4. Ja'Marr Chase (4)
5. Justin Jefferson (5)

Tier 2:
6. Rashee Rice (10)
7. Emeka Egbuka (11)
8. Garrett Wilson (13), was WR5 before the injury, and likely gets a boost from a QB change. He's kind of a Wal-Mart brand JSN. The targets will always be there (7th per game) and he's probably 50-50 to be any Jets TD. A buy low I think as long as we don't get bad news about the injury. I'm under the impression he's 50-50 for this week, but no later than after the week 9 bye. He's the centerpiece of that offense.
9. CeeDee Lamb (9)

Tier 3:
10. Drake London (7)
11. Davante Adams (14)
12. Rome Odunze (6), Bears have been 3rd most run heavy team coming out of the bye, which isn't great news if its sticky. On the other hand, Odunze is still seeing 25% targets and gets the money ones (downfield/redzone) might be better in chase scripts.
13. Nico Collins (8), concussion on top of bad offense, and inconsistent usage. He's becoming more boom/bust (a theme echoed with many in this tier) but still is a high-end WR2.
14. AJ Brown (16)
15. Brian Thomas (12)
16. George Pickens (17)

Tier 4:
17. DK Metcalf (18)
18. Chris Olave (26), targets have been there all season (4th per game) he was PPR scamming it a little there, but now he's getting downfield throws. Always been a big fan of his, and Rattler isn't afraid to force him the ball. Been a great value for those of us who ignored the situation/concussions. Slot fades were nice to see. Easiest big play routes to win on.
19. Tetairoa McMillan (15)
20. Ladd McConkey (22)
21. Deebo Samuel (19)
22. Courtland Sutton (24)

Tier 5:
23. Jaylen Waddle (20)
24. Marvin Harrison (21)
25. Tee Higgins (27)
26. Quentin Johnston (23)
27. Jordan Addison (31), 4th in NFL in air yards since his return from suspension. Question is, how real is this? We saw him get hot for stretches before some rug pulls each of his 1st 2 seasons. How long do they stick with Wentz? McCarthy to Addison is a total unknown. This is a hedge on a guy who could be having your classic 3rd year breakout.

Tier 6:
28. Michael Pittman (28)
29. Zay Flowers (25)
30. Terry McLaurin (30)
31. Keenan Allen (36), followed up his worst game, with his best game. Can't say I'm surprised. Herbert likely doesn't attempt 55 passes again this season, and target competition is higher than ever with Gadsden breaking out. Still, solid WR3.

Tier 7:
32. DeVonta Smith (35)
33. Wan'Dale Robinson (37)
34. Ricky Pearsall (32)
35. Travis Hunter (NR), naturally he blows up once I take him off the list. This was the exact reason I waited so long to do so, the talent is clearly there. Really wide range of outcomes here. Do they spend the bye week deciding he should just be a full-time WR? Does he start keep getting deep shots or was that just because of chase script/Thomas banged up? This is a hedge.
36. Tre Tucker (NR), feel like Meyers is better than 50-50 to be traded, and any #1 WR has value regardless of team and situation. Tucker also has some big ability, which could be freed up a little once Bowers is back. Has 5 catches each of the last 2 weeks, which helps his floor as a deep threat.
37. Stefon Diggs (33)
38. Xavier Worthy (34)
39. Jameson Williams (38)
40. DJ Moore (39)

Dropped off: Mike Evans (29), hope this isn't the end. In theory, he could make it back late this season, but if you don't play in a league with IR spots, he's not worth holding in my opinion. Jakobi Meyers (40), expecting a trade, but not many teams he'd be a #1 for. Probably either a sideways move, or he gets a secondary role in a better offense. He's probably a hold, but maybe a sell if someone is convinced, he'll go to a great landing spot.

 

[travdogg]

TE
Tier 1:
1. Jake Ferguson (5), possible I'm being WAY too bold here, but Lamb's return didn't affect Ferguson's usage at all, it just made him even more open in the redzone. Only Amon-Ra has more TD catches on the season, and that may be sticky.
2. Tyler Warren (2)
3. Trey McBride (1)

Tier 2:
4. Brock Bowers (4)
5. George Kittle (3), well that certainly wasn't what anyone was hoping for. I'm not concerned yet, but I do wonder if that hammy injury may have cost him some separation and that's part of why he's blocking so much, and why they didn't run any plays to specifically get him the ball. Also, he's spiked with Purdy, so maybe that plays a role. Again, not concerned, but keeping an eye on.
6. Tucker Kraft (6)

Tier 3:
7. Dallas Goedert (9)
8. Dalton Kincaid (10)
9. Travis Kelce (15), part of my recalibrating KC's offense, was accounting for Kelce having more space to operate. Only saw 3 targets in a game he was pulled from before the 4th quarter, at a boom/bust position there is something to be said for someone you can count on getting around 50 yards, and he's had 47+ in all but 1 game. I'm also mildly concerned about Worthy making it through the season, so Kelce has some contingent upside.

Tier 4:
10. Sam LaPorta (7)
11. Darren Waller (8)
12. Hunter Henry (13)
13. Orande Gadsden (NR), fun stat, only 2 TEs in history have had games in their rookie seasons with more than the 164 yards Gadsden just had. Those guys are Jackie Smith, and Mike Ditka. Pretty great company. Some questions keep me from putting him higher. 1. How much of this was Herbert throwing 55 times? Chargers were chasing from quarter 1 on. Will he be as involved in games the Chargers can actually run more, as he's smaller, and may not be a priority in non-chase scripts. Are there too many mouths to feed, with Ladd, QJ, and Keenan? On the flip side, what if Gadsden is a bigger mismatch against defenses than any of those guys, and the Chargers keep using him close to fulltime, AND begin designing plays for him? I'm being cautious, but there is absolutely a scenario where 2-3 weeks from now he's in tier 2. Also a scenario, where this is a pretty big aberration. Another player with a wide range of outcomes.
14. Kyle Pitts (14)
15. Harold Fannin (11)

Dropped off: TJ Hockenson (12), coming off his 2nd best game, and this is the week I drop him off the list? I'm ready to call it, that Addison has clearly passed him as the #2 in the pass game. I also expect the run game to be more useful as the OL gets healthier, and Aaron Jones comes back to probably be a much bigger pass game threat than Zavier Scott.

 

[OldMilwaukee]

Thanks! Really appreciate and look forward to this!

 

[Jewell]

I just wanted to pop in and say that you were right, Travdogg, and I was wrong about Travis Etienne. He’s receded since I suggested he should be ranked higher. Hell, the whole Jags offense has receded.

 

[RaidersAreOne]

Lamb at WR9 is… interesting.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Lamb at WR9 is… interesting.

The take on Wilson is wildly optimistic, and ranking him above Lamb is just ... wild.

 

[EWV1]

Thanks as always for sharing your work & thoughts.

 

[wgoldsph]

Lamb at WR9 is… interesting.

The take on Wilson is wildly optimistic, and ranking him above Lamb is just ... wild.

Wilson was top 5 before he went down.

That said, as a Wilson truther I would take Lamb every time.

 

[Timmay]

Here for the JSN and Tyler Warren love only....Glad they are in the top tier where they belonged since week 1.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

One guy I think you're missing in your RB rankings is Trey Benson. Yes, to a certain extent, we don't know what he is or can be. But the ARI run game has fallen apart trying to mix and match and there's going to be a sizable role when he returns in Week 10.

Seems odd to have Caleb Williams at #10 and Jordan Love nowhere to be found? Love is quite a bit more efficient as well as closer to finished product and aside from TD's...the rushing numbers are a wash.

Also, the Brock Purdy situation IMO needs to be at least on Defcon 3. Would you really take Purdy for ROS season over Love? Russini mentioned that he worked out Tuesday or something of that ilk and didn't feel as good as he hoped. So now the absense feels a bit open ended.

Ashton Jeanty. in Week 4 he was #12. Now he is #8. His last 3 games have seen him go 43/163/1 with an 8/66 receiving line. The Raiders are Raidering...why the bump?

BTJ & Nico. I think you can at least rely on HOU to be decent against mid-to-bad DST's and Nico is the clear WR1 there. But watching that London game, couldn't have come away more unimpressed with BTJ and I think Lawrence has alot to do with that.

Darren 'soft tissue softness' Waller still ranked seems...optimistic. My history with him has been he is a...slow healer.

 

[travdogg]

Lamb at WR9 is… interesting.

I hope I'm wrong on this one, I've got plenty of Lamb shares. I think the ceiling we were hoping for/expecting just isn't there anymore. He's still very good, its not a Lamb issue, but all the guys around him stepped up in his absence, and I don't think he's gonna be a guy who gets 12 targets a week anymore. All of Pickens, Ferguson, and especially Javonte Williams have earned larger shares of the offense than expected going into the season. That's probably good for Lamb's YPC, and his per target effectiveness, but not his fantasy value.

Also, I can't say his return last week was super encouraging. The numbers look good but he had a 74-yard TD where 2 defenders ran into each other and took each other out. Other than that, Lamb was 4-36. I feel like Pickens has established himself as the 1-1 shot guy, and Ferguson has established himself as the redzone guy. I still think Lamb leads the team in catches, and maybe his big plays rise from those guys making it tougher to double Lamb (I'd still take him 1st among Cowboys) but I know when I drafted him in August, it was with an expectation the running game would suck, Ferguson wasn't a threat, and Pickens wouldn't be nothing, but would be more like a WR3 who mostly keep Safeties deep.

 

[travdogg]

Lamb at WR9 is… interesting.

The take on Wilson is wildly optimistic, and ranking him above Lamb is just ... wild.

If someone wanted to put Lamb ahead of Wilson, or Egbuka for that matter, I'd have no issue with that. Same tier essentially means interchangeable to me. I will say, I toyed with Rice in tier 1, and as long as his snaps go up, and he stays close to the same target share wise, he'll probably be getting another bump next week.

As for Wilson, like I said, he was WR5 before he got hurt. He's on a team where there is ample supplies of garbage time, and he's their centerpiece. He is a guy who could get 12 targets a week, he was averaging about 10 before getting hurt, and that was with a QB they were afraid to let throw. Wilson has a 33% target share on the season.

I think Wilson is a strong buy-low, even if Fields were keeping the job. Hell, Josh Reynolds saw 9 targets last week in his absence, and in Tyrod's 1 start this season, Wilson saw 13 targets against TB.

Here's a list of attempts by the Jets vs targets to Wilson:
Week 1: 9 of 22 (41%)
Week 2: 8 of 22 (36%)
Week 3: 13 of 36 (36% in Tyrod's 1 start)
Week 4: 8 of 27 (30%)
Week 5: 10 of 46 (22%)
Week 6: 8 of 17 (47% and Wilson got banged up in the 3rd quarter)
Week 7: Reynolds saw 9 of 34 (26%)

I think there is a real possibility Wilson leads the NFL in targets going forward. Yes, its the Jets, but usage is usage and the Jets aren't some historically bad offense. They've had 21 or more points in 4 of 7 games. Wilson had at least 6-71-1 in 4 of 6 games, and those 4 games are the same games, he's the centerpiece, like I said. I get having him behind Lamb, but I don't get how I'm being wildly optimistic on a guy who is WR13 in PPG, and that's counting week 6, where he was in and out in the 2nd half. Throw away that game, and he's WR7 in PPG, just behind Chase and just ahead of Egbuka.

 

[travdogg]

One guy I think you're missing in your RB rankings is Trey Benson. Yes, to a certain extent, we don't know what he is or can be. But the ARI run game has fallen apart trying to mix and match and there's going to be a sizable role when he returns in Week 10.

Seems odd to have Caleb Williams at #10 and Jordan Love nowhere to be found? Love is quite a bit more efficient as well as closer to finished product and aside from TD's...the rushing numbers are a wash.

Also, the Brock Purdy situation IMO needs to be at least on Defcon 3. Would you really take Purdy for ROS season over Love? Russini mentioned that he worked out Tuesday or something of that ilk and didn't feel as good as he hoped. So now the absense feels a bit open ended.

Gonna break this into 2 separate posts, because I want to rant about the Cardinals a little.

I'll start by saying I've never really been a Trey Benson guy. I thought he was an ok prospect coming out, and I'm certain he's really that much better than the likes of Bam Knight or Michael Carter. He was in the 40 to 30 cutdown, but he was one of the first cuts. I think Arizona isn't a good running team. I think Drew Petzing should have been fired after last season, and it was comical he was getting HC interviews. That would have been a gift for Arizona. I think the Cards rushing success last year had to do with 2 people and niether are there right now. 1. Klayton Adams, the OL coach who is now the OC in Dallas (and look at their run game improvement) and James Conner who has been perpetually underrated his entire career dating back to when the Steelers stupidly burned a 1st round pick on a less talented RB instead of just keeping Conner and using that pick anywhere else. Arizona is down .9 YPC this season from last season, and while technically Benson is at 5.5 per carry, that was basically just 1 run, otherwise, he's at 3.6. Long story short, Benson is on my radar, but I'm pessimistic.

I don't really see Jordan Love as anything special. He's QB16 in PPG, and that's with what looks like a clear outlier game where he went 337-3 against Dallas. I think Caleb has more upside than Love does. He's slightly outscored him this year despite last week's egg, and while the Bears could be becoming more run heavy (it could also just have been rain games) we know what the Packers have been since Jacobs got there. I think Caleb has better weapons as well. Purdy is being docked a bit due to injury. If he was 100% and good to go right now, I'd probably have him right there with Herbert, probably just above Herbert actually. I'd certainly take replacement level guy + Purdy over Love.

 

[travdogg]

Ashton Jeanty. in Week 4 he was #12. Now he is #8. His last 3 games have seen him go 43/163/1 with an 8/66 receiving line. The Raiders are Raidering...why the bump?

BTJ & Nico. I think you can at least rely on HOU to be decent against mid-to-bad DST's and Nico is the clear WR1 there. But watching that London game, couldn't have come away more unimpressed with BTJ and I think Lawrence has alot to do with that.

Darren 'soft tissue softness' Waller still ranked seems...optimistic. My history with him has been he is a...slow healer.

I'm kinda throwing out the KC game for Jeanty. They got boat raced and he never really had a chance to get going. Sucks, but its not something I think happens again, at least nowhere near that extent, where Mahomes was pulled in the 3rd quarter. They don't play KC again until week 18. Up until last week, I've liked his workload a lot. 23-19-25 touches. I'm also gonna assume (and maybe that's a mistake) they spend the bye week reassessing who the offense should be going through, and realizing, it isn't Geno, but Jeanty. I'm making the bet on workload + talent, and Jeanty comes out of the bye as basically Judkins with catches.

I'm probably being a little stubborn on Thomas and hoping the bye week fixes some of his issues, which feel at least somewhat health related. I don't trust Stroud any more than Lawrence though, and overall, I think the Jags are a better offense than Houston. I do think Nico>Thomas as a player, but man, I think Houston is a really bad offense, and unlike some other bad offenses, they play great defense, so Nico doesn't necessarily have volume on his side, like Garrett Wilson for example.

Yeah, Waller is probably optimistic. The guy is still TE3 in PPG, despite counting this week's game, where he barely played. Dolphins have a pretty schedule and should have garbage time on their side, so upside is aplenty, but yeah, he has been a slow healer in the past, though that has mostly been a hammy issue to my recollection. I wouldn't fault someone for preferring anyone else in that tier, I just think Waller has the most upside in that tier, barring a Njoku trade or injuries to WRs around them. I don't think the Dolphins offense we saw this week should be the expectation going forward.

ETA: Or Waller will go on IR and all that will be meaningless. I guess I move everyone up a spot and bring Hockenson back onto the list at #15.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

One guy I think you're missing in your RB rankings is Trey Benson. Yes, to a certain extent, we don't know what he is or can be. But the ARI run game has fallen apart trying to mix and match and there's going to be a sizable role when he returns in Week 10.

Seems odd to have Caleb Williams at #10 and Jordan Love nowhere to be found? Love is quite a bit more efficient as well as closer to finished product and aside from TD's...the rushing numbers are a wash.

Also, the Brock Purdy situation IMO needs to be at least on Defcon 3. Would you really take Purdy for ROS season over Love? Russini mentioned that he worked out Tuesday or something of that ilk and didn't feel as good as he hoped. So now the absense feels a bit open ended.

Gonna break this into 2 separate posts, because I want to rant about the Cardinals a little.

I'll start by saying I've never really been a Trey Benson guy. I thought he was an ok prospect coming out, and I'm certain he's really that much better than the likes of Bam Knight or Michael Carter. He was in the 40 to 30 cutdown, but he was one of the first cuts. I think Arizona isn't a good running team. I think Drew Petzing should have been fired after last season, and it was comical he was getting HC interviews. That would have been a gift for Arizona. I think the Cards rushing success last year had to do with 2 people and niether are there right now. 1. Klayton Adams, the OL coach who is now the OC in Dallas (and look at their run game improvement) and James Conner who has been perpetually underrated his entire career dating back to when the Steelers stupidly burned a 1st round pick on a less talented RB instead of just keeping Conner and using that pick anywhere else. Arizona is down .9 YPC this season from last season, and while technically Benson is at 5.5 per carry, that was basically just 1 run, otherwise, he's at 3.6. Long story short, Benson is on my radar, but I'm pessimistic.

I don't really see Jordan Love as anything special. He's QB16 in PPG, and that's with what looks like a clear outlier game where he went 337-3 against Dallas. I think Caleb has more upside than Love does. He's slightly outscored him this year despite last week's egg, and while the Bears could be becoming more run heavy (it could also just have been rain games) we know what the Packers have been since Jacobs got there. I think Caleb has better weapons as well. Purdy is being docked a bit due to injury. If he was 100% and good to go right now, I'd probably have him right there with Herbert, probably just above Herbert actually. I'd certainly take replacement level guy + Purdy over Love.

You won't get an argument out of me on Petzing. I think he's a joke and if you've read any of my commentary on MHJ, I think it's downright perplexing they drafted him considering who they seem to want to be on offense.

However, a primary criteria with respect to ranking RB's is volume. Pure and simple. And aside from Demercado's famous 72 yard non-TD run, they've gotten 3.1 YPC while feeding the position with 22 carries/game. And while I'm not a huge Benson stan, his one start came against SEA who is only allowing 3.07 YPC.

...and one thing I would also not discount is a potential Kyler Murray benching. In two games with Jacoby, ARI TE/WR's have combined for 44/517/4 as opposed to 81/812/4 with Kyler in 5 games.

As for Love/Caleb...I'm noticing at least a bit of bias in that Caleb has also played DAL, going 19/28 298 4/0 and that not being referenced. Eliminating the DAL game from both:

Love: 91/133 1101 8.28 YPA 7/2 21/82/0
Caleb: 94/157 1053 6.71 YPA 5/3 27/94/2

 

[travdogg]

One guy I think you're missing in your RB rankings is Trey Benson. Yes, to a certain extent, we don't know what he is or can be. But the ARI run game has fallen apart trying to mix and match and there's going to be a sizable role when he returns in Week 10.

Seems odd to have Caleb Williams at #10 and Jordan Love nowhere to be found? Love is quite a bit more efficient as well as closer to finished product and aside from TD's...the rushing numbers are a wash.

Also, the Brock Purdy situation IMO needs to be at least on Defcon 3. Would you really take Purdy for ROS season over Love? Russini mentioned that he worked out Tuesday or something of that ilk and didn't feel as good as he hoped. So now the absense feels a bit open ended.

Gonna break this into 2 separate posts, because I want to rant about the Cardinals a little.

I'll start by saying I've never really been a Trey Benson guy. I thought he was an ok prospect coming out, and I'm certain he's really that much better than the likes of Bam Knight or Michael Carter. He was in the 40 to 30 cutdown, but he was one of the first cuts. I think Arizona isn't a good running team. I think Drew Petzing should have been fired after last season, and it was comical he was getting HC interviews. That would have been a gift for Arizona. I think the Cards rushing success last year had to do with 2 people and niether are there right now. 1. Klayton Adams, the OL coach who is now the OC in Dallas (and look at their run game improvement) and James Conner who has been perpetually underrated his entire career dating back to when the Steelers stupidly burned a 1st round pick on a less talented RB instead of just keeping Conner and using that pick anywhere else. Arizona is down .9 YPC this season from last season, and while technically Benson is at 5.5 per carry, that was basically just 1 run, otherwise, he's at 3.6. Long story short, Benson is on my radar, but I'm pessimistic.

I don't really see Jordan Love as anything special. He's QB16 in PPG, and that's with what looks like a clear outlier game where he went 337-3 against Dallas. I think Caleb has more upside than Love does. He's slightly outscored him this year despite last week's egg, and while the Bears could be becoming more run heavy (it could also just have been rain games) we know what the Packers have been since Jacobs got there. I think Caleb has better weapons as well. Purdy is being docked a bit due to injury. If he was 100% and good to go right now, I'd probably have him right there with Herbert, probably just above Herbert actually. I'd certainly take replacement level guy + Purdy over Love.

You won't get an argument out of me on Petzing. I think he's a joke and if you've read any of my commentary on MHJ, I think it's downright perplexing they drafted him considering who they seem to want to be on offense.

However, a primary criteria with respect to ranking RB's is volume. Pure and simple. And aside from Demercado's famous 72 yard non-TD run, they've gotten 3.1 YPC while feeding the position with 22 carries/game. And while I'm not a huge Benson stan, his one start came against SEA who is only allowing 3.07 YPC.

...and one thing I would also not discount is a potential Kyler Murray benching. In two games with Jacoby, ARI TE/WR's have combined for 44/517/4 as opposed to 81/812/4 with Kyler in 5 games.

As for Love/Caleb...I'm noticing at least a bit of bias in that Caleb has also played DAL, going 19/28 298 4/0 and that not being referenced. Eliminating the DAL game from both:

Love: 91/133 1101 8.28 YPA 7/2 21/82/0
Caleb: 94/157 1053 6.71 YPA 5/3 27/94/2

I don't think Kyler gets benched. Brissett has moved been a boon for McBride especially, but I think Kyler would have to really fall apart to be benched. I don't think a Kyler neching would help Benson, it'd probably hurt, as they'd likely pass more, and Kyler's threat of running helps the run game.

I don't value the Dallas games equally. Love had a massive volume spike (12 more attempts than any game this season and 3rd most in his career, in a game that went a full overtime as well) that week, whereas Caleb actually threw it less than normal.

 

[wgoldsph]

One guy I think you're missing in your RB rankings is Trey Benson. Yes, to a certain extent, we don't know what he is or can be. But the ARI run game has fallen apart trying to mix and match and there's going to be a sizable role when he returns in Week 10.

Seems odd to have Caleb Williams at #10 and Jordan Love nowhere to be found? Love is quite a bit more efficient as well as closer to finished product and aside from TD's...the rushing numbers are a wash.

Also, the Brock Purdy situation IMO needs to be at least on Defcon 3. Would you really take Purdy for ROS season over Love? Russini mentioned that he worked out Tuesday or something of that ilk and didn't feel as good as he hoped. So now the absense feels a bit open ended.

Gonna break this into 2 separate posts, because I want to rant about the Cardinals a little.

I'll start by saying I've never really been a Trey Benson guy. I thought he was an ok prospect coming out, and I'm certain he's really that much better than the likes of Bam Knight or Michael Carter. He was in the 40 to 30 cutdown, but he was one of the first cuts. I think Arizona isn't a good running team. I think Drew Petzing should have been fired after last season, and it was comical he was getting HC interviews. That would have been a gift for Arizona. I think the Cards rushing success last year had to do with 2 people and niether are there right now. 1. Klayton Adams, the OL coach who is now the OC in Dallas (and look at their run game improvement) and James Conner who has been perpetually underrated his entire career dating back to when the Steelers stupidly burned a 1st round pick on a less talented RB instead of just keeping Conner and using that pick anywhere else. Arizona is down .9 YPC this season from last season, and while technically Benson is at 5.5 per carry, that was basically just 1 run, otherwise, he's at 3.6. Long story short, Benson is on my radar, but I'm pessimistic.

I don't really see Jordan Love as anything special. He's QB16 in PPG, and that's with what looks like a clear outlier game where he went 337-3 against Dallas. I think Caleb has more upside than Love does. He's slightly outscored him this year despite last week's egg, and while the Bears could be becoming more run heavy (it could also just have been rain games) we know what the Packers have been since Jacobs got there. I think Caleb has better weapons as well. Purdy is being docked a bit due to injury. If he was 100% and good to go right now, I'd probably have him right there with Herbert, probably just above Herbert actually. I'd certainly take replacement level guy + Purdy over Love.

You won't get an argument out of me on Petzing. I think he's a joke and if you've read any of my commentary on MHJ, I think it's downright perplexing they drafted him considering who they seem to want to be on offense.

However, a primary criteria with respect to ranking RB's is volume. Pure and simple. And aside from Demercado's famous 72 yard non-TD run, they've gotten 3.1 YPC while feeding the position with 22 carries/game. And while I'm not a huge Benson stan, his one start came against SEA who is only allowing 3.07 YPC.

...and one thing I would also not discount is a potential Kyler Murray benching. In two games with Jacoby, ARI TE/WR's have combined for 44/517/4 as opposed to 81/812/4 with Kyler in 5 games.

As for Love/Caleb...I'm noticing at least a bit of bias in that Caleb has also played DAL, going 19/28 298 4/0 and that not being referenced. Eliminating the DAL game from both:

Love: 91/133 1101 8.28 YPA 7/2 21/82/0
Caleb: 94/157 1053 6.71 YPA 5/3 27/94/2

I don't think Kyler gets benched. Brissett has moved been a boon for McBride especially, but I think Kyler would have to really fall apart to be benched. I don't think a Kyler neching would help Benson, it'd probably hurt, as they'd likely pass more, and Kyler's threat of running helps the run game.

I don't value the Dallas games equally. Love had a massive volume spike (12 more attempts than any game this season and 3rd most in his career, in a game that went a full overtime as well) that week, whereas Caleb actually threw it less than normal.

Benching Kyler would be a really realllllly big move for the organization. Do that now and they need to take a qb in the first round next year. At least if they wait until they off season they can grab a "project" qb in the later rounds and still keep Kyler as the transition qb.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

One guy I think you're missing in your RB rankings is Trey Benson. Yes, to a certain extent, we don't know what he is or can be. But the ARI run game has fallen apart trying to mix and match and there's going to be a sizable role when he returns in Week 10.

Seems odd to have Caleb Williams at #10 and Jordan Love nowhere to be found? Love is quite a bit more efficient as well as closer to finished product and aside from TD's...the rushing numbers are a wash.

Also, the Brock Purdy situation IMO needs to be at least on Defcon 3. Would you really take Purdy for ROS season over Love? Russini mentioned that he worked out Tuesday or something of that ilk and didn't feel as good as he hoped. So now the absense feels a bit open ended.

Gonna break this into 2 separate posts, because I want to rant about the Cardinals a little.

I'll start by saying I've never really been a Trey Benson guy. I thought he was an ok prospect coming out, and I'm certain he's really that much better than the likes of Bam Knight or Michael Carter. He was in the 40 to 30 cutdown, but he was one of the first cuts. I think Arizona isn't a good running team. I think Drew Petzing should have been fired after last season, and it was comical he was getting HC interviews. That would have been a gift for Arizona. I think the Cards rushing success last year had to do with 2 people and niether are there right now. 1. Klayton Adams, the OL coach who is now the OC in Dallas (and look at their run game improvement) and James Conner who has been perpetually underrated his entire career dating back to when the Steelers stupidly burned a 1st round pick on a less talented RB instead of just keeping Conner and using that pick anywhere else. Arizona is down .9 YPC this season from last season, and while technically Benson is at 5.5 per carry, that was basically just 1 run, otherwise, he's at 3.6. Long story short, Benson is on my radar, but I'm pessimistic.

I don't really see Jordan Love as anything special. He's QB16 in PPG, and that's with what looks like a clear outlier game where he went 337-3 against Dallas. I think Caleb has more upside than Love does. He's slightly outscored him this year despite last week's egg, and while the Bears could be becoming more run heavy (it could also just have been rain games) we know what the Packers have been since Jacobs got there. I think Caleb has better weapons as well. Purdy is being docked a bit due to injury. If he was 100% and good to go right now, I'd probably have him right there with Herbert, probably just above Herbert actually. I'd certainly take replacement level guy + Purdy over Love.

You won't get an argument out of me on Petzing. I think he's a joke and if you've read any of my commentary on MHJ, I think it's downright perplexing they drafted him considering who they seem to want to be on offense.

However, a primary criteria with respect to ranking RB's is volume. Pure and simple. And aside from Demercado's famous 72 yard non-TD run, they've gotten 3.1 YPC while feeding the position with 22 carries/game. And while I'm not a huge Benson stan, his one start came against SEA who is only allowing 3.07 YPC.

...and one thing I would also not discount is a potential Kyler Murray benching. In two games with Jacoby, ARI TE/WR's have combined for 44/517/4 as opposed to 81/812/4 with Kyler in 5 games.

As for Love/Caleb...I'm noticing at least a bit of bias in that Caleb has also played DAL, going 19/28 298 4/0 and that not being referenced. Eliminating the DAL game from both:

Love: 91/133 1101 8.28 YPA 7/2 21/82/0
Caleb: 94/157 1053 6.71 YPA 5/3 27/94/2

I don't think Kyler gets benched. Brissett has moved been a boon for McBride especially, but I think Kyler would have to really fall apart to be benched. I don't think a Kyler neching would help Benson, it'd probably hurt, as they'd likely pass more, and Kyler's threat of running helps the run game.

I don't value the Dallas games equally. Love had a massive volume spike (12 more attempts than any game this season and 3rd most in his career, in a game that went a full overtime as well) that week, whereas Caleb actually threw it less than normal.

With respect to Kyler, we'll see. But I actually think Gannon/Petzing have to be in survival mode moving forward. And with any drowning person, they'll grasp for anything...and a journeyman backup getting more value out of the TE/WR positions in which ARI has significant draft & financial capital invested...seems like the opportunity to scapegoat Kyler is there now that his contract isn't an albatross.

Ultimately on Love/Caleb, Love was 6/9 35 in OT. 34 attempts in regulation doesn't seem outlandish - perhaps on the upper side of his traditional volume metrics, but 10th highest of his career. IMO, the bigger outlier would be Caleb averaging 3-4 more YPA against DAL than his career pattern which is sub 7.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

One guy I think you're missing in your RB rankings is Trey Benson. Yes, to a certain extent, we don't know what he is or can be. But the ARI run game has fallen apart trying to mix and match and there's going to be a sizable role when he returns in Week 10.

Seems odd to have Caleb Williams at #10 and Jordan Love nowhere to be found? Love is quite a bit more efficient as well as closer to finished product and aside from TD's...the rushing numbers are a wash.

Also, the Brock Purdy situation IMO needs to be at least on Defcon 3. Would you really take Purdy for ROS season over Love? Russini mentioned that he worked out Tuesday or something of that ilk and didn't feel as good as he hoped. So now the absense feels a bit open ended.

Gonna break this into 2 separate posts, because I want to rant about the Cardinals a little.

I'll start by saying I've never really been a Trey Benson guy. I thought he was an ok prospect coming out, and I'm certain he's really that much better than the likes of Bam Knight or Michael Carter. He was in the 40 to 30 cutdown, but he was one of the first cuts. I think Arizona isn't a good running team. I think Drew Petzing should have been fired after last season, and it was comical he was getting HC interviews. That would have been a gift for Arizona. I think the Cards rushing success last year had to do with 2 people and niether are there right now. 1. Klayton Adams, the OL coach who is now the OC in Dallas (and look at their run game improvement) and James Conner who has been perpetually underrated his entire career dating back to when the Steelers stupidly burned a 1st round pick on a less talented RB instead of just keeping Conner and using that pick anywhere else. Arizona is down .9 YPC this season from last season, and while technically Benson is at 5.5 per carry, that was basically just 1 run, otherwise, he's at 3.6. Long story short, Benson is on my radar, but I'm pessimistic.

I don't really see Jordan Love as anything special. He's QB16 in PPG, and that's with what looks like a clear outlier game where he went 337-3 against Dallas. I think Caleb has more upside than Love does. He's slightly outscored him this year despite last week's egg, and while the Bears could be becoming more run heavy (it could also just have been rain games) we know what the Packers have been since Jacobs got there. I think Caleb has better weapons as well. Purdy is being docked a bit due to injury. If he was 100% and good to go right now, I'd probably have him right there with Herbert, probably just above Herbert actually. I'd certainly take replacement level guy + Purdy over Love.

You won't get an argument out of me on Petzing. I think he's a joke and if you've read any of my commentary on MHJ, I think it's downright perplexing they drafted him considering who they seem to want to be on offense.

However, a primary criteria with respect to ranking RB's is volume. Pure and simple. And aside from Demercado's famous 72 yard non-TD run, they've gotten 3.1 YPC while feeding the position with 22 carries/game. And while I'm not a huge Benson stan, his one start came against SEA who is only allowing 3.07 YPC.

...and one thing I would also not discount is a potential Kyler Murray benching. In two games with Jacoby, ARI TE/WR's have combined for 44/517/4 as opposed to 81/812/4 with Kyler in 5 games.

As for Love/Caleb...I'm noticing at least a bit of bias in that Caleb has also played DAL, going 19/28 298 4/0 and that not being referenced. Eliminating the DAL game from both:

Love: 91/133 1101 8.28 YPA 7/2 21/82/0
Caleb: 94/157 1053 6.71 YPA 5/3 27/94/2

I don't think Kyler gets benched. Brissett has moved been a boon for McBride especially, but I think Kyler would have to really fall apart to be benched. I don't think a Kyler neching would help Benson, it'd probably hurt, as they'd likely pass more, and Kyler's threat of running helps the run game.

I don't value the Dallas games equally. Love had a massive volume spike (12 more attempts than any game this season and 3rd most in his career, in a game that went a full overtime as well) that week, whereas Caleb actually threw it less than normal.

Benching Kyler would be a really realllllly big move for the organization. Do that now and they need to take a qb in the first round next year. At least if they wait until they off season they can grab a "project" qb in the later rounds and still keep Kyler as the transition qb.

It would be a big move. But I think the entire organizations commitment to him is less than it's ever been and he's entered 'he is what he is' territory.

Couple that with a coaching staff, who makes depth chart decisions, that is likely entering into an embattled state...having someone that 'executes the offense' is probably something Gannon/Petzing can point to using Stichen/Daniel Jones as an example if they want to save their jobs.

 

[Uncle Leo]

Njoku is not rated. Is it because of injury? Gabriel? Fannin?

@travdogg

 

[wgoldsph]

One guy I think you're missing in your RB rankings is Trey Benson. Yes, to a certain extent, we don't know what he is or can be. But the ARI run game has fallen apart trying to mix and match and there's going to be a sizable role when he returns in Week 10.

Seems odd to have Caleb Williams at #10 and Jordan Love nowhere to be found? Love is quite a bit more efficient as well as closer to finished product and aside from TD's...the rushing numbers are a wash.

Also, the Brock Purdy situation IMO needs to be at least on Defcon 3. Would you really take Purdy for ROS season over Love? Russini mentioned that he worked out Tuesday or something of that ilk and didn't feel as good as he hoped. So now the absense feels a bit open ended.

Gonna break this into 2 separate posts, because I want to rant about the Cardinals a little.

I'll start by saying I've never really been a Trey Benson guy. I thought he was an ok prospect coming out, and I'm certain he's really that much better than the likes of Bam Knight or Michael Carter. He was in the 40 to 30 cutdown, but he was one of the first cuts. I think Arizona isn't a good running team. I think Drew Petzing should have been fired after last season, and it was comical he was getting HC interviews. That would have been a gift for Arizona. I think the Cards rushing success last year had to do with 2 people and niether are there right now. 1. Klayton Adams, the OL coach who is now the OC in Dallas (and look at their run game improvement) and James Conner who has been perpetually underrated his entire career dating back to when the Steelers stupidly burned a 1st round pick on a less talented RB instead of just keeping Conner and using that pick anywhere else. Arizona is down .9 YPC this season from last season, and while technically Benson is at 5.5 per carry, that was basically just 1 run, otherwise, he's at 3.6. Long story short, Benson is on my radar, but I'm pessimistic.

I don't really see Jordan Love as anything special. He's QB16 in PPG, and that's with what looks like a clear outlier game where he went 337-3 against Dallas. I think Caleb has more upside than Love does. He's slightly outscored him this year despite last week's egg, and while the Bears could be becoming more run heavy (it could also just have been rain games) we know what the Packers have been since Jacobs got there. I think Caleb has better weapons as well. Purdy is being docked a bit due to injury. If he was 100% and good to go right now, I'd probably have him right there with Herbert, probably just above Herbert actually. I'd certainly take replacement level guy + Purdy over Love.

You won't get an argument out of me on Petzing. I think he's a joke and if you've read any of my commentary on MHJ, I think it's downright perplexing they drafted him considering who they seem to want to be on offense.

However, a primary criteria with respect to ranking RB's is volume. Pure and simple. And aside from Demercado's famous 72 yard non-TD run, they've gotten 3.1 YPC while feeding the position with 22 carries/game. And while I'm not a huge Benson stan, his one start came against SEA who is only allowing 3.07 YPC.

...and one thing I would also not discount is a potential Kyler Murray benching. In two games with Jacoby, ARI TE/WR's have combined for 44/517/4 as opposed to 81/812/4 with Kyler in 5 games.

As for Love/Caleb...I'm noticing at least a bit of bias in that Caleb has also played DAL, going 19/28 298 4/0 and that not being referenced. Eliminating the DAL game from both:

Love: 91/133 1101 8.28 YPA 7/2 21/82/0
Caleb: 94/157 1053 6.71 YPA 5/3 27/94/2

I don't think Kyler gets benched. Brissett has moved been a boon for McBride especially, but I think Kyler would have to really fall apart to be benched. I don't think a Kyler neching would help Benson, it'd probably hurt, as they'd likely pass more, and Kyler's threat of running helps the run game.

I don't value the Dallas games equally. Love had a massive volume spike (12 more attempts than any game this season and 3rd most in his career, in a game that went a full overtime as well) that week, whereas Caleb actually threw it less than normal.

Benching Kyler would be a really realllllly big move for the organization. Do that now and they need to take a qb in the first round next year. At least if they wait until they off season they can grab a "project" qb in the later rounds and still keep Kyler as the transition qb.

It would be a big move. But I think the entire organizations commitment to him is less than it's ever been and he's entered 'he is what he is' territory.

Couple that with a coaching staff, who makes depth chart decisions, that is likely entering into an embattled state...having someone that 'executes the offense' is probably something Gannon/Petzing can point to using Stichen/Daniel Jones as an example if they want to save their jobs.

AZ has been terrible for years. They're 2-5 and in last place of the division.

They need to clean house.

 

[fightingillini]

One guy I think you're missing in your RB rankings is Trey Benson. Yes, to a certain extent, we don't know what he is or can be. But the ARI run game has fallen apart trying to mix and match and there's going to be a sizable role when he returns in Week 10.

Seems odd to have Caleb Williams at #10 and Jordan Love nowhere to be found? Love is quite a bit more efficient as well as closer to finished product and aside from TD's...the rushing numbers are a wash.

Also, the Brock Purdy situation IMO needs to be at least on Defcon 3. Would you really take Purdy for ROS season over Love? Russini mentioned that he worked out Tuesday or something of that ilk and didn't feel as good as he hoped. So now the absense feels a bit open ended.

Gonna break this into 2 separate posts, because I want to rant about the Cardinals a little.

I'll start by saying I've never really been a Trey Benson guy. I thought he was an ok prospect coming out, and I'm certain he's really that much better than the likes of Bam Knight or Michael Carter. He was in the 40 to 30 cutdown, but he was one of the first cuts. I think Arizona isn't a good running team. I think Drew Petzing should have been fired after last season, and it was comical he was getting HC interviews. That would have been a gift for Arizona. I think the Cards rushing success last year had to do with 2 people and niether are there right now. 1. Klayton Adams, the OL coach who is now the OC in Dallas (and look at their run game improvement) and James Conner who has been perpetually underrated his entire career dating back to when the Steelers stupidly burned a 1st round pick on a less talented RB instead of just keeping Conner and using that pick anywhere else. Arizona is down .9 YPC this season from last season, and while technically Benson is at 5.5 per carry, that was basically just 1 run, otherwise, he's at 3.6. Long story short, Benson is on my radar, but I'm pessimistic.

I don't really see Jordan Love as anything special. He's QB16 in PPG, and that's with what looks like a clear outlier game where he went 337-3 against Dallas. I think Caleb has more upside than Love does. He's slightly outscored him this year despite last week's egg, and while the Bears could be becoming more run heavy (it could also just have been rain games) we know what the Packers have been since Jacobs got there. I think Caleb has better weapons as well. Purdy is being docked a bit due to injury. If he was 100% and good to go right now, I'd probably have him right there with Herbert, probably just above Herbert actually. I'd certainly take replacement level guy + Purdy over Love.

You won't get an argument out of me on Petzing. I think he's a joke and if you've read any of my commentary on MHJ, I think it's downright perplexing they drafted him considering who they seem to want to be on offense.

However, a primary criteria with respect to ranking RB's is volume. Pure and simple. And aside from Demercado's famous 72 yard non-TD run, they've gotten 3.1 YPC while feeding the position with 22 carries/game. And while I'm not a huge Benson stan, his one start came against SEA who is only allowing 3.07 YPC.

...and one thing I would also not discount is a potential Kyler Murray benching. In two games with Jacoby, ARI TE/WR's have combined for 44/517/4 as opposed to 81/812/4 with Kyler in 5 games.

As for Love/Caleb...I'm noticing at least a bit of bias in that Caleb has also played DAL, going 19/28 298 4/0 and that not being referenced. Eliminating the DAL game from both:

Love: 91/133 1101 8.28 YPA 7/2 21/82/0
Caleb: 94/157 1053 6.71 YPA 5/3 27/94/2

I don't think Kyler gets benched. Brissett has moved been a boon for McBride especially, but I think Kyler would have to really fall apart to be benched. I don't think a Kyler neching would help Benson, it'd probably hurt, as they'd likely pass more, and Kyler's threat of running helps the run game.

I don't value the Dallas games equally. Love had a massive volume spike (12 more attempts than any game this season and 3rd most in his career, in a game that went a full overtime as well) that week, whereas Caleb actually threw it less than normal.

Benching Kyler would be a really realllllly big move for the organization. Do that now and they need to take a qb in the first round next year. At least if they wait until they off season they can grab a "project" qb in the later rounds and still keep Kyler as the transition qb.

It would be a big move. But I think the entire organizations commitment to him is less than it's ever been and he's entered 'he is what he is' territory.

Couple that with a coaching staff, who makes depth chart decisions, that is likely entering into an embattled state...having someone that 'executes the offense' is probably something Gannon/Petzing can point to using Stichen/Daniel Jones as an example if they want to save their jobs.

AZ has been terrible for years. They're 2-5 and in last place of the division.

They need to clean house.

Agree. They are going nowhere with Kyler at QB. Brissett has injected life into the offense and seems to be a better fit to what AZ wants to do. Why not stick with Brissett?

And it would continue to be great for McBride owners!

 

[fightingillini]

Njoku is not rated. Is it because of injury? Gabriel? Fannin?

@travdogg

Njoku is a trade candidate so there is a lot of uncertainty with him.

Fannin is definitely the future for CLE at TE.

 

[travdogg]

Njoku is not rated. Is it because of injury? Gabriel? Fannin?

@travdogg

All of the above. I also think he's 50-50 to be traded in the next 7 days, so he's a guy who could re-emerge based on wherever he's playing.