The TRUTH: RBs Part 1 + Saquon Smash!
The TRUTH series continues on today’s fantasy football podcast! Did Saquon break the TRUTH metrics? The Footballers take a deep dive look at the top fantasy running backs and consistency kings from last season! Who will be undervalued in 2025 fantasy football drafts? Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast. — Fantasy Football Podcast for January 23rd, 2025.
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Summary:
Coaching Changes and Fantasy Implications 04:57
“The Jets are hiring former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as their next head coach.”
- The Jets have appointed Aaron Glenn, the former defensive coordinator from the Lions, as their new head coach. This hiring raises questions about how this will impact the team’s overall dynamic and offensive strategies, particularly the search for an offensive coordinator (OC).
- The hosts discuss that bringing in a defensive-minded head coach like Glenn could present challenges for a franchise. A concern for general managers is that a successful offense under a defensive head coach often leads to losing the OC to other teams looking for head coaches.
Stability for Baker Mayfield 08:44
“Baker Mayfield is not losing his offensive coordinator.”
- The Buccaneers have managed to retain offensive coordinator Liam Cohen, who turned down a lucrative offer from Jacksonville. This is seen as good news for Baker Mayfield, who benefits from stability in his coaching staff as it allows him to continue developing without disruptions from a change in the OC.
- The conversation also touches on the fact that consistency in coaching personnel can significantly impact a quarterback’s performance, particularly when establishing a rhythm on offense.
Patriots’ Reunion with Josh McDaniels 09:11
“The Patriots are expected to hire Josh McDaniels as their offensive coordinator for the third time.”
- The Patriots are reportedly bringing back Josh McDaniels as their offensive coordinator, marking a recurring trend of re-hiring familiar faces within their organization. The hosts reflect on what this means for the team’s offensive strategy and effectiveness going forward.
- With McDaniels’ extensive history with the Patriots, fans and analysts alike are curious about how this might influence player development and overall productivity on offense, especially given his previous successes and challenges in that role.
Innovative Dining: Reading Menus in the Dark 10:45
“You can read menus at dark restaurants now; it’s amazing!”
- The advancement in technology has made it possible for diners to read menus even in the lowest light situations, enhancing the experience of dining in dark restaurants.
- No longer do patrons need to rely on their phone’s light, as some devices can now effectively illuminate text when held closer to the face.
- This innovation addresses a common issue faced in dimly lit eating establishments, allowing guests to navigate their dining choices effortlessly, even when the power goes out in the restaurant ambiances.
NFL Coaching Updates: Kevin O’Connell‘s Position at Vikings 11:10
“The best part here is how completely outdated this is; this is not relevant personnel, this has nothing to do with anything going on.”
- While discussing coaching changes within the NFL, the conversation touches on Kevin O’Connell‘s multi-year extension with the Minnesota Vikings.
- The presenters reflect on how outdated this news seems, suggesting that it lacks relevance to current events in the league, indicating a disconnect from the ongoing dynamics of the team.
- Questions about O’Connell’s confidence and potential among the coaching staff reveal concerns about whether he can successfully lead the Vikings, given that other teams might be interested in his talent.
Running Back Highlights and Consistency Analysis 14:53
“What is the truth? We look at consistency, we look at performances relative to their fantasy finish.”
- The video transitions into a detailed discussion about the top ten running backs in fantasy football, focusing on their consistency and overall performances throughout the season.
- The hosts emphasize the importance of proper evaluations of running backs for fantasy teams, especially regarding their capacity to produce consistently high scores each game.
- They highlight that the data gathered can benefit fantasy players during draft seasons, illustrating how understanding player performance can influence team success moving forward.
Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley‘s Surprising Seasons 20:38
“I was a little nervous and skeptical about the changes that were going to happen.”
- The speaker expresses initial skepticism regarding the performance of Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley due to expected changes in their respective offenses.
- Jalen Hurts managed over ten rushing touchdowns, which raised the question of how this would integrate with significant receiving targets like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
- The speaker highlights that passing touchdowns need to be accounted for too, suggesting Hurts might reach even higher than the ten rushing touchdowns anticipated; a hope for 14 touchdowns is mentioned.
Saquon Barkley‘s Career Year 21:12
“I think that was the bigger surprise to me; it wasn’t just the big plays.”
- Saquon Barkley was expected to have a good season, but his achievement of scoring 13 touchdowns was notably surprising given his injury history and the previous doubts surrounding his performance.
- Despite skepticism about his ability to replicate this level of success, Barkley not only excelled but also showcased his capability for explosive plays.
- The speaker notes that the Eagles’ improved defense created favorable game scripts for Hurts, allowing him to excel without needing to pass frequently.
Reasons for Optimism Going Forward 22:30
“He should be the number one running back drafted.”
- There are prospects for both players in the upcoming year, with the speaker indicating that Saquon Barkley‘s unique talent can lead to another strong season, especially since he avoided injuries this past season.
- Observations of Barkley throughout the season revealed moments when he seemed to be struggling, but ultimately he managed not only to stay healthy but to thrive.
- The season is regarded as exceptional which may not be easily replicable, referencing Barkley’s history of injuries.
Derrick Henry‘s Resurgence 24:43
“Derrick Henry ends up number two in fantasy points, number four in consistency.”
- The discussion transitions to Derrick Henry‘s impressive performance in the year, where he ranked highly among running backs despite initial concerns about his usage and age.
- He remained one of the most consistent running backs in the first half of the year, handling a significant portion of Baltimore’s carries, especially in close games.
- The nature of his performance is tied to the success of the team overall, emphasizing how Henry’s stats were bolstered by Baltimore’s ability to often lead in games, allowing him to capitalize on opportunities.
Consistency in Gibbs’ Performance 29:10
“Gibbs came in at number three in fantasy and number three in consistency.”
- Jahmyr Gibbs exhibited remarkable consistency throughout the season, ranking third in both fantasy points and consistency despite being part of a committee for much of the season.
- The speaker notes interesting dynamics within the Lions’ offense, where Gibbs frequently faced challenges in the early game but often surged later, securing solid fantasy performances.
- Looking ahead, there is uncertainty about how the Lions’ offensive identity might shift, especially with concerns regarding the departure of their offensive coordinator.
Campbell’s Offensive Strategy and Player Utilization 30:33
“Campbell wants to be winning football games and is hitting people in the mouth.”
- Dan Campbell, the head coach, emphasizes a physical style of football that focuses on winning games decisively. His strategy involves utilizing players with significant investments, such as running backs Jahmyr Gibbs, drafted in the top 12, and David Montgomery, who received a considerable contract.
- The coaching decision to split running back responsibilities aims to maximize the effectiveness of both players in the offense.
- Despite concerns about changes in the coaching staff, the team’s recent performance as the highest scoring offense in the league suggests that they can continue to produce valuable fantasy football players.
Player Performance and Future Prospects 31:08
“Jahmyr Gibbs was number one in explosive runs, with 10% of all carries going for 15-plus yards.”
- Jahmyr Gibbs proved to be an explosive player, with one out of every ten carries resulting in significant yardage.
- He recorded impressive statistics, including 1,400 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, alongside 52 receptions for 517 receiving yards, forecasting a potential 20-touchdown season if his usage remains consistent.
- The conclusion of the season showed Gibbs flourishing in the passing game, especially when Montgomery was sidelined, increasing his target count and effectiveness.
Concerns Over Offense Sustainability 33:35
“It’s probably not going to happen that they stay there after losing their offensive coordinator.”
- There are understandable concerns regarding the team’s ability to maintain its high-scoring offense after losing key coaching personnel, as history suggests that top offenses tend to regress in subsequent years.
- Comparisons are drawn to the Philadelphia Eagles, who struggled significantly after losing both coordinators, highlighting the risk of an internal hire not meeting the expectations set by the previous staff.
- Odds indicate that a team finishing at the top for two consecutive years is rare, suggesting that regression is a likely outcome for the Lions next season.
Evaluating Bijan Robinson‘s Impact 34:55
“Bijan Robinson was the second most consistent running back in football.”
- Bijan Robinson made a name for himself by showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the season, finishing strong in the later games after a quarterback change. His success positioned him as a top contender for being selected early in fantasy drafts for the next season.
- Despite his substantial contributions, questions linger about his ceiling relative to other elite running backs due to a lack of explosive plays compared to some of his peers.
- Robinson’s usage rate improved as the season progressed, boosting confidence in his future performance as he became a primary figure in his team’s offense.
Josh Jacobs‘ 2023 Performance Analysis 39:56
“This was not the backfield maybe the Packers envisioned in the very beginning.”
- Josh Jacobs had a standout season, handling a significant workload with a remarkable 301 carries, which resulted in 15 rushing touchdowns and over 1,300 rushing yards. His performance was especially impressive in the second half of the season, where he scored most of his touchdowns after week 7.
- Despite his success, there was drama surrounding his scoring rate; only one touchdown came in the initial portion of the season while 12 were scored in the latter half, highlighting a dramatic shift in his usage and effectiveness.
- Jacobs’ workload led to him being categorized as a workhorse back, drawing comparisons to other top-tier running backs in the league. However, his inconsistent usage in the receiving game, where he sometimes received zero targets, raises questions about future projections for him.
Implications for the Green Bay Packers 41:30
“I do think that this will be the problem with PE. This is why he’ll drop down, because people don’t like Josh Jacobs for some reason.”
- Looking ahead, concerns arise about whether Jacobs will maintain his role as a featured running back for the Packers next season. Historically, offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur has preferred a running back by committee approach, and with injury-prone backups, Jacobs had to shoulder the primary load.
- Jacobs has proven his capability over the past season, effectively managing a high volume of opportunities without significant injury. This raises the question of whether the Packers will invest in another running back during the offseason or rely on Jacobs to continue being productive.
- Historically, Jacobs has experienced a fluctuation in performance rankings, indicating unpredictable seasons. This inconsistency could deter fantasy managers from drafting him, with the expectation of him being selected later than warranted despite his potential upside.
Future Projections for Jacobs 43:42
“Josh Jacobs will continue to do what he does because Matt LaFleur is a prolific offensive head coach.”
- There’s speculation regarding how Jacobs will be valued in future drafts; many might overlook him for other more “exciting” options. Nevertheless, his fundamental skills suggest that he could be a valuable asset, especially in a strong offensive framework led by LaFleur and a competent quarterback.
- It is suggested that Jacobs could be positioned as a mid-second round pick, drawing attention away from previous underperforming seasons towards his more recent successes.
- A critical point discussed is how Jacobs fits into the Packers’ offensive strategy, especially if they foresee him continuing in a lead role. The historical approach to using multiple backs may return if the team invests in new talent, complicating Jacobs’ predictive value for the next season.
Kiran Williams: A Valuable Dynasty Asset 49:29
“The talent’s too good; McVay knows how to use him.”
- Kiran Williams is highly regarded for his talent and the offensive system he plays in, particularly under head coach Sean McVay, who effectively utilizes him in the red zone.
- Despite his current success and impressive ranking as rb6 for two consecutive years, there are concerns about his long-term viability in the team, particularly regarding potential injury risks and the overall stability of the Rams’ offensive situation.
- While there is confidence in his scoring ability, uncertainties surrounding injuries and player availability, including quarterback Matthew Stafford and star receiver Cooper Kupp, add to the nervousness about his future in the league.
Devon Achane‘s Inconsistent Performance and Injury Risks 50:00
“If you remove those weeks when Tua didn’t play, Achane’s consistency rank would have been number five.”
- Devon Achane‘s performance is heavily influenced by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa‘s health, as his consistency as a running back drastically improves when Tua is leading the offense.
- In games where Tua was absent, Achane struggled significantly, highlighting a concerning inconsistency issue during those periods.
- The risk of injuries both for Achane and the uncertainties surrounding Tua’s health create a complicated forecast for Achane’s future performance. His smaller stature also raises questions about his durability in the NFL.
James Cook‘s Surprising Touchdown Numbers 54:00
“It’s crazy to me that he was the running back 11 last year with two touchdowns and had 16 this year.”
- James Cook had a noteworthy increase in rushing touchdowns from two to sixteen, which significantly improved his ranking from rb11 to rb8 in the current running back season.
- The Buffalo Bills adjusted their offensive strategy to utilize Cook more effectively, particularly in scoring situations, although concerns remain about the sustainability of such a high touchdown count moving forward.
- Despite this impressive performance, questions about his volume of opportunities remain, especially with other players like Ray Davis and Ty Johnson being integrated into the running back rotation.
Gambling Help Resources 59:14
“If you are struggling with a gambling problem, please reach out for help.”
- There are several resources available for individuals facing gambling issues, including dedicated hotlines. If you are in need of immediate assistance, you can call 1-800-XXXX for help with gambling problems.
- In New York, those seeking support can call 8778-HOPE-Y or text “HY” to 467-369 for assistance.
- Connecticut residents can reach out by calling 888-789-7777 or visiting the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling’s website, ccpg.org, where more resources can be found.
Responsible Gaming Initiative 59:31
“Play responsibly to ensure a healthy gaming experience.”
- The message encourages responsible gaming practices, emphasizing that players should be aware of their limits and gamble sensibly.
- The advertisement mentions that participation is limited to those who are 21 years and older, with age and eligibility criteria varying by jurisdiction.
- The promotion notes specific limitations, such as tokens being one per customer and expiring at the start of the final NFL game each day.
Promotion Details 59:36
“Use tokens on the day’s longest touchdown scorer for a chance to win.”
- Players can utilize their tokens on the day’s longest touchdown scorer, which could allow them to participate in a pool for a share of $2 million in non-withdrawable bonus bets.
- These bonus bets expire within 168 hours, and participants should be aware of additional wagering restrictions that may apply.
- For more details about promotions or resources related to responsible gaming, participants are directed to the Sportsbook at DraftKings.com/promos.

