CouchScouts Podcast Ep. 36 RB's with the most to gain and the most to lose

The hosts, Matt Cooper and Matt Jackson, introduce episode 36 of the 'Couch Scouts' podcast. They discuss their current situations, with Matt Jackson having a busy week due to Vacation Bible School (VBS). Matt Cooper is at his parents' house for their church's VBS and mentions that Matt Rert is dealing with personal matters. They express excitement for the show and mention a change in the recording schedule. The hosts also invite listeners to join their free Discord community for Dynasty football discussions and promote their rookie guide for a fee, which provides in-depth analysis of over 60 prospects.

The hosts begin a series discussing NFL players with the most to gain or lose in the 2024 season, focusing on running backs. They use startup ADP data from Dynasty Data Lab and select players who could see significant value changes. The first running back discussed is Zamir Wright of the Raiders, who has a current startup ADP of running back 23. The hosts believe he has the potential to outperform this ranking, especially considering the Raiders' commitment to a ground game and the absence of Josh Jacobs.

The hosts analyze Gavonte Williams, who had a promising rookie season but suffered a severe knee injury in his second year, causing his dynasty value to drop. Despite this, they believe he has the talent to bounce back and outperform his current ADP of running back 22. They compare his situation to that of other players who have recovered from similar injuries and discuss the potential for Williams to regain his former status if he can return to full health.

Matt Jackson discusses his choice of Marshon Lloyd, who has a current Dynasty ADP of running back 40. Despite being in a timeshare with Josh Jacobs, the hosts believe Lloyd's explosiveness and speed make him a valuable asset. They consider his current ADP to be a steal, given his potential to make plays with limited touches and his ability to score from anywhere on the field.

The hosts debate the value of Austin Ekeler, who is currently being drafted at running back 41. Despite concerns about his age and previous injuries, they see potential for him to regain form and be a valuable PPR asset, especially considering his role in the passing game. They argue that his current ADP does not reflect his potential contribution to a team, especially if he can stay healthy and perform at a high level.

As an honorable mention, the hosts discuss JK Dobbins, who is currently drafted at running back 47. They acknowledge the challenges of recovering from an Achilles tear but highlight Dobbins' potential to gain value if he can return to form. The hosts note the open running back room of the Chargers and Dobbins' familiarity with the offensive system as factors that could contribute to his success.

The hosts engage in a debate about Deonain, a running back for the Miami Dolphins. While acknowledging his talent and potential, they discuss the crowded backfield and the challenges he faces in securing touches. They express concerns about his current ADP of running back 8, considering the uncertainty of his role and the potential for his value to decrease if he does not secure a significant share of the offense.

The hosts identify Christian McCaffrey as a running back with the most to lose heading into the 2024 season. Despite being a favorite player, they discuss the risks associated with his age and the potential for his value to decline. They note that while he could maintain his current value with a strong season, there is limited room for growth and significant risk of a drop in ADP if he does not perform at an elite level.

The hosts discuss Saquon Barkley as another running back with significant risks. They consider the changes to the Eagles' offensive line and the addition of new playmakers as factors that could limit Barkley's opportunities. They express concerns about his touchdown upside and his ability to maintain his current ADP of running back 7, given the potential for a decline in production.

The hosts identify Jonathan Taylor as a younger running back who could lose significant value if he does not perform at a high level in the upcoming season. They discuss his past successes and the expectations associated with his ADP, noting that another disappointing season could lead to a drop in his ranking. They highlight the need for Taylor to exceed the average performance he has delivered over the past two years to maintain his value.

In the conclusion, the hosts express gratitude to their audience and announce that their podcast is now available on more platforms, including Spotify and Amazon Music. They encourage listeners to leave a five-star review to help the show grow and remind viewers of their presence on social media and other podcast platforms. They also tease future discussions and invite audience engagement.