Running Back 37 – Tyler Allgeier ATL
T. Allgeier is entering his second year and shown that he can produce at this level. He finished the season with 210 rushing attempts, 1,035 rushing yards, 16 receptions, and 4 touchdowns. The former BYU Cougar had his best weeks in the fantasy football playoffs, scoring 15+ points in Weeks 14-18 with full command of the Falcons backfield. He finished the season in the mid twenties of almost all formats, and there should be no decline in his performance. He is going down in rankings this year, because of the first round pick Bijon Robinson who will undoubtedly have as many if not more touches than Allgeier.
If Bijon was not an Atlanta Falcon, Allgeier could have been a 2023 top five running back, but he is. They both should do well under Coach Smith and Offensive Coordinator Dave Ragone’s run heavy playbook. The prediction is Allgeier will have less opportunities. than Robinson Still, Allgeier is worth a late round draft and stash, for Bijon will not play every offensive snap.

Linebacker 37 – Matthew Judon NE
The first edge pressure linebacker (LB) on the list is Matthew Judon. His past two years in New England have produced his best two seasons. He could be the best player on their defense, and has led the team in sacks the past two years. He enjoyed his best season last year with 60 combined tackles, 15.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. He played so well, he finished 9th in Defensive Player of the Year honors, despite being on a losing team. Judon finished as the 17th best LB in FF7s last year.
He is relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback, and it shows as the third most sacks in the past two seasons. For most outside linebackers, sacks come in bunches, meaning they get three in one game against a bad tackle and then several weeks without one. Judon had a sack in five games in a row, and ten games total! The consistency covered the risk aspect, and he delivered on the reward. Eleven games with 10+ points, four games with 20+ points, and two games over 30+ points. However, the Patriots offense should be improved under Bill O’Brien dropping Judon’s snap count. Ten or more sacks are well within reach, but his consistent 60 tackles per season could decrease. Judon is worth a draft in most formats, but especially in leagues with higher points for sacks.

Thank you for reading Mano y Mano. Check in tomorrow for the 36th ranked RB & LB.
Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

*Stats come from FantasyPros, Pro Football Reference, Sleeper, and NFL/Next Gen Stats. Rankings are based off of .5 PPR format and FF7s for IDP scoring