Running 28 – Khalil Herbert CHI
Herbert is in his third year and looking for a more prominent role in the 2023 season. His numbers from 2022 were decent considering he only played 13 games; 731 rushing yards, 9 receptions, 57 yards, and 5 touchdowns. On pace for a 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 7 TDs, a serviceable running back (RB) 3. He seemed prime for more starts, as he has only had three in two years, but fellow RB D. Foreman is having a strong camp and could be the first and second down back. Herbert stated that he worked on his pass catching and blocking skills over the off-season.
While quarterback Justin Fields is not Mr. Check-down, he likely has been drilled to get rid of the ball quicker, and protect his body for a long career. Foreman will eat into his shares, but Herbert could start some games, play more second half snaps, and is the clear 2:00 and 4:00 minute RB for the Bears. If 17 games are played, there is no reason he can’t have 40+ receptions to pair with his rushing numbers of last year for a career year. In bestball or deep bench leagues do not hesitate to grab both Chicago Bears RBs and roll with the hot hand.

Linebacker 28 – Jamin Davis WAS
Davis has shown flashes of his greatness in the first two years. The former Kentucky stand out will be the leader of the Washington linebacker (LB) room. He is only in his third year but the departure of Holcolmb leaves Davis as head-honcho of Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio’s defense. He will likely wear the green dot for most of Washington’s defensive snaps. He started 15 games last year and recorded 104 combined tackles, 68 solo tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 5 QB hits, and 2 fumble recoveries, all of which were career highs.
Davis has the advantage of having one of the best defensive lines (DL) in the NFL in front of him. While some say that will take aways from his stats, I would counter that. Ask any LB and they will tell you they are only as good as their defensive line.The great Washington D-Line should be able to keep offensive linemen from getting to the second level, and apply great pressure. Davis is poised for another career year and he is going later than most LBs who wear the ‘green-dot’. Do not hesitate to draft him.

Thank you for reading Mano y Mano. Check in tomorrow for RB & LB #27.
Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

*Stats come from FantasyPros, Pro Football Reference, Sleeper, and NFL/Next Gen.
*Rankings are based on .5 PPR format and FF7s.