Running Back 8 – Joe Mixon CIN
Joe Mixon has had a low key summer, and flew under the radar. Maybe it was because of other running backs (RB) being the focal point of discussion, maybe it was Joe Burrow’s injury, maybe he realized he’s been in enough spotlight and didn’t want more attention. Mixon has been on a roll the past two years, and with the Bengals line improving, and S. Perine signing with Denver, the path for a career year is in front of Joe. He took a salary cut to remain with the team, was just proven innocent in his civil case, and Joey B has a hurt leg. How people are sleeping on Mixon is a mystery.
He had 1,255 scrimmage yards, 9 touchdowns (TD), 60 receptions, 270 touches in 14 total games. The year prior to that he had 1,519 scrimmage yards, 42 receptions, and 16 TDs. For the sake of speculation lets look at the averages of those two seasons. That would be 1,387 yards, 51 receptions, and 12.5 TDs… That would be a stellar season, at minimum RB 8. So for Joe Mixon to be a top ten RB, he simply has to be himself and play a full season. Seems logical and easy to do, particularly with a beefed up offensive line. Joe Mixon’s ADP is currently between 9-17 depending on the platform, a steal in almost all current drafts. Snag him and have a solid RB for the season.

Linebacker 8 – Micah Parsons DAL
Another edge pressure linebacker (LB) makes an appearance in the top twenty. Parsons can be a bit difficult to predict from a week to week basis, but overall he should have a great season. In his two years in the league he has made the first team All-Pro, Pro Bowl, finished second in Defensive Player of the Year, won Defensive Rookie of the Year and finished 8th in AP MVP votes. He is a special player on a team that gets constant national attention.
His numbers were almost identical in both years, minus his tackling. The reason for this is Parsons saw several double teams and plays ran away from his side of the defense. Parsons had 3 passes defended and 3 forced fumbles in both years, he had 13 sacks in 2021 and 13.5 in 2022. He had 30 QB hits in 2021 and 26 in 2022, and he scooped up 3 fumble recoveries in 2022 which he had zero of in 2021. His tackles went from 84 to 65 though in this could be concerning. Parsons had six weeks with less than 8 points, that isn’t awful for an IDP, but you must be aware that Parsons point production comes from sacks, and QB pressures… not his tackles. So Micah owners will need to weather a couple bad weeks, to receive those big weeks. Even with those bad weeks, Parsons finished as LB 5 in FF7s with 285 points. Needless to say he is one of the best LBs in the game, but he gets drafted like one too. If you want Parsons do not hesitate to reach, because one of your league mates will if you do not.

Thank you for reading Mano y Mano. Check in tomorrow for RB & LB #7
Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

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