RB #5 Kyren Williams LAR

Kyren Williams is being undervalued in fantasy football, and it’s difficult to explain why. First and foremost he finished as RB #9 last season, and was an absolute machine on the ground. He played 1,005 offensive snaps, and 952 of them came from the backfield. He recorded 350 touches, 1,299 rushing yards, 91 first downs, 34 receptions, 182 receiving yards, and 16 total touchdowns. There is every reason to believe he will do it once again.

The Los Angeles Rams signed DeVante Adams in the off-season, and he is the buzz of camp. People are expecting another great year from him, but Williams will have the most touches of the playmakers. Protecting quarterback, Matthew Stafford is crucial for Adams success. The same is not true for Williams. His floor and ceiling are independent of Adams, Stafford, and Puka Nacua.

Williams ADP is currently RB #12 and 22nd overall. He is steal at any point in round three, and a bargain in round two. Do not hesitate to grab Williams as a RB 1.

LB #5 Zaire Franklin IND

2024 #1 linebacker, Zaire Franklin, moves a few notches down, and it may not be low enough. The ability of Franklin is never in question and he has been a top end linebacker the past three seasons. It feels as though the Indianapolis Colts have cranked out the best linebackers since 2018, starting with Shaquille Leonard. Franklin is the latest in that line but is he healthy this season?

He finished 2024 with a league leading 173 combined tackles. He has recorded 167 or more tackles in each of the last three seasons. He also recorded 6 passes defended, 5 forced fumbles, 3.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. A true do-it-all linebacker who happens to be a top end tackling machine… maybe the best. However he has a lingering injury that required two surgeries this off-season. The latest surgery was in July and the Colts invited linebacker Kyzir White on August 28th for an interview.

Franklin is set for a slow, or at minimum cautious start. Yet he has a chance to be LB #1 again. He’s usually one of the first three linebackers off the board regardless of the format. For those that want him, make sure to draft him early.

Come back tomorrow as we break down RB and LB #4. Subscribe to The Sports Affiliation for this and other articles sent directly to your email.

– Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy