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7 Players To Draft If You Actually Watch Football

STACKED extracted the fantasy-relevant player signal from this video and kept the full transcript here for context.

14 min
Duration
Estimated from transcript
Aug 21, 2026
Published
Fri, August 21, 2026
11
Player insights
11
Players mentioned
Topics
Brock BowersBrycen TremayneChris RodriguezColston LovelandGeorge KittleKenneth Walker IIILuther BurdenMalik WillisMatthew GoldenTerrance FergusonTravis Etienne
Player analysis

Player insights

11

Brock Bowers

NegativeValue11:08

Brock Bowers is a viable flex starter in fantasy football, with Mattek suggesting he is a draftable option even ahead of George Kittle depending on specific roster construction and draft strategy.

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Brycen Tremayne

PositiveSleeper13:06

Brycen Tremayne is identified by Mattek as one of seven recommended 'Ball Knowers' draft targets for fantasy football.

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Chris Rodriguez

PositiveRole4:00

Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a threat to earn significant playing time in Jacksonville following a two-year, $12 million deal. His prior connection with Liam Cohen at the University of Kentucky suggests he could command a larger share of the backfield, though he is viewed primarily as a grinder with limited receiving upside, having recorded only six career receptions.

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Colston Loveland

NegativeValue11:08

Colston Loveland is a viable flex starter in fantasy football, with Mattek suggesting he is a draftable option even ahead of George Kittle depending on specific roster construction and draft strategy.

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George Kittle

PositiveProjection9:41

George Kittle remains a strong fantasy starter entering his age-33 season, even coming off an Achilles injury. His blocking is critical to Christian McCaffrey's success, and with other 49ers pass-catchers dealing with injuries or inexperience, Kittle could see a career-high in receptions. He is a reliable asset due to his extreme efficiency and integral role in Kyle Shanahan's offense. Mattek includes him as a 'Ball Knower' draft target.

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Kenneth Walker III

PositiveProjection2:32

Kenneth Walker is projected as a top-five fantasy player following his move to the Kansas City Chiefs. He is considered a perfect stylistic fit for Patrick Mahomes and is expected to command heavy volume in both the run and screen games, filling a void for a high-end back in the Chiefs' offense. Mattek includes him as a top 'Ball Knower' draft target.

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Luther Burden

PositiveBreakout5:36

Luther Burden is projected for a full-time role in year two, operating in the critical slot/flanker position within Ben Johnson's offense. He shares an identical rookie average depth of target (aDOT) with Amon-Ra St. Brown and is a primary target for innovative play-calling. He is currently undervalued and should be drafted ahead of Emeka Egbuka and Ladd McConkey, in the same range as Zay Flowers and Chris Olave. Mattek lists him as a 'Ball Knower' draft target.

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Malik Willis

PositiveValue0:18

Malik Willis is a high-upside, essentially free draft target. If he secures a starting role and maintains a rushing floor of 10 carries per game, he offers elite fantasy potential comparable to the archetypes of Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Anthony Richardson. Mattek identifies him as one of seven essential 'Ball Knower' draft targets.

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Matthew Golden

PositiveBreakout7:36

Matthew Golden is considered the most underrated player in football and an obvious breakout candidate. His limited rookie production was due to losing snaps to Dontayvion Wicks and Romeo Doubs, alongside missed connection opportunities from Jordan Love. Film shows a unique ability to create deep separation, and his explosive skill set aligns with the Packers' offensive strategy. Mattek identifies him as a 'Ball Knower' draft target.

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Terrance Ferguson

PositiveBreakout11:39

Terrance Ferguson is a 'Ball Knowers' sleeper pick with significant breakout potential. Mattek projects him to finish third on the Rams in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He is praised by Sean McVay as a 'football genius' and has demonstrated versatility by playing every position except tailback. His fantasy value is bolstered by his role in the Rams' heavy 12 and 13 personnel schemes, specific usage in tight end screens, and recent weight loss aimed at improving YAC ability.

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Travis Etienne

PositiveRole4:56

Travis Etienne is the clear lead back and explosive rush threat for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He possesses superior receiving ability compared to his backfield counterparts, cementing his role as the primary option in the offense.

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Full transcript

Episode Transcript

9
0:00Not For Nerds
1:23Malik Willis
2:57Kenneth Walker
4:43Bhayshul Tuten
6:42Luther Burden III
8:42Matthew Golden
10:46George Kittle
12:44Terrance Ferguson
14:10Recap + Flock Season Pass

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