The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast · The Athletic

Division Previews - AFC and NFC North

·48 min·4 clips

Why is Jake Ciely moving Ken Walker up his rankings despite both Seahawks running backs being injured?

This episode focuses on fantasy football analysis for the AFC and NFC North divisions. Hosts Chris Wells, Jake Seeley, and Brandon Funston evaluate key players and situations impacting draft strategy. They begin by addressing the Seattle Seahawks' backfield, where both Ken Walker III and rookie Zach Charbonnet are dealing with injuries. Seeley notes Walker's injury is considered "week to week" but not serious, while Charbonnet's status is more uncertain and could extend into the regular season. Funston points out that Charbonnet was drafted partly due to his receiving skills, which are seen as superior to Walker's. The hosts discuss the potential for Kenny McIntosh or DeeJay Dallas to assume a third-down role if Charbonnet misses time. Deshaun Watson's fantasy outlook with the Cleveland Browns is debated, with his ECR rank at QB9. Funston argues Watson could finish as a top-five QB, citing his past performance and improved offensive weapons like Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore. Seeley is more skeptical, noting Watson's poor play last year and the high bar to displace other elite quarterbacks. The conversation shifts to Nick Chubb, with Seeley projecting nearly 300 carries and minimal threat from Jerome Ford. Funston highlights that Chubb's current draft cost is his highest ever, though he believes Chubb is "Watson-proof" based on his career consistency. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, Seeley does not believe Najee Harris will reach elite status, citing inefficiencies and competition from Jaylen Warren. Funston identifies George Pickens as the best value pick for the Steelers, given his connection with quarterback Kenny Pickett. Lamar Jackson's potential as a passer under new coordinator Todd Monken is examined, with Seeley placing him in a tier below the top fantasy QBs due to injury risk and historical low pass volume. Funston is skeptical any Ravens wide receiver outside of Mark Andrews will provide reliable fantasy value due to limited targets. Joe Burrow's calf injury causes Seeley to move him down a tier, as drafting Burrow may require carrying a backup quarterback. Funston views Joe Mixon as a reliable, bell-cow back in a top offense, likely catching 50-plus passes. The hosts disagree with ranking Ja'Marr Chase as the overall WR1, with Seeley and Funston both preferring Justin Jefferson based on superior production and durability. In the NFC North, the Detroit Lions' backfield is analyzed through the lens of rookie Jahmyr Gibbs. Funston expects the "good" version of DeAndre Swift, citing Gibbs' rookie potential and the departure of Jamaal Williams. Seeley compares Gibbs to a lesser version of Alvin Kamara, expecting a significant receiving role but shared rushing work with David Montgomery. The tone is conversational and analytical, blending news updates with strategic debate for fantasy draft preparation. This episode is ideal for fantasy managers seeking detailed breakdowns of North division teams ahead of drafts. Listeners looking for entertainment-focused content or those not interested in fantasy football should skip it.

As heard by us

A focused North preview for fantasy decision-making.

This North preview keeps returning to the same fantasy decisions, and that repetition gives it purpose rather than drag. Chris Wells, Jake Seeley, and Brandon Funston stay anchored on the Seahawks backfield before widening to Steelers value questions, so the discussion remains…

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If you need North division fantasy takes that turn into draft-room decisions.

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