The AFC West is packed with potential sleepers and breakout candidates, particularly in the running back position. The Denver Broncos defense is poised to shine, starting strong against teams like Tennessee, making them top in the division. J.K. Dobbins is highlighted as a strong late-round target, especially as he could take over passing downs. Meanwhile, Evan Ingram's potential as Denver's second target also stands out.

Justin Herbert remains a valuable stash despite a drop in rankings, thanks to his strong finish last year. Rookie running backs Ashton Genty and Amarian Hampton are expected to make significant impacts, with Genty projected to thrive in a run-heavy Raiders offense. However, fantasy managers should be cautious with Najee Harris, who, although a decent early-season pick, won't likely deliver league-winning performances.

In a recent episode of NFL Daily, discussions revolved around the evolving landscape of quarterbacks heading into the 2025 season. Geno Smith emerged as a focal point, highlighting his surprising ascension and potential for further growth in a new system in Las Vegas. The conversation also touched on CJ Stroud's year two expectations, emphasizing the need for him to adapt to new defensive strategies after a challenging rookie season. Bryce Young's recovery from a dismal start is another intriguing storyline as he aims to solidify his place as a reliable starter. Trevor Lawrence, meanwhile, faces pressure to capitalize on improved team dynamics and offensive support. The episode concluded with a spotlight on Caleb Williams and his anticipated growth under new coaching leadership in Chicago, setting the stage for an exciting quarterback race in the NFL.

The latest Gold Standard podcast dives into the complexities and surprising rankings of NFL quarterbacks, particularly focusing on the NFC West. Hosts Rob Statz Guerrera and Michelle Majuk offer their insights on the quarterback landscape, expressing confusion over Gino Smith's consistent placement in the top rankings while overlooking Brock Purdy. They argue that while Smith has shown glimpses of brilliance, he often falters in crucial moments, leading to a lack of faith in his ability to perform under pressure. The discussion highlights the importance of contextualizing quarterback performances and examining their season trajectories, questioning the value placed on highlight-reel throws over tangible successes.