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Welcome to Week 17 of the 2021 Footballguys Roundtable. Our intrepid and oddball panel of fantasy pundits discusses quarterbacks with recent upticks in production, RBs whose demise may be greatly exaggerated, bold playoff lineup calls worth consideration, and Fantasy Fill In the Blank.
Daydreams And Nightmares
Matt Waldman: A) Tell us about a player you thought would be a dream selection for your teams this year who was more of a nightmare. B) Tell us about a player you didn't want anything to do with but at some point, you took the plunge and couldn't be happier. (You can also apply this to the fantasy community in general, not just your teams).
Nightmares
Chad Parsons: Brandon Aiyuk was my nightmare. The historical view of Aiyuk's per-game production as a 2020 rookie pointed to quality odds of a Year 2 full-on breakout season. However, he ended up in the doghouse early in the season, then contended with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle for targets on a lower-volume passing offense. Upside and predictability was tough sledding, and Aiyuk is outside the Top 50 on a per-game basis with one fantasy week to play.
Chris Allen: That's a good choice, Chad, and I'm going with a nightmarish receiver, too. I got sucked into the A.J. Brown hype along with everyone else. He was coming off of a 106-target season where he admitted to having surgery on both knees once the postseason hit. Even with Julio Jones added, his projected target share was still palatable at his cost. I don’t believe in the notion of “vacated targets,” but it made sense he’d be more involved in the red zone with Jonnu Smith gone. It all lined up for Brown, and I dreaded starting him every week. His good weeks were too few, and his boom weeks came too late in the season. I’ll be happy to redraft Brown next season, but I hope for better luck on the injury front.
Jeff Haseley: Aiyuk and Brown are valid picks, but they don't compare to Calvin Ridley. I had him ranked as the No. 1 overall receiver in the preseason, so his early exit was particularly painful. I hope he gets the help he needs in his battle with mental health and returns in 2022 stronger than ever. But his absence was a tough obstacle to overcome this season.
Scott Bischoff: I agree with Jeff that Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley is the nightmare this year. I could not overcome the devastation laid upon my team in his absence. This is not an indictment of his choice to seek help for his issues, which I respect and welcome. The courage it takes to make that choice is commendable. But there’s no denying his choice derailed very high expectations many of us had for his fantasy outlook.
Jason Wood: I'll throw out players at the other skill positions since you two covered receivers already. My two most rostered players this year were David Montgomery and T.J. Hockenson. While Montgomery hasn't been what I'd hoped, being able to grab Khalil Herbert in his absence made it a far less painful mistake. Hockenson, on the other hand, was problematic. Sure, he was on pace for a "Top 6" season at the position, but he was closer to a hot hand waiver pickup each week than the elites of Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews. And then, of course, he went on season-ending Injured Reserve; again. Entering 2022, Hockenson will carry an injury discount and need to prove he's durable enough to let his immense talents shine.
Jordan McNamara: Co-sign on the Hockenson woes, Jason. I thought he would be a big difference-maker. But a combination of injuries, poor supporting talent, poor quarterbacking, and Hockenson's inability to take his efficiency to another level hampered what I thought would be an ascendant season.
Dreams
Chad Parsons: I took Kyle Pitts as the best player available regardless of position in some of my dynasty rookie drafts, knowing the historical odds of a fast start at the position were slim. Pitts benefited from the unexpected absence of Calvin Ridley, with few viable alternatives to siphon targets away. Although Pitts’ touchdown productivity held him back from the loftier pre-draft expectations of some of my colleagues, no one can argue with his overall productivity. Pitts has seven games of at least ten fantasy points (PPR), including three straight in Weeks 14-16.
Jeff Haseley: Many of us who have Elijah Mitchell on our rosters likely paid a decent percentage of our free-agent budget on him. We were hoping he would yield good results, and for the most part, he did, until injuries stepped in. The appreciation and acquisition of Mitchell started slow and grew as he continued to provide welcomed results.
Jason Wood: Hunter Renfrow was an afterthought for me, as I was caught up in the preseason reports -- and athletic pedigrees -- of both Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards. Edwards was a common target late in drafts, while Renfrow seemed like the 4th or 5th option in the offense at best, behind those two, Darren Waller, and Josh Jacobs. But as we now know, Waller wasn't healthy for most of the year, Ruggs committed that tragic act and is out of football, and Edwards flat out busted. That left Renfrow, with his precise routes and sure hands, to become a target machine for Derek Carr. Fortunately, I work with intelligent people, heard their early-season commendations, and grabbed Renfrow in a few leagues. Thanks, folks!
Chris Allen: Haha, you're welcome! I'm glad I didn't completely ignore Javonte Williams. My problem wasn’t with Williams, but with the analysis that came with evaluating his situation. Many industry peers were pining for Melvin Gordon’s trade or outright release before the season even began. There were multiple articles touting Williams’ value bump after the Broncos’ bye scattered across social media weeks in advance. The hype on Williams’ missed tackle rate drove me to draft Gordon, as a potential value play. But I’m glad I took Williams in a few spots, too. Coach Mike Munchak's stellar work with the offensive line, and Pat Shurmur’s conservative playcalling, allowed both Gordon and Williams to thrive. Gordon as the slasher he’s always been, and Williams as the power back. It’s an off-brand “Nick Chubb-Kareem Hunt” duo I’d like to see again in 2022, but I’m still happy I grabbed Williams despite the constant hype.
Jordan McNamara: Diontae Johnson is a player I was low on entering the season because I thought Ben Roethlisberger was an eroding quarterback. At the same time, Chase Claypool and JuJu Smith-Schuster were legitimate competition for targets. While I wasn’t wrong about Roethlisberger, Smith-Schuster’s season-ending injury cleared the way for an ample target share. As importantly, Johnson proved the far superior all-around player to Claypool and garnered a deservedly larger piece of the pie.
Scott Bischoff: Bills tight end Dawson Knox was off the radar as the season began, as I did not think he would factor into the offense as he has. I thought the passing game would be driven by the wide receivers, mitigating the ability of the tight end to produce. However, it was apparent after a few weeks that Knox was a favorite of Josh Allen, particularly in the red zone.
Interlinked Fortunes
Waldman: I want your thoughts on pairs of players I'm linking together even if they may not ever be linked or remain linked. Pick two pairs from the list.
- James Conner/Chase Edmonds
- Jared Goff/Josh Reynolds
- Aaron Rodgers/Davante Adams
- Davis Mills/Tyrod Taylor
- Jimmy Garoppolo/Trey Lance
- David Montgomery/Khalil Herbert
- Michael Thomas/Russell Wilson
Discuss whatever thoughts you have that come to mind about them as it relates to fantasy football.
Jared Goff/Josh Reynolds
Scott Bischoff: The Lions sent Matthew Stafford to the Rams, receiving multiple first-round picks and Jared Goff in exchange. I thought Goff had an unknown upside at the time because of how Rams head coach Sean McVay managed games, essentially reading the defense for the quarterback and making calls for him. I thought it would be tough for Goff to reach that upside, but something was there. Unfortunately, it was an ugly start for Goff in Detroit. In part because he lacked the maturity of someone who had more control of the offense and because the Lions were bereft of talent. It is interesting then that the Lions reached for an ex-teammate when receiver Josh Reynolds became available, possibly understanding that Goff needed someone he could trust. It seems to have worked; Reynolds’ addition has unlocked something in Goff’s game. Reynolds' presence has also helped rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown. I am operating under the assumption the Lions re-sign Reynolds in the offseason, but I think he remains a No. 3 receiver going forward. I could see the Lions drafting a wide receiver with the first-round pick they received from the Rams in 2022, and it makes for a very competent group of passing-game options moving into the future.
Jimmy Garoppolo/Trey Lance
Jeff Haseley: When it's all said and done, we may be looking back at Jimmy Garoppolo as the Alex Smith to Trey Lance's Patrick Mahomes II. At age 20, when drafted, Trey Lance needed someone to help show him the ropes at the next level. Luckily for him, the 49ers presented him with that opportunity, unlike the Jets and Zach Wilson, who was immediately thrust into the starting role. Lance's time on the sidelines carrying a clipboard and earpiece may be exactly what he needed. We won't know for sure until the 2022 season, but we’ll get a preview in Week 17.
Davis Mills/Tyrod Taylor
Scott Bischoff: The Texans are in an enviable situation with Mills as they did not have to use much draft capital to acquire him. He looks like a player they can try and develop while building the rest of the roster with early picks and whatever they get out of trading stud signal-caller Deshaun Watson. Mills has played relatively well in a poor situation and is deserving of the year he may get to start for the Texans. It helps the Texans rebuild and have time to allow a quarterback to develop. Taylor remains a high-end backup capable of assisting Mills in growing as a player.
Jason Wood: I agree, Scott, but think you're downplaying the star-crossed nature of Tyrod's career. As fellow Footballguy Sigmund Bloom put it so beautifully on a recent episode of The Audible, the Texans have a bonafide hit on their hands in Davis Mills. Even if Mills ends up the Texans' backup for the next few seasons and nothing more, they're more than justified the draft pick and found someone who seems capable of being a league-average or slightly better starter. His emergence has left Tyrod Taylor as the clipboard holder, a position he's unfortunately been all too familiar with during his career. Taylor is the Ted McGinley of NFL starters. He always seems to step into a situation at precisely the wrong time.
David Montgomery/Khalil Herbert
Chad Parsons: For David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert, my first thought is they are one of the most likely RB1/2 pairings for 2022. Montgomery is playing on his rookie contract, and Herbert showed this year that he’s more than capable of handling starting duties in Montgomery’s stead. Whoever coaches the Bears next year will have a powerhouse tandem on the ground to help keep defenses honest and allow Fields to pepper his receivers accurately.
Aaron Rodgers/Davante Adams
Chad Parsons: For Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, I am reminded of beautiful music. As a musician, certain pieces - whether jazz, vocal, classical, etc. - are 'yours'. Many others may not understand their depth to you, but music is a customized artform of acquired tastes. The more I think about it, the stronger the odds I would place on Rodgers and Adams remaining in Green Bay next season, playing beautiful music. Adams is a free agent, and Rodgers enters the final year of his contract. Think of the Packers drifting into the woods without Rodgers and Adams in 2022. That could be a historic fall-off from one year to the next. When in doubt with elite players, I side with the status quo with their team attachment.
Jason Wood: Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams are among the best QB/WR tandems in NFL history. Last week, Rodgers and Adams connected for their 66th touchdown, breaking Rodgers' previous record with Jordy Nelson. Both Rodgers and Adams have set, or are the precipice of setting, franchise marks at their respective positions thanks to the uncanny chemistry between them. And while Chad's optimism of the symphony continuing for a 2022 encore is endearing, it's totally unlikely. The reality is we're only weeks away from an end to their storied partnership, as Rodgers almost assuredly will move on to another team in 2022. Adams may move on, too, but it probably won't be to the same team.
Jordan McNamara: I vividly remember a Davante Adams drop in his second season. I was heavily invested in Adams as a rookie coming out of college in dynasty rookie drafts, and the drop felt like the moment Adams' stock was going to zero. That we went from that moment to the present is remarkable. A Rodgers-to-Adams throw and catch is like a Mariano Rivera cutter: you know exactly what is coming and still can't stop it. When Rodgers is dialed in, Adams’ targets feel indefensible. It is hard to imagine Rodgers will ever have a better battery mate than Adams if this truly is the last dance.
Chris Allen: I'm with Jason and Jordan, let's embrace the greatness while we have it. All I see is the “Last Dance” photo they both posted before ending their offseason holdouts. Albeit, I’m guessing they have a much healthier relationship than Jordan and Pippen. Regardless, the story they’re trying to tell in Green Bay is compelling. Like Russell Wilson and Doug Baldwin (now, Tyler Lockett) or Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown, their connection creates these moments that can get rewatched and reanalyzed repeatedly. They’re two of the best at their positions getting to play together, which is something we don’t get to see too often outside of possibly three other teams.
Michael Thomas/Russell Wilson
Jeff Haseley: This is a duo that might wind up saving both of their careers if they wind up on the same team, but it may not be New Orleans. I have no doubts that Wilson's struggles have been due to the Seahawks' offensive strategies and game plans, and less his ability. The hand injury also likely played a role as well. Despite what Wilson says, it probably bothered him more than he let on. It may be time for Seattle to move from Wilson and Pete Carroll. A change of scenery and an offensive coordinator/coach who knows how to use him best is what he needs. There are better days ahead for Michael Thomas, too, but we may never see him as successful as he was with Drew Brees. We don’t know where either former star will play in 2022, but it could be a comeback story for the ages if they unite.
Jordan McNamara: I agree with Jeff. This would be an intriguing pair in a Sean Payton-led offense. There is a feeling of inevitable change in Seattle, with enough smoke to the Wilson trade rumors that we should expect him to land on a new team in 202. A healthy Thomas would be the first dynamic intermediate zone weapon at Wilson’s disposal in years. Put Payton in charge of the design along with Alvin Kamara as a moveable chess piece, and it would have the makings of a dynamic offense in a way we have not fully seen Wilson.
Chris Allen: How quickly things change. Both were elite options in fantasy circles and on the actual football field. Now, they almost need a second act to their careers to rejuvenate the appreciation we had for them just a year ago. I’m excited for the offseason speculation to begin, and they both get their shot in positive situations elsewhere.
Bold Playoff Lineup Calls
Waldman: Yes, you generally want to stick with your best players. Blah, blah, blah. Still, there are scenarios where you need the guts to deviate from the game plan.
- Give us one top-25 starter at RB or WR that you'd consider benching this week.
- Give us one RB or WR outside the top 35 that you'd consider starting this week.
VERY IMPORTANT: You cannot use a player outside the top 35 who was considered a starter or co-starter to begin the year but is outside that ranking mostly due to injury. For example, CEH, Kareem Hunt, Miles Sanders, A.J. Brown, Courtland Sutton, and Corey Davis are not allowed.
Consider Benching
Jason Wood: Cordarrelle Patterson ranks RB8 with just two weeks left to play. There's no doubt he'll be on most short-lists for best values of the year, considering most saw him as a gadget player who would see minimal snaps behind Mike Davis. While his full-season heroics likely helped many teams make their playoffs, they would be well to consider benching him for their league championship this week. The Falcons play the Bills, a difficult matchup for opposing running backs. But more importantly, Patterson has fallen on hard times of late. He ranks RB32 over the last three weeks, mainly because the team isn't using him as a de facto receiver anymore.
Chad Parsons: Alvin Kamara has been in a funk of late, and the Saints' quarterback situation has been a contributing factor. Carolina has a quality defense, and Week 17 is shaping up to be a 'it depends' lineup decision with Kamara instead of the typical auto-start status. There are plenty of pivots worth considering with Darrel Williams, Sony Michel, and Ronald Jones II in enviable situations this week, not to mention Damien Harris’ re-emergence.
Chris Allen: I'll stick in the NFC South for my choice, too. Go and search for a Panthers fan who is happy with the team’s performance. Meanwhile, I’ll start listing the other wide receivers I’d rather roster this week instead of D.J. Moore. I bet you’ll get done first. Moore’s saving grace is his volume; he’s had double-digit targets in four straight weeks. However, he’s on an offense ranked 30th in yards per drive. Plus, he’s tethered to a platoon of quarterbacks that have collectively struggled to total 250 passing yards over the last month. The Panthers have thrown two passing touchdowns since Week 12. Let that sink in, and then strongly consider looking for an alternative to Moore this week.
Jordan McNamara: Okay, I'll leave the confines of the NFC South for my choice. It would be straightforward to bench Saquon Barkley. He has been an RB3 without any upside since returning to the lineup. Barkley is essentially Devin Singletary with a higher Q-score. As my colleagues have astutely noted, there are so many lower-ranked running backs surging into premier opportunities this week; they’re worth considering over Barkley.
Jeff Haseley: Can I give you an entire team? Arizona. Kyler Murray, Chase Edmonds, Christian Kirk, A.J. Green, maybe even Zach Ertz. Dallas and Arizona are two ships passing each other at sea. The Cowboys are playing at a high level, especially on defense, and Arizona is struggling to find their way without DeAndre Hopkins and a less-than-100% Murray. Since Week 6, only Taysom Hill has thrown two touchdown passes against Dallas. Since returning from injury in Week 13, Murray has three games of 1 or fewer touchdowns. Fading the Cardinals is risky because they have top-end upside, but it might be worth considering depending on your risk tolerance in the fantasy championship week.
Scott Bischoff: If the Indianapolis Colts are to be without quarterback Carson Wentz, I think receiver Michael Pittman is worth sitting. It is far too risky to play Pittman if you need Sam Ehlinger to play well to unlock the receiver’s value. The Colts are an intelligent operation, and I doubt they take the ball out of Jonathan Taylor’s hands in a pivotal matchup that could determine their playoff chances.
Consider Starting
Jason Wood: There are quite a few receivers worth considering in terms of lower-ranked players worth starting. Although the Packers' secondary is stingy, K.J. Osborn will see plenty of targets with Adam Thielen out. Odell Beckham is way down the ranks but has seen his role in Los Angeles steadily increase. Isaiah McKenzie was an out-of-nowhere hero last week and should be in line for an encore performance with Cole Beasley and Gabriel Davis out this week. But my choice, above all those, is Antonio Brown. Like the U.S. Marshal riding into town just as the bank robbers strike, Brown returned from his suspension just in time to rescue a Buccaneers receiving corps that lost Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Tom Brady trusts him, with good reason, and Brown should have a massive game against the lowly Jets.
Chris Allen: I already mentioned Melvin Gordon earlier and love his matchup against the Chargers this weekend. Without Joey Bosa last week, we just saw Rex Burkhead carve up the Chargers defensive front. And Los Angeles was a paltry 21st in rushing EPA allowed over the six games before Houston rolled them for 183 rushing yards. Javonte Williams will be the fan favorite, but I’d give Gordon a start if given the option.
Chad Parsons: Ronald Jones II produced 16 points in Week 16 and now gets the Jets to close out the fantasy season. Without Leonard Fournette, Jones saw 65% rushing market share and 10% target share last week, and the positive game script probability is high for Tampa Bay. Jones warrants top-15 consideration.
Jordan McNamara: Jason's an Eagles fan, so I'm surprised he didn't highlight Boston Scott. Miles Sanders will miss Week 17 with a hand injury, and Jordan Howard is questionable. Scott could have a prime opportunity in a favorable matchup against Washington. Scott may be available on your waiver wire and could end up as a top-15 play.
Jeff Haseley: Jordan took the words out of my mouth. The Eagles have the #1 rushing offense in the league, and now they will be without Miles Sanders, as Jordan noted. Howard has taken over the lead back, but his neck injury is worrisome. Despite being a road game for the Eagles, the matchup against Washington is a favorable one. Washington will probably get some of their key defensive players back, but Philadelphia's offense may be too much for them to overcome.
Scott Bischoff: I'll co-sign with Chad and highlight Ronald Jones II. The Buccaneers draw the Jets’ porous run defense this week. Ronald Jones II should put up excellent numbers this week as Tampa can have their way on the air and on the ground in what should be an easy win and superb game script.
Fantasy Fill in The Blank: Early 2022 Predictions
Waldman: Pick one of the following statements, put a player in the blank.
- "_________ will be the most productive rookie WR from the 2022 class."
- "_________ will be on a new team and remain a fantasy stud."
- "__________ will be on a new team and be a fantasy flop."
- "__________ will be a rejuvenated team in 2022."
Explain your answers.
Scott Bischoff:
Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks will be the most productive rookie receiver from the 2022 class. He has great size and runs excellent routes, and is very difficult to get to the ground.
Aaron Rodgers will remain a fantasy stud in 2022, but I think he plays somewhere other than Green Bay. This answer feels like cheating because Rodgers is still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but a destination like Denver is super intriguing as he would have some of the best weapons he has ever had.
I see Melvin Gordon as the most likely player to play elsewhere and not live up to expectations. Rookie Javonte Williams is pushing him from the Denver roster, and the end comes incredibly quickly for running backs.
The Philadelphia Eagles have had a solid season, but they will get an infusion of talent with two first-round picks coming their way in 2022. Quarterback Jalen Hurts played well enough, and they have a solid offensive line and a strong running game. I can see them making a stronger push next season if they can target good players at positions of need in the draft and through free agency.
Jason Wood:
Garrett Wilson will be the most productive rookie WR from the 2022 class. The Ohio State receiving corps is jam-packed with NFL talent, but Wilson is the smoothest of the bunch. He's so refined, and has great body control, runs impressive routes, and has perfect hands. Unless he lands on a team with other top-end options, as CeeDee Lamb did in Dallas, Wilson will be a target hog as a rookie and be fantasy relevant.
As Scott astutely notes, Aaron Rodgers will be on a new team and remain a fantasy stud. This was an easy one. Rodgers will go elsewhere in 2022, and he'll pick a place he thinks can go to a Super Bowl or two in the next few seasons. Rodgers is still playing at an MVP level despite the Packers having a top-heavy receiving corps and little else.
I'm with Scott, yet again. Melvin Gordon will be on a new team and be a fantasy flop. Gordon has been better than his reputation and continues to play well in Denver despite subpar quarterbacking and a studly rookie in Javonte Williams eating away at his snaps. But Gordon is aging out, has battled nagging injuries for a few seasons, and will be hard-pressed to thrive on a third NFL team.
Baltimore will be a rejuvenated team in 2022. I don't have the NFL injuries stats handy, but the Ravens have to be at or near the top of the ledger. Who else can lose not one but two of their preeminent running backs before the season and still thrive? Lamar Jackson hasn't been 100% most of the year, nor have key offensive linemen and a host of star defenders. Baltimore should benefit from positive regression in 2022 and be back at the top of the AFC North standings.
Jeff Haseley:
I agree with Jason. Garrett Wilson will be the most productive rookie WR from the 2022 class. It's challenging to predict effectiveness without knowing the team he'll be selected by or their receiving structure. Still, Wilson has been a top-tier receiver since high school, and every year he has improved despite having a strong freshman campaign. He has a desired size, speed, and hands combination perfect for today's NFL.
Allen Robinson will be on a new team and remain a fantasy stud. Let's use the term "remain" lightly because Robinson did not have a strong year playing in Chicago. He may have chosen Chicago for the money in his last deal, but he's going to aim for success this time around. Where will he wind up? The Los Angeles Chargers would be a perfect landing spot, especially if Mike Williams isn't re-signed.
Any veteran running back on their third contract will be on a new team and be a fantasy flop. Examples include Melvin Gordon, Leonard Fournette, Alex Collins, Mark Ingram, and David Johnson. It's a younger man's game, and the old are replaced quickly, especially at running back.
Baltimore will be a rejuvenated team in 2022. I concur with Jason's thoughts. The Ravens managed to be competitive despite the early season losses at running back, plus several key defensive players throughout the year. John Harbaugh's staff will likely be the same. There won't be any ramp-up time needed for any new coordinators; they will have several players back and healthy for a run at a title.
Chad Parsons:
Russell Wilson will be on a new team and remain a fantasy stud. Seattle strikes me as the most likely to reset the clock on the franchise, and selling Wilson is the centerpiece of that strategy. Wilson is not having a stud season in 2021 but is a stud talent. Wilson will be 33 years old next season and firmly in his prime. Of current NFL starters, Wilson's touchdown-to-interception rate is behind only Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes II, and Tom Brady. Wilson's down 2021 is reminiscent of Aaron Rodgers' 26-touchdown season in 2019. Wilson's down 2021 is coming off the heels of a 40-touchdown 2020 campaign and four straight seasons of at least 30 touchdowns. Down seasons happen, and Wilson is set up to be one of the values of the position in 2022.
Chris Allen:
I'm with my colleagues here, Jason and Jeff know what's up! It makes me feel better about choosing Garrett Wilson. I'm from Ohio, so I'm biased. But facts are facts. I like his route technique on comebacks and out routes. Plus, his willingness to play on special teams will help him out in his rookie season.
Melvin Gordon is my pick, too. Great minds think alike. Calling Gordon a “stud” might be a stretch in how some people perceive it. I could see him in a Darrel Williams type role in a new environment, but that's where he'll top out.
I hope the Chargers bring back Mike Williams as I don’t trust another team to deploy him on the field properly. The Chargers have struggled to do it, too, but have other players to keep the ship afloat. Pigeonholing Williams into a contested-catch receiver role has been detrimental to his career as he showed us how versatile he could be earlier in the season.
The Los Angeles Chargers have looked competitive at times but still needs another year to revamp their roster. I’d focus on their defense more (especially after last week), but they could use some depth at the skill positions.
Jordan McNamara
Someone we don't expect will be the most productive rookie WR from the 2022 class. The fantasy community bet big on the likes of Ja'Marr Chase and Rashod Bateman. Chase has been good, but the community missed on Kadarius Toney and Jaylen Waddle's upside while directing a lot of venom towards Toney in particular. Even Day Three selection Amon-Ra St. Brown is closing the season on a WR1 pace.
Deshaun Watson will be on a new team and remain a fantasy stud. This seems easy money letting me nominate Watson. By this time next year, I expect Watson, the NFL’s active leader in yards-per-attempt to be lighting up opposing defenses for a new team.
The Saints will be a rejuvenated team in 2022. This season, the Saints have started Jameis Winston, Trevor Siemian, Taysom Hill, and Ian Book at quarterback while outscoring their opponents. The formula for a resurgence is straightforward: keep this core intact, get Michael Thomas healthy, and land a quarterback. The situation should be attractive for a disgruntled veteran looking for a ring, which could put the Saints at the top of the NFC in short order.
