Answering 16 Preseason AFC Dynasty Questions

Photo: Isaiah J. Downing, USA Today Sports

These 16 questions in the AFC will help to define Dynasty for years to come. See 16 NFC answers here.

What is the offensive weaponry outside of Stefon Diggs in Buffalo?

Preseason Question: Without Cole Beasley, there is a hole in Buffalo’s offensive pecking order. The Bills are promoting Gabriel Davis to the WR2 role. They also have a Dawson Knox at tight end and drafted James Cook at running back in the second round, along with Khalil Shakir at wide receiver in the fifth round. There is room for multiple starters in this offense led by Josh Allen besides Diggs, making the ancillary options in this offense a key watch.

Postseason Answer: Gabriel Davis posted a WR35 overall finish, with 48 receptions, 836 yards, and 7 touchdowns. While at times Davis was frustrating, he was a serviceable WR2 in the offense. Dawson Knox finished as TE14 on the season, with much of his production at the end of the season. Devin Singletary and James Cook worked in a committee backfield throughout much of the season. Devin Singletary is a free agent, but the team will likely be in the skill position market this offseason.

Is Tua Tagovailoa the answer at quarterback for Miami?

Preseason Question: Miami has a new head coach and the fourth offensive coordinator in Tua Tagovailoa’s three-year career. The team added Tyreek Hill via trade and should have the resources to address the position in the offseason if Tagovailoa fails to take a step forward. Tagovailoa has a career average of 6.6 yards per attempt, and a failure to increase to the low-to-mid 7 yards per attempt carries significant questions about his future as a starter.

Postseason Answer: Tua Tagovailoa started very well and was a top-eight quarterback in per-game scoring through Week 10, after a three-game stretch where he threw three touchdowns in each contest. The offense was one of the best in the league, with head coach Mike McDaniel and wide receiver Tyreek Hill providing a much better landscape for Tagovailoa to succeed. However, Tagovailoa’s season ended after his second official concussion, with speculation about his future likely to be a feature of the offseason.

What does the post-Josh McDaniel offense look like in New England?

Preseason Question: Josh McDaniels left the New England offense to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Mac Jones was a rookie season success, but now it appears former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia will be calling plays in the offense. The offense has numerous potential contributors, including Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, Devante Parker, Jakobi Meyers, Hunter Henry, and Jonnu Smith. How the transition impacts them and Mac Jones’ development is critical.

Postseason Answer: Rhamondre Stevenson consolidated the role in the offense, rushing 210 times for 1040 yards and 5 touchdowns while adding 69 receptions, 421 receiving yards, and a touchdown. Unfortunately, Stevenson was one of the lone bright spots as the Matthew Patricia-led offense was disjointed much of the season. Mac Jones took a step back in his second season, leaving the team to bring back Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator in January.

How does Zach Wilson progress in New York?

Preseason Question: The Jets have spent the offseason adding personnel to the offense to support Zach Wilson. Wilson struggled as a rookie, averaging only 6.1 yards per attempt, but the additions of Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Tyler Conklin, C.J. Uzomah, and Jeremy Ruckert should help his development. Wilson may miss the start of the season, but if he does not show progress in 2022, he will be at risk of being replaced.

Postseason Answer: Zach Wilson was benched in favor of Joe Flacco and Mike White at different times this offseason. The Jets have voiced a commitment to Wilson in the future, but the writing is on the wall that Wilson is a bust. Wilson grew from a clean pocket in his rookie season (PFF grade – 71.4 and YPA 6.6) to his second season (PFF – 70.8 and YPA 8.5) but plummeted under pressure from his rookie season (PFF – 30.4 and 5.0 YPA) to his second season (PFF 23.5 and YPA 4.2). Wilson ranked seventh in YPA among quarterbacks from a clean pocket in 2022, but his performance in PFF grade under pressure went from 37/40 in his rookie season to 40/40 in his second season.

Who wins the Pittsburgh quarterback battle?

Preseason Question: After Ben Roethlisberger retired, Pittsburgh addressed the quarterback position by signing Mitchell Trubisky in free agency and selecting Kenny Pickett with the 20th pick in the NFL Draft. Pickett was not drafted high enough to compel the Steelers to start him, and Trubisky has the skill set to win and fend off a challenge. With Najee Harris, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, George Pickens, and Pat Freiermuth, there are plenty of fantasy contributors depending on a better quarterback in the offense. How the quarterback battle is decided will be a critical watch through the season.

Postseason Answer: Kenny Pickett took the job over from Mitchell Trubisky and started 12 games. Pickett struggled to start but avoided turnovers down the stretch, including only one interception in the final eight games of the season. Pickett had the third-best grade of any quarterback under pressure (69.2) with 6BTT to 4TWP, but it did not pay off in yards per attempt (5.2). Pittsburgh played well down the stretch, winning four straight to finish with a winning record and pick 17 in the NFL Draft. The win streak was not entirely because of Pickett’s play, but the mid-first-round selection should secure Pickett against direct competition in the NFL Draft.