It might only be the beginning of summer but there are plenty of fantasy football news & notes brewing. Staying up-to-date on these happenings is an important part of being prepared.
Our customizable 2022 fantasy football rankings are constantly being updated as news breaks on and off the field. The FullTime Fantasy Podcast is also an integral part of the process.
Here are some of the current NFL happening that the well-informed fantasy football fan should be aware of this week.
2022 Fantasy Football Rankings Update
Our initial rankings have been published for a while but part of maintaining solid projections is constant updates. Be assured that this is part of the process, as the FullTime staff is in constant communication and working together to present the most accurate rankings available anywhere.
Here are some of the big movers in our projections from early July and other fantasy-relevant news & notes.
Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield (Carolina Panthers) – The Panthers sent a conditional fifth-round pick to Cleveland for the disgruntled former starter. This is a great deal all around for both squads, but especially for Carolina. Mayfield now comes in as our QB16 while Sam Darnold has been relegated back to anonymity. Mayfield is a significant upgrade for all of Carolina’s receivers. Especially Rashard Higgins, who had a solid rapport with Baker in Cleveland. D.J Moore is now right outside WR1 territory.
Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) – We’ve been 2-3 spots higher on Prescott than the general consensus. Prescott had his best season as a passer in 2021 and finished as the overall No. 7 QB. That production came with his worst showing on the ground- running for a career-low 146 yards and one score. A year removed from surgery and reportedly in the best shape of his life, Prescott should contend for top-5 fantasy numbers.
Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns) – It is almost certain that Watson will be suspended for a minimum of one year, so he’s been removed from our projections. Jacoby Brissett is now Cleveland’s presumptive starter but that’s a downgrade for most of the Browns’ pass catchers.
Jameis Winston (New Orleans Saints) – Winston was able to make some throws without a brace on his injured knee this week. While that is an encouraging development, Winston continues to be a big fade for me. Check out the FullTime Fantasy Podcast for some of my reasons why I’m avoiding the Saints’ signal-caller in 2022.
Running Backs
Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints) – Pro Football Talk indicated that the Saints are expecting a suspension of “at least” six games for their star running back. Kamara was arrested and faces charges in an assault case from this year’s Pro Bowl. The hearing was moved to August 1st, so we may have more clarity before the draft season really kicks off. for now, Kamara looks like a fade, while Mark Ingram could be poised to be an excellent late-round target.
Cam Akers (Los Angeles Rams) – Akers continues to be a guy I’m fading because I just don’t see him producing many touchdowns with his minimal red-zone contributions. He also looked awful in the postseason. Granted, he’ll be healthier entering 2022, but the addition of WR Allen Robinson and RB Kyren Williams are also factors. I’m very interested to see how many looks Williams gets this summer and to see if Sean McVay gives Akers those valuable red-zone looks. For now, I’m approaching with extreme caution.
Ronald Jones (Kansas City Chiefs) – There was a report that Jones is a legitimate contender to lead the Cheifs in carries but we remain skeptical. Jones didn’t attract much attention on the open market and had to settle for a one-year deal with the Chiefs. Part of the problem is that Jones is prone to mistakes, fumbles, and is a poor receiver. That doesn’t sound like the kind of back that will thrive in Andy Reid’s system. For now, we expect Reid to employ a frustrating committee that will be led by Clyde Edwards-Helaire. I suppose there is little downside to targeting Jones at his current ADP but he remains pretty low for now until we see how things shake out in August.
Wide Receivers
Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – It is looking more likely that Chris Godwin is going to open the season on the PUP list. Then, TE Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement. That means Evan, who has caught 27 touchdowns from QB Tom Brady in the past two seasons, is poised to see an even larger target share. Evans now comes in as our WR5, while Davante Adams slides down to WR7.
Michael Pittman (Indianapolis Colts) – With some adjustments, Pittman has moved into our top 10. Last year, Pittman ran the third-highest route rate of any wideout and boasted an impressive 1.95 yards per route run. Plus, the addition of QB Matt Ryan can’t be understated. From 2008-2020, the No. 1 receiver in a Ryan-led offense averaged over 159 targets. Pittman checks all the boxes to be this season’s third-year WR breakout, and we’re all-in.
Jaylen Waddle (Miami Dolphins) – I’m interested to see how the Dolphins divide up targets this summer. For now, I’m cool on Waddle because I don’t see any way that QB Tua Tagovailoa can support a pair of WR2s. Miami brought in Tyreek Hill and Cedrick Wilson who combined to command some 221 targets in 2021. Additionally, the club signed RB Chase Edmonds to take more ‘safety valve’ targets away from Waddle. I was impressed with Waddle’s rookie campaign, but with it being some volume-driven, I’m skeptical if he can repeat it.
Rondale Moore (Arizona Cardinals) – Math indicated I’m back for another run at my boy Rondale. The formula Christian Kirk + the league’s 8th-highest slot rate – DeAndre Hopkins for 6 games = Moore sophomore breakout.
TIL there are a significant portion of fantasy football leagues that didn’t have Rondale Moore rostered in Week 2 and I’m all kinds of hurt/bitter/concerned. Like- do you even read what I’ve written? pic.twitter.com/5akX6JMskn
— #TagsStrong💪#SFB12 (@JodySmithNFL) September 23, 2021
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