What is happening?
After watching the abomination known as the Broncos and Chargers on Monday Night Football, I’m sure you are wondering the same thing I am. What is happening to the offense this year? You would be right if you think it is worse than in previous seasons. Matt DiSorbo points out that fantasy football scoring has been at its lowest point in the past 13 seasons.
Something about football feels off, right? Sluggish?
That's because the first 6 weeks of fantasy scoring are the lowest in THIRTEEN YEARS. Down 22% from last year
We're seeing it in the primetime games. There's a severe shortage of consistently high-powered offenses
— Matt DiSorbo (@datavizuals) October 18, 2022
Broken down by positions, you see the differences between the average top 12 players’ PPG compared to 2021:
- QB: -2.4995 (23.6625-21.163)
- RB: -1.49 (19.8-18.308)
- WR: -.525 (19.775-20.083)
- TE: -1.1136(13.9966-12.883)
So if you picked the average top 12 players at QB, RB, WR, and TE, the 2021 team would score an extra 5.63 points per week. Over six weeks, that would grow to a 33.77 point advantage. If we push it out to 14 weeks, that becomes 78 points! And yes, this includes Josh Allen’s asinine 29.8 PPG! It highlights how bad the season has gone for countless players this year. It’s a mix of factors leading to this year’s reduced fantasy scoring. We have our 2022 kings in Allen, Lamar, Hurts, Mahomes, Diggs, Kupp, and Ekeler. You are likely the top dawg in your fantasy league if you have any combination of those players rostered.
But, whatever you do, do not give up on the season. We are not yet halfway through the season, and so much will change in the next eight weeks. Instead, find ways to make trades and constantly turn your roster over. You never know what’s under the rock unless you look for yourself.
I am the perfect example of why you never give up in #FantasyFootball I was 2-6 after 8 weeks and have now ripped off 8 wins straight. 1 more and I win the damn thing. #Unbelievable pic.twitter.com/AP4UwIBpEq
— Brian Reigle (@killerbreigle) December 28, 2021
Remember, we recommend players available in less than 50% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues.
Running Back
Rachaad White Available in 74.2% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (10% FAAB)
While Fournette regained a more prominent role in Week 6, the upside play is clear as day with White. If Fournette were to suffer an injury and miss time, White would become an impact RB1 for as long as Founette is out. Even in his current role, White can potentially hit a big play each week for fantasy managers.
Gus Edwards Available in 94.9% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (7% FAAB)
Gus Bus is almost back, and it has been a long time coming. Edwards has never averaged under 5 yards/carry in his career. He could be back as soon as this week and will supplant Kenyan Drake as the RB1 while Dobbins still recovers from a hamstring injury.
James Cook Available in 68.7% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (5% FAAB)
With Buffalo going on a bye, most will skip over James Cook. Here’s why you shouldn’t. Buffalo will likely change the offense during the Week 6 bye and bring along the second-round rookie to have a more prominent role in the offense. Cook is the extended play who has a shot at heating up for fantasy managers down the stretch.
Wide Receiver
Rondale Moore Available in 53.5% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (8% FAAB)
Moore has been fantastic since his Week 4 return. He’s averaging 7.6 targets, 5.3 receptions, and an 86% snap share. With Hollywood out, the passing attack will revolve around Hopkins on the outside and Moore in the slot. The exact position we saw Christian Kirk roll up almost 1000 yards last season. You can fire Moore up with confidence.
Alec Pierce Available in 74.7% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (5% FAAB)
Pierce has been a welcome surprise this season as the WR2 the Colts have lacked for years. Pierce has seen his role grow each week, and Indy will expand on it as the season progresses. The Colts also possess one of the best pass rates and pace of play in the NFL, giving the WRs more bites at the proverbial apple.
Alec Pierce in his last four games:
18 receptions (27 targets)
271 yards
TD pic.twitter.com/2qwjVO3QJp— 🔌 Kweav Sports 🔌 (@Kweav_Sports) October 17, 2022
Wan’Dale Robinson Available in 93.5% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (1% FAAB)
In his first NFL game, the second-round rookie led the Giants in targets while being on the field for only 23% of the time. It was an excellent sign for a team desperately needing skill position talent. You can add him for practically nothing and stash Robinson a week before everyone else sees the role blossom in New York.
Tight End
Daniel Bellinger Available in 97.5% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (2% FAAB)
Grab the Giants rookie TE a week before he becomes the #1 TE to grab on waivers. He is currently the Giants highest graded receiver on the season. He’s played on 93% of downs and upwards of 80% of the routes for the Giants in Week 6.
Cade Otton Available in 98.6% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (1% FAAB)
Brate went down with what looked to be a severe injury. Otton stepped up and filled the receiving tight end role in the offense. If you are looking to chase touchdowns at the position, look no further than TB. With the WR core in place, there will not be a considerable slice to go around, but the targets will be of high value in the offense.
Quarterback
Jared Goff Available in 49.6% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (5% FAAB)
Goff is the QB7 in PPG and gets the matchup against Dallas, the 31st in fantasy points allowed to the position. Stream Goff this upcoming week; and you can run him back in Week 8 against Miami, who is 29th against the position. Goff has become a set-it-and-forget-it quarterback in the right matchups; similar to the fantasy QB we knew in Los Angeles.
Daniel Jones Available in 72.7% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues (2% FAAB)
Jones currently has the Giants on fire off to a 5-1 start. He is QB15 on the year and gets to go against a Jaguars defense that surrendered 389 yards and three touchdowns to Matt Ryan in Week 6. Jones and Big Blue should be able to move the ball up and down the field. To everyone’s surprise, Jones is 13th in EPA per play, highlighting his efficiency this season. Fie him up against Jacksonville.
Jesse Moeller
Jesse Moeller is a fascinating character. By day, he's a restaurant manager, but during his free time, he transforms into a fantasy football analyst. He's been playing fantasy football since 1999, which means he's been around the block a few times. But his passion for the game has never waned. Jesse is a devoted husband to his wife Andrea, whom he's been married to for five years. They have a lovely daughter Cecilia, who is now four years old. Jesse's journey into content creation began with The League Winners in 2021, and he hasn't looked back since. Dynasty is his passion, and his love for the game is infectious. Jesse is a true degenerate who loves the fantasy football and the community that supports it.