Quarterback
– Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (44.1% rostered on ESPN)
– Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (15.1% rostered one ESPN)
– Zach Wilson, New York Jets (9.3% rostered on ESPN)
Jared Goff proved that he can be fantasy relevant without his top weapons after holding his own in Detroit’s 48-45 shootout loss to the Seahawks. He threw for 378 yards and four touchdowns which was good for 33 fantasy points. Those numbers should not be expected every week but are promising given he was previously considered a low-ceiling player.
Geno Smith has stood out as a pleasant surprise this season. He had the best game of his career against the Lions, scoring three total touchdowns and throwing for 320 yards. Smith scored 17.2 points in week one, 6.1 in week two, 18.9 in week three, and 31.7 this past week. Outside of week two, he has been a stable fantasy option at worst. Seven carries on Sunday also adds to the season-long optimism.
Zach Wilson was one of two young quarterbacks to make their 2022 debut on Sunday (three if you are a fellow Bailey Zappe fan) with Kenny Pickett. Wilson has a higher fantasy ceiling due to his skillset and offense. New York is loaded with exciting playmakers to pair with Wilson’s arm talent. If he can unlock that, he can be a real fantasy weapon on an offense that should be playing from behind often.
Running Back
– Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins (53.3% rostered on ESPN)
– Brian Robinson Jr, Washington Commanders (37.4% rostered on ESPN)
– Tyler Allgeier and Caleb Huntley, Atlanta Falcons (16.8% and 0.0% rostered on ESPN)
– Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11.3% rostered on ESPN)
– Mike Boone, Denver Broncos (0.1% rostered on ESPN)
Raheem Mostert continues to lead the Dolphins backfield in carries. He ran the ball 15 times against Cincinnati even though they were behind for most of the game. He is receiving a consistent workload and has the speed to break off big plays. The best is yet to come for Mostert if he can stay healthy.
Cordarelle Patterson landed on the injured reserve after Atlanta’s victory over Cleveland. Rookie Tyler Allgeier and Caleb Huntley split carries evenly with 10 rushes each. Huntley scored a touchdown leading to a slightly better fantasy day, but Allgeier was more efficient. Neither received much work in the receiving game, something to monitor next week. Allgeier was a popular sleeper pick for many in the offseason. Now he has an opportunity to emerge ahead of schedule and is the Falcon runner to grab. Huntley is worth consideration in deeper leagues but will not have much value when Patterson returns.
By a miracle, Brian Robinson is returning to football just over a month after being shot in a carjacking attempt. He was a training camp darling and had a chance to be Washington’s lead back. The Commanders are likely to ease him back into play, but his talent demands a large workload at some point this season. Add Robinson now before it’s too late.
Leonard Fournette is producing well but continues to struggle with wear and tear. Rachaad White scored his first career touchdown on Sunday while catching five passes. Fantasy managers have waited to see White get involved in the receiving game. If this is a sign of things to come, White will have standalone value in addition to being a high-level handcuff to Fournette.
Javonte Williams tore his ACL on Sunday which unfortunately ended his season. Melvin Gordon must now step into a larger role, but there will still be elements of a split in Denver. Mike Boone has flashed in limited opportunities with Minnesota and Denver and now has a consistent workload for the first time in his career.
Wide Receiver
– Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys (46.5% rostered on ESPN)
– George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers (37.6% rostered on ESPN)
– Zay Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars (35.6% rostered on ESPN)
– Donovan Peoples-Jones, Cleveland Browns (2.1% rostered on ESPN)
Michael Gallup scored a touchdown in his season debut. Dallas’ wide receiver two should see an uptick in targets in the coming weeks, especially once Dak Prescott returns and the offense is in full swing.
The George Pickens breakout game finally happened. The rookie had six catches and 102 yards. The entire Steelers offense will receive a boost with Kenny Pickett now at quarterback. The talent has always been obvious and now Pickens is starting to prove it on the football field.
Jamal Agnew scored 21 fantasy points in Zay Jones’ absence. That only cements the importance of Jones in the Jacksonville offense. Trevor Lawrence trusts him. That comfortability and chemistry make Jones worthy of being rostered and of flex-play consideration week-in and week-out.
Donovan Peoples-Jones might be the top receiving option in Cleveland. Yes, even ahead of Amari Cooper. He played just one less snap than Cooper and led the team in targets. Peoples-Jones is benefitting from defenses focusing on other weapons. He is also available in almost all fantasy leagues. There aren’t many other top targets that are this readily obtainable.
Tight End
– Tyler Conklin, New York Jets (38.8% rostered on ESPN)
– Mo Alie-Cox, Indianapolis Colts (1.9% rostered on ESPN)
Tyler Conklin angered Jets fans on Sunday with a drop that turned into an interception, but that should not prevent fantasy owners from adding the tight end. He continues to be near the top of the league in routes run at the tight end position. Zach Wilson did not target him as frequently as Joe Flacco, but Conklin remains a significant factor in the New York offense.
Mo Alie-Cox had a massive game catching all six of his targets for 85 yards and two touchdowns. He is a touchdown-dependent player, but the upside is worth it if you are streaming the position. His frame and basketball background make him a red zone threat that can score multiple touchdowns in any game.
