Living in a Fantasy
August 28, 2022
Written by: Jay Looch
As we head into September, one thing is on the mind of all sports enthusiasts: Fantasy football. Fantasy football is the time of year where rivalries are born, hot takes are taken, and dreams are made. Running a fantasy football team makes one feel like they are running a fortune 500 company. Some might even say they put more heart in soul into their squad than the work that pays their bills. Research and prep is a must prior to draft day as roster change and injuries occur. You come prepared for your office meetings, so why not come prepared as GM.
Today we focus on one rookie breakout, sleeper, bust, and the MVP that can win or lose your fantasy leagues this year:
Rookie Breakout:
One rookie I am taking in my leagues might not be on a high powered offense, but could be in line for a big workload this fall. Dameon Pierce of the Houston Texans seems like he already has the RB1 job locked up over there. The incoming rookie from the Florida Gators was held out of the last preseason game and is taking reps with the starters. The praise from the coaching staff this training camp has already affected his draft stock and could be someone targeted in the mid rounds of this year's draft. Back up Marlon Mack has a track record of injury and even when healthy isn’t someone that brings all that much to the table. Head coach Levie Smith states, “We’ve seen everything you need to see from a good running back.”
The Sleeper:
Every year there are multiple players that breakout and go above and beyond in the stat sheet of what is expected prior to the season. This year I am targeting one guy extremely late in the draft that will be a fantasy starter on rosters come the first few weeks of the NFL season. This guy is on a high powered offense and his talent around him can allow him to free up some space for him to make a big impact in the passing game. Tight End Irv Smith of the Vikings will be a guy that can be taken late and make his way to a top 10 tight end this year. The 24 year old is coming off a knee injury that sidelined him for 2021. With weapons like Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and Dalvin Cook on the field, this could create space and separation for a good pass catcher in Smith. Tight End is always a position that runs thin in terms of elite numbers for Fantasy football, but taking Irv Smith in the 12-13th round could be beneficial for you in the long run.
Bust:
Busts are everywhere and at every position in the NFL. I feel like I only draft busts sometimes. However one guy I am avoiding in drafts this year is Antono Gibson. If you have read any sports news or headlines this offseason it has been very clear to fade Antonio Gibson of the Washington Commanders. Previous issues within ball security, not as affected as fellow back J.D. Mckissic in the passing game, and now with some competition from rookie running back Bran Robinson. Brian Robinson was in the news headlines last night taking multiple gun shot wounds in an armed robbery attempt but thankfully is in stable condition right now. With Gibson taking reps as the teams punt returner and was working with the teams 3rd string offense, he is not worth drafting at where he is currently going in the draft.
MVP:
A few guys will go and win your league for you this year. One guy on my mind constantly has a new look this season and probably saw the biggest upgrade there was. Ju-Ju Smith Schuster of the Chiefs is poised for a huge season. Going from Big Ben to Patty Mahomes is like going from unemployment to CEO. The 25 year old is the WR1 on an offense with the best QB in the league. Not to mention his average draft spot is sitting within the 4th and 5th round. An absolute steal for a guy who can easily be a top 10 wide receiver this season.