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The preliminary fantasy football rankings are out, which has all of us at ESPN Fantasy excited for the 2022 season.
You realize what else will get us excited? Having our unbelievable NFL Nation staff contribute to our fantasy protection year-round. We requested our reporters to offer one fantasy sleeper from every staff, whether or not it is an off-the-radar participant who may shock, somebody able to take an enormous step ahead, or — for groups with few sleeper choices — a deep-league dart throw.
Arizona Cardinals TE Zach Ertz: Ertz would be the one participant most poised to interrupt out with DeAndre Hopkins set to overlook the primary six weeks. Do not be shocked if Ertz turns into a favourite goal of Kyler Murray early and sometimes. And do not be shocked if Ertz catches passes coming off the road, lining up within the slot or because the Cardinals’ iso receiver on the boundary. He has the talent set to do all of it and would be the complementary piece to Murray that Arizona can be searching for throughout Hopkins’ suspension and past. With a whole offseason in Arizona’s offense, Ertz will head into the season with a greater understanding of his function within the offense, which is probably going to assist him break the tight finish franchise file of 56 catches (and which he tied in simply 11 video games final season). — Josh Weinfuss
Atlanta Falcons RB Tyler Allgeier: I do not know if I’d name him a “favourite,” however the different choices on the Falcons are pretty apparent. Kyle Pitts is already one of many prime tight ends within the sport, and rookie receiver Drake London needs to be the staff’s No. 1 receiver. However Atlanta has a large open working again room, particularly for early-down carries. The Falcons chopping Mike Davis final Monday gave much more alternative for Allgeier, who absorbs contact properly and had 50 damaged tackles final season, to change into a shocking first-year working again who has upside. Falcons head coach Arthur Smith want to run the ball and within the first yr of the post-Matt Ryan period for the Falcons, Allgeier is perhaps somebody to get some work alongside Cordarrelle Patterson and Damien Williams. — Michael Rothstein
Baltimore Ravens WR Devin Duvernay: Everybody is aware of tight finish Mark Andrews and broad receiver Rashod Bateman are the headliners in Baltimore’s passing sport. However who replaces the lately traded Marquise “Hollywood” Brown? Duvernay, a Professional Bowl returner final season, ought to get an opportunity to step up. Ravens coach John Harbaugh was so pleased that the staff drafted Duvernay within the third spherical in 2020 that he gave an enthusiastic fist pump after Baltimore chosen him. Duvernay also needs to have some built-up belief with Lamar Jackson. Final season, Duvernay caught 70% of the passes that Jackson threw his approach (21-of-30), the very best price amongst Ravens with double-digit targets. — Jamison Hensley
Buffalo Bills RB James Cook: Truthfully, broad receiver Gabriel Davis could possibly be the reply right here to take a step ahead, however after his four-touchdown headline-grabbing efficiency in January’s playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Davis appears much less certified as a sleeper. As a substitute, one of many Payments’ latest additions will get the nod. Cook dinner has the potential to play an enormous function within the offense throughout his rookie season, particularly because the Payments look to enhance their yards after catch. He’ll contribute to the offense as a receiver and rusher, and whereas he can be sharing the backfield with the likes of Devin Singletary and Zack Moss, Cook dinner has the potential to place up vital fantasy factors alongside Buffalo’s normal contributors. — Alaina Getzenberg
Carolina Panthers WR Terrace Marshall Jr.: The Panthers introduced the previous LSU star alongside slowly as a rookie final yr since he was coming off a foot damage. A foot damage finally landed him on injured reserve late final season, however he seems headed in direction of a full restoration. Do not anticipate an enormous leap from his 17 catches for 138 yards as a rookie in new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s run-oriented offense, however search for him to play a much bigger function and maybe change into extra of a menace within the purple zone. The Panthers nonetheless imagine they acquired a first-round-caliber participant within the second spherical. — David Newton
Chicago Bears RB David Montgomery: One of many methods the Bears can help second-year quarterback Justin Fields is by establishing a robust run sport round him. Fantasy managers can anticipate Montgomery to have a outstanding function in Chicago as a three-down again and should not see his workload fluctuate the best way it has at occasions up to now. Montgomery may have assist in the backfield with the addition of a fullback to Chicago’s offense and a change-of-pace again in rookie Trestan Ebner to assist hold Montgomery contemporary. Plus, he is getting into a contract yr. All these issues ought to line up properly for the 24-year-old in fantasy soccer. — Courtney Cronin
Cincinnati Bengals TE Hayden Hurst: Hurst ought to get loads of alternatives to show that he could be a high quality beginning tight finish. After signing a one-year cope with the Bengals this offseason, he instantly turns into the staff’s prime pass-catching possibility on the place. And regardless of the receiving corps that options Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Hurst may see extra targets as Cincinnati’s passing quantity may rise due to the enhancements alongside the offensive line. C.J. Uzomah, final yr’s prime tight finish who signed with the New York Jets in free company, noticed an elevated goal share within the postseason. Hurst will not have to separate targets with different tight ends and could possibly be somebody who helps the Bengals be more practical within the purple zone in 2022. — Ben Child
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku: The Browns are remaking their offense round QB Deshaun Watson, and Njoku could possibly be one of many main beneficiaries. The Browns will not be in as many heavy TE units, doubtlessly releasing Njoku to function in more room. On prime of that, he at present tasks to be Cleveland’s No. 2 passing possibility behind Amari Cooper. And regardless of his uneven manufacturing up to now, the Browns are betting massive on Njoku, having positioned the franchise tag on him with hopes of hammering out a long-term deal in time. All of this might add as much as an enormous season for Njoku. — Jake Trotter
Dallas Cowboys WR Michael Gallup: Gallup is getting into his fifth season so he may not be a sleeper within the conventional sense, however primarily based on what he did final yr and the truth that he’s coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament places him on this combine. He’ll doubtless miss at the very least a few video games to start out the season as he works his approach again, however the Cowboys clearly anticipate him to be an element with the five-year, $62.5 million contract they gave him. Accidents restricted him to 35 catches, 445 yards and two touchdowns final yr, however with Amari Cooper gone, the Cowboys will be sure that they offer him plenty of alternatives. And if Gallup is not the sleeper, then free-agent pickup James Washington could be a superb No. 2 possibility. — Todd Archer
Denver Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy: OK, this time the Broncos actually imply it. When he was the staff’s first-round choose in 2020, his coaches and teammates lauded his route-running precision in addition to his explosiveness. Then he had some wobbles as a rookie and, coupled with the Broncos’ continued struggles on offense general, was in a position to flip 113 targets into simply 58 receptions in addition to three touchdowns. Final summer season, his coaches and teammates swooned over his work in coaching camp, however then he suffered an ankle damage within the season opener that stored him out of the following six video games and he caught 4 or fewer passes in six of the 9 video games he performed the remainder of the best way, and completed with out a landing catch. Now Russell Wilson is his quarterback and even within the staff’s early exercises, Wilson has made it clear he has plans for Jeudy within the staff’s offense. Jeudy’s skill to create separation on the prime his routes has by no means been in query and a quarterback who can persistently get him the ball, on time, ought to gasoline loads of enchancment in his manufacturing. — Jeff Legwold
Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown: For fantasy soccer nerds, it is robust to name St. Brown a sleeper primarily based on how he completed his first yr for the 3-13-1 Lions. As a rookie, he did not rating his first landing till Week 12 of the 2021 season, however he completed the yr at a record-breaking tempo. He set the Lions rookie information for receiving yards (912) and receptions (90) whereas happening a streak with eight or extra receptions in six consecutive video games, which was additionally a franchise file. With a yr below his belt, and familiarity with quarterback Jared Goff, St. Brown may take off in Yr 2. Do not be shocked. — Eric Woodyard
Green Bay Packers TE Tyler Davis: The Packers fully ignored this place in free company and within the draft, however nonetheless you are in all probability saying, ‘Who’s Tyler Davis’? Initially a sixth-round choose of the Jaguars in 2021, he did not catch a go in eight video games as a rookie. The Packers signed him in late September final yr off the Colts apply squad. Whereas he solely had 4 catches for 35 yards, he flashed some down-field potential with a 22-yard catch on a seam route in opposition to the Ravens late within the yr. With Robert Tonyan coming off an ACL tear and Marcedes Lewis up there in age, Davis ought to get some early season alternatives. Of Davis, GM Brian Gutekunst stated lately, “I believe we would have one thing there.” — Rob Demovsky
Houston Texans RB Dameon Pierce: The previous Gators working again was a fourth-round choose for Houston, however he ought to have good worth in a weak Texans backfield. Houston signed Marlon Mack this offseason and re-signed Rex Burkhead earlier than the tip of the 2021 season, however there needs to be loads of alternatives for the 22-year outdated to earn carries. Though Pierce will doubtless begin the season as a backup, it would not be shocking in any respect to see him finish the season as Houston’s lead again. Final season, the Texans averaged a league-worst 3.Four yards per rush and completed with eight dashing touchdowns (tied for worst). Pierce had 16 touchdowns from scrimmage final season. — Sarah Barshop
Indianapolis Colts RB Nyheim Hines: Hines had a “down yr” in 2021 on the bottom and receiving with Carson Wentz because the Colts beginning quarterback. Hines’ 40 receptions and 310 yards receiving final season have been a profession low for him. Issues needs to be completely different with Matt Ryan. Coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Marcus Brady have already stated that Hines, the No. 2 working again behind Jonathan Taylor, may have a much bigger influence within the passing sport. Operating backs have been an enormous a part of the passing sport throughout Ryan’s profession. Ryan accomplished 110 passes — out of a complete of 375 — to working backs final season with the Falcons. Count on Hines, a former receiver at North Carolina State, to be taken out of the backfield and lined up out broad at occasions subsequent season. — Mike Wells
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr.: After lacking his rookie season due to a Lisfranc damage suffered in the course of the preseason, Etienne is anticipated to be full go by the beginning of coaching camp. He is nearly been forgotten with the addition of WRs Christian Kirk and Zay Jones and TE Evan Engram in free company, however Etienne’s return provides one thing that has been lacking from Jacksonville’s offense: He is a menace to attain from anyplace on the sphere. The Jaguars have only a mixed 31 runs of 20 or extra yards and receptions of 30 or extra yards up to now two seasons, which is the worst mark within the league. Etienne had 61 of these performs in his 4 seasons at Clemson. Plus, he needs to be the Jaguars’ foremost again firstly of the season as James Robinson continues to recuperate from a torn Achilles he suffered in December. — Mike DiRocco
Kansas City Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire: He was as soon as a sizzling fantasy prospect, however many have given up on him after two seasons of accidents and less-than-expected manufacturing. Edwards-Helaire could by no means obtain the fantasy standing that was predicted for him, however he is value maintaining a tally of because the Chiefs undergo change to the receiving group, together with the commerce of Tyreek Hill. The Chiefs will at all times be a pass-first staff with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback and Andy Reid directing the offense. However they might favor the working sport early within the season as Mahomes breaks in his many new receivers. Edwards-Helaire’s biggest untapped potential is as a receiver. If he is ever going to interrupt out in that space, it is this season, after the Chiefs traded Mahomes’ favourite broad receiver and misplaced two different prime wideouts to free company. Edwards-Helaire will cut up time with Ronald Jones II however the Chiefs have not given up on the thought of getting massive issues from him. — Adam Teicher
Las Vegas Raiders RB Zamir White: Sleeper, you say? How a few man that nobody had linked to the Raiders earlier than the draft? A man that performs a place already stacked with a Professional Bowler in Josh Jacobs, a flexible vet getting back from a damaged proper ankle in Kenyan Drake and a man well-versed in new coach Josh McDaniels’ offense in Brandon Bolden. Yeah, fourth-round choose White is that man. Each knees have been rebuilt and he runs onerous between the tackles, so let’s hyperlink the rookie White to some fantasy manufacturing primarily based on his hard-charging working model. — Paul Gutierrez
Los Angeles Chargers TE Donald Parham Jr.: Parham missed the final three video games of the common season in 2021 after he suffered a concussion in an try to make a diving catch that precipitated him to be taken from the sphere on a gurney. However in Joe Lombardi’s second season because the Chargers’ play-caller — he spent the 5 seasons earlier than he was employed by the Chargers in 2021 because the quarterbacks coach for the New Orleans Saints — the function of the tight ends ought to proceed to develop at the very least some, together with the purple zone. Mike Williams signed a three-year, $60 million deal to stick with the staff so he and Keenan Allen will proceed to get the majority of the targets general, however Parham, with one other yr of his personal growth to go together with some extra work within the offense, ought to carve out a scoring area of interest, as 20% of his profession receptions have gone for scores. As groups proceed to make use of the nickel defenses as their “base” increasingly to go together with a wide range of zone coverages within the purple zone, Parham’s 6-foot-Eight body can persistently be a match-up the Chargers can win down in shut. — Lindsey Thiry
Los Angeles Rams WR Allen Robinson II: You often do not consider gamers this well-known as sleepers, however it might be straightforward to miss Robinson after his least productive season since 2017 (when he performed in just one sport). He is in line for a bounce-back after signing with the Rams in free company. The most important purpose: Matthew Stafford is much better than any of the younger and middling quarterbacks he is caught passes from over his first eight seasons. With Odell Beckham Jr. nonetheless unsigned coming off ACL surgical procedure, Robinson is the clear-cut favourite to be the No. 2 possibility within the Rams’ passing sport behind Cooper Kupp. And as Beckham confirmed after his arrival halfway by way of final season, there’s loads of fantasy upside with the WR2 in Sean McVay’s offense. — Brady Henderson
Miami Dolphins RB Chase Edmonds: One of many first massive names to signal in the course of the 2022 free company cycle, Edmonds’ ceiling appeared to take successful as soon as the staff signed Raheem Mostert later within the week. However contemplating the damage that Mostert is getting back from and what head coach (and offensive play caller) Mike McDaniel needs to do together with his working backs, it is not out of the query that Edmonds breaks out in his fifth NFL season. Over the previous two years, Edmonds has caught 96 passes, which ranks eighth within the league amongst NFL working backs. Particularly if Mostert is gradual to return from the chipped cartilage in his knee he suffered final season, Edmonds has a possibility to shine in Miami. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Minnesota Vikings FB C.J. Ham: I get it. It may not sound inspiring to contemplate a fullback with three profession touchdowns in 5 seasons a sleeper, however the Vikings’ prime offensive choices are identified portions. So why Ham? It has been notable how regularly his title has come up in conversations with the Vikings’ new teaching employees. Ham offers them the flexibleness to run 22 personnel regularly, a precedence for brand new coach Kevin O’Connell. With the entire different weapons the Vikings may have on the sphere, defenses aren’t more likely to prioritize the fullback. Ham is not fairly the playmaker, say, 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk is, however within the very early phases of this offense, he’ll get extra consideration than you would possibly assume. Ham qualifies as a sleeper within the deepest of leagues. — Kevin Seifert
New England Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson: Historically, investing in Patriots working backs has been a “purchaser beware” proposition due to their desire for a rotation. Whereas the Patriots are arrange for a rotation as soon as once more (Damien Harris, Stevenson, James White — if wholesome — and 2022 draft picks Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris), however the view right here is that Stevenson has a shot to make a run at Harris for the RB1 spot after ending 2021 on the next observe. He is getting into his second season, typically when a participant makes his largest leap. — Mike Reiss
New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave: Clearly we must always mood expectations for any rookie receiver. However alternatives do not get a lot better than this. Olave ought to play an enormous function as a No. 2 receiver alongside Michael Thomas in a New Orleans offense starved for an additional playmaking go catcher. The Saints felt Olave was probably the most well-rounded receiver and polished route runner of anybody on this yr’s class — which is why they have been so aggressive in buying and selling as much as get him. And he has the velocity to change into a downfield goal for Jameis Winston. Mike Clay’s projection of 62 catches, 903 yards and 9 touchdowns appears real looking. — Mike Triplett
New York Giants WR Kadarius Toney: That is betting on the expertise. Certain there’s some damage threat right here, and there was plenty of noise this offseason about Toney doubtlessly being traded and his work ethic. However the second-year receiver is again with the Giants and has the flexibility together with his velocity, shiftiness and call stability that, if it clicks, he could be a monster in new coach Brian Daboll’s unfold offense. It appears excellent for his expertise. These six quarters vs. New Orleans and Dallas trace at larger and higher issues with a little bit damage luck. — Jordan Raanan
New York Jets WR Elijah Moore: His rookie season ended early as a consequence of a leg damage, however he displayed his potential from Week Eight to Week 13. In that stretch, Moore tied for the league lead in landing receptions (5). He additionally was sixth in yards (459) and tied for eighth in catches (34). If he can keep wholesome — he additionally missed the preseason as a consequence of a leg damage — Moore may emerge because the Jets’ WR1. The addition of first-round choose Garrett Wilson should not have an effect on him in any respect. If anybody, it should influence Corey Davis. The Jets view Moore as a foundational piece on offense. — Wealthy Cimini
Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert: He has the potential to be a top-three tight finish statistically this season. Goedert has spent the majority of his profession sharing snaps with Zach Ertz, however assumed the function of unquestioned TE1 when Ertz was dealt to the Arizona Cardinals final October. He had a few monster performances down the stretch, together with in back-to-back weeks in opposition to the New York Jets (6 catches, 105 yards, 2TD) and Washington Commanders (7 catches, 135 yards) in December. Quarterback Jalen Hurts may have higher command over the offense in his second season because the full-time starter. And the addition of receiver A.J. Brown will make it tough for defenses to key on Goedert over the center. He will eat this yr. — Tim McManus
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Calvin Austin III: It is onerous to place a lot inventory in a fourth-round rookie receiver, however Austin makes a compelling case as an under-the-radar fantasy goal — particularly contemplating most Steelers fantasy prospects are fairly apparent. Although his small stature makes him a prime candidate to fill the vacant slot place, his sub 4.Four velocity makes him a flexible menace in Matt Canada’s offense. Canada loves to make use of jet sweep motions, and that simply so occurs to be an Austin specialty. In 4 seasons at Memphis, Austin had eight rushes and three went into the tip zone, together with landing runs of 69 and 83 yards, per ESPN Stats & Information. With a brand new quarterback and a revamped offensive line, it is onerous to say precisely what the Steelers offense will appear like this season, however Austin’s strengths seem like a superb match for Canada’s scheme, making him a strong late-round addition or a waiver-wire candidate. — Brooke Pryor
San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk: After a robust begin to coaching camp in 2021, Aiyuk regarded like he was prepared to interrupt out final yr. However an damage and a few consistency points left Aiyuk struggling to seek out his place for the primary half of the season. When he acquired again on monitor, Aiyuk was some of the productive wideouts within the league, posting 685 receiving yards (eighth within the NFL) from Week 9 on. Aiyuk has spent the offseason coaching with quarterback Trey Lance in Southern California, which ought to solely assist construct rapport between the 2 as Lance prepares to step into the beginning function. — Nick Wagoner
Seattle Seahawks RB Ken Walker III: Walker is an intriguing fantasy sleeper for a similar purpose the Seahawks selected him with the 41st general choose: There is a good probability they want him to play instantly. They are not positive if/when Chris Carson can be prepared following neck surgical procedure, and whereas Rashaad Penny was the NFL’s most efficient working again over the ultimate 5 video games of final season, he is missed 30 of a attainable 69 profession video games (together with playoffs) as a consequence of damage. Walker would doubtless be in line for early-down work forward of DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer, whom Seattle has most popular in change-of-pace roles. With Russell Wilson gone, their offense will doubtless lean extra as a lot because it has in any season below Pete Carroll. — Brady Henderson
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Russell Gage: Gage was thrust right into a No. 1 function with the Atlanta Falcons final season as a consequence of Calvin Ridley‘s surprising departure. In Tampa, nonetheless, he’ll have Mike Evans to take among the weight off and finally Chris Godwin when Godwin totally heals from a torn ACL. So that you’re a No. 2/Three receiver, and even when he does assume the No. Three function, with Tom Brady’s heavy reliance on Antonio Brown in that third receiver function during the last two years (8.2 targets per sport in 15 video games), Gage is one to regulate. He can line up anyplace on the sphere, and that versatility (301 routes within the slot during the last two years, 191 routes outdoors) is vital. — Jenna Laine
Tennessee Titans TE Austin Hooper: Signing Hooper to a free agent deal grew to become much more vital after the Titans traded A.J. Brown to the Eagles. There can be loads of targets to go round, and Hooper strikes up the depth chart so far as alternatives go. At 6-foot-4, 254 kilos, Hooper provides an enormous goal for Ryan Tannehill, which ought to result in loads of alternatives, particularly in the midst of the sphere. The Titans’ play-action passing assault is much like what Hooper ran with the Falcons, through which he posted back-to-back 70+ reception seasons resulting in a 2018 Professional Bowl choice. — Turron Davenport
Washington Commanders WR Curtis Samuel: Washington signed Samuel to offer an enormous increase to the offense in 2021, however first a groin damage and later a hamstring concern restricted him to 5 video games and 6 catches for 27 yards. It was a catastrophe; he by no means regarded like himself. However the coaches love Samuel, gushing over him privately, and stay excited for what he can add to the offense. He should keep wholesome so there’s comprehensible angst from a fan base that has been burned very often. The Commanders love his versatility, realizing they will line him up broad or use him out of the backfield. Offensive coordinator Scott Turner, who considers Samuel one of many smartest gamers he is coached, likes his deep ball skill, which can be aided by strong-armed quarterback Carson Wentz. Individuals know what receiver Terry McLaurin can do in addition to working again Antonio Gibson. However Samuel is the wild card for Washington’s offense; if wholesome, he’ll play a key function. — John Keim
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