While the 2022 NFL season is still months away, it is never too early to prepare for the fantasy season. Whether it’s research, mock drafts, or going with your gut, everyone has a way to prepare for their fantasy drafts. However, this isn’t another article to help you prepare for the fantasy season. Today I give a bold prediction for every team in the NFC East: the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders.
All stats are base on PPR scoring.
Be sure to check out all of Fanelli’s Fantasy Bold Predictions.
CeeDee Lamb Leads the NFL in Targets
Lamb had a 24.7 percent target share last year despite playing under 78 percent of the snaps. Furthermore, his route participation rate was only 81 percent. Yet, Lamb was very effective with his targets, averaging almost two fantasy points per target last season. While his 120 targets last year ranked 24th in the NFL, Lamb will see a massive uptick in 2022. The Cowboys traded away Amari Cooper in the offseason, making Lamb the new No. 1 wide receiver on the team. Furthermore, Michael Gallup is recovering from a torn ACL, and likely won’t be ready to start the year. With limited proven weapons in the passing game, Dak Prescott will heavily lean on Lamb this season and give him enough targets to lead the league.
Saquon Barkley is a Top-10 Running Back
The former No. 2 overall pick had a historic rookie season, averaging 22 touches and 24.1 fantasy points per game. Unfortunately, Barkley has struggled to stay healthy since his rookie season, missing 42.9 percent of the games the past three years. Furthermore, his yards per rushing attempt dropped to a career-low 3.7 last season. However, the Giants have done everything possible to help Barkley out this offseason. They added several new offensive linemen, including top-10 pick Evan Neal. The Giants also brought in no competition for touches, giving Barkley an easy path to a featured workload. If he can stay healthy, Barkley will end the year as a top-10 running back.
Jalen Hurts is the Overall QB1
In his first year as the full-time starter, Hurts was the QB9 and averaged 20.8 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, he tied for the QB6 finish on a points per game basis with Aaron Rodgers. However, he will take another step forward in 2022 after the Eagles made the blockbuster trade for A.J. Brown during the NFL Draft. More importantly, Hurts and Josh Allen were the only two quarterbacks to throw for over 3,000 yards and rush for over 750 yards last season. Hurts is entering his second season as the unquestioned starter and have a breakout year. If he can take an Allen-like leap with the addition of Brown, Hurts will have no trouble ending the year as the QB1.
Antonio Gibson Finishes Outside the Top-30 Running Backs
After averaging 16.1 PPR fantasy points per game without J.D. McKissic last year, Gibson appeared on track for a featured role when the veteran agreed to a deal with the Buffalo Bills. However, McKissic changed his mind and re-signed with Washington, hurting Gibson’s value. Then, the Commanders used a third-round pick on Brian Robinson. Now there are reports that Robinson will take over as the short-yardage back. Gibson had 52 red zone touches and six goal-line rushing attempts last season. If those touches go to Robinson, Gibson’s fantasy value takes a massive hit. Furthermore, he won’t have much work in the passing game with McKissic healthy. Unless something changes, Gibson should be on your do not draft list this year.
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