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 North: the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings.
All stats are base on PPR scoring.
Be sure to check out all of Fanelli’s Fantasy Bold Predictions.
Darnell Mooney is a Top-15 Wide Receiver
After a solid rookie season, Mooney broke out last year. He ended the season as the WR23, averaging 12.9 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, he was a top-24 wide receiver despite scoring only four receiving touchdowns. However, Mooney’s production skyrocketed once Allen Robinson got hurt. He averaged 9.4 targets and 14.2 fantasy points per game in the five games without Robinson. Over a 17-game pace, Mooney would have ended the year as the WR16. When the Bears let Robinson leave in free agency, they did very little to replace him. Meanwhile, Justin Fields is locked in as the starter this year and ready to go. Expect him to target Mooney plenty this season, making the former fifth-round pick a top fantasy receiver.
D’Andre Swift has Over 75 Receptions
Swift was a popular breakout candidate last year before dealing with preseason injuries. However, he was a top-10 running back on a points per game average. Swift finished ahead of several star players, including Nick Chubb and Aaron Jones. A big part of Swift’s fantasy success was his role in the passing game. Swift was second on the team in receptions (62) and third in targets (78). Both easily beat the numbers from his rookie season. The Lions did add a pair of new wide receivers this offseason. However, Jameson Williams won’t be ready to start the year, while DJ Chark has been inconsistent in his career. With a lack of proven weapons around him, expect Goff to lean on Swift even more this season.
Romeo Doubs is a Top-36 Wide Receiver
Even after losing their top two wide receivers from last year’s squad, the Packers waited till the middle rounds of the NFL Draft to grab Christian Watson and Doubs. The former Nevada star had over 2,100 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in his final 20 collegiate games. Furthermore, there have been several reports so far this offseason of Doubs impressing during camp. With Davante Adams in Las Vegas, Aaron Rodgers will need a new No. 1 wide receiver to lean on. While many believe it will be Allen Lazard or Sammy Watkins, neither has shown an ability to be the No. 1 guy in their careers. Instead, Doubs will rise from the bottom of the depth chart and become Rodgers’ new favorite weapon.
Dalvin Cook is the Overall RB1
The veteran running back had 20-plus fantasy points per game season in 2019 and 2020. Cook ended the 2019 season as the RB6 and the 2020 season as the RB2. Unfortunately, he was only the RB16 last season, averaging 15.9 fantasy points per game. However, he will bounce back this season. His touchdown rate was 4.6 percent in 2019 and 2020, while it was only 2.1 percent last season. Cook also had only 34 receptions last year, his lowest total since his rookie season when he played only four games. With Kevin O’Connell coming in as the new head coach, Cook should see an increase in targets. If his touchdown rate bounces back to 4.6 percent, Cook will end the year as the RB1.
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