RADIO
Welcome to the NFL preseason Week 2 edition of our fantasy football matchups and Start Em, Sit Em column. We hope everyone had a great offseason and is enjoying watching preseason NFL football, the appetizer before the main course.
Week 1 of the preseason is now complete and Week 2 is about to begin. I'll be analyzing these games each week providing you with names and positional battles to monitor so you can crush your drafts and assemble a championship-winning team!
For preseason Week 2, I'll be covering the Friday and Saturday games. Join me as I preview the most important players to watch. If you have any additional questions, follow me on Twitter @JoshCon and feel free to ask away. Let's dive in!
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Matchups Analysis - Friday Games
Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots
Spread: Panthers -2.5
Implied Total: Panthers (22) vs. Patriots (19)
Pace: Panthers (17th) vs Patriots (24th)
Panthers Off. DVOA: -24.2% Pass (32nd), -11.5% Rush (21st)
Patriots Off. DVOA: 24.7% Pass (10th), 4.9% Rush (7th)
Panthers Def. DVOA: 6.8% Pass (18th), -8.2% Rush (15th)
Patriots Def. DVOA: -12.6% Pass (3rd), -13.1% Rush (10th)
Must-Watch Players:
Patriots RBs
The Patriots chose to rest both Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson in their preseason Week 1 game against the Giants, so the split between these two still remains unclear. However, they did feature rookies Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris, who are third and fourth on the depth chart, respectively. Strong Jr. has the higher draft capital and was more productive but neither had a standout performance. It will be curious to see when they choose to provide some in-game snaps to Harris and Stevenson as well as how Strong Jr. and Harris perform against the Panthers.
D'Onta Foreman (RB, CAR) vs. Chuba Hubbard (RB, CAR)
Christian McCaffrey is set up for another massive season but he could lose a few snaps to the players behind him on the depth chart. This won't impact his value, but when combined with his recent injuries, it does make the immediate backup more intriguing. The two players currently battling for that role are Foreman and Hubbard. Hubbard filled in for McCaffrey last year and was mostly mediocre but flashed at times and is familiar with the offensive system. Foreman landed a role in Tennessee, where he produced some quality performances but was also inconsistent. Foreman seems to have the upper hand but either could win this job and be worth targeting late in your draft as an insurance back.
Panthers No. 2 Receiving Option
D.J. Moore will dominate targets and pace the offense again in 2022 but beyond him, it's unclear who else will contribute. Robbie Anderson struggled immensely last season along with Terrace Marshall Jr. Both will again have a chance to solidify themselves but it could also be sophomore tight end Tommy Tremble who emerges. McCaffrey will also soak up a ton of targets but someone else will, at the very least, have spike weeks with occasional top-36 value.
Other Players:
Patriots WRs
DeVante Parker continues to seem locked in as their No. 1 receiver but after that, it's wide open. None of Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agholor, or Kendrick Bourne saw the field against the Giants but rookie Tyquan Thornton made his mark with a touchdown in his first NFL action. The mystery of the pecking order will continue but Thornton is becoming an intriguing option.
Baker Mayfield (QB, CAR) vs. Sam Darnold (QB, CAR)
It's difficult to imagine a world where the Panthers trade for Mayfield and then start Darnold but the team has done everything they can to delay making a decision. Mayfield definitely offers more upside and is by far more proven than Darnold. Mayfield himself probably won't be more than a weekly streamer for fantasy but he could elevate the other options in this offense, in particular, Moore, who continues to produce huge yard totals but has never surpassed four touchdowns in a season. Seeing Mayfield fully healthy and developing chemistry with his teammates would provide a slight boost in confidence for this offense.
Mac Jones (QB, NE)
As mentioned last week, Jones is the clear-cut starter but it will be interesting to see if the praise head coach Bill Belichick provided, matches his play on the field. Jones is not a mobile quarterback so cracking the top 12 will be difficult, but he projects as an upside streamer or second quarterback in two-quarterback and superflex leagues.
Starters Being Rested:
None
Injuries:
D.J. Moore (shoulder)
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers
Spread: Packers -3.0
Implied Total: Packers (21) vs. Saints (18)
Pace: Saints (25th) vs Packers (32nd)
Saints Off. DVOA: 7.0% Pass (18th), -18.4% Rush (28th)
Packers Off. DVOA: 36.4% Pass (2nd), 3.5% Rush (8th)
Saints Def. DVOA: -7.2% Pass (4th), -26.8% Rush (1st)
Packers Def. DVOA: 5.9% Pass (16th), -0.2% Rush (28th)
Must-Watch Players:
Packers WRs
The Packers rested Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb while Sammy Watkins and rookie Christian Watson missed their game against the 49ers with injuries. This left rookie Romeo Doubs to showcase his talent, which he absolutely did. Doubs made a beautiful move to get wide open and catch his first preseason NFL touchdown. While it's too early to make any final conclusions, the combination of training camp hype and his performance against the 49ers makes Doubs a fun player to root for and someone who could challenge for the top spot in this depth chart.
Chris Olave (WR, NO)
Olave was drafted 11th overall, as the third receiver off the board. The Saints traded up to acquire Olave, who could finish the year as the top rookie wide receiver depending on his involvement. He'll start the year behind Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry but possesses a downfield skill set that neither of them do. He only played the first quarter in their game against the Texans but will be worth watching again when they play the Packers.
Other Players:
Josiah Deguara (TE, GB)
Deguara is currently battling veteran Marcedes Lewis to be the team's starter until Robert Tonyan is fully healthy. Lewis is 38 years old and excels as a blocker so this is really Deguara's job to lose. He was fairly quiet against the 49ers but was the only tight end to catch a pass and all signs point to him as their starter until Tonyan returns. Deguara could make an impact given the ambiguity in the receiver depth chart and will be a player monitor entering the season.
Saints Backup RB
Alvin Kamara seems increasingly likely to avoid a suspension for the 2022 season but the risk does still exist. This adds excitement to whoever can secure the No. 2 role, which could be 32-year-old Mark Ingram II, sophomore Tony Jones Jr., veteran Dwayne Washington, or rookie Abram Smith. Ingram II. was rested in their game against the Texans, while all three of the other backs received eight-plus touches. Ingram II would likely be first up but his durability is a concern.
Starters Being Rested:
None
Injuries:
None
Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams
Spread: Texans -3.0
Implied Total: Texans (21) vs. Rams (18)
Pace: Texans (17th) vs Rams (11th)
Texans Off. DVOA: -8.6% Pass (29th), -33.2% Rush (32nd)
Rams Off. DVOA: 26.6% Pass (7th), -3.9% Rush (12th)
Texans Def. DVOA: 11.1% Pass (22nd), -4.9% Rush (22nd)
Rams Def. DVOA: -1.2% Pass (6th), -18.1% Rush (5th)
Must-Watch Players:
Texans RBs
Marlon Mack took the field first, just as he likely will in Week 1, but rookie Dameon Pierce looked explosive, grading as the highest ranked RB in Week 1 of the preseason, according to PFF. Royce Freeman also received several touches and figures to compete for work but Pierce remains the player with the highest upside.
Other Players:
Rams No. 3 Receiver
Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson are both fantastic fantasy options this season but the third member of the trio, Van Jefferson, is currently recovering from knee surgery. This opens up an opportunity for the other options, which include Ben Skowronek and Tutu Atwell, either of whom could earn the role until Jefferson returns.
Brevin Jordan (TE, HOU)
Jordan was productive towards the end of his rookie season and enters his sophomore year as the leading candidate to be the starting tight end and third option in the offense behind Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins. Jordan was the only tight end to catch a pass in their game against the Saints and only has to overcome Pharaoh Brown to be the team's starter, which would make him a potential streamer at the position.
Starters Being Rested:
None
Injuries:
Cam Akers (soft tissue)
Darrell Henderson (soft tissue)
Matchups Analysis - Saturday Games
Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills
Spread: Bills -4.5
Implied Total: Bills (23) vs. Broncos (19)
Pace: Broncos (28th) vs Bills (14th)
Broncos Off. DVOA: 23.4% Pass (11th), -6.1% Rush (16th)
Bills Off. DVOA: 20.7% Pass (13th), 2.8% Rush (9th)
Broncos Def. DVOA: 8.6% Pass (20th), -5.2% Rush (21st)
Bills Def. DVOA: -23.0% Pass (1st), -11.9% Rush (11th)
Must-Watch Players:
Albert Okwuegbunam (TE, DEN) vs. Greg Dulcich (TE, DEN)
The Broncos sent starting tight end Noah Fant to Seattle as part of the trade for Russell Wilson, creating a void for someone to emerge. Okwuegbunam finished with 33 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns last season, which considering the Broncos ranked 25th in passing attempts, is quite good for a backup tight end. Also added to the fold is rookie Greg Dulcich who was selected 80th overall and has received a lot of positive reports in training camp. The starting tight end for Wilson has always been relevant for fantasy, so the winner of this battle will be a late-round pick who'll have top-12 upside.
Bills Slot WR
The Bills were in the top-five in nearly every offensive metric last season, including third in points per game, third in touchdowns per game, first in red zone opportunities, and first in average scoring margin. The top-two receiving options will be Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, yet we know the Bills will be in three-receiver sets very often, leading to production for whoever earns that role. Currently, it's between veterans Jamison Crowder and Isaiah McKenzie, and rookie Khalil Shakir. Shakir posted five receptions for 92 yards in their game against the Colts but is listed below Crowder and McKenzie in the depth chart, at least for the time being.
Bills RBs
Devin Singletary ended the year as the overall RB2 during the final six weeks of the season. This was an incredible stretch, however, with only Zack Moss behind him, the team did not feel comfortable with their running back room. They attempted to sign J.D. McKissic to take on the third-down role but he elected instead to return to Washington, forcing the Bills to address the position in the draft. James Cook was drafted 63rd overall, as the third running back off the board. Cook has exceptional pass-catching ability and figures to take on that third-down role. He could also earn additional work if he can overtake Moss and outperform Singletary.
Other Players:
Javonte Williams (RB, DEN) vs. Melvin Gordon (RB, DEN)
This positional battle started last offseason and continues to be a thorn in the side of fantasy managers. Williams is now the lead back, which is very exciting for his value but determining the split in terms of workload remains difficult. The reports have ranged from an even split to a 70% share for Williams, which is unlikely, at least to start the season. Both players will be worth rostering and could be weekly starters depending on the distribution.
Starters Being Rested:
None
Injuries:
None
Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts
Spread: Lions -2.5
Implied Total: Lions (22) vs. Colts (20)
Pace: Lions (13th) vs Colts (31st)
Lions Off. DVOA: -7.2% Pass (28th), -17.3% Rush (26th)
Colts Off. DVOA: 6.2% Pass (20th), 10.4% Rush (2nd)
Lions Def. DVOA: 17.8% Pass (27th), 2.4% Rush (31st)
Colts Def. DVOA: -5.9% Pass (17th), -21.6% Rush (3rd)
Must-Watch Players:
Colts WR2
Michael Pittman checks all the boxes entering Year Three to have a massive breakout. Apart from him though, the rest of their receiving corps leaves a lot to be desired. Parris Campbell, rookie Alec Pierce, and journeyman Ashton Dulin comprise round out the depth chart. The addition of Matt Ryan will improve the offense as a whole, benefiting the receivers and generating increased volume for whoever can secure the No. 2 role.
Colts TEs
The Colts have utilized multiple tight ends for several years and have sufficient depth to do so again in 2022. After the departure of veteran Jack Doyle, Mo Alie-Cox became more intriguing along with sophomore Kylen Granson. Unfortunately, the team grabbed Jelani Woods with the 73rd pick, who caught a touchdown in his NFL preseason debut. As mentioned above, the receiving corps after Pittman is not strong so any one of these tight ends could become the No. 2 target in the offense.
Other Players:
Lions WRs
The Lions signed D.J. Chark to pair with sophomore Amon-Ra St. Brown as their top tandem for 2022. They also drafted rookie Jameson Williams, however, he does not appear likely to suit up for Week 1. Josh Reynolds and Quintez Cephus are battling for that third spot currently, although Kalif Raymond flashed in their first game against the Falcons. St-Brown was the only other receiver to see the field, catching both his targets for 29 yards. It'll again be a battle to pay attention to when they face the Colts.
Starters Being Rested:
None
Injuries:
Jameson Williams (knee)
Washington Commanders at Kansas City Chiefs
Spread: Chiefs -3.0
Implied Total: Chiefs (22.5) vs. Commanders (19.5)
Pace: Commanders (23rd) vs Chiefs (9th)
Commanders Off. DVOA: 5.4% Pass (22nd), -10.2% Rush (19th)
Chiefs Off. DVOA: 34.7% Pass (3rd), 0.8% Rush (10th)
Commanders Def. DVOA: 18.9% Pass (28th), -14.5% Rush (7th)
Chiefs Def. DVOA: 11.3% Pass (23rd), -5.6% Rush (20th)
Must-Watch Players:
Commanders RBs
Antonio Gibson has finished inside the top-12 both of his first two seasons. In spite of that, he's struggled to stay healthy and committed far too many fumbles, including another in their preseason opener against the Panthers. This compelled the team to draft rookie Brian Robinson 98th overall, whose size and power enable him to excel in the goal-line role. He's also very sure-handed, finishing his five-year collegiate career at Alabama with zero fumbles. This is bad news for Gibson, not to mention the re-signing of McKissic, who is a pass-catching specialist. The current trajectory seems like a three-player committee with inconsistent performances from all three backs, but Robinson is gaining momentum and could earn a larger role.
Chiefs RBs
Clyde Edwards-Helaire has had a rocky first two seasons in the NFL, ceding work to Darrel Williams, Jerick McKinnon, and Derrick Gore in 2021. The Chiefs let Williams leave in free agency but signed Ronald Jones to replace him. Further complicating the situation is the unexpected excitement for seventh-round rookie Isiah Pacheco. Edwards-Helaire is most likely to get the first shot at the lead-back role but it would be instructive to know how the depth chart will shake out.
Chiefs WRs
Much like Green Bay, Kansas City enters the season without their superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Given the talent and statistics, Mahomes will amass, someone not named Travis Kelce will make an impact for fantasy football, possibly a substantial impact. Mecole Hardman most closely resembles the type of player Hill was but that doesn't mean he'll receive the same volume. The Chiefs also added free agents Marquez Valdes-Scantling and JuJu Smith-Schuster along with rookie Skyy Moore. Smith-Schuster is the most proven and the favorite to pace the pack, however, any of these options could be the biggest contributor for fantasy.
Other Players:
Jahan Dotson (WR, WAS)
The Commanders surprised many of us when they chose Dotson 16th overall, ahead of several other quality receivers, such as Treylon Burks. Terry McLaurin received a huge contract extension this offseason, locking him in as the alpha in the offense. Curtis Samuel remains with the team and played for head coach Ron Rivera in Carolina but his health and conditioning have reportedly been a problem already. Dotson could go under the radar as the No. 2 option in an improved offense with Carson Wentz at the helm.
John Bates (TE, WAS)
Much like Dotson, Bates could have sneaky upside and opportunity. Starting tight end Logan Thomas is recovering from a torn ACL and MCL, currently placing him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Bates became more involved at the tail end of his rookie season and could compete to be a top-three target in the offense.
Starters Being Rested:
None
Injuries:
Logan Thomas (knee)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tennessee Titans
Spread: Buccaneers -3.0
Implied Total: Buccaneers (21) vs. Titans (18)
Pace: Buccaneers (4th) vs Titans (27th)
Buccaneers Off. DVOA: 43.9% Pass (1st), 6.9% Rush (5th)
Titans Off. DVOA: 5.8% Pass (21st), -6.5% Rush (17th)
Buccaneers Def. DVOA: 1.8% Pass (11th), -9.2% Rush (14th)
Titans Def. DVOA: 1.0% Pass (10th), -13.1% Rush (10th)
Must-Watch Players:
Titans Backup RBs
Rookie Hassan Haskins made his NFL preseason debut and looked good in the process, totaling 58 yards from scrimmage on only nine touches (carries + receptions). Veteran Dontrell Hilliard sat out, so it's difficult to make any assessments about his spot in the depth chart. Haskins possesses a similar physicality as Henry punishing defenders with his 6-foot-2 228-pound frame. He's also known to stiff-arm a tackler or two in the process. These traits and his talent make him the likely candidate to be Henry's insurance back and a player to target late in your draft.
Treylon Burks (WR, TEN)
The story of Burks continues after a subpar outing that included zero reception and one carry for four yards. It's important not to overreact to any one piece of news or performance but we'll need to see more from him prior to Week 1, to make drafting him over other young upside receivers worthwhile. `
Rachaad White (RB, TB)
White has continued to receive reps in all facets of the game during training camp, creating additional intrigue about the work he could garner this season. He was involved on all downs during their preseason game, tallying 32 yards on seven carries and two catches for 13 yards. White will have a role this year, it's just a matter of how significant. He's surpassed the category of insurance back into a player that might have standalone weekly flex value, making him a player to spend up on in your draft.
Other Players:
Malik Willis (QB, TEN)
Willis did not disappoint in their game against the Ravens, showcasing his athleticism with a highlight-reel touchdown run. He finished with 107 yards passing and 38 yards rushing, demonstrating his dual-threat ability. It still seems highly unlikely he could dethrone Ryan Tannehill for the starting role but these types of performances could give the coaching staff pause if Tannehill and the Titans struggle this season. He may also be utilized around the goal-line, vulturing a few red zone opportunities throughout the year.
Cade Otton (TE, TB)
Veteran Kyle Rudolph was brought in to be a safety blanket for Tom Brady, and Cameron Brate is a better blocker than pass-catcher. This leaves Otton as the lone option who could make a real impact for fantasy. He'll need to earn Brady's trust and establish himself in the offense but keep an eye on him leading into the season, as a player to add to your watch list.
Started Being Rested:
Tom Brady
Injuries:
Mike Evans (hamstring)
Chris Godwin (knee)
Russell Gage (leg)
Robert Woods (knee)
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Spread: Vikings -4.0
Implied Total: Vikings (22) vs. 49ers (18)
Pace: 49ers (29th) vs Vikings (8th)
49ers Off. DVOA: 32.7% Pass (5th), 7.0% Rush (4th)
Vikings Off. DVOA: 23.4% Pass (12th), -17.4% Rush (27th)
49ers Def. DVOA: 6.8% Pass (18th), -8.2% Rush (15th)
Vikings Def. DVOA: 2.8% Pass (13th), -3.o% Rush (25th)
Must-Watch Players:
49ers RB2
Elijah Mitchell is cemented as the team's starter but behind him, there are several interesting options, including veteran Jeff Wilson Jr., sophomore bust from last year Trey Sermon, and rookie Tyrion Davis-Price, two of which saw action in their game against the Packers, along with JaMycal Hasty. Neither Mitchell nor Wilson Jr. participated but Davis-Price and Hasty tied for the team lead in rushing yards with 36, from 10 and five carries respectively, while Sermon produced 11 yards on six carries. It's wise to invest in one of these backs but figuring out which one is always a challenge. Davis-Price and Hasty seem like the best choices at the moment.
Other Players:
Trey Lance (QB, SF)
Lance made headlines thanks to a 76-yard bomb that rookie receiver Danny Gray took to the house. It's hard to ask much more of Lance but continuing to see his improved accuracy and decision-making as a passer would be a nice bonus given his draft cost.
Danny Gray (WR, SF)
As referenced above, Gray was no slouch himself. Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk will be atop the teams' depth chart entering Week 1 but Gray could benefit from the big arm Lance has and produce some spike weeks for fantasy.
K.J. Osborn (WR, MIN)
Justin Jefferson has a case to be the first receiver off the board, perhaps even the first player taken in your draft, and veteran Adam Thielen is a monster in the red zone. The No. 3 option is Osborn who became relevant out of necessity at times in 2021, totaling five or more receptions four times and 50-plus yards six times. This offense is expected to increase their passing attempts, creating more opportunities for Osborn. There's also reason to be concerned about Thielen's health and reliability, who'll enter his age 32 season.
Starters Being Rested:
None
Injuries:
Irv Smith Jr. (Thumb)
Elijah Mitchell (hamstring)
Las Vegas Raiders at Miami Dolphins
Spread: Raiders -2.0
Implied Total: Raiders (21.5) vs. Dolphins (19.5)
Pace: Raiders (22nd) vs Dolphins (15th)
Raiders Off. DVOA: 12.2% Pass (17th), -15.8% Rush (25th)
Dolphins Off. DVOA: 4.8% Pass (23rd), -23.1% Rush (29th)
Raiders Def. DVOA: 10.3% Pass (21st), -13.4% Rush (9th)
Dolphins Def. DVOA: -0.3% Pass (9th), -6.6% Rush (17th)
Must-Watch Players:
Raiders RBs
Josh Jacobs has had an unfortunate offseason, all starting when the team decided to decline his fifth-year option. They followed that up by adding rookie Zamir White in the draft and signing veterans Ameer Abdullah and Brandon Bolden, who head coach Josh McDaniels is familiar with from their time together in New England. Throw in Kenyan Drake and this is shaping up to be a full-blown committee, reminiscent of the Patriots and their game of Russian roulette at the position, none of which have much draft appeal.
Dolphins RBs
The Dolphins also elected to overhaul their running back room by signing free agents Chase Edmonds, Sony Michel, and Raheem Mostert, who similarly worked with head coach Mike McDaniel in San Francisco. Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed remain with the team but have both been relegated to the bottom of the depth chart. Edmonds is by far the most talented of the group, especially as a receiver, making him a high-upside pick in the middle of your draft.
Other Players:
Tua Tagovailoa (QB, MIA) & Tyreek Hill (WR, MIA)
Neither of these two suited up for their game against the Buccaneers but getting a glimpse of their chemistry and connection would provide a confidence boost for 2022.
Starters Being Rested:
None
Injuries:
Darren Waller (hamstring)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars
Spread: Jaguars -3.5
Implied Total: Jaguars (23) vs. Steelers (19.5)
Pace: Steelers (5th) vs Jaguars (3rd)
Steelers Off. DVOA: -0.3% Pass (24th), -14.2% Rush (24th)
Jaguars Off. DVOA: -10.3% Pass (30th), -8.9% Rush (18th)
Steelers Def. DVOA: -0.4% Pass (8th), -0.8% Rush (27th)
Jaguars Def. DVOA: 27.2% Pass (31st), -5.9% Rush (19th)
Must-Watch Players:
Mitch Trubisky (QB, PIT) vs. Kenny Pickett (QB, PIT)
Trubisky seems to have won over the coaching staff and is definitely the favorite to get the nod in Week 1. Trubisky led the offense on a scoring drive on his possession, capping it off with a touchdown to Gunner Olszewski. Pickett actually came in after Mason Rudolph and looked better than Rudolph did tossing two touchdowns of his own. Trubisky has some fantasy appeal given his rushing ability but more so as a streamer or second quarterback for your roster. More important is the ceiling he offers the other fantasy options on this team compared to Rudolph or Pickett.
Other Players:
Jaguars RBs
We saw enough from the brief time that Travis Etienne was in the game against the Browns to know he's explosive and dangerous in open space. Etienne possesses all the traits of a highly efficient back who does not require a large workload to succeed for fantasy. James Robinson is still working his way back from his Achilles injury but it seems wise to bet on Etienne's production regardless of whether Robinson regains his role as the starter or not.
Starters Being Rested:
None
Injuries:
Diontae Johnson (hip)
Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Chargers
Spread: Chargers -3.0
Implied Total: Chargers (20.5) vs. Cowboys (17)
Pace: Cowboys (2nd) vs Chargers (1st)
Cowboys Off. DVOA: 32.0% Pass (6th), -4.0% Rush (13th)
Chargers Off. DVOA: 33.7% Pass (4th), -4.2% Rush (14th)
Cowboys Def. DVOA: -20.5% Pass (2nd), -7.0% Rush (16th)
Chargers Def. DVOA: 7.0% Pass (19th), 2.4% Rush (30th)
Must-Watch Players:
Chargers WR3
The Chargers' top-two receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have been in place for multiple seasons and barring injury, do not figure to see a change in their role in 2022. The No. 3 option though, could be either Jalen Guyton or sophomore Joshua Palmer. Neither made a splash in their opener against the Rams but the victor will have a meaningful role for fantasy in this fast-paced, high-flying offense.
Chargers Backup RB
Austin Ekeler is locked in as an elite back for fantasy and the NFL. Finding a competent backup has been a struggle since the departure of Melvin Gordon though. Joshua Kelley had his shot in back-to-back seasons with minimal success, sophomore Larry Rountree III failed to make an impact in 2021, and rookie Isaiah Spiller fell to the fourth round after a disappointing combine performance. Kelley and Rountree III shared the starter duty against the Rams but Spiller received the most work and was the most efficient. Someone should emerge as an insurance back worth drafting but until then, drafting any of them is likely to end in disappointment.
Other Players:
Jalen Tolbert (WR, DAL)
Tolbert finds himself as the last man standing, aside from CeeDee Lamb, in an offense that projects to be high-scoring again in 2022. Michael Gallup is recovering from a torn ACL, James Washington broke his foot, and Amari Cooper is a member of the Browns. Tolbert is the de facto No. 2 receiver and will compete with tight end Dalton Schultz for the second most targets. Tolbert was constantly the first read in their game against Denver, finishing with seven targets, providing a sample of the extreme volume he could see this season.
Starters Being Rested:
None
Injuries:
Michael Gallup (knee)
James Washington (foot)
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