The initial fantasy football rankingsESPN Fantasy is excited about the 2022 season because they are out.
We are excited about something else. The incredible NFL Nation team contributing their fantasy coverage throughout the year. Our reporters were asked to identify one fantasy player from each team. This could be an unknown player, someone who is ready to make a big leap forward, or, for those teams that have few options, a dart thrower in the deep league.
Arizona CardinalsTE Zach Ertz:Ertz is the player who may break out. DeAndre HopkinsExpect to miss six weeks of the first six. Ertz may become a favorite target. Kyler MurrayIt's important to start early and keep going. Don't be surprised if Ertz is able to catch passes off the line and lines up in the slot, or on the boundary as the Cardinals' iso receiver. Ertz has the skills to do it all, and will be Arizona's complement to Murray during Hopkins' suspension. Ertz will enter the season knowing more about his role in Arizona's offense after an offseason. He also has a better understanding of how he fits in the offense. — Josh Weinfuss
Atlanta FalconsRB Tyler Allgeier:Although I am not sure if he would be considered a favorite, the Falcons offer other options. Kyle PittsHe is already a top tight end in the game and a rookie receiver Drake LondonShould be the No. 1 receiver for the team. 1 receiver. Atlanta's running back room is wide open, especially for the early-down carries. The Falcons cutting Mike DavisLast Monday offered Allgeier more opportunities to be a surprise first-year running back. Allgeier is a good runner and can absorb contact well. He had 50 tackles broken last season. Arthur Smith, Falcons head coach, would love to run the ball in his first year as a post-season coach.Matt RyanAllgeier may be the right person to work with in this new era of the Falcons Cordarrelle PattersonAnd Damien Williams. — Michael Rothstein
Baltimore Ravens WR Devin Duvernay: Everyone knows that tight ends are important Mark AndrewsWide receiver Rashod BatemanBaltimore's top players in the passing game are they? Who will replace Marquise Brown, who was traded recently? Duvernay, who was a Pro Bowl player, should have a chance to make a difference. John Harbaugh, Ravens coach, was so pleased that Duvernay was selected in the third round of the 2020 draft that he gave an enthusiastic fist-pump after Baltimore selected him. Duvernay needs to have some trust. Lamar Jackson. Duvernay was the Ravens' highest-scoring target with double-digit targets last season, catching 70% of Jackson's passes (21-of-30). — Jamison Hensley
Buffalo BillsRB James Cook:Wide receiver? Gabriel DavisThis could be the way forward. But after his headline-grabbing performance in January’s playoff loss to The, with four touchdowns Kansas City ChiefsDavis is less qualified to be a sleeper. One of the Bills' most recent additions is the one who gets the nod. Cook could be a key player in the Bills' offensive during his rookie season. This is especially important as the Bills strive to improve their yards per catch. Cook will play a role in the offense as both a receiver/rusher. He will also be sharing the backfield alongside the likes Devin SingletaryAnd Zack MossCook is an interesting fantasy player who could be a good addition to Buffalo's regular contributors. — Alaina Getzenberg
Carolina Panthers WR Terrace Marshall Jr.:As a rookie, the Panthers brought the LSU former star forward along as a slow mover last year because he was still recovering from a foot accident. He suffered a foot injury that forced him to miss the entire season. But he is on track for a full recovery. Although his rookie year with Ben McAdoo's run oriented offense didn't see a significant jump in his 17 catches for just 138 yards, expect him to continue playing a greater role and possibly becoming a more serious threat in the redzone. The Panthers believe that they received a first-round player of high caliber in the second round. — David Newton
Chicago BearsRB David Montgomery:One way the Bears can support a second-year quarterback is by supporting them Justin FieldsBy establishing a strong run-game around him. Fantasy managers can expect Montgomery will play a prominent part in Chicago as a 3-down back. He shouldn't be subject to the same workload fluctuations that he has experienced in the past. Montgomery will get help from the backfield, with the addition of a fullback in Chicago's offense and a change in pace back in rookie Trestan EbnerTo keep Montgomery fresh. Additionally, he is entering a contract year. These things are all good news for fantasy football's 24-year-old. Courtney Cronin
Cincinnati BengalsTE Hayden Hurst:Hurst needs to be given plenty of opportunities. He immediately becomes the Bengals' top pass-catcher after signing a one year deal. Even with the large receiving corps, he is still the best pass-catcher in the team's history. Ja'Marr ChaseAnd Tee HigginsHurst could get more targets because Cincinnati's passing volume may rise due to improvements on the offensive line. C.J. UzomahLast year's best tight end signed with the New York JetsFree agency saw an increase in target share during the postseason. Hurst won’t need to share targets and could be someone who helps Bengals get more effective in the redzone in 2022. — Ben Baby
Cleveland BrownsTE David Njoku:Browns are changing their QB offense Deshaun WatsonNjoku could be one the biggest beneficiaries. Njoku will be able to work in greater space as the Browns won't have as many heavy TE sets. He is currently projected to be Cleveland's No. 2 pass option behind Amari Cooper. Njoku's past performance is not an encouraging sign. The Browns placed the franchise tag on Njoku in hopes of getting a long-term contract. All this could lead to Njoku having a great season. Jake Trotter
Dallas Cowboys WR Michael Gallup:Gallup enters his fifth season. Although he may not be considered a “sleeper” in the traditional sense of the word, based on last year's performance and the fact that Gallup has just returned from an anterior cruciate injury, he should be in the mix. While he is expected to miss a few games as he continues his recovery, the Cowboys know that if he plays well, a six-year, $62.5million contract will allow him to continue to be a force. Although he only caught 35 passes, 445 yards and 2 touchdowns last year due to injuries, the Cowboys plan to give him plenty of opportunities with Amari Cooper out. Gallup may not be the sleeper. The Cowboys will offer Gallup a free agent pickup James WashingtonIt would be a good choice as a No. 2 option. — Todd Archer
Denver Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy:OK, it's true. He was the first-round pick of the team in 2020. His coaches and teammates praised his precise route-running skills as well as his explosiveness. He had some stumbles as a rookie, but he combined with the Broncos continued struggles on offense to make 113 targets turn into only 58 receptions and three touchdowns. While his teammates and coaches were impressed by his training camp performance, he sustained an ankle injury in the season's opener. He was unable to play in six of the remaining nine games. He also caught only four passes or less in each of those games. He did not score a touchdown. Now Russell WilsonWilson is Jeudy's quarterback. Even in early training sessions, Wilson made clear that he had plans for Jeudy to lead the team's offensive. Jeudy's ability create separation on his routes has always been an issue and a quarterback that can consistently get him to the ball on time should be a catalyst for his improvement. — Jeff Legwold
Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown:Fantasy football fans may not consider St. Brown to be a sleeper, based on the way he ended his first season with the 3-13-1 Lions. He didn't score his first touchdown as a rookie until Week 12, but he ended the year at an incredible pace. He also set franchise records with receiving yards (912) and receptions (90). He also had a streak of eight consecutive games in which he received at least eight receptions, which was another record. He has a year of experience and is familiar with the quarterback. Jared GoffSt. Brown could be a success in Year 2. Don't be shocked. Eric Woodyard
Green Bay PackersTE Tyler Davis:This position was completely ignored by the Packers in free agency and during the draft. But, you might still be asking, “Who is Tyler Davis?” Although he was originally a sixth round pick of the Jaguars, he didn’t catch a pass during eight games as a rookie. He was a Colts practice team player who was signed by the Packers in September 2013. Although he had only four catches of 35 yards, he showed potential down-field with a 22 yard catch on a seam-route against the Ravens. With Robert TonyanRecovering from an ACL tear Marcedes LewisDavis, who is getting older, should be offered early-season opportunities. Brian Gutekunst, General Manager, recently stated that Davis might be able to get some early season opportunities. Rob Demovsky
Houston TexansRB Dameon Pierce:Houston picked the former Gators runningback in the fourth round, but he could be a good fit in a weak Texans frontfield. Houston signed Marlon MackThis offseason, re-signed Rex BurkheadThe 22-year-old should have plenty of opportunities to get carries before the 2021 season. Pierce will likely begin the season as Houston's backup. However, it wouldn’t surprise at all to see him as Houston’s leading back. The Texans had a league-worst 3.4 yard per rush last season and ended up with eight rushing touchdowns, tied for the worst. Last season, Pierce scored 16 touchdowns at scrimmage. — Sarah Barshop
Indianapolis ColtsRB Nyheim Hines:Hines experienced a “downyear” in 2021, spending less time on the ground and receiving less. Carson WentzHines was the Colts' first quarterback. Hines' 40 receptions last season and 310 yards received were career lows. Matt Ryan is expected to make things different. Frank Reich, offensive coordinator coach Marcus BradyHines, No. 2 behind Jonathan TaylorThe passing game will be more impactful if he is able to do so. Ryan's passing game has been greatly influenced by running backs. Ryan completed 110 passes, out of a total 375, to running backs in his Falcons season. Former North Carolina State receiver, Hines, will be moved out of the backfield to be lined up wide at times next year. Mike Wells
Jacksonville JaguarsRB Travis Etienne Jr.:Etienne will be back in full swing by the time of training camp, having missed his rookie season through a Lisfranc Injury suffered during the preseason. With the addition of WRs, Etienne is almost forgotten. Christian KirkAnd Zay JonesTE Evan EngramFree agency is available, but Etienne's returning adds something new to Jacksonville's offense. Etienne can score from anywhere. The Jaguars are the worst team in the league with just 31 runs of 20+ yards and 31 receptions of more than 30 yards over the past two seasons. Etienne was responsible for 61 of these plays during his four seasons at Clemson. Etienne should be the Jaguars main back at season's beginning. James RobinsonHe continues to heal from the injury to his Achilles in December. Mike DiRocco
Kansas City ChiefsRB Clyde Edwards-Helaire:While Edwards-Helaire was once a top fantasy prospect, many have dropped their hopes after two seasons of injuries. Edwards-Helaire may not reach the fantasy status he was hoping for, but he is worth watching as the Chiefs transition to the receiving side of the game, including the trade. Tyreek Hill. The Chiefs will be a pass first team. Patrick MahomesAndy Reid is the offensive director and quarterback. However, they might prefer to run the game in the early part of the season when Mahomes brings in his many receivers. Edwards-Helaire has the greatest untapped potential as a receiver. He'll be a great receiver if he ever breaks out. This season is the year after Mahomes was traded and two top wide receivers were lost to free agency. Edwards-Helaire will share time with Ronald Jones IIHowever, the Chiefs don't give up on the idea that he can get big things. — Adam Teicher
Las Vegas RaidersRB Zamir White:You say, “Sleeper?” What about a guy no one knew linked to Raiders prior to the draft? A player who plays in a position that is already stacked with a Pro Bowler. Josh JacobsA versatile vet who has returned from a broken right foot in Kenyan DrakeA guy who is well-versed in Josh McDaniels' offense. Brandon Bolden. White, a fourth-round selection, is that guy. White has both knees repaired and runs hard between tackles. Let us link White the rookie to some fantasy production based upon his hard-charging running style. — Paul Gutierrez
Los Angeles ChargersTE Donald Parham Jr.:Parham was forced to miss the final three games of the regular season 2021 because he sustained a concussion while trying to make a diving catch. He was taken off the field on a wheelchair. Joe Lombardi was the Chargers' second-year play-caller. He spent the five seasons prior to his hiring by the Chargers, 2021, as the quarterbacks coach. New Orleans SaintsThe tight ends need to continue to play a greater role, which includes the red zone. Mike WilliamsHe signed a $30 million, three-year contract to remain with the team. Keenan AllenParham will continue to be the target receiver overall. However, he has another year of development and additional work in offense to help him create a scoring niche. 20% of his career receptions have been for scores. Parham's 6-foot-8 frame is an asset to the Chargers, as they continue to use nickel defenses as their base. — Lindsey Thiry
Los Angeles Rams WR Allen Robinson II:Robinson, who was only in one game last season, is not a player you would normally consider a sleeper. After signing in free agency with the Rams, Robinson is poised for a rebound. The most important reason is: Matthew StaffordHe is far superior to any of the younger and less skilled quarterbacks that he has thrown passes to in his eight season debut. With Odell Beckham Jr. Robinson, still not signed following ACL surgery is the clear favorite to be the No. Robinson is the Rams' No. 2 option in their passing game behind Cooper Kupp. As Beckham demonstrated after his arrival in the middle of last season, there are plenty fantasy upsides with Sean McVay’s WR2 offense. — Brady Henderson
Miami DolphinsRB Chase Edmonds:Edmonds, one of the most prominent names to sign during the 2022-free agency cycle, seemed to be at the top of his game once the team was signed Raheem MostertLater in the week. However, considering Mostert's injury and Mike McDaniel's plans for his running backs, Edmonds could be ready to go in his fifth NFL season. Edmonds has a record of 96 passes over the past two seasons, ranking eighth in the NFL among running backs. Edmonds will have a chance to shine in Miami, even if Mostert takes a while to heal from the injury to his knee. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Minnesota VikingsFacebook C.J. Ham: I get it. While it may not seem inspiring to think of a fullback with three consecutive touchdowns in five seasons as a sleeper, the Vikings' top offensive options have been proven. Ham, why? It's been remarkable how often his name has been mentioned during conversations with Vikings' new coaching staff. Ham gives them the ability to manage 22 personnel often, which is a priority of Kevin O'Connell. Defenses are unlikely to give priority to the fullback given all the other weapons available to the Vikings. Ham isn’t the same playmaker as, for example, 49ers fullback Kyle JuszczykIt is. But in the very beginning stages of this offense, Ham will get more consideration than most people think. Ham is a sleeper in even the most deep leagues. — Kevin Seifert
New England PatriotsRB Rhamondre Stevenson:Due to their preference for a rotating roster, it has always been prudent to invest in Patriots running backs. Although the Patriots have been set up for a rotation again (Damien Harris, Stevenson, James White• If you are healthy, draft picks 2022 Pierre Strong Jr. And Kevin HarrisThe view is that Stevenson can challenge Harris for RB1 after finishing 2021 on an even higher note. He's in his second season, which is usually when a player makes the biggest jump. — Mike Reiss
New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave:It is important to temper expectations for rookie receivers. These are great opportunities. Olave should be a key No. Olave should play a major role as a No. Michael ThomasNew Orleans was in desperate need of a playmaking pass catcher. Olave was considered by the Saints to be the best-rounded receiver and most polished route runner in this class. This is why they traded up so quickly to acquire him. Olave is also fast enough to be a downfield target. Jameis Winston. Mike Clay's projections of 62 catches and 903 yards, nine touchdowns, seems reasonable. Mike Triplett
New York Giants WR Kadarius Toney:This is betting against the talent. Yes, there's some injury risk. There has been a lot more talk about Toney possibly being traded. The Giants' second-year receiver is now back and has the potential with his speed and shiftiness, as well as contact balance, to be a beast in Brian Daboll’s spread offense. It's a perfect fit for his abilities. The six quarters against New Orleans, Dallas and Dallas are a hint of bigger and better things if you have some injury luck. — Jordan Raanan
New York Jets WR Elijah Moore:Although his rookie season ended prematurely due to a leg injury that prevented him from playing, he showed promise from Week 8 to week 13. Moore was tied for fifth in league touchdown receptions with five. Moore was also tied for eighth in receiving yards (459) as well as eighth in catches (34). Moore could be the Jets' WR1 if he is healthy. He also missed the preseason with a leg injury. The addition of a first-round pick Garrett Wilsonhe should not be affected. It will affect anyone. Corey Davis. Moore is seen by the Jets as an essential piece of offense. — Rich Cimini
Philadelphia EaglesTE Dallas Goedert:He is a potential top-three tight end statistically. Goedert shared snaps with Zach Ertz for the majority of his career, but he took over the role as unquestioned TE1 after Ertz was traded last October to the Arizona Cardinals. He had some incredible performances down the stretch, including two weeks back against the New York Jets (6 catch, 105 yard, 2TD) Washington Commanders (7 catches, 135 yards) in December. Quarterback Jalen HurtsIn his second season as full-time starting, he will have a better handle on the offense. The addition of receiver A.J. BrownIt will be difficult for defenses not to target Goedert at the middle. He will eat this year. Tim McManus
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Calvin Austin III:Although it's difficult to place much value on a fourth-round rookie receiver receiving, Austin is a compelling target for fantasy fantasy players. This is especially true considering that most Steelers fantasy prospects seem pretty obvious. His small stature makes Austin a great candidate for the slot, but his sub-4.4 speed makes him an attractive threat to Matt Canada's offense. Canada is a fan of jet sweep motions. This is also an Austin specialty. In four seasons at Memphis, Austin had eight rushes and three went into the end zone, including touchdown runs of 69 and 83 yards, per ESPN Stats & Info. The Steelers will have a new quarterback this season and a revamped offense line. But Austin's strengths make him an excellent late-round or waiver-wire addition. — Brooke Pryor
San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk:Aiyuk seemed ready to make a splash last year after a strong start at training camp 2021. Aiyuk was unable to find his way in the second half of this season because of injuries and consistency issues. Aiyuk returned to his best, posting 685 receiving yard (eighth most in the NFL) starting in Week 9. Aiyuk trained offseason with quarterback Trey LanceLance is preparing to assume the role of starting leader in Southern California. — Nick Wagoner
Seattle SeahawksRB Ken Walker III:Walker is a fantasy sleeper who's intriguing because the Seahawks picked him with the 41st pick. They don't know if/when they will use him. Chris CarsonAfter neck surgery, you will be able to go home and resume your normal activities. Rashaad PennyHe was the NFL's most productive runningback in the final five games last season. However, Walker has missed 30 out of a possible total of 69 career games (including playoffs), because of injury. Walker is likely to be available for early-down training. DeeJay DallasAnd Travis HomerSeattle preferred him as a change-of pace player. Their offense will likely be more leaning with Russell Wilson gone than it was under Pete Carroll. — Brady Henderson
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Russell Gage:Gage was made the No. Due to Gage's performance in the No. Calvin Ridley‘s unexpected departure. However, he will be in Tampa. Mike EvansTo lose some weight and eventually become healthier Chris GodwinGodwin completely heals an ACL tear. Now you are looking at a No. You're looking at a No. With Tom Brady's heavy reliance upon Antonio BrownGage has been a third receiver for the past two years, catching 8.2 targets per game over 15 games. This is something to watch. Gage can be anywhere on the field and has 301 routes in the slot (and 191 outside routes) over the past two years. — Jenna Laine
Tennessee TitansTE Austin Hooper:After the Titans traded for Hooper, signing Hooper to a deal as a free agent was even more important. A.J. BrownTo the Eagles. Hooper will have plenty of targets and is moving up the depth charts as far as possible. Hooper is 6-foot-4 and 254 lbs. Ryan TannehillThis should provide plenty of opportunities for the middle of the field, particularly. The Titans play-action passing scheme is very similar to Hooper's with the Falcons. In which Hooper posted back to back 70+ reception seasons that led to a 2018 Pro Bowl selection. Turron Davidnport
Washington Commanders WR Curtis Samuel:Washington signed Samuel in order to give the offense a boost in 2021. However, Samuel was limited to six catches for 27 yards and five games with a groin injury. It was a disaster. He didn't look like himself. However, Samuel is loved by the coaches and they adore him. They also gushe over him privately and are eager to see what he can do for the offense. It is important that he stays healthy, as there will be some disappointment from a base of fans who have been burned many times. The Commanders appreciate his versatility. They know they can use him wide or out in the backfield. Scott Turner, the offensive coordinator, considers Samuel to be one of his smartest players. He also likes his deep ball abilities, which will be assisted by Carson Wentz, a strong-armed quarterback. People are familiar with the receiver. Terry McLaurinRunning back is just as good as running forward. Antonio Gibson. Samuel is Washington's wild card; if he's healthy, he will play a crucial role. — John Keim
