-2022 NFL Schedule -Strength of Schedule
MOCK DRAFT
Ask the Commish.Com 2022 Draft Kit
Mayfield played through a host of injuries last year, including a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder and a fractured humerus bone, but his performance was too bleak to be written off due to poor health. Mayfield threw 17 TD passes and 13 INTs in 14 games and somehow had a 9.3% sack rate despite playing with what's regarded as one of the better offensive lines in the league in Cleveland. It's too early to write off Mayfield entirely, but at best he's a game manager with limited fantasy value.
A.J. Brown's absurd efficiency and YAC-ability in Tennessee was a primary driving force behind Ryan Tannehill's fantasy success as a Titan. Even with Treylon Burks in the fold, it's hard to get overly excited about the Tennessee QB in one of the NFL's most run-heavy offenses devoid of any elite, proven pass-catchers. He got exposed without offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and weapons last season in 2021, finishing the season with his lowest passer rating to date as a Titan (88.1, 23rd). Tannehill's passer rating off play action throws also fell off (96.1 versus 109.5). 2022 is going to be a rude awakening for Tannehill, who has the largest cap hit in the NFL this year ($38.6M).
The additions of Jarvis Landry, Chris Olave and Michael Thomas are massive benefits for quarterback Jameis Winston, who is starting to emerge from this offseason as an intriguing late-round quarterback fantasy option. Winston played with almost zero weapons a season ago and still managed to average 17.5 fantasy points per game - good for QB14 on the year. The Saints quarterback also finished the season with the league's sixth-highest passer rating (102.8) and the lowest turnover-worthy play rate (3%) of his career. Winston led all QBs last year in fantasy points per dropback (0.64).
The rookie quarterback was highly efficient as a passer, finishing 18th in PFF passing grade, throwing 10-19 yards, 13th from a clean pocket and 10th on early downs. Those specific metrics tend to be sticky year over year and more predictive than raw counting stats. Still, those numbers were equally impressive for Jones, who posted the sixth-highest passer rating (92.5) and second-highest completion percentage (67.6%) for a rookie quarterback with at least 300 attempts in NFL history.
The former No. 2 overall draft pick is being penciled in as The Falcons' Week 1 starter, though he'll have to fend off rookie Desmond Ridder. Mariota is a nimble runner, but his passing ability leaves his employers wanting more. Mariota turns 29 in October, so it's probably too late to dream of vast untapped upside.