The 2022 Fantasy Football season is upon us, and we are diving into mock drafts, projections, and rising and falling ADP. As we go through our process, we identify players we believe to be overrated and underrated. Today, we dive into the most underrated players in fantasy football.
Javonte Williams, RB- Denver Broncos
If there is a fantasy football running back that will emerge as a fantasy superstar in 2022–it is Javonte Williams. We saw glimpses a season ago of a player who is a cut above. The Denver Broncos’ offense takes a huge step forward with Russell Wilson under center. The Melvin Gordon signing dampened the ADP for Javonte Williams into the 2nd-3rd round range. I would pounce at this price tag as Javonte Williams could emerge as the lead back in an emerging offense.
Saquon Barkley, RB- New York Giants
Saquon Barkley burned fantasy managers a season ago, and that residue burn is resulting in one of the better bargains in fantasy football. Saquon Barkley will once again project to be the every-down back for the Giants, and we expect the Giants’ offense to be much-improved. Barkley drafted in the mid-late 2nd round range–what a steal!
A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, WR- Philadelphia Eagles
How can we justify placing A.J. Brown AND DeVonta Smith on this list? The Eagles were one of the most run-heavy in the league ago–how can this be? The Eagles, from the front office on down, know that this is a sink-or-swim year for Jalen Hurts. The Eagles want to be pass-heavy, and I believe you will see a swing back to that philosophy in 2022. A.J. Brown has ALWAYS been in a run-heavy offense during his time in Tennessee. In 2021, Brown was drafted early in round two. Now you can select him early in round three. DeVonta Smith has the looks of a star in the NFL. I believe last year’s offensive philosophy limited Smith a great deal. If the Eagles unleash their offense, both players will offer values at their current ADPs.
Ronald Jones Jr., RB- Kansas City Chiefs
The fantasy football community has openly admitted that Clyde Edwards-Helaire is not the player we thought he was. CEH is not an effective runner in between the tackles. The likelihood that Ronald Jones Jr. is the most effective true runner on the Kansas City Chiefs is more likely than many would suggest. RoJo has burned fantasy managers in the past, but for a player, we can select in the double-digit rounds, RoJo offers significant upside.
Alexander Mattison, RB- Minnesota Vikings
With a new coaching staff in Minnesota, additional opportunities present themselves. Admittedly, the Viking’s offense will be more pass-heavy. I also feel Alexander Mattison is a talented back who can cut out a role for himself. Dalvin Cook has become more injury prone, and if Cook were to miss time, Alexander Mattison is a top ten fantasy back immediately. These are the type of backs you want to invest in later in your fantasy drafts.
JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR- Kansas City Chiefs
Let’s begin with what we know. The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the best offenses in the NFL. They lean pass-heavy. They have one of the top offensive minds in the league Andy Reid. They have a perennial MVP candidate at quarterback in Patrick Mahomes. They traded away Tyreek Hill in the off-season. There is an opportunity for someone(s) to step in. We have seen JuJu produce at a high level early in his career. We have seen glimpses of sensational play from MVS in the past as well. Why can’t these receivers shine in the Chief’s offense? I will buy a 5th-round price tag on JuJu and an 8th-9th-round price tag on MVS.
Drake London, WR- Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons prioritized upgrading their skill position players when they drafted Drake London with the 8th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Falcons are missing Calvin Ridley for the entire 2022 season. There is a void here that a talented player such as Drake London can fill. The quarterback position may be scaring some drafters off. Don’t follow suit. There are 120 targets in the offering for Drake London, and he is underpriced in the 7th round.
DeVante Parker, WR- New England Patriots
We have been down this road before with Devante Parker, so I understand the skepticism. I wanted to include Parker for several reasons. One, Devante Parker is undervalued by two rounds. Two, the entire Patriots offense is undervalued–Jakobi Myers, Rhamondre Stevenson, Hunter Henry, and Mac Jones could make this list. Drafting Patriots players late in your draft is a wise investment.
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