What is Fantasy Football season for if you can’t release a bold prediction or a hot take? Today, we look at our five hot takes at the running back position for 2022.
Dalvin Cook finishes the 2022 season as the RB1
In 2021 Dalvin Cook was considered a top-three choice by many in the fantasy football community. Cook was injured at times during the 2021 season. Because of the injury concerns, Dalvin Cook has seen his draft stock drop to the end of the 1st round. We give Christian McCaffrey a pass, and he remains a top-three pick in most drafts, and yet, we drop Dalvin Cook down the board significantly. Many of us, myself included, believe the Vikings’ offense will improve in 2022. If you’re looking for a bold prediction–Dalvin Cook stays healthy for the entire 2022 season and tops the running back position as the RB1.
Austin Ekeler scores ten fewer touchdowns in 2022 and finishes outside the top five at the running back position.
Is this prediction really that hot? Austin Ekeler was off the charts in 2021, no question about it. Is it possible that 2021 was an outlier for Ekeler? Austin Ekeler scored 12 rushing touchdowns, nine more than his previous high. With the talk of Austin Ekeler himself wishing to lighten his workload, would it be a surprise to see him with fewer scores and significantly less volume?
Najee Harris loses volume and drops out of the top ten at the running back position.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are discussing a new approach and lightening the workload of Najee Harris. Pittsburgh has utilized a bell-cow running back in the past, so this would be quite the about-face. Najee Harris wasn’t particularly great a year ago, but he received such substantial volume that it didn’t matter. A significant dropoff in production follows a dropoff in volume.
D’Andre Swift emerges as the featured option in the Detroit Lions offense and finishes as a top-five fantasy running back.
The arrow is pointing up for the Detroit Lions’ offense. Adding weaponry on the outside in Jameson Williams and DJ Chark will only help their current stalwarts. We know that D’Andre Swift is one of the top pass-catching running backs in the NFL. Swift needs to improve as a ball carrier in between the tackles. If Swift can take that next step, stardom is on the horizon.
Saquon Barkley turns back the hands of time and reclaims his spot as a top-five fantasy running back.
Fantasy football managers have soured on Saquon Barkley, given his recent injury. Think back to just a couple of seasons ago–Saquon Barkley was considered the top player in all of fantasy football. We know the talent is undeniable. We expect a more competent offense for the Giants in 2022. If Saquon Barkley can stay healthy–why can’t he return to the top of the heap?