We are now 3 weeks into the 2022 NFL season, and we’re getting close to the point where we can start talking about which fantasy football draft picks were busts, and which ones were great finds. It is still a little too early in my opinion to buy low or sell high on big-name players, but I did want to talk about sleeper options that this division has to offer.
Am I qualified to give fantasy football advice? I’d like to think so. I’ve made the playoffs 3 out of the last 4 years, and I am about to be 3-0 in both of my leagues, so I hope that is enough credibility before you continue to read.
Anyways, here are a few players from each team that you NEED to add when the waiver wire opens up tomorrow morning.
*For reference, the leagues I play in are on ESPN, so all the data you see will be from them.*
Minnesota Vikings:
Alexander Mattison – Sunday’s game between the Lions and Vikings featured 2 of the league’s best running backs in D’Andre Swift and Dalvin Cook. Unfortunately, both of them got hurt (more on Swift later), and they were both within a quarter of one another. Coincidentally, both of them ended up with shoulder injuries, which is a huge blow to fantasy managers everywhere. Fortunately, there is hope. If you have been a Cook owner in years past, you know he has always struggled to stay on the field, so you are probably familiar with his backup, Alexander Mattison. Mattison is owned in 37% of fantasy leagues and is a GREAT option if Cook ends up missing time. Even if he’s back next week, I recommend you stash him on the bench as a handcuff just in case.
KJ Osborn – This is a textbook sleeper move. If you are in a deeper league (12+ teams) or play in a dynasty league, it could be worth it to take a flyer on Osborn. He was targeted 8 times on Sunday, catching 5 of those for 73 yards and the game-winning touchdown. His target share might be low with Jefferson and Thielen across from him, but he is somebody to add to your watch list just in case. He’s owned in less than 4% of leagues.
Detroit Lions:
Jamaal Williams – D’Andre Swift has suffered a shoulder injury and will miss multiple weeks. Devastating blow, as he is one of the best players in fantasy football, but his body is holding him back from being even better. If you are thin at running back or are a Swift owner yourself, you need to pick up Jamaal Williams. It might be tough considering he’s owned in 44% of leagues, but he is worth trading for. Through 3 games, he is 7th (!!!) in points scored as a running back and is the Lion’s primary RedZone rusher. He’s scored 4 touchdowns so far, so I fully expect him to score more with Swift out.
Josh Reynolds – Not as popular of a name as some other players on this team, but Reynolds has value. He totaled 6 catches for 96 yards this week, and if Amon-Ra St. Brown misses time with his ankle injury, he could be worth picking up. He’s owned in less than half a percent of leagues, so you’d get him if you put a claim in.
Green Bay Packers:
Romeo Doubs – Wow, he had himself a game on Sunday. Sammy Watkins is on IR, and Allen Lazard is average at best, so the rookie Doubs is worth taking a look at. He’s averaging 11.6 points per game through the first 3 weeks of the season, and his connection with Rodgers is growing week by week. Owned in 16.1% of leagues, Doubs is a pickup that could come in handy down the road if he continues to play well.
Chicago Bears:
Khalil Herbert – Like Swift and Cook, David Montgomery also suffered an injury on Sunday, and could miss multiple weeks. Herbert was excellent as a fill-in, as he totaled 30.9 PPR points against the Texans. 12 of those points were from touchdowns. He is the top option this week on the waiver wire, so you need to do whatever you can to get him on your team. Owned in just ¼ of fantasy leagues, I expect that number to skyrocket into the 60s or 70s after Wednesday.
