Early Fantasy Football Talking Points

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Luke Ranalli

I know the NFL season feels like forever away, but the Penguins had another early exit from the playoffs so forgive me if all I can think about is drafting my next fantasy football team.

There are a ton of prospects to look at from the draft, but I wanna take a dive into the talent that has already proven themselves -- and how their moves this offseason could not only impact their draft stock but the players surrounding them, as well as the team they left behind.

Tyreek Hill - Hill has been a monster for Kansas City for years and once he had chemistry with Patrick Mahomes he became unstoppable. Hill was among the top ten WRs last season with his explosive plays, the question for this season will be if Tua Tagovailoa will be able to keep Hill as productive. Hill is the clear-cut WR1 in Miami, expect him to still be able to put up top ten in fantasy this season.

How this affects the Dolphins - Jaylen Waddle had a standout rookie year producing the most touchdowns and targets for the Dolphins. With Hill on the team, Waddle might feel like an afterthought, but I'd look for him to have even better stats this season. I'd take Waddle as a solid WR2 while Hill is getting double covered all season, if you can get him as your flex it may be the steal of the draft. I want to say Tua's stock goes up here as well, but he has to remain healthy, keep an eye on him if you need a QB2 late in your draft.

How this affects the Chiefs - As I'm sure yinz already know, Juju Smith-Schuster is now considered WR1 in KC. There is a lot of wiggle room for this once the season kicks off with the acquisition of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and the drafting of Skyy Moore. Expect Mahomes to spread the ball around for the first few games before any star receivers come to surface. I would take Hill's departure as a slight drop in Mahomes stock as well, while also moving Travis Kelce up just a bit.

Davante Adams - He had a great year in 2021 in terms of his receptions and yards, but his seven fewer trips to the back of the end zone stung a bit. Adams becomes the obvious WR1 in Las Vegas this season, but his supporting cast will prove to be a bit more competition. My gut is telling me Adams will be just as productive, if not more this year, but my head is telling me he just signed with a team that's more run-heavy, has one of the best TEs in the league, and a QB that is an enigma in terms of production game to game.

How this affects the Raiders - If the Raiders stay healthy this could be the best offense in the league this season. It's one thing having Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow to cover down field, it's another when you add Adams to the mix. I would bump Derek Carr up as a potential QB1 this season, especially in deeper leagues. Waller in my opinion just became the top TE if he can stay healthy, and Renfrow has potential for a great WR2 while Waller and Adams take most of the coverage. 

How this affects the Packers - If you thought Rodgers was pissed last season wait till he hits the field this year. The Packers not only traded their WR1 as well as some others, but they didn't bother to draft a receiver either in the first round, once again. Sure they still have Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb -- and maybe Sammy Watkins has a bit left in the tank, but this offseason has hit the Packers offense like a ton of bricks. I know its Rodgers, but I would drop him to a QB2, if not a very deep pick for your QB1. I'd be hard pressed to take a Packers WR in anything other than a bench player for bye weeks until Rogers can figure this mess out. 

Russell Wilson - In 2020 Wilson had a monster year clockin in 40 TD's and being a fantasy powerhouse, at least for the first half of that season. Last year was a bit different which could have been attributed to their RB and TE situation, but Russ struggled. This year Wilson has a solid RB1 in Javonte Williams, as well as a some depth at receiving. Expect Russ to get back to his elusive self in Denver and have a bounce back year, he could be a steal in some leagues in the 5th round or deeper.

How this affects the Broncos - Jerry Jeudy has been waiting for a breakout season and this could be it. The current WR roster of the Broncos is a mix and match of talent and has the potential to produce. Expect Wilson to spread the ball for the first few games and settle on one mid season as his favorite target much like Tyler Lockett was in Seattle.

How this affects the Seahawks - Seattle is in shambles and I really don't have anything nice to say other than this is their time to rebuild. It's hard to pass on names like Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf but with Geno Smith as the foreseeable starter, I would stay clear of pretty much anyone in a Seahawks uniform this season.

Amari Cooper/ Deshaun Watson - Cleveland bricked up in a big way this offseason signing Deshaun Watson and Amari Cooper. Watson is a gamble in that he could be suspended at any time facing his current allegations, but if he plays the whole season, he could be back in a big way. The Browns did clear house when it comes to WR and aside from the acquisition of Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones remains the only starter from last season. With the option of this run game though Watson could benefit with his legs more than anything, and the Browns may start to look more like the Ravens this season.

How this affects the Browns - Obviously Clevland decided to go a different direction this season dumping Jarvis Landry, basically dumping Baker Mayfield, and the exit of OBJ mid season last year. If this overhaul works you can expect Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt to feast this year. It's the Browns so don't bet on too much success, but Chubb should be a top RB1 as per usual. 

How this affects the Cowboys - CeeDee Lamb has already proven himself more than capable in Dallas and if Michael Gallup stays healthy I really don't see the Cowboys missing a step. As long as all the core components stay healthy this team should be on par even without Cooper.