Tim Lazenby

Veterans and Dynasty Value

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Veterans and Dynasty Value

By Tim Lazenby

It’s impossible to overlook the effect of Father Time in fantasy football when it comes to dynasty format.  But just because a player isn’t as young as he once was, it doesn’t mean his value is nil.  I’m going to give you three players at each skilled position to target knowing full well my projected shelf life of elite play.  Let’s begin with the tight ends.

Tight Ends

The fall off age for a player depends on position and at tight end, the magical age is 28.  Although there are rarities, statistics show that after the age of 27, you see less tight ends dominating and the drop off in contribution beginning.  Let me give you one veteran to target for this year, one who will be good for a couple seasons and one who will be good for three or more.

Very Relevant for Next Year

Gerald Everett (28) is a good target for this category.  While he’s not in the upper echelon of tight ends, his value should go way up now that he’s with Justin Herbert and Co.  I do fear that he’s a temporary fix, but when he is priced at TE21 (166 overall), the price doesn’t get much better.  If we’ve learned anything from this team, it’s that they love to throw.  And this should be exploited even more as this will be the best offensive tight end he’s played with.

He’s Got a Couple Years

Zach Ertz (31) is a great target if you’re looking for a guy with a couple years of solid fantasy play.  It may surprise some to know that after the trade to Arizona, Zach Ertz was the TE6 on the season.  And while Marquise Brown hurts his value, I don’t think Ertz will subside greatly.  It’s also going to take a couple seasons for Trey McBride to claw his way to the top of the depth chart, but even when he does, Ertz has shown he can share a field with a partner.

Good to Go for 3-5 Years

Call me crazy, but I think we still have tons of time left to appreciate the legend of Travis Kelce (32).  A unicorn in his own rite, Kelce has been nothing but dominant since day one.  With the receiving room having been overhauled in Kansas City, there is no doubt in my mind that Kelce will be targeted more now than ever.  Lastly, for those scared off by his age, legends Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten have both played over twice the amount of career games as Kelce.  While that may not be a guarantee of how long Kelce will play, he’s certainly got lots of time left.

Wide Receiver

For me, the magical age for fall off when it comes to wide receiver is 29.  There is a rapid decline once you cross over into the 30s, but that doesn’t mean that all players are dead in the water after their twenties.  Let’s throw three wide receivers, at least 29 years old, at you who are still elite in dynasty.

Very Relevant For Next Year

There’s a lot that makes fantasy managers nervous about Robert Woods (30) moving forward.  Just coming off injury and moving to a new system can be nerve wracking, but the price is right.  Despite competition in Treylon Burks, that’s where the list ends.  It also helps Woods’ case that stud Derrick Henry is coming off an injury himself, so they can’t pound the rock as hard as they want.  At WR38 (101 overall), his price has never been this good since his days in Buffalo.  Treylon will take over, make no mistake, but this season Robert Woods has a real shot at WR2 status.

He’s Got a Couple Years

With my second Charger in this article, we can’t overlook the glaring value of Keenan Allen (30).  Since 2018, Keenan Allen is the only wide receiver to get over 130 targets every season.  The early years with injuries haven’t been forgotten for some, so take advantage.  And make no mistake, this receiver room belongs to Keenan Allen, not Mike Williams.  He’s also being drafted in the 30s in some circumstances.  Go after a manager who only sees him as a one year player and take Allen all the way to the championship.

Good to Go for 3-5 Years

Davante Adams (29) is the only 99 wide receiver on Madden.  And even though many people disagree with many ratings, most agree on this one.  That being said, some are concerned now that Davante is going from Aaron Rodgers to Derek Carr.  I’m going to go on record and state that talent is talent.  Adams is special and he’ll shine no matter where he goes.  It also doesn’t hurt that I think Carr is underrated.  I can’t see a world in which Davante Adams isn’t elite for at least another 3-5 years and hopefully you can’t either.

Running Backs

Everyone knows that the shelf life is the shortest with the running back.  Being the most physical position in the league, it makes complete sense.  It’s also the hardest to find true value.  Once a running back hits 26 years old, I begin to get nervous.  Here is a list of three running backs, 27 or older, to consider under the previous noted criteria.

Very Relevant for Next Year

The list of running backs is more sparse than other positions.  Ezekiel Elliott (27) is a name this season, in dynasty, that many managers are treating like a ghost.  It makes sense as 2021 was his worst year to date, but let’s not forget the situation the man is in.  It is true that Tony Pollard is chomping at the bit, but the reality is that the Cowboys are far too financially invested in Zeke to not showcase him.  He still also plays behind arguably the best O-line in the league and the passing options have decreased from last year.  Zeke has never been cheaper.

He’s Got a Couple Years

Going back to back and featuring Titans, I’m going with Derrick Henry (28) here.  I can’t recall a more dominant runner in recent history than Henry.  A giant among mortals, Henry broke many hearts as he went down with injury last season.  And while I don’t think he’ll be up to speed immediately, it won’t take forever.  The cupboards are also not overflowing with running backs to take a stab at his crown.  In redraft, he’s still quite expensive, but in dynasty he’s ripe for the picking.

Good to Go for 3-5 Years

I’d be lying if I thought any running back over 26 could be a surefire bet to fit this category, but if you’re forcing my hand, I’m going right back to the Chargers in Austin Ekeler (27).  I know I’m super pro-Chargers here, but there is good reason to be.  If the Chargers hadn’t drafted Isaiah Spiller, I’d be more nervous, but this gives shelf life to Ekeler.  Now he doesn’t have to be on the field all the time and he can be used in far less physical situations.  Much like Henry, in redraft the value is high, but in dynasty, you can still make a profit.

Quarterbacks

Lastly, we move on to the most critical role in all of sports.  In fantasy, especially if you are playing 2 QB or superflex, hitting the right value on quarterbacks is essential.  The longevity of a quarterback is the best of the bunch, but that also makes it harder to take advantage of a good value.  Once a quarterback hits 33 years old, I get leery.  But, have no fear, as I am going to give you three quarterbacks to go for in dynasty who are 34 year old or more.

Very Relevant for Next Year

Well, this category was much easier than the others as there are only four starting quarterbacks that are 34 or older.  The answer to this first one is quite simple.  Although Tom Brady is one I’d take for sure for next year’s value, I’m going Aaron Rodgers (38) because I want a chance at more years.  Though Rodgers is signed for multiple years, I never quite trust him.  And for that reason, if you’re only focused on winning the championship, he’s a great target.   With many worried managers just wanting him off their plate and willing to sacrifice the value, the time is now to go for A-Rod in dynasty.

He’s Got a Couple Years

Although for many young fans, Matt Ryan (37) is all they’ve ever known of Atlanta, he’s getting a fresh start in Indianapolis.  And while he isn’t the MVP he once was, there’s still plenty left in the tank.  With no ready option for the Colts under center, Matt Ryan will have a few years to show off his skills.  And as the QB21 (151 overall) in drafts, there are plenty of managers not seeing his full value.  He’s one of the few late quarterbacks with the upside of a QB1.

Good to Go for 3-5 Years

It should come to no surprise that Matthew Stafford (34) will be the winner of this category.  Even if he wasn’t elite, which he is, his Super Bowl win will give him ample time to stick around in one of the league’s best offenses for years to come.  Like previous entries in this article, the value may not be there in redraft, but in dynasty, Matthew Stafford may have the biggest value and upside of any quarterback in the league.

Is It Evan Engram SZN Once Again?

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Is It Evan Engram SZN Once Again?

By Tim Lazenby

When it comes to players that I just unequivocally love in fantasy, there are a few on my list.  Whether it is because of a rookie performance I can’t forget; the fact that they won me a championship; the situation being fantastic; or any number of criteria; there are just some players that I preach their gospel for year in and year out.  Ironically, there was a player who finally fell out of my good graces last season, but with a couple changes, they are right back in the passenger seat as we ride off into fantasy football glory in 2022-23.

Evan Engram is quite polarizing in the fantasy community, and for good reason.  As a rookie, although he was highly anticipated, not many could have predicted just how successful he would be.  While the depth chart looked promising for Engram to have success, he still had to overcome the fact that Eli Manning wasn’t what he once was.  The 2017 New York Football Giants also didn’t have the strongest supporting cast in giving Manning his best shot at 36 years old.  Well, despite the odds, Engram was an absolute beast in his rookie season.

We’ve Seen What He Can Do

And when I say beast, I’m not over-exaggerating.  In case you’ve forgotten or didn’t

know, here’s how he did in his rookie season; even while missing two games:

Targets - 115 (2nd) Receptions - 64 (6th) Yards - 722 (5th) Touchdowns - 6 (7th) 

Fantasy Points - 109.6 (5th)

If you follow the game by position, you know that the tight end is the one that takes the longest to develop, so it’s especially fantastic that he had so much success as a rookie.  But if you really want a dose of reality, here is how he fared at the time among rookie tight ends in the history of the league.  Remember, he missed two games:

Targets - (2nd place) Receptions - (3rd place) Yards - (6th place) Touchdowns - (11th place) 

Fantasy Points - (1st place)

That’s right.  You read correctly.  Evan Engram had the most PPR fantasy points as a rookie in the history of the entire league; although that has since been surpassed by “best tight end prospect ever” Kyle Pitts, but only by 3 points.  All that being said, if you thought you knew how good he was as a rookie, I’ll bet most of you had forgotten just how good he actually was.

It Gets Rough Thereafter

But the problem comes after his rookie season.  In 2018, his targets would be cut nearly in half and his touchdowns would be literally halved.  The following season, the yards went down by over 100 from 2018, which was already terrible compared to his stellar rookie year.  Admittedly, I thought I was really smart in 2018 as I drafted him and OJ Howard back to back picks in my home league only to be stuck with regret for most of the season.  Last year, for the first time, I finally turned my back on my Evan Engram soapbox and focused elsewhere.

Truthfully, I didn’t really pay attention to the lovechild who had deceived me for all of 2020 until it was all over.  To my surprise, Evan Engram almost matched his rookie season in targets and was close in yards.  His one touchdown was quite appalling, but considering the Giants’ quarterbacks only had 12 on the season, it was forgivable.  So in 2021, although I didn’t jump back on the soapbox, which had been torched by the way, I was glad that I wasn’t completely deceived by Evan Engram.   

2021 drafts arrived, but I couldn’t pull the trigger on Engram.  The golden child burned me too often and I wasn’t about to drink the Kool-Aid again.  And thankfully, at least for me, Evan Engram did not repeat 2017 or 2020.  The numbers weren’t the worst in the league, but they weren’t befitting of tight end royalty or even close to TE1 status.

So as I’ve rambled on for far too long now about why he isn’t worth drafting, rostering or trading for, I can’t send him up the river anymore.  And despite having long burned down my Evan Engram soapbox, I’ve built a new one and once again stand proudly singing his praises.  In 2022, Evan Engram’s situation is given new life with the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Let’s talk about why now is the time to move for Evan Engram.

It’s a New Day...Yes it is!

No disrespect intended on the previous quarterback play that Engram has endured, but Trevor Lawrence far surpasses them all.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about Eli Manning’s entire career here.  I’m talking about just the years he played with Engram.  Moving forward, despite having a dismal season last year, Trevor Lawrence will bounce back in style.  The first generational quarterback prospect in years is certainly worth taking the gamble on rejuvenating Evan Engram somewhat closer to his fantasy prowess.

Doug Pederson also comes to Jacksonville to save the day at coach.  Not only have they gotten rid of the plague that is Urban Meyer, they also gained a Super Bowl winning coach who loves utilizing his tight end.  Even though he’s always been good, if you ask Zach Ertz which years were his most productive in the NFL, he’d have to tell you they were under Pederson.  Pederson has already shown he’s not dependent on one guy to win, all the while displaying his ability to make players shine.  He’s also a guy who loves his players and this will bode well for Engram who is eager for that.

Lastly, the surrounding cast is a big upgrade for Evan Engram now that he’s leaving the Giants for the Jaguars.  Aside from the fact that I’d rather have the Jags’ team overall than the Giants’ if I were playing, the Giants have made great improvements to their receiving weapons.  The Jaguars have also improved, don’t get me wrong, but they need Evan Engram far more than the Giants do.  The recipe is there for Engram to get more opportunities in the passing game where he is rather than where he was.

Final Thoughts

So the final verdict?  I’m not suggesting Evan Engram is going back to 2017, but I am saying he is a strong play to flirt with TE1 status.  He’ll have to overcome the hurdle of Dan Arnold, but I don’t think that’s as big of a mountain as others do.  But the best part is his cost.  

If you’re in redraft, he is basically free.  I’m seeing him go beyond round 15 and sometimes much lower.  And in dynasty, ironically enough, he’s cheaper in some circumstances.  The tight end position is a crap shoot every year once you get past the first tier or two.  So, it’s even harder to find that true gold over fool’s gold.

There is no better value at tight end in 2022 than Evan Engram.

Ageism in Fantasy Football

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Ageism in Fantasy Football

By Tim Lazenby

 

Fantasy football is many things to many people. It can offer the greatest thrills you’ve felt and at the same time, it can utterly destroy your world. No matter what format you play, if you are a fantasy manager, savvy decisions are constantly being made in order to bring you all the way to the top. And to make matters more complicated, if you play dynasty, these decisions weigh more heavily. On top of considering a player’s skill level and if they fit the make of your team, age always comes into the minds of anyone running a team.

But how old is too old? This question has many different answers, especially when considering certain positions, but the question must be pondered all the same. I, like almost any other manager, am guilty of ageism in fantasy football. While I am a little more reasonable with the quarterback, or even wide receiver, the running back always seems to have a ticking clock attached to their name.

And while it’s normal and even wise to take age into consideration, there has to be a limit as to how much weight it brings to the equation. When do you take the lesser talent because the player is simply too old? I was reminded of this by two community members in a charity pool we’re in this season. Let’s see where you sit.

The conversation came up when discussing the King, Derrick Henry. At 28 years old, he can’t be trusted like he was even two seasons ago. And considering the injury he is coming back from, @ApolyonLC stated that he’d rather have a younger, albeit inexperienced option in Cam Akers. He put forth an argument that Henry’s value is too high and he’d rather have the much cheaper, yet still comparable option.

Well, this lit a fire under @NatedBeall who thought that notion was ludacris. While it’s true he’s certainly not as young as he once was, he’s still near the top of his game. Why would you want Cam Akers, who suffered a devastating injury of his own and is also unproven? Why not go with the guy who you know what he’s capable of? Push comes to shove, even though Henry is more expensive, there is a good reason for it.

And while I have an opinion of my own, obviously, I can definitely see both sides. The decision is way easier for me in redraft, but in dynasty, the waters are much more muddied. Let’s talk about why you should take Derrick Henry:

I feel like I have to state the obvious. Derrick Henry is not alone here. There is a laundry list of aging veterans who are being looked down upon simply because they are a year older than they were. But we’ve seen time and again where veterans can lead the pack. There are special players who laugh at their expiry date. I was the same guy who refused to draft Tom Brady for the last eight years because I was sure the cliff was looming, by the way.

But, even if Henry, or that other veteran you’re thinking of, isn’t the numero uno, it is a rarity to be among the upper echelon and fail to meet any version of expectations completely. There is a real danger that you pass on someone only to have them score 20 less points. And you take the younger option who isn’t even close to the other “too old” guy. I remember specifically passing on Adrian Peterson one year because I thought he was too old, only to have him destroy the league. Meanwhile, the “young stud” I took was near worthless at the time.

There’s also the mistake we make in dynasty of always planning for our future, but never considering our present. Why abandon a perfectly good “old” option so you can win in the next three seasons? Meanwhile, you never win a season because you have no established talent, but you’re super excited about your team in 2026…

Now I’d be selling you up the river if I let you believe there isn’t some logic in avoiding aging veterans over comparable youth. While I personally am not heavily invested in Cam Akers, I can see why people are. There are people who will lead you to believe the gamble is all on taking the youngster, but there are gambles on either side.

And, since we’re talking dynasty, building your future can’t be ignored. You simply have to sell high when the timer is ticking and buy low before the star explodes. There’s a reason why stock market experts are rich, after all. Those who were smart enough to gain any star player before their current worth are certainly rewarded. And when it comes to Derrick Henry specifically, there aren’t too many players his age who dominate at running back, let alone as the years press on.

So on this side of the argument, you’re essentially getting Derrick Henry or two really great pieces. And to most, two things sound better than one. So why hinge all your hopes on one older piece, who’s coming off an injury, when you can instead get a couple great pieces who will most likely last you much longer?

Many statistical studies have shown that running backs, on average, improve until the age of 27, and then they will begin to regress. And while there are unicorns, betting on a player to break the odds is not statistically probable. And for most of us with money and pride invested in our teams, it makes the most sense to go by the numbers and shift our team before it’s too late. It’s simply the smarter decision to move on from Derrick Henry now, at his age, and get comparable pieces for both your present and your future.

So, verdict time. Where do I sit on this proverbial wall? The decision for me is quite easy in redraft formats. Derrick Henry at his current ADP is worth more to me than Cam Akers and a good piece. But, to get to the meat and potatoes, in dynasty I swing the direction of Cam Akers and a piece. That is, unless there is no trading. In which case, I would rather gamble on Derrick Henry for a couple seasons than be stuck with Cam Akers, in whom I have no trust.

Lastly, to make this super spicy, there was a bet that was made:

Cam Akers finishes better than RB15 and Derrick Henry finishes worse than RB7.

This season, I predict that Cam Akers finishes below RB15 and Derrick Henry finishes above RB7, if he stays healthy that is.

I’d love to write more about what’s pressing for anyone. If some fantasy football thing is on your mind, I’d love to give you my thoughts and if you want to be mentioned in an article by me, let me know!

Dynasty Death Match: Goedert vs Schultz

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Dynasty Death Match: Goedert vs Schultz

by Tim Lazenby

 

 In fantasy football, it can be hard to find the right value at tight end.  Historically the tight end position has featured two or three at the top, followed by a mid tier of a handful of guys, finished off by crossing your fingers and hoping you drafted the right gate in the late rounds.  In dynasty, this is even further complicated.  It is truly the hardest position to draft correctly for many, and I’ve preached for years that the best value is in the middle tier.

 

You could break the bank for guys like Mark Andrews, Kyle Pitts and Travis Kelce, but that’s where you should be taking your elite running back, wide receiver or quarterback in superflex.  Even players like George Kittle and Darren Waller are too expensive at their prices.  It’s no secret that I love later values like Cole Kmet, but you should make sure you grab a guy in the middle too.  Two of these mid range tight ends are Dallas Goedert and Dalton Schultz.

 

If you look at most experts’ lists, they are often ranked back to back, so let’s take a moment and assess which player you should go for to get the best bang for your buck.  Since it’s fantasy, let’s start with the offensive numbers.  And I’m going from the past two seasons, as that’s when Schultz finally got his shot.

 

Receiving Numbers Comparison

 

Dallas Goedert

Dalton Schultz

 

At first glance, it can look pretty overwhelmingly in Schultz’s favor.  After all, he surpasses Goedert in virtually every aspect, but it is important to remember that Schultz played 7 more games over this span.  So if you do the math, the numbers are actually a lot closer than they look.

 

Now, there is something to be said about taking the guy who can stay on the field, but injuries happen to everyone and taking the healthy guy can’t be the forefront decision matrix when assessing the best value.  It’s also important to know that Goedert was sharing the ball with Zach Ertz until partway through last season, whereas Schultz was the primary tight end option in Dallas.

 

All that being said, it’s impossible to ignore that Dalton Schultz is ahead in the offensive numbers thus far.  I give the edge to Schultz; albeit a smaller edge than it looks by the numbers.

 

2022-23 Outlook

Dallas Goedert thrived as the primary option at tight end after Zach Ertz left for Arizona last season, but many are concerned now that AJ Brown has arrived.  There is also the continued development of DeVonta Smith and Kenneth Gainwell.  And let’s not forget that the quarterback in Philly is not exactly a throw first kind of guy.  That being said, Goedert actually enjoyed his best statistical season three years ago when he had to share more and had a quarterback throwing more.  I have faith that Goedert won’t fall off a cliff like some are envisioning.

 

Dalton Schultz is now thrown into the fray with even more gusto now that Amari Cooper is gone.  For many this signals a jackpot as there will now be 104 targets up for grabs.  This number is even higher if you consider Cedrick Wilson’s 61 targets are also up for grabs.  While many see the golden road being unveiled for Schultz, we have to temper our expectations because he could just as easily be double teamed, leading others to scoop up those newly found opportunities.  I have an opinion that is somewhere in the middle of these two.

 

Even though I want to give the edge to Dalton Schultz, my gut tells me that CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup and even Jalen Tolbert will benefit more from those vacated targets than he will.  I also believe that Goedert will make the most of his seemingly doom and gloom situation and thrive making the most of the opportunities given.  It’s very close, but I give the edge to Dallas Goedert.

 

Conclusion

` Like all of the deathmatches, either option is fantastic.  Choosing one above the other isn’t a make or break decision, but since only one can survive, we have to do one of them dirty.  So, I’m going the direction of Dalton Schultz.

 

Although I believe Goedert is fantastic and he will make the most of his opportunities, I’d be blind to ignore the fact that Dalton Schultz is set up better for the long term.  Their value this upcoming season will be quite close in my estimation, but after this season, I feel like there will be a pulling away for Schultz.

 

Schultz’s quarterback is better for his fantasy situation and the competition will eventually eat up at Goedert’s profitability.  There is too much money invested in AJ Brown to not feature him drastically.  And after this season, once Brown is comfortable with the new playbook, I can’t see him being underused in any way, shape or form.

 

If you’re asking me who the better option is in redraft this upcoming season, it might swing a different way, but in dynasty I choose Dalton Schultz.

2022 Divisional Round Predictions

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2022 Divisional Round Predictions

By Tim Lazenby

Now that the Wild Card round is out of the way, we get to see the divisional champs finally at play.  After a wild first round, will those teams with momentum charge forward or will the champs abruptly halt their progress.  The Divisional Round is sure to excite, so let’s get into these highly anticipated heavyweight bouts.

Divisional Round NFC

It’s down to four teams.  In a battle between three juggernauts and a feisty team with a losing record, which two NFC teams will continue on in their quest for glory?  Featuring familiar foes and newly acquainted enemies, the Divisional Round in the NFC will be one to watch.  The tension is building, so let’s see what it brings.

NFC Game 1

Philadelphia Eagles 8-9-0 (6) vs Los Angeles Rams 12-5-0 (1)

Last Game: Los Angeles 37 @ Philadelphia 19 (09-20-2020)

Philadelphia leads all time series 22-20-1

The AFC champions are the same team who took it all last year.  The Los Angeles Rams are just as strong this season, if not stronger, so it will be no small task for the underdog Eagles.  And while AJ Brown and crew will look like they belong with the big boys, the Rams will not be hospitable.  The pressure will be on for Jalen Hurts to prove he is the one to lead the charge, and that pressure will be overwhelming.

The Rams enter this game in their usual fashion.  The defense led by Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey will be too much for even the most skilled players on the Eagles to overcome, with the Rams shutting the door over and over again.  And while the Rams’ offense will be a threat all over, Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford will continue to do their thing, showing the naysayers that 2021 was no fluke.

The Los Angeles Rams advance, taking the lead early and never letting go of it.

NFC Game 2

Arizona Cardinals 11-6-0 (5) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers 11-6-0 (2)

Last Game: Arizona 27 @ Tampa Bay 30 (11-10-2019)

Arizona leads all time series 11-10-0

In a showdown featuring the oldest franchise and one of the youngest ones, this bout will not disappoint.  Playing with the most gusto yet, the Arizona Cardinals’ offense will be on full display.  In a show of talent they haven’t displayed in some time, Murray’s Cardinals will eat the pressure and press on to make this a truly difficult time for the Buccaneers.  Unrelenting and electric, Arizona will show they are the team to beat.

The Buccaneers will also be a wonder to watch.  As good as the Cardinals play, Tampa Bay will match the pace and do their best to one up this incredible opponent.  The ground game on both sides will be a sight to see, but I see the Buccaneers overcoming the insurmountable odds here.  Despite the back and forth, with Tampa Bay winning the ground game, it will land them just short..

Arizona Cardinals advance, winning past regulation.

Divisional Round AFC

Just like the opening round, the AFC will feature new blood in the Divisional Round.  And unlike the NFC, the teams will be led by younger captains, steering their ships toward greatness.  With one match featuring two teams that missed the playoffs last year, there will be one new team fighting in the Conference Finals; but which will it be?

AFC Game 1

Miami Dolphins 10-7-0 (6) vs Los Angeles Chargers 14-3-0 (1)

Last Game: Los Angeles 21 @ Miami 29 (11-15-2020)

Miami leads all time series 19-16-0

This will be a battle between two of the most improved teams in the league.  And while the newly acquired talent for the Miami Dolphins will play well, this will be the toughest test for Tua Tagovailoa yet.  As he faces off against his draft rival, will his efforts be enough?  For any chance of success, Tua has to lead the way.  In frantic fashion, the Miami offense will be looking for answers all game.

The Los Angeles Chargers couldn’t get into the playoffs last season, but that won’t be a problem in 2022.  And once they are there, it’ll be a sight to behold.  While Justin Herbert leads the offense, the unstoppable defense will make him even mightier.  The Dolphins’ efforts will be met by the Chargers every time, with the Chargers shutting the door time and time again.  Staley and crew will be frightening in this game.

Los Angeles Chargers advance, dominating both sides of the ball. 

AFC Game 2

Cincinnati Bengals 12-5-0 (4) vs Buffalo Bills 13-4-0 (2)

Last Game: Cincinnati 17 @ Buffalo 21 (09-22-2019)

Buffalo leads all time series 17-15-0

While the other games will feature excitement, this may be the most awe inspiring match of this round.  Last year, the Bengals played the part of underdog and now people are aware of the beast.  This round, however, will not be as easy as the first.  And while the team will have improved from last season, you have to question if it’s enough to overthrow Josh Allen and company.  Can Joe Burrow get it done again?

After gaining revenge for 2021, the Bills have no plans of conceding defeat against the Bengals.  But even though the Bills are fantastic, the Bengals are not to be taken lightly here.  I see the Bills as the more complete team, but it’s impossible to ignore one of the best offenses in the entire NFL.  This matchup is sure to go back and forth numerous times before one team finally relents.

Buffalo Bills advance, overcoming numerous lead changes.

We’re only getting started, folks.  Be sure to tune in as we continue our quest to predict the Super Bowl in 2022.

 

Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby

Pick Your Poison

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Pick Your Poison

CeeDee Lamb/Travis Etienne or D’Andre Swift/Deebo Samuel

By Tim Lazenby

 

Every once in a while a question really grabs you. In the fantasy football realm there are many common questions like, “Should I draft this guy?” or “Who’s your top sleeper?” but none are more compelling than asking do you go with Player A or Player B. To further weigh down the simplicity of the question, asking for Package A or Package B can be quite interesting. There are a plethora of considerations to mull over when making these decisions and this becomes even more difficult to ascertain when dynasty comes into play.

Daydreaming about the 2022-23 NFL fantasy season is the norm for me and perusing Twitter appeases this longing to some degree. In my swiping I came across a dandy question from fellow fantasy football enthusiast, @LosingSucks and he posed a question to chew on:

Pick your combo: 0.5 PPR

CD Lamb + Etienne
Swift + Deebo

Feel free to go to his Twitter page and answer for yourself, but if you do, I’m hoping the results will be just as split for you as they were for me when I answered. With 74 votes in, I chose the leading side which was only ahead at a ratio of 53% to 47%. I, like many of you, find myself staring at lopsided results when I entertain these questions, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the results so divided. After all, it was a hard one for me to decide.

So, just for fun, here are some of the criteria going through my schmuck brain when choosing the proverbial A or B:

 

Age

This poll features four young guns, but unlike the other three, who happen to all be 23 years old, Deebo Samuel is past the midway point of his twenties. At 26 years old, Deebo certainly isn’t old or even close to it, but it’s a factor that has to be considered. So although it’s not a deal breaker, first points go to CeeDee Lamb and Travis Etienne.

 

Current Dynasty Rank Value

Now this one is not an exact science, but in this circumstance, it becomes easier as the positions on either side of the packages are the same. Personally, here are my ranks at their given positions:

CeeDee Lamb - WR3 Deebo Samuel - WR5
Travis Etienne - RB17 D’Andre Swift - RB3

I’m just one guy, but from where I sit Etienne is the odd man out here. And even though all four are studs on their respective teams, Etienne just doesn’t carry the same weight as the other three involved, leaving the edge going to Deebo Samuel and D’Andre Swift.

 

Injury Concern

With these four guys, injuries have been a big problem thus far. Of the foursome, CeeDee Lamb is the only one who hasn’t struggled to stay on the field. And although you have to give some props to the Deebo/Swift side because Etienne hasn’t even been on the field due to the lisfranc injury in his rookie season, I give Etienne the benefit of the doubt that this could be a one time problem until proven otherwise. The constant lagging issues on the side of Deebo and Swift are too concerning to not side with CeeDee and Etienne.

Team Importance

We all know that these four players are essential to their respective teams’ success. All four players are top featured options in each offense, but it is important to note that the recent additions to Detroit’s offense will make it harder for Swift to shine like before. Not to say Swift is plunging down my ranks, but I don’t see him as bright and shiny as I did before. Although it’s a close one, I give the edge to CeeDee and Etienne.

 

Gut Feeling

When it comes to fantasy football, your gut feeling has to be considered. For some, this is the only reaction to go by, but oftentimes, this becomes the tie breaker for me. For this particular scenario, if you asked me for my gut reaction, I would have chosen Deebo and Swift as my winners, but after going through my criteria, the gut feeling isn’t enough. This is one of the closest ones I’ve seen yet, at least for me, but I’m going with the CeeDee Lamb and Travis Etienne side. It’s ok to not trust your gut sometimes.

If any of you want to be featured in an article like this, feel free to hit me up on twitter. DM me @NFLazenby and I’d love to weigh in on it!