Dynasty Dilemma

Dynasty Dilemma: Brock Purdy

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Dynasty Dilemma: Brock Purdy

By Doug Harrelson

I find myself looking at the results from this past week and things that we could not have seen coming. It started on Thursday with the most improbable win for Baker Mayfield and the Rams, and continued onward through Sunday. Perhaps one of the most surprising things was week 1 3rd string quarterback Brock Purdy facing off against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers and absolutely smoking them. The greatest quarterback of all time getting completely dusted by a rookie that a casual fan would have not even known his name back in August. What are we doing with Purdy in our dynasty leagues now though is the question. Time to break down another dynasty dilemma. 

The biggest reason to buy might just be the game film we just watched. The Buccaneers defense is not a joke and Purdy looked calm, cool and collected back there as he methodically moved the ball on them. Some of it was simple stuff, evading the rush and checking it down to the running back. It does make that plan better with the running back is Christian McCaffrey but it was still impressive how quickly he was making the decisions. Purdy looked like a seasoned vet out on the field. Beyond just the mental aspect, Purdy showed some incredible accuracy on several throws and showed some mobility even picking up a rushing touchdown.

It is quite clear why the 49ers have been singing the praises of Purdy since he arrived. They have seen this guy in practice every week and were not worried about their chances when Jimmy Garoppolo was injured. It is also a system that has frequently gotten the best out of quarterbacks and if he can steal the starting job from Lance and/or Garoppolo next year, he could become a weekly starter in all your SuperFlex leagues that you acquired for quite cheap compared to the normal price of young starting QBs in dynasty. That window to buy will not stay open long if he becomes the guy, his price tag will become too much to trade for. 

Let’s just start with the elephant in the room. That quarterback room he is in is a crowded one. It may be difficult for him to become the long term starter for the 49ers. Garoppolo is likely to be gone but the 49ers invested quite heavily in Trey Lance this offseason. NFL teams do not like using multiple 1st round picks on a backup QB. If Lance is even on par with Purdy, he will be the starter. Perhaps there is a chance they move Purdy in the offseason to a QB needy team but how successful he would be in another offense is unknown at this point. As I have stated before, the 49ers offense is extremely QB friendly.

This game was also his first time with a game plan designed for him specifically going into a game. The Buccaneers had minimal tape and information to work with going into the game. Are we sure he will perform like this a few weeks from now when teams begin to pick out his strengths and take those things away from him? It is much easier to be the guy when the opponent is not prepared for you. Let’s see how he plays when some of these defenses start scheming stuff against him. 

Finally we have to consider pedigree. Quarterbacks selected outside of the 1st round have a truly abysmal hit rate. For every Tom Brady or Dak Prescott, there are a million Drew Lock’s and Davis Mills in the league, and those guys were taken much earlier than Purdy. Brock Purdy earned the title of Mr. Irrelevant after being the last player drafted in the NFL Draft this past spring. If his skill set was elite this would have never happened. At this time last year people were getting late 1st round picks for Davis Mills based on a small sample of production. Do not fall for the fool’s gold, sell now or soon as the season is over for all those that have passed the deadline. 

While as a fan of the game, I am loving to see what he is doing, I would use this window to flip him. I want at least a 2nd in a SuperFlex league to make the move though. If he has another big game or two, I may try to find a 1st for him. His 2023 outlook is murky at the very best and coupled with his draft capital does not inspire me for his long term outlook. I could be wrong here but I feel I would be happy to make a profit on a guy I likely only spent a late round flier on in my rookie draft or some amount of FAAB. Being able to turn that into some reasonable draft capital is a safe move even if it lacks the upside of holding onto him.

Dynasty Dilemma: Kyle Pitts

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Dynasty Dilemma: Kyle Pitts

By Doug Harrelson

 

The highly anticipated second season of Kyle Pitts has left many fantasy players in disbelief at the lack of production this far into the season. With only one touchdown to his name this season, we have all been sorely disappointed. The phrase “positive touchdown regression” was thrown around in any and every conversation involving the freakishly talented tight end from the University of Florida. Dynasty managers have no idea what to do with this start to the season. Should we be trying to buy low or is this the time to get out now before it is too late? Time to tackle this Dynasty Dilemma.

 

Coming out of Florida, draft scouts simply referred to Kyle Pitts as a unicorn. Comparisons of the great Calvin Johnson were made. The unique combination of size and athleticism creates mismatches everywhere on the field. What makes this even better is getting at a position like tight end where the best ones are so much better than the tier below them. Anyone rostering Kelce or Mark Andrews right now can tell you what it is like to have legitimate 40 point upside from a position where your opponent is just crossing their fingers that whatever mediocre tight end they are starting this week happens to catch one in the endzone to get to 10 points. 

This start is not ideal but there are a couple of factors we can consider that could cause a better 2023 campaign for Kyle Pitts. The first being the quarterback situation is likely to change in the following season. Either Ridder will be the guy or they will draft someone. Mariota has been serviceable and overperformed expectations for some at this point but the offense is still 30th in the league in pass yards. With a better signal caller one could expect the Falcons to pass more in future seasons then they currently do as well as more efficiently. 

 

Normally draft capital is a big predictor of fantasy success, this does not necessarily hold true for the tight end position. Let’s look at the last tight ends selected in the first round before Kyle Pitts. We have Noah Fant, T.J. Hockenson, Hayden Hurst, David Njoku, Evan Engram, O.J. Howard, Eric Ebron, Tyler Eifert, Jermaine Gresham, and Brandon Pettigrew. Sure there are some reasonable starters in there but none of these guys were ever at a Kelce or Andrews level of dominance for any extended time. 

Another big factor is the fact that Drake London is not going anywhere and will demand his share of targets. Drake London has immediately become the alpha in this offense that will even get back Calvin Ridley next season. Kyle Pitts can only manage 5 targets a game while just competing with Drake London mostly for targets. The Falcons should be one of the teams targeting more pass catchers this offense whether through the draft of free agency so more competition is likely coming and perhaps with a rookie QB or a 2nd year Desmond Ridder under center. Right now you can still get a reasonable return for Kyle Pitts from a rebuilding team but if you wait he will become harder to get a good return for if this continues. 

 

The discount has likely not gone down enough for you to be able to buy from someone that likely spent a decent pick or had to trade a lot to get Pitts but I am not selling Pitts at a discount. This is a textbook hold situation for me. It wouldn’t hurt to send some offers on some rebuilding teams to see what it would take to acquire him but I would not be interested in buying at the cost of multiple 1sts or value equivalent. It is highly disappointing if you are a contender that has Kyle Pitts right now but you are likely just gonna have to ride through it.

 

Dynasty Dilemma: Alvin Kamara

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Dynasty Dilemma: Alvin Kamara

By Doug Harrelson

This offseason has been a weird one for those rostering Alvin Kamara. With the expectation put out there of Kamara potentially being suspended for the first six games of the season, Kamara became much more easily acquired over the offseason for contending teams. That coupled with his age at his position made him a truly affordable superstar. When Kamara’s court date got set back and thus his eventual suspension, Kamara managers rejoiced as their true elite fantasy RB would be in their lineups Week 1 this season. Much to their dismay Kamara would be injured in Week 1, miss Week 2 entirely and be incredibly inefficient in Week 3. Now we must figure out what to do with Alvin Kamara in this Dynasty Dilemma. 

Anyone that was on the opposite end of Alvin Kamara in their fantasy finals in 2020 when he hung 6 scores on Christmas Day against the Vikings can give you reasons to buy. I remember being in three separate finals against Alvin Kamara that season and going 0-3 in those finals. When at his peak Alvin Kamara can be a difference maker in fantasy football that not many others are capable of. Right now could be a good chance to buy into the dip after a slow start to the season. If he goes on a run at the end of the season again, having him on your roster could be the difference between bringing home the championship or checking your bylaws to see what the 2nd place payout is. 

Truly elite level talent is rarely available for the price that isn’t gonna cripple your franchise going forward. The volume was still present in Week 3 despite the lack of production. Kamara in his career has normally been one of the most efficient RBs in football. If I am gonna get 70% of the snaps, 15 carries and 7 targets for Kamara on his first game back from a rib injury, I will be happy with whatever my result is from there.

The biggest fear with holding an elite RB is the fear of being caught holding the bag when their value completely disappears. Kamara has held value for a long time now in terms of RB, almost a unicorn at his position being a RB1 every single season he has been in the league. Eventually he will begin to stop producing the way every running back has in the past. This could be the last time to get any sort of return on investment for Alvin Kamara.
Kamara also still has a court case still in his future that could carry with it a multiple game suspension. If it is in your fantasy playoffs it could cost you big time if he was a player you were depending on. Moving him now for a safer player could be the move so you aren’t desperately trying to piece a lineup together in the fantasy playoffs after being the best team all season long. If you are lucky enough to get through this season with no suspension you will likely have to deal with one early next season which will make him very difficult to sell this offseason.


With the obvious disclaimer that this advice applies to serious contenders only, I am buying Alvin Kamara at his current price tag. No clear timeline exists for his impending suspension which could make many that roster Kamara a bit worried. The upside of having a guy that could drop 40 plus in PPR scoring cannot be overstated. There is a real chance you cannot flip him at some point for the 1st you spent to acquire him but I’m more interested in winning championships then I am in winning trades. I would likely try to buy for two 2nds if possible or a 24 1st if pressed.

 

Dynasty Dilemmas: Allen Lazard

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Dynasty Dilemmas: Allen Lazard

By Tim Lazenby

 

The days of the Aaron Rodgers to Davante Adams connection is a thing of the past and it leaves Packers and fantasy football fans scrambling to find the answer moving forward.  And while losing who some consider the best wide receiver in the league is a massive blow, the four time MVP is still there running the show.  So someone or a combination of players are sure to continue to feast in 2022 and beyond.  Predicting the WR1 in Green Bay is no easy task, but it’s our job as competent fantasy football managers to do just that.  In the beginning of the off season, it was Allen Lazard SZN, but now pundits are less than sure.  So, what do you do with Allen Lazard moving forward in dynasty?

 

The situation is eerie in many ways in Green Bay.  Losing Davante Adams was one of the single biggest losses to any team this offseason.  And while it’d be straight up assinine to suggest any one player could fill his shoes, the show must go on.  But even the most iron willed and uber Cheese Headed faithful have to admit there are massive question marks surrounding Allen Lazard.  It can be completely rational just to wash your hands of him as a fantasy manager, especially in dynasty.

 

His Value as the “WR1” When Being Sold

Even if you’re into Allen Lazard as the true top dog for A-Rod, you have to admit the value in offloading the WR1 in Green Bay.  For years, Aaron Rodgers has made the top receiving option for his team nearly matchup proof.  Week in and week out, you can depend on top numbers to lead your team to a victory.  Yes, I am fully aware that no one replaces Davante, but this is  Aaron freakin’ Rodgers we’re talkin’ ‘bout here!  The man makes magic happen; plain and simple.  The defense is still elite too, so you know that offense will continue to be on the field serving up points on a silver platter.  Someone is sure to pay up for it in one of your leagues.

Listen, I know not everyone is a believer in Allen Lazard as the answer moving forward, and if you feel that way, you’re not alone.  But make no mistake; there are others who feel differently.  It doesn’t matter who Aaron Rodgers has.  He will dominate and his WR1 will too.  Strike while the coals are hot and get value for Lazard while you can.  As the second option, Lazard did very well in 2021.  So you can only imagine how he’d be as the first option.  Just use your “used car salesman” vibes here.

New Dogs in the Fight and Devastating Backfield

Everyone loves shiny new toys.  And for the first time in his career that I can remember, it seems as though Aaron Rodgers does too.  I can’t recall a time where he was anything close to buddy-buddy with rookie receivers, but he seems to like Romeo Doubs.  Let’s also not forget the value of 34th overall pick, Christian Watson.  Watson is on the mend currently, but he won’t be forever.  In redraft the additions of these two is not as devastating to Lazard, but it dynasty this is quite troubling to the value of his stock.  New dogs are nipping at the heels and Lazard’s spot at the top is in jeopardy.

Let’s not forget that the Packers also have one of the best running back tandems in the entire league.  With no Davante Adams, the changing of the guard isn’t so simple.  It’s easy to assume that a receiver will just take the targets, but perhaps Rodgers will spread it around to two of the better receiving backs in the league.  Even with Davante, Jones still topped 60 receptions in each of the past three seasons.  And although he only amassed 37 targets in his first full season, AJ Dillon caught all but 3.  He certainly makes it harder for Rodgers to throw elsewhere when he’s on the field.

 

It’s completely normal to have doubts about Allen Lazard, but the flip side of the coin is equally as compelling.  For all the doubters and haters, this provides an excellent opportunity for the believers and the gamblers.  Aaron Rodgers’ top option has never been cheaper, so the appeal on Lazard is definitely there.  Right now in drafts, Allen Lazard is going at 118.8 in dynasty ADP on Sleeper.  As the 51st WR off the board, he’s going well behind injured teammate, Christian Watson, who hasn’t even played a snap.  And even if you are in a league that has already drafted, this should tell you all you need to know about his value in dynasty.  The price is worth the gamble.

 

Underrated in 2021

It’s easy to get lost with names like Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon on offense if you play for the Packers.  But, in case you didn’t know, Allen Lazard performed quite admirably in many categories despite having to share the ball so much on this high powered offense.  And as a WR2, there aren’t many players who performed nearly as well while maintaining the lack of love from the dynasty community as Allen Lazard did in 2021.

Despite Davante Adams on the team, Allen Lazard finished 10th in the entire league in touchdowns inside the ten at wide receiver.  Aaron Rodgers also had a 132.8 passer rating when targeting Allen Lazard.  Lazard also cut his drops down by four from 2020 despite having his targets rise by over 30%.  With Devante Adams leaving, along with a couple others, there are over 240 targets up for grabs and Lazard is sure to get a ton of them coming his way.

 

The History of Aaron Rodgers’ Top Receivers

Since Aaron Rodgers took over the helm for the Packers in 2008, he has been a man possessed.  But it’s important to note that his four top receiver’s success was not instantaneous.  While it’s true he was a beast for years, it took until Jordy Nelson’s fourth season to break out as the alpha.  And although Randall Cobb’s second season was fantastic, he regressed quickly the next season.  In truth, it took until year four for Cobb to be fully trusted by A-Rod.  James Jones’ rookie season went very well, but he wasn’t an actual starter until season six.  And even though Davante Adams was dominant from day one, he wasn’t in the best of the league echelon discussions until arguably year three or more likely year four.

While it remains to be seen if Lazard, or anyone on the current roster will hit the numbers these men did, there will be fantasy success in 2022 and beyond for the Packers at wide receiver.  The good and bad news, depending on your perspective, is that in dynasty it sometimes takes time to reap the benefits of a blossoming talent.  If you’re going to gamble on a player, there are a few viable options, but the one to give the most instant success is statistically most likely to be Allen Lazard.  Aaron Rodgers is also not one to have a receiver flourish only to be replaced quickly.  So, once you’re at the top with A-Rod, you’ve got a good chance of staying there.

 

Let’s face it.  No receiver in that room is truly proven, but of the bunch, Lazard is the best bet.  It’s not the prettiest of choices, but the price you’ll have to pay alone makes this an easy one for me.  Pair to that his rapport that is already established, if you’re going for a piece of that receiving room, it makes the most sense to go for Allen Lazard.  While it’s true that I like the talent of Christian Watson more, he’s also very cheap right now due to the injury, so if I have room, why not get both on my squad?

Are you really going to be the guy who passed on Aaron Rodgers’ cheapest top receiver in dynasty?  Can you look yourself in the face every morning when you know that Billy, the guy you just can’t stand in your league, has Allen Lazard on his team at a cheaper than reasonable price.  Can you let Billy, with his smug little face, have that win in his back pocket while you cry into your cereal in 2022?  Don’t make that mistake.  Make Billy pay.  Get Allen Lazard on the right team: your team.

 

 

Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby

Dynasty Dilemma: Jalen Hurts

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Dynasty Dilemma: Jalen Hurts

By Steve Uetz

Seeking out the Konami Code is a game-winning recipe but when will it be game over?

Welcome to the Jalen Hurts Dynasty Dilemma!

In the video game world, the Konami Code is a well-known series of button combinations that when pressed correctly will bring the player certain cheat codes to help them succeed in their game of choice. In the fantasy football world, a popular moniker involving the Konami Code idea applies to certain quarterbacks who separate themselves apart due to their rushing ability. It is a cheat code because all the quarterbacks hold a standard floor of passing statistics but the mobile QBs hold higher ceiling potential due to their rushing ability. The next great Konami Code QB is Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles. If you had the foresight to hedge on this being a possibility going into last season as I did, then you are sitting pretty in your dynasty leagues.

In the short term, Hurts is a phenomenal fantasy asset. However since dynasty is a unique balance of weighing short-term value with long-term value; will Hurts remain a strong option for the long haul? Before we dig into the 2022 season and expectations, let us first be reminded of how Jalen Hurts arrived at this moment in time.

Jalen Hurts’ career has been truly fascinating to this point. In college he was a dynamic QB for the mighty Alabama Crimson Tide: the physical traits were often on display, but decision-making was a noticeable flaw. A turning point in his college career was his benching in the National Championship game in which Tua Tagovailoa replaced him and eventually led the team to win the title.

The following season Hurts transferred to the University of Oklahoma and became the next great QB under Lincoln Riley’s supervision. He became the Heisman Trophy runner-up (to LSU’s Joe Burrow) as he achieved the Oklahoma single-season record for rushing yards and points scored by a QB.

In the 2020 NFL draft, he was drafted in the 2nd round (53rd overall) to back up and eventually replace the Philadelphia Eagles’ franchise quarterback, Carson Wentz. I voiced confusion and displeasure with the selection because I was a true Carson Wentz apologist at the time. I ultimately realized that with Wentz’s injury history becoming extensive, it was wise to have a dynamic QB waiting in the wings if anything were to happen to Wentz.

Hurts ended up replacing Wentz in the back end of the season and by season’s end their Head Coach, Doug Pederson was fired. Hurts would enter his second season as the starter with rookie Head Coach Nick Sirianni. Hurts finished the 2021 season with an 8-7 record; a team total of 9-8, while just barely making the playoffs.

Jalen Hurts demonstrated tremendous leadership and was statistically sound; he took positive steps in becoming the Eagles hopeful franchise quarterback. Despite an overall successful sophomore season campaign, he still struggled with deep passing accuracy. The question of if Hurts can become an improved deep ball passer will be a major factor for his further development as a professional and could certainly determine his prowess as a long-term dynasty asset.

Jalen Hurts’ rushing ability provided not only a tremendous ceiling for fantasy output but also a reliable floor week to week. In his 2nd season, Hurts finished first in the NFL for QBs in rushing attempts (139), yards (784), and TDs (10). He appeared in15 games and finished as the QB9 overall while ranking 6th in points per game.

Quick context check; before Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson went on IR to close out the season he was on pace to league the rushing attempts and yards. In 12 games; one of which he left early after only 2 rushing attempts for 5 yards, Jackson totaled 134 attempts for 767 yards.

The primary point remains that Hurts demonstrated that he was an elite rushing QB in 2021 and in the 4 games he started and one half of a game he started the 2nd half taking over for a struggling Carson Wentz. In 2020, once he took over the job; Hurts totaled 51 rushing attempts for 301 yards and 3 TDs.

Furthermore, the Eagles have an enormously improved offensive core. Hurts enters another season with Head Coach Sirianni who took several to get a substantial grip on the Eagles offense and what it is capable of. Another year with the athletic Tight End Dallas Goedert, sophomore weapons DeVonta Smith and Kenneth Gainwell, and now the cherry on top; wide receiver superstar A.J. Brown! A.J. Brown was acquired and immediately given a contract extension during the 2022 NFL draft in a trade with the Tennessee Titans for the 18th overall pick.

The importance of Brown’s presence in the Philadelphia offense simply cannot be understated. We know what Brown is and what he will bring; Brown will bring a big body that can be utilized in short, mid, deep, and red zone passing attempts. He will also make better defensive back matchups available for WR DeVonta Smith and TE Dallas Goedert. The improved passing attack trio of Brown, Smith, and Goedert will do wonders for a passing attack that recently relied on Quez Watkins and Jalen Reagor in a variety of ways. Brown will not only help Hurts passing efficiency but will give better quality deep ball passing attempts to Watkins and Reagor; who will be best utilized as ancillary weapons.

I can visualize a wide path in which Hurts is able to improve both as a passer but also as a decision maker beyond the typical ‘one read and run’ type of offense. Brown unlocks many possibilities for the Eagles and potential game plans. Hurts has now been officially surrounded by fantastic options; it is now all on him to take the Eagles offense to the next level.

If you are skeptical about Hurts' ability to be a franchise quarterback, improve in his passing ability or decision-making like some members of the fan base and Philadelphia sports media have been then right now in this moment is the ultimate sell-high opportunity. The allure of a young, rushing specialist QB, with wildly improved offensive weapons, will never be higher. Hurts is a hot commodity, right now at least.

I do find the skepticism to be fair to a certain degree. NFL teams should hold high standards to their franchise QBs and if substantial results don’t come quickly, then teams can move on. One of those teams could be the Philadelphia Eagles. For his career Hurts has a completion percentage of 59% with a 9-10 overall W/L record as a starter. His 61% completion percentage in 2021 was ranked 28th among qualifying QBs.

With or without Hurts, General Manager Howie Roseman has done a beautiful job adding draft capital, quality free agents, and draft selections on both sides of the ball in the last two seasons. The Eagles currently hold strong capital in the next two drafts; two first-round picks in 2023 and in 2024 in addition to the first-round pick they also hold two second-round picks.  Howie Roseman has shown to be one of the most aggressive draft day traders in the league; with the strong QB class in 2023, nothing would surprise me if the Eagles looked to make a splash if Hurts doesn’t play to expectation.

If Hurts struggles to develop as a well-rounded quarterback not only could the Eagles go in a different direction at the position but other potential suitors around the league could as well. This would be the total pessimistic perspective but would be a literal nightmare for your dynasty rosters.

There is no doubt about the fact that Hurts has enormous upside with his rushing ability and improved offensive arsenal. However, legitimate questions remain about his professional development and potential career longevity.

Overall, I find that I’m optimistic that the pros outweigh the cons as he has steadily improved with each phase of his ever-adjusting career, including leading the Eagles to the post-season in 2021. Furthermore, I think it is clear the Eagles have put a lot of trust into Hurts as they have put him in the best position to succeed as possible with the A.J. Brown acquisition; it gives me an astounding vote of confidence that the team has with him.

I believe Hurts takes another step forward in his development as he will soon seek a 2nd contract with the Eagles; which of course will give the Eagles tremendous flexibility and outstanding possibilities to build around Hurts using their upcoming draft capital. Jalen Hurts remains a premier Konami Code QB to buy or hold in your dynasty leagues! Get the cheat code and win!

 

 

Thank you for reading! Follow me on Twitter @FantasyLadder for any further fantasy football discussion, questions, or advice!

Dynasty Dilemma: Jarvis Landry 

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Dynasty Dilemma: Jarvis Landry 

By Tim Lazenby

 

One of the biggest free agent wide receivers in this off season went unsigned for way too long.  Finally, Jarvis Landry can call the New Orleans Saints his team.  It’s a new day for Landry.  The kid from Louisiana who also played for LSU is coming full circle now and will be donning the black and gold.  But, what can we make of this signing?  Let’s dive a little deeper into discussing the former second round pick that we know as “Juice”.

 

While any situation has to be better than the one he’d been in for four years, you have to wonder if it’s enough to kick start his game back to his Miami days.  And while he’s still got lots of football left, Landry is staring 30 in the face.  Elite wide receivers in their 30s are rare indeed.  And above all, are we really expecting Jameis Winston to revitalize Landry’s game?  Only time will tell, but it’s hard to see the light.

 

Worst Season to Date

While the injury played a giant part in the regression of Landry’s game last season, we can’t simply ignore the poor play that he displayed.  While we can excuse his career lows in things like targets, receptions, yards and touchdowns, there are other problems that are more unsettling.  In 2021, we saw Landry’s lowest receptions per game in his career and with the exception of Mayfield’s rookie year, Jarvis had never had a worse catch percentage.  We can excuse the lack of production with injury, but the lack of efficiency has to be at least somewhat concerning.

 

Not Game Breaking

If there’s one thing that’s missing from Jarvis Landry’s arsenal of talent, it is the lack of game breaking ability.  While you can normally count on Landry to get you something, he’s not one to win you your week.  And while I tend to be the guy who prefers floor to ceiling, I still need some game breakers on my team.  I’m not suggesting he’s lost his game completely, but after such a poor performance last year, it’s hard to overlook the inability to explode on any given week.  Now this is not new to Jarvis Landry, as he’s never been one to put a fantasy team on his back, but it certainly doesn’t help his case moving forward.

 

 

I’d be pretty deceptive to paint such a bleak picture of Jarvis Landry.  Sure, last season wasn’t great.  But, with the exception of Nick Chubb, there weren’t any offensive Browns players that excited any of us in 2021.  As we look forward, it’s important to know that Jarvis Landry is actually quite underrated.  And for any fantasy managers who are sour about drinking the Juice from now on, let me tell you why you should buy.

 

His Resume

While he lacks the Super Bowls, MVPs and WR1 seasons, when I say there aren’t many more reliable options than Landry, I’m not kidding.  In case you didn’t know, Landry’s resume speaks volumes.  Excluding last season, in his career he’s only missed one game.  Also, ignoring 2021 and his rookie season, he’s only missed the pro bowl one time.  In fact, there are only 25 wide receivers in the history of the NFL that have more pro bowls than Landry.  Here are a handful of wide receivers with only one more career pro bowl than Jarvis: Calvin Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Randy Moss and Terrell Owens, to name a few.  Simply put, Landry has been and  will be on the field, making noise.

 

Fort Knox Floor

I think I’ve made it clear that Landry isn’t a game breaker, but when it comes to a floor, he’s one of the best.  Last season was the first in his NFL career where Landry had less than 100 targets.  And in his career he’s netting just shy of six receptions per game.  And if that doesn’t speak volumes, he is heading to play with Jameis Winston.  While some may not love Jameis, you have to appreciate that the man loves to throw the ball.  Unlike Tannehill, Mayfield or the slew of backups that Landry’s had to endure, he’s never had a quarterback who just loves to sling it.  And before everyone chimes in about Michael Thomas and Chris Olave, Thomas hasn’t played in forever and Olave’s never played in the NFL.  Are we really that concerned?

 

Admittedly, I’ve been a bit biased over the years with Jarvis Landry.  When he burst on the scene for Miami back in 2014, he instantly won me over.  I traded him straight up for OBJ; and back then, that was a big deal.  It didn’t hurt that he, as a rookie, landed me a championship that year either.  But, I’ve also been biased on the other side.  Making sure to prioritize Landry each year, it left me wanting as I had valued him too highly.  Always expecting him to soar higher and higher to greatness, it was more of the same or even less each year.

As a real life player, there aren’t too many more respected by teammates, but this is fantasy football we’re talking about.  I, however, truly believe that he will rise to greatness early on in New Orleans.  It’s going to take Michael Thomas time to get back to dominance, if he even can.  We’ve only seen Thomas with the legend, Drew Brees, so one can only guess what we’re going to get with Jameis.  I also feel that Chris Olave will do well right away, but not sensationally.  He needs to get his feet wet at the professional level first.  And with the Saints finally having a deeper receiving core, there will be more opportunities in the passing game, rather than having Kamara run the show exclusively.  Take advantage of early success, while others may be worried about the “muddled” situation.

 

 

Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby