2021 Studs, 2022 Duds
These fantasy players all had stellar 2021 seasons, but don’t rely on them to make repeat performances in 2022…

Josh Jacobs, Raiders
Jacobs finished his 2021 season as RB14, right behind Aaron Jones, scoring 9 TDs in the process. Jacobs has always been sneakily productive despite his numerous onfield faults, but his chances of finishing a top 15 RB this season are dwindling in large part to new HC Josh McDaniels’ approach to the run game. McDaniels is infamous for running his backfields as committees, with little rhyme or reason to who gets the volume or the goal line action. Talented rookie Zamir White and PPR asset Kenyon Drake are going to get plenty of opportunities this season, to the chagrin of many a Jacobs owner.

Tyler Lockett, Seahawks
Something has to give in Seattle, with average joe Geno Smith now under center. It’s untenable that both Lockett and DK Metcalf will both thrive in fantasy, considering their QB situation and the fact that Seattle will be a run heavy offense. Metcalf has the dominating presence on field to will himself to fantasy production – His size and speed demand it. But Lockett’s production will be largely predicated on how often and accurately Smith can find him deep, and I’m not bullish on the possibilities. Fantasy’s WR12 in 2021 is bound to slump in 2022.

Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins
Waddle was Miami’s Mr. Do-it-all in 2021, putting up over 1,000 yards and 6 TDs in his rookie campaign. Waddle thrived in a major role that was thrust upon him due to injuries that befell other players, and he was primed to be the alpha again in 2022, until Tyreek Hill joined the team. On a better offense, specifically one helmed by a marquee QB, this would be a match made in heaven, but QB Tua Tagovailoa is doubtful to have the ability to get the ball to both of these guys on a regular basis to great effect. Hill has and will continue to be the top dog in whatever uniform he dons, meaning that Waddle is now the second fiddle in an offense that will likely struggle to get him enough action to warrant his current ADP.