2022 Fantasy Football Tasting Preview: NFC East Edition

A shooting-the-shit-style overview of early fantasy facts (and fictions) for 2022.

September is upon us. That means the pads are back, fall is coming, and most importantly, we have fantasy football teams to draft.

There were a shit-ton of major moves made this past offseason that shook the league landscape. While we still are waiting to see some of these new setups in action (looking at you, Denver), we are getting a glimmer of how the Week 1 picture is shaping out.

There are still a lot of moving parts to get sorted between now and Week 1. The rosters are still in flux, with waivers after the teams cut down to 53. However, there are stories floating around in the ether around every time that can be viewed as either factual or fictitious predictions by season’s end.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Facts: Jalen Hurts has the potential to be a top-five QB in fantasy this year. It pains me to say this about an Eagles QB (go Giants), but Hurts has the setup around him to truly flourish. With the division at its weakest in years, Philly has stacked a deep roster around Hurts, with adding AJ Brown the crown jewel of that movement. There is depth behind Miles Sanders for last year’s top rushing attack, so Philly’s offense should be rolling all year. The rest of the division is in flux, divisional games should be especially ripe for fantasy purposes.

Fiction: AJ Brown’s stat line will take a hit moving from Tennessee to Philly. If anything, it could best be described as a lateral move, in terms of fantasy. The one difference is Philly is committed to establishing a passing game, meaning AJ will be a focal point. If he remains healthy, he should be able to boast a top-10 fantasy stat line by the end of the season.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Lobby of the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House

Facts: This offense may not live up to expectations (again). The Cowboys are trying to pass off subtractions as additions in the losses of Amari Cooper and Cedric Wilson. The problem with that logic is in games without Cooper, Dak Prescott’s numbers go down significantly. His arrival boosted Dak, and his departure will end up with a similar effect the other way. Michael Gallup may be the new Coop, but he is banged up already and may not be ready for Week 1. CeeDee Lamb is a gamechanger, but he was less effective down the stretch when coverages rolled his way. There is controversy over who should start in the backfield, Ezekiel Elliot or Tony Pollard. With the defense being run by his successor should he fail, Michael McCarthy has a lot on his plate. This season has the potential to go south and fast.

Fiction: Dak will be a top-five fantasy QB this season. This is not a slight against Dak, who is talented as all hell. This is all about circumstances, from the previously mentioned uncertainty at the skill positions to the major offensive line problems. Dak will be under pressure to elevate everyone on this offense in a wide-open but more competitive NFC East in 2022. The defense, outside of Micah Parsons, is not a top-tier unit, so Dak will be in more than a few shootouts. It will be interesting to see if the Cowboys have the horses to keep up.

NEW YORK GIANTS

brown and blue football ball on black metal rack

Facts: Saquon Barkley is due for a huge season. Brian Daboll is an aggressive, offensively-minded coach, but the situation in New York is very different from Buffalo. Daniel Jones is not Josh Allen. None of the WRs are Stephon Diggs (or Gabe Davis). But what none of the Buffalo RBs are is Saquon Barkley. Injuries have marred his last few years, but they were oddly fluky and not the type to linger. It remains a concern, but when he is on the field, Barkley is a transcendent player with all the skills. Daboll will look to get the ball to Saquon as much as possible, and he will be the most consistent Giant player for fantasy.

Fiction: The passing offense will be improved this year. The offensive unit is not built in the way to excel, and regardless of the results this year will look vastly different in 2023. Jones is playing for his job, but the likelihood the Giants are drafting a QB is high. Kenny Golladay heads up the most highly paid WR room in the league, but he seemed disinterested in his preseason appearances. Kadarius Toney has potential, but didn’t stay healthy last year. Wan’Dale Robinson has been the talk of camp, but has yet to show it on the field. This offense could be good, but it is much more likely to be middling, fantasy-wise, outside of Barkley.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Facts: Tony McLaurin will be a top-12 fantasy WR in spite of Carson Wentz.

Fiction: The RB situation will be a mess all season. Brian Robinson had won the competition to start, but after his shooting, he will be out for at least the start of the season. That leaves Antonio Gibson, who may or may not be in Ron Rivera’s dog house, and JD McKissic, who is primarily a pass-catching threat. That leaves us with a muddled committee situation with Rivera holding no allegiance to either back for carries. Robinson, who thankfully avoided major injuries, could contribute this season, as well, and may end up being the back to own down the stretch. Regardless, the RB situation in Washington will be frustrating to fantasy owners all season.