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NFL Draft 2022 Picks | Top Players Getting Big Fantasy Football Bumps

The recent Pusha T song “Diet Coke” begins with a drop of Fat Joe emphatically stating that “Yesterday’s price is not today’s price.”  Joe and Push are very likely referring to the price of something other than fantasy football players, but the sentiment is quite applicable, especially in the days after the NFL Draft.

As early as tomorrow, Fantasy Football sites will begin to roll out Best Ball contests for the 2022 NFL season. Underdog Fantasy will launch their flagship Best Ball Mania III contest with a 10 million (yes, 10 million) dollar prize pool.

Fantasy Best Ball Popularity Explodes After 2022 NFL Draft!

Pre-draft Best Ball was bigger than ever this year and the initial regular season ADP will be influenced by that data.  Underdog ran a standard (start one QB) Best Ball tournament called The Big Board which had 28,224 entries.  They also ran a Big Board But Superflex (you can start up to two QBs each week) which had 33,984.  Before the rookies were even drafted, tens of thousands of Best Ball teams have already been drafted, shaping the Underdog ADP.

Now that NFL Draft is complete and we know where rookies were selected, yesterday’s price is certainly not today’s price.  That said, every fantasy draft is influenced by the default ADP of the host site.  ADP will change rapidly now that we have more complete roster information.  Those who draft early will have the opportunity to grab some value on players before the market fully moves and the ADP sharpens.

Below are few players that I am going to target in early Best Ball drafts, before the market full catches up to their improved situation.

nfl draft fantasy football

Jan 2, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (12) makes a reception in the fourth quarter defended by Los Angeles Rams safety Jordan Fuller (4) and cornerback Dont’e Deacon (21) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Rashod Bateman, Baltimore

Few veterans saw their stock improves as much during the weekend as the wide receiver from Baltimore.  His spot alone atop Raven’s WR depth chart became secure when they unexpectedly traded Hollywood Brown to the Cardinals.

Bateman showed flashes as rookie after missing the first five games of the season recovering from injury.  Tight End Mark Andrews will continue to be a favorite of Lamar Jacksons, but I don’t expect the other receivers such Devin Duvernay, Tylan Wallace, James Proche to threaten Rashod’s target share.

Bateman was going in 8th or 9th in standard and the 11th round in super flex pre-draft contests.  I would expect those ADPs to jump a good 3 rounds or so now that he is the clear number one.

Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia

The Eagles QB has long been a DFS Army favorite.  The Geek has consistently touted Hurts for his entire pro career.  Being bullish on Jalen Hurts in 2022 is now an easy call.  Philly essentially replaced Jalen Reagor, one of the worst, least efficient receivers in the league, with AJ Brown, one of the best.

Hurts’ rushing floor always made him a safe week to week fantasy option.  With AJB in town the ceiling his higher than ever before.  He was being drafted as the QB12 pre-draft.  I would certainly rank him above Brady, Rodgers, and Stafford now.  You could make a solid argument for moving him a head of Dak, Russ, and Burrow as well.

MLB DFS Picks

If you plan to play Fantasy Football Best Ball this year, you need a gameplan! Our coaches and members are already discussing the biggest values on the board and adjusting for the 2022 NFL Draft. Don’t miss a beat by following along in our Premium Strategy Discord Rooms dedicated to making you more money as the field sharpens.

Skyy Moore, Kansas City and Christian Watson, Green Bay

The trades of Tyreek Hills and Davonte Adams opened up two obviously great landing spots for rookies. It doesn’t get much better than potentially being the number one receiver for Pat Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers.

It so happens that both teams selected very intriguing small school prospects in round two. Skyy Moore dominated MAC competition at Western Michigan. His stock rose after the combine, where he ran a 4.41 and his hands measured at a ridiculous 10 1/4 inches for his 5’10” height.

Christian Watson, out of North Dakota State has a rare combination of size and speed. Green Bay traded up to take 6’4 receiver, who ran a 4.36. Watson college production didn’t quite match Moore’s, but NDS didn’t really have a season in 2020 due to Covid and didn’t run a pass heavy offense.

By the end of the pre-draft process Moore was going in the WR55 range and Watson around WR69. Those prices will be long gone when Best Balls drafts fire up tomorrow. That said, I think they will still be too cheap, at least initially, for their potential roles.

James Cook, Buffalo

Little brother of Dalvin was efficient and explosive in a limited role for the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs.  He shared a loaded backfield with talents like Zamir White who was a 4th round pick of the Raiders.

Cook is versatile pass catcher with 4.42 big play speed. He’s only 199 pounds, but at 5’11”, the 22-year-old has the frame to add the necessary weight to sustain a bigger work load at the next level.

He should fit nicely in an high powered, up tempo Bills offense. With 2nd round draft capital he should get an immediate opportunity to contribute.  I think we’ve seen enough of Derek Singletary to label him “just another guy.”

Cook was my highest own back in pre-draft contests, when he could be had in the last couple rounds. If he goes in the 9th or 10th round of regular season contests, as I’ve heard other suggest, I’ll still be a buyer.

NFL Best Ball

The NFL Draft is over, but fantasy draft season is just begining. If you want to fire away with me at the 10 million dollar Best Ball Mania III on Underdog, you can get a first time deposit match of up to $100 using our promo code DFSARMY. I look forward to seeing you on the draft lobby!