These quarterbacks have the most to prove in 2022 in the NFL and on our Best Ball teams. They have shown moments of greatness but other times have fallen flat on their faces. Each situation is different but it is clear that if they do not take the necessary steps forward in 2022, their teams will not be shy to look for the next man up. As fantasy football managers, it is important to understand each situation because with risk, comes opportunity.
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Jun 7, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) walks on the field during OTA practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback Miami Dolphins- Average Best Ball Draft Position 136 (QB17)
In the words of Tyreek Hill, Tua has superior accuracy to Patrick Mahomes and the ability to hit him “right in the bread basket on the run”. Reassuring words for Tua who is entering his third year in the NFL. The dolphins have done everything in their control to surround Tua with weapons to help him succeed, including Hill. This is a prove it season for Tua and if he doesn’t perform on the field, the Dolphins will move on next season. In fact, Tua dodged a bullet this offseason with the rumors that Tom Brady was eyeing the Dolphins if not for the Brian Flores lawsuit.
In 2021, Tua ranked near the bottom in a number of important fantasy football metrics. He finished 27th in pass attempts (388), 27th in passing yards (2,653), and 23rd in passing TD (16). Even in two quarterback leagues, fantasy managers were looking elsewhere. Hill and Jaylen Waddle bring with them top-tier run after the catch ability, elite agility and eye-popping speed. Tua simply needs to get them the ball.
The good news for the receivers is Tua does indeed distribute the ball with great efficiency. He ranked third in accuracy rating in 2021, tied for first in deep ball completion percentage (50%) and number one in red zone completion percentage (64.9%). Rookie head coach Mike McDaniel proved last year as the 49ers offensive coordinator that he can be creative with play calling to maximise the player talent on the field.
The Dolphins have been in the headlines for a lot of wrong reasons in the 2022 offseason. Winning cures all woes for a team though and they are poised to move in that direction in 2022. The weight of the world is on Tua’s shoulders this season but he has the support structure to handle the lofty expectations. Tue is a definitive QB2 in fantasy football this season but he could prove to be a solid weekly option. If he can score a consistent 2-3 points more per week then he could move into a no-brainer starter in two quarterback leagues.
Jalen Hurts, Quarterback Philadelphia Eagles- ADP 63 (QB6)
Jalen Hurts is a star in the eyes of most fantasy managers. His running upside propelled him to the QB6 in fantasy points per game in 2021. This was all in spite of his modest passing production. In 2021 Hurts threw only 432 attempts (21st), 3,144 pass yards (21st) and 16 TD (23rd). Looking deeper, Hurts averaged 32 pass attempts per game in his first 8 games. Coach Nick Sirianni then elected to shift the Eagles offensive philosophy toward the run and in his final 7 regular season games, he averaged only 25 attempts per game. That is a dreadfully low number in the modern NFL. To make matters worse, Hurts ranked 5th in interceptable passes with 37; though he only threw 9 Interceptions.
Hurts did perform well in some advanced passing categories. He ranked 13th in red zone accuracy and 11th in completion percentage versus man with 63%. Hurts is also a natural leader in the locker room and is well liked by his teammates. These qualities are likely what earned him one more year to prove he can be the Eagles QB of the future.
The Eagles are doing their part to support the growth of the young quarterback. The newly acquired AJ Brown has every quality you would want in a number one wide receiver. He is also coming from a low volume passing team where he demonstrated he could be efficient. Devonta Smith is a solid NFL wide receiver but he doesn’t profile as a number one. He is the perfect compliment for Brown though and together make a great pass catching duo for Hurts.
If Hurts can take a step forward in the passing game in combination with his rushing ability, the Eagles will surely stick with Hurts beyond 2022. If he doesn’t, they will not hesitate to use their two first round draft picks in 2023 to replace him. As fantasy gamers the inherent rushing upside makes Hurts a solid bet at his current ADP. If he can polish up his passing numbers, Hurts has QB1 in his range of outcomes and league-winning upside. Hurts is worth the risk and is someone you should draft in your fantasy leagues in 2022.
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