Host Bobby LaMarco is joined by Keelin Billue, Gladys Louise Tyler, and Donkey Teeth to discuss which players they will be watching this upcoming weekend to get ahead start on the waiver wire. Check out the article below, watch the video on the Razzball Fantasy YouTube or listen to the show on your Apple podcast or Spotify app.
Razzball Writer(s): Gladys Louise Tyler
What to Watch For: Can Mike Evans get revenge vs. Trevon Diggs?
Last year was the same opener and the beginning of Trevon Diggs 11 interceptions season. His first pick was in that opener, second quarter. Diggs covered Mike Evans. Evans stat for the game 6 targets, 3 receptions, and 24 yards. It was his third-worst receiving total of the season. Per Next Gen Stats…Diggs held Evans to on reception of 10 yards. He covered him on 39 of 47 routes. Who wins this one?
Razzball Writer(s): Gladys Louise Tyler
What to Watch For: Will the Geno to Metcalf connection show up vs. Denver?
Last season Metcalf ended as WR14…he had 129 targets, 27.3% target share, 30 deep targets, and 19 red zone targets. He finished with 967 receiving yards. His lowest targeted game last season was against Washington where he only saw four targets, one reception, and 13 receiving yards (Week 12). Was Metcalf a product of a good quarterback? How much will Seattle scale back their passing game? Last season Seattle was 20th in passing percentage at 56.71% while averaging 29.1 pass attempts a game (32nd). Can they possibly go lower than that?
Razzball Writer(s): Donkey Teeth
What to Watch For: The New Look Dolphins Offense
Tua Tagovailoa is primed for a breakout coming off a stellar preseason. Keep an eye on how the targets shake out between budding superstar Jaylen Waddle and their new arrival, established superstar, Tyreek Hill.
Razzball Writer(s): Donkey Teeth
What to Watch For: Is the Hype Real for Dameon Pierce?
Is all the rookie hype real? We’ll know a lot after week 1. Pierce could demand all the touches in Houston out of the gates, or Rex Burkhead could play spoiler.
Razzball Writer(s): Keelin Billue
What to Watch For: Who Will Emerge in Tennessee Post A.J. Brown?
Let’s try again with Derrick Henry! Despite finishing as RB14 despite only playing in eight games last year. Henry, the ADP #4 overall and #4 running back, turns 29 and is coming off a broken foot. Ryan Tannehill may also rely on a hodge podge or rookie and unproven wide receivers including Treylon Burks, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Cody Hollister, and Racey McMath.
Razzball Writer(s): Keelin Billue
What to Watch For: What to Expect from a Mitch Trubisky led Steelers offense?
Mitch Trubisky (ADP 237 and QB 34) named starting quarterback with Kenny Pickett (ADP 191, QB 26) as the backup QB. Mike Tomlin praised Trubisky for his experience and mobility, but Trubisky has not been great the past two seasons. Only time will tell the outcome of this one.
Razzball Writer(s): Keelin Billue
What to Watch For: Who will become the WR1 in New Orleans?
Wide receiver Michael Thomas (ADP overall 69, WR 29) is back…maybe? Michael Thomas has been sidelined since August with a hamstring injury. While Thomas said he feels great and his goal is to play Sunday, Saints head coach Dennis Allen was still noncommittal on if Michael Thomas would play against the Falcons, a notable and nasty Saints rival. This means Thomas’s protege Chris Olave (ADP 105; ADP WR 43) and Jarvis Landry (ADP 143; WR 55) could see more action from Jameis Winston (ADP 147, WB18).
Razzball Writer(s): Keelin Billue
What to Watch For: Marcus Mariota’s first game back with Arthur Smith!
On the other side of the field, the Falcons are on a rebuild. Marcus Mariota (ADP 234, QB 32) is back as a starting QB, which will be interesting in its own right. However, the absence of Calvin Ridley, after he was suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games in November 2021, puts all eyes on Drake London (ADP 96, WR 39) and Olamide Zaccheaus (ADP 341, WR 110). This is a big step up for Zaccheaus who is on paper, an underdog. He’s only 5’8” and 193 lbs. He was undrafted out of Virgina but has turned himself into a playmaker. He has made that work in the slot for three-man formations that the Falcons will use. In 2021, Zaccheaus posted 31 catches, 406 yards, and three touchdowns. He made the lone touchdown in the Falcons-Jets preseason game. While Drake London will be a fantasy contender, Zaccheaus will certainly be interesting for deeper drafts or as a replacement.
Razzball Writer(s): Bobby LaMarco
What to Watch For: Which player will emerge as the 2nd option in the Indy pass game?
New Colts QB Matt Ryan has a lengthy history of producing multiple fantasy-relevant pass catchers. From Roddy White and Julio Jones to Julio and Calvin Ridley even Kyle Pitts and Russell Gage there have been many instances of multiple pass catchers providing solid fantasy seasons under Ryan. In Indianapolis behind stud WR Michael Pittman, the jury is still out on who can be the #2 weapon. Currently, none of the Colts’ pass catchers behind Pittman were inside the top 150 in ADP which means whoever emerges could be a top waiver priority in Week 2.
Razzball Writer(s): Bobby LaMarco
What to Watch For: Is Trevor Lawrence a Generational Talent?
All eyes will be on Trevor Lawrence as he looks to improve under new Head Coach Doug Pederson. Pederson has experience working with young QBs from his days in Philadelphia. Under Pederson’s guiding hand, Carson Wentz earned a pro-bowl nod in his second season. Could that be the case for Lawrence heading into year 2? If he makes that leap, we could see big things in store for the Jaguars’ pass catchers in 2022. Players like Marvin Jones, Zay Jones, and Evan Engram are widely available on waivers.
Razzball Writer(s): Bobby LaMarco
What to Watch For: Can Baker Cook the Browns?
The fact that Baker Mayfield is playing the Browns in Week 1 is insane. If Baker can’t perform in a revenge game vs. his old team, we shouldn’t want anything to do with him this season. In all seriousness, we could see a different Baker in 2022 under new Panthers OC Ben McAdoo. McAdoo has a history of utilizing a more pass-heavy play calling style from his days in New York. Meanwhile, Baker played under a much more conservative style offense in Cleveland. We haven’t seen what Baker can really do when given a lot of attempts since his rookie season. That season he can performed well which led to a few options emerging in the Cleveland pass game.
Sources: PFF.com, FFToday, Pro football Reference
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