Fantasy Football Sleeper: Nyheim Hines (2022)

This time of year, it’s important to identify value in all fantasy football formats. Whether you’re trading for assets in dynasty leagues or planning your fantasy football redraft strategy, investigating players coming off down seasons is a great way to improve your championship outlook. Nyheim Hines certainly qualifies. After finishing as an RB2 in 2020, Hines fell out of fantasy favor in Indy last season. However, early talks out of Colts’ camp indicate Hines could be back in the fold in a big way in 2022. Let’s look to see if Hines is a fantasy football sleeper for 2022.

Nyheim Hines to be more involved in 2022 according to Colts HC

While speaking with the media, Indianapolis Colts HC Frank Reich said “if I was going to be in a fantasy league, I think I would pick Nyheim this year.” Reich went on to say that the Colts were more run-centric last season than he wanted them to be and he wants Hines to be more involved. (Source: Pro Football Talk)

Fantasy Impact: Coaches’ offseason comments often must be taken with a grain of salt, but if Reich’s words ring true then this could have major fantasy football ramifications. The Colts signed Hines to a three-year, $18.6 million dollar deal last season, indicating that the team values and intends to use him, but Jonathan Taylor took over as the workhorse RB in the offense last season and finished as the RB1 in fantasy football. Hines is an elite pass-catching RB, but 2021 Colts starting QB Carson Wentz isn’t known for checking down to the RB position frequently, which could have played a part in Hines’ decreased role and the offense’s run-heavy approach last season. The Colts traded for QB Matt Ryan this offseason, which could signal a transition to more passing in 2022, which in turn would benefit Hines and hurt Taylor for fantasy purposes. Taylor is currently the consensus 1.01 in fantasy football drafts, but if the team adjusts to a more pass-happy approach then his chances of repeating as the top RB in fantasy football are in jeopardy.

Nyheim Hines 2022 Fantasy Football Ranking

Hines figures to be most useful in PPR formats. Currently, Hines has an expert consensus ranking of RB45.

Andrew Erickson feels there could be some upside available at Hines’ current ranking.

Nyheim Hines posted career-lows across the receiving board in 2021, but there’s hope that with a new quarterback under center that he can bounce back in 2022.

No passer targeted running backs more than new Colts quarterback Matt Ryan did in 2021 – 8.6 targets per game. Bodes well for Hines to provide more usable weeks like he did in 2020. That year, Hines finished as RB18 in PPR scoring.