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Fantasy Players We’re Thankful For (2022 Fantasy Football)

Fantasy Players We’re Thankful For (2022 Fantasy Football)

It’s Week 12 in the NFL. That means the season is roughly two-thirds of the way over. More importantly, that means it’s Thanksgiving week.

Fantasy players have plenty to be thankful for this season. There have been several surprise players this year. Furthermore, there have been a few superstars we should thank for being great at football.

So when you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner this week, don’t curse at your least favorite uncle for sniping you on Saquon Barkley. Instead, be thankful for these nine players.

Tua Tagovailoa (QB – MIA)

The 2020 NFL Draft gave us two superstar quarterbacks: Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert. However, Tagovailoa has turned into a fantasy star this season. The former Alabama superstar is averaging 20 fantasy points per game this year, a career-high. His 20 points-per-game average is 30.5% higher than his previous career high last season. More importantly, Tua has been excellent since returning from a concussion, scoring 23.4 or more fantasy points in three straight games. With his elite wide receiver duo, Tagovailoa is a lock for a top-10 finish.

Justin Fields (QB – CHI)

Fields was a popular sleeper candidate during the preseason. However, the second-year quarterback averaged only 9.4 fantasy points per game over the first four weeks of the year. During those four weeks, Fields averaged only 16.8 pass attempts per game. Just when fantasy players had given up on the former Ohio State star, Fields has been unbelievable over the past seven weeks. He has scored at least 17 fantasy points in every game. More importantly, Fields is averaging 30.8 fantasy points per game over the past five weeks, scoring at least 22.6 fantasy points in every contest. While he is dealing with a minor shoulder injury, Fields will likely be a league winner.

Kenneth Walker (RB – SEA)

Seattle’s backfield was a popular topic of discussion in the offseason. Some had high expectations for Rashaad Penny, while others were excited to see the rookie. Unfortunately, Penny suffered a season-ending injury in Week 5, opening the door for Walker to take over as the lead back. The former Michigan State star has averaged 19 half-point PPR fantasy points per game in his five starts this season, scoring six touchdowns during that span. Furthermore, he has totaled 88 or more rushing yards in four of the past six contests. Walker is already one of the league’s best running backs, and his future is one of the brightest in the NFL.

Tony Pollard (RB – DAL)

While Ezekiel Elliott remains a critical part of the Cowboys’ rushing attack, Pollard has become a fantasy star. The fourth-year running back averages 15.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game this season. More importantly, he has scored 10.5 or more fantasy points in all but two games since Week 1. Furthermore, Pollard has been a fantasy superstar over the past three games, averaging two touchdowns and 29.1 fantasy points per game, scoring at least 20 in every contest. While Zeke will limit Pollard’s upside, the young running back has several excellent fantasy matchups over the next few weeks.

Tyreek Hill (WR – MIA)

Remember when Hill got traded to the Dolphins, and everyone thought his fantasy production would suffer? You’d have thought everyone would have learned their lesson from a few years ago with the Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs situation. Instead, Tyreek is on pace to break records and set career highs. He is averaging 18.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game this season, a career-high. Furthermore, Hill is averaging four more fantasy points per game this year than he did last season in Kansas City. Barring something unforeseen, Tyreek should end the year as the WR1.

Chris Olave (WR – NO)

The 2022 NFL Draft had six first-round wide receivers. While most have struggled to be consistent fantasy players this year, Olave has been the exception. The former Ohio State star receiver is averaging 12 half-point PPR fantasy points per game this season. More importantly, Olave has stepped up as the No. 1 wide receiver for the Saints, with Michael Thomas missing most of the year with injuries. The rookie has scored 10 or more fantasy points in 60% of the games this season. Furthermore, he has scored 10 or more fantasy points in all but two games since Thomas got hurt in Week 3. While the New Orleans offense is a mess, Olave is a superstar in the making.

DK Metcalf & Tyler Lockett (WR – SEA)

When the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, fantasy players wrote off Metcalf and Lockett for this season. However, both receivers have played well with Geno Smith under center. Not only are both players averaging 10 or more half-point PPR fantasy points per game this season, but they are both top-20 wide receivers. Last year Metcalf and Lockett combined for 20 receiving touchdowns. They are on pace for 15 receiving touchdowns this season. However, they have several appealing matchups over the next few weeks. Given their draft price, Metcalf and Lockett are two of the top draft-day steals this season.

Travis Kelce (TE – KC)

Over the past few years, the tight end position has become deeper for fantasy players. However, Kelce has become a cheat code. The veteran tight end is averaging 18.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game this season, a career-high. Furthermore, he has 11 receiving touchdowns this season, matching his career-high with seven games left to play. The superstar tight end has seven receiving touchdowns in two games this year. By comparison, no other tight end in the NFL has more than five receiving touchdowns this season. Anyone who drafted Kelce in the second round of their draft is loving their decision.

Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.

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