Exploiting the 2022 schedule, it’s not as bad as it maybe sounds. After four weeks of the 2022 season we now have a good idea which defenses are bad matchups for opposing teams and which are good ones.
Using that knowledge we can look at the next four games to see which players have particularly enticing schedules and which are about to run into a gauntlet of brutal defenses.
Exploiting the 2022 Schedule - QB
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Tom Brady started the year off with three subpar performances but came roaring back with a monster 31-point outing against the Chiefs, with another strong performance against the Falcons.
Brady’s next three matchups consist of: (ranked pass defense in brackets)
- Steelers (18th)
- Panthers (14th)
- Ravens (29th)
Brady should have little trouble carving up these teams as his receiver corps finally gets healthy. Brady will be a QB1 for the duration of that stretch.
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Matthew Stafford has been a total train wreck through the first month off the season throwing more interceptions than touchdowns and only breaking the 10-point mark once. With October beginning, he struggled against the Cowboys and now faces the 14th-ranked Panthers and the 2nd-ranked 49ers. If that wasn’t ominous enough for Stafford he also mixes in a Week 7 bye in that stretch.
If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to get Stafford of your roster. Factor in a lingering elbow injury and he will be mostly unplayable for October.
Exploiting the 2022 Schedule - RB
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Melvin Gordon started the year in a tandem backfield but now sees his time to shine directly in front of him due to the season-ending injury to Javonte Williams. This injury couldn’t have come at a better time for Melvin Gordon managers as the Broncos rushing opponents are about to get very soft.
The Broncos square off against the Vikings (19th), Steelers (25th) and Lions (31st). This is one of the best four game stretches for any running back all season.
If Gordon can maintain lead back status without yielding too many carries to Mike Boone or Latavius Murray he may be the most undervalued running back in fantasy right now.
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Najee Harris has been one of the biggest busts of the season through four weeks. Through four weeks Najee is yet to break the 12 point plateau and has little to no involvement in the passing game.
Over the next four weeks Harris will face the Buccaneers (3rd), Dolphins (7th) and Eagles (17th). This is a murderer’s row of run defenses and the Steelers will likely be forced to throw.
Kenny Pickett will also be taking over as starting quarterback and the Steelers figure to be playing from behind, this is a nightmare set up for Najee and he should be traded now for a high end running back with a lower profile.
Exploiting the 2022 Schedule - WR
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Chris Godwin and Mike Evans have battled injury and/or suspension early on in the season and because of it the Buccaneers offense has struggled heavily.
Brady seems to be getting things going and with both receivers seemingly back to full strength this entire offense should feast on a weak stretch of pass defenses.
This four games stretch for Tampa includes:
- Steelers (27th)
- Panthers (19th)
- Ravens (32nd).
Easily the most favorable stretch in the league. Look for Godwin and Evans to rack up yards, touchdowns and fantasy points over the next four weeks as this high flying offense finally takes flight.
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The Commanders Wide Receivers have been off to a decent start with mixed results. Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel have been a pleasant surprise but Terry McLaurin has been largely disappointing.
Carson Wentz started off hot and currently sits as QB11 but after a blistering two game start he has posted two terrible outings.
Now the Commanders start a four game stretch that opens with a cake matchup against the Bears (2nd), Packers (9th) and Colts (3rd).
This trio of receivers has plenty of talent, sadly I can’t say the same about their quarterback. It’s time to cash in our their early season success and sell high on all three players.
Exploiting the 2022 Schedule - TE
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The Saints Tight Ends have been nothing special so far this season putting up mediocre games. Early on it was Juwan Johnson and last week it was Adam Trautman.
Personally, I believe in the talent of Trautman over Johnson but you will have to make that decision for yourself.
The Saints start a four game stretch that sees them face the Bengals (15th), Cardinals (30th) and Raiders (21st), add in an aging Andy Dalton starting for at least one of these games and the tight ends figure to see a heavy workload.
The Saints offense has look decent so far but Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas have battled injury, this provides a great opportunity for Johnson or Trautman to pick up the slack against a weak schedule.
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Will Dissly has been surprisingly reliable through four games, scoring a touchdown in three of four. Although never having a smash week Dissly has put up three solid games of more than 12 points.
This production has coincided with a surprising connection with Geno Smith as he has been one of Smith’s primary end zone targets..
It was good while it lasted and Dissly’s surprising start has certainly kept me alive in teams where I drafted Cole Kmet but that’s about to come to an end.
So, there are our methods of exploiting the 2022 schedule! Remember you can check out our articles here. Or you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Image Credit: Robert Hanashiro – USA TODAY Sports
