Don’t Eat The Cheese: 2022 Fantasy Football Quarterback Busts
We’re back! Earlier than I normally do because I really want to get a head start on fantasy content. It’s something we here at Vendetta pride ourselves on. The Don’t Eat The Cheese fantasy series, of course, will begin with the quarterbacks.
If you’re unaware of what the Cheese series is designed to do, let me give you a peak behind the curtain. The Don’t Eat The Cheese fantasy series is designed to lay out a blueprint of players that will single handily destroy your fantasy season. Avoid them at ALL costs. Because nothing is worse than getting cheesed on something.
Here we go; let’s get started. Who are the quarterbacks you should avoid for the 2022 fantasy football season?
Dak Prescott (Cowboys)
We all know why Amari Cooper isn’t on the roster anymore, right? (Sorry, in advance. This is the best link I could find somehow).
Now that we got that out of the way, let’s just dive right into the truth. The fact of the matter is,Dak Prescott is a different guy without Amari Cooper. The numbers are so drastic that it’s hard to not put any stock into it. The eye test totally bares this out. When Cooper was on the field for the Cowboys, Prescott was a different animal.
Cooper isn’t the only departure. Let’s also add Cedrick Wilson, Connor Williams, and La’El Collins. The offensive line and wide receiver group is down from a year ago. AND don’t talk to me about James Washington. That guy stinks and it’s insulting to suggest he can replace Cooper or even put a dent into that production.
I know quarterback numbers are always inflating but I’ll take the under on all of Prescott’s numbers from a year ago. I’ll take the under on 37 passing touchdowns. Prescott’s rushing numbers are all down across the board from three years ago. I don’t think he’s that same rushing threat and they want to protect him after the ankle injury.
Boy, you better be careful pulling the trigger on Dak. It’s still a dog shit division and I’m quite sure he will have a great week or two against an NFC East foe. What I do know is Prescott fits right into that Kirk Cousins timeline. B level quarterback gets A level money and losses important pieces on the roster. We know how this story goes. Just don’t let Amari Cooper be the only one that told you so.
Tom Brady (Buccaneers)
I know, I know, I’ve had Tom Brady on this list a lot over the years. Most of the time, I have been right (mostly during his Patriot years when he was always overdrafted). Some of the time, I’ve been partially right. Last year, I was dead wrong. This time around we seem to just be ignoring an important element to all of this. Are we sure losing Bruce Arians is a good thing?
The first year Arians took the job in Tampa, the Bucs were 32nd in run percentage. Risk it for the biscuit. That’s the motto when it comes to Arians. Look, maybe Leftwich just carries the torch and keeps things status quo. I’m guessing that may not be the case. Brady wanted Arians out and the new head man in charge is a defensive head coach (Todd Bowles).
If you want Brady, you’re going to have to take him in the top 10 at the position again. This time he’s coming off an offseason where he retired, bitched about wanting to go to San Francisco, then returned only because he had no other option. We’re sure this is going to go well to the point where he’s a no doubter top pick at the position? Not sure I’m buying it.
Keep in mind, there is no margin for error. I’m already getting virtually zero rushing points. I’m just not doing it. I’d rather take two dart throws on later round guys than pay a premium for Brady.
Matt Ryan (Colts)
I talked about this already a little earlier in the year. Do I think Matt Ryan can come in and do his best old man Philip Rivers impression? Sure, I can buy that.
Do I think Matt Ryan is a usable quarterback in fantasy? Not a damn chance.
I know some disagree, but I personally don’t think Matt Ice has much left. Ryan had 20 touchdown passes last year and loves doing his best Eli Manning statue impression in the pocket. Guy can’t move at all anymore.
Additionally, this is turning into a weapons league. Hard to love what the Colts bring to the table. Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, and Dezmon Patmon. I couldn’t be less turned on. In fact, I think I lost two inches just listing off those names. Every day that goes by, more and more people are quickly finding out that Chris Ballard is a dope. You should join that party before everybody else figures it out.
Truthfully, I really can’t buy into this idea that this situation is better for Ryan the fantasy quarterback. We do realize his left tackle just went from Jake Matthews to Matt Pryor… that happened. His tight end went from Kyle Pitts to Kylen Granson. I swear I didn’t even make that name up.
Draft Ryan at your own peril. When this gets ugly, I don’t want to hear it.
