Can Josh Allen Repeat As Fantasy Football QB1 In 2022?
Josh Allen has only been rising in fantasy leagues until he claimed the QB1 spot in the 2021 NFL season. But, when you’re at the top, it’s hard to maintain it. Is there a chance the QB1 from the 2021 season can repeat and be the QB1 again for the 2022 season? Let’s look at the situation for Josh Allen and his odds to be the QB1 again.
The Pros: New Weapons
Josh Allen and the Bills have added more weapons to their already dangerous offense. The rich get richer in Buffalo, and that only means good things for Josh Allen fantasy owners. I wasn’t convinced with the Devin Singletary and Zach Moss RB room — just doesn’t move the needle for me. But, the Bills added James Cook to the equation, which is BIG. A guy that can run between the tackles and catch out the backfield is nasty for the Bills’ offense. Devin Singletary was more of the pass-catcher, and Zack Moss was more of the run between the tackles/TD guy. I think James Cook can take both of their spots. Yes, that means the stock is high for James Cook too (especially in dynasty leagues.) Also, duh, do you know who his brother is? Dalvin? Dalvin Cook? If James Cook’s fantasy production is anything like Dalvin Cook’s fantasy production, look out.
Continuing with weapons for Josh Allen — The Bills did lose Cole Beasley to free agency. However, they replaced him with Jamison Crowder, which is considered an upgrade to me. Technically they “lost” Emmanuel Sanders, but the man is 35 years old. I don’t see how much of a loss he can be, especially in the long run. Gabriel Davis and Isaiah McKenzie have emerged as solid guys in the WR room. With Jamison Crowder, the Bills have a strong WR room with 4 lucrative guys. Cause let’s not forget, uh, Stefon Diggs? Duh.
That’s not all, though, they also added OJ Howard in free agency. Making Dawson Knox and OJ Howard a stout 1-2 punch as receiving TEs. 3 RBs, 4 WRs, 2 TEs — I’m only a math teacher, but I’m counting 9. NINE Weapons for Josh Allen, that’s just nasty.
The Cons: Brian Daboll’s Absence
I think this might be the biggest thing about Josh Allen’s fantasy production, and if he can retain his spot as QB1. Remember that Sean McDermott, the Bills’ Head Coach, is more of a defensive coach. Ken Dorsey is now the new Offensive Coordinator after being the QB coach for the Bills. Can Ken Dorsey fill the shoes of Brian Daboll and keep this puppy going? (Especially in a year where the Bills are sought as a contender for the Super Bowl in 2022). Or will Brian Daboll’s absence hurt the Bills’ offense despite the new weapons on the Bills?
Josh Allen should not be steered away from, don’t get me wrong. There is a tier 1 of fantasy QBs, and he’s one of the 4 in that tier. He will regardless be a top 5 fantasy QB, and that should not be feared. The question is will he be THE QB1. He has a great shot, but it won’t be easy with Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Patrick Mahomes right on his tail for the QB1 spot.
