RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~45 Overall
CURRENT ADP: ~50
ANALYSIS: Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller has always been Derek Carr's No. 1 option in the passing game in his first three seasons as a starter. He's averaged 8.4 targets per game across 46 fully healthy games. But 2022 will be different. Not only did the Raiders trade for one of the best receivers in the league in Davante Adams, but they also have an ascending homegrown talent in Hunter Renfrow.
Last season, Waller, Adams, and Renfrow combined to average nearly 27 targets per game. Luckily for all three guys, the Raiders did throw the ball almost 37 times per game last season. There's a new coaching staff this season with Josh McDaniels at the helm, but the Raiders are still likely to be throwing a lot, given the high-powered offenses in the AFC West. The target funnel is sure to be narrow, with the following best-receiving options being Demarcus Robinson and Keelan Cole Sr.
Still, we should expect some regression from all three of the top pass-catchers, including Waller. By default, Waller isn't going to average 8.4 targets (and 1.5 red-zone targets) per game like he has the last two seasons, but he still shouldn't have any trouble producing as a mid-range TE1.
In 2021, we discussed Waller competing with Travis Kelce for the overall TE1 spot. In 2022, Kelce, Mark Andrews, Kyle Pitts, George Kittle, and maybe even Dalton Schultz could all realistically finish higher than Waller.
More Fantasy Football Values and Sleepers
Pat Freiermuth (TE, PIT) – Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 18
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 66% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is the TE10 for the year, averaging 7.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. While the Steelers' passing attack has been inconsistent this season, the veteran tight end has played well lately. He has five receiving […]
Jalen McMillan (WR, TB) – Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 18
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 54% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan has been one of the top pass catchers in fantasy football lately. The rookie wide receiver is the WR10 over the past four weeks, averaging 4.8 receptions on 6.3 targets for 60.5 receiving yards and […]
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB, NO) – Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 18
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14-Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 1% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: New Orleans Saints Clyde Edwards-Helaire recently joined the team after spending his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Furthermore, he made his team and season debut in the week 17 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The veteran running back had […]
Julius Chestnut (RB, TEN) – Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 18
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14-Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 1% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut has had little fantasy football impact this season. The veteran running back is the RB101 for the year, averaging 0.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, he got some work on offense last week in […]
Trey Benson (RB, ARI) – Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 18
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 19% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson has missed the past two games because of an ankle injury. Hopefully, the rookie running back can play in Sunday’s season finale against the San Francisco 49ers. The Cardinals could be without James Conner in Week […]
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!
