Eight weeks into the NFL and fantasy football season, a few players have established themselves as the most dominant players in their positions. Jalen Hurts’ meteoric rise is the story this week, and Justin Herbert’s return to the top of the overall QBs has brought him back on track. Emerging talents like Ja’Marr Chase and J.K. Dobbins are making headlines as they prepare for pivotal roles in their respective teams. This article will examine their performances, predictions for the future, and the strategies being employed with these athletes as the season progresses.
Jalen Hurts, who has been perhaps the MVP of college football this season, throwing a staggering 43 touchdown passes. He was predicted to get 17 rushing touchdowns in addition to 16 passing TDs. His dual-threat ability makes him a threat to score throwing or running. That combination of talent has already established him as one of the very best quarterbacks in all of fantasy leagues, making him an every week must-start.
Jalen Hurts: A Dual Threat
Hurts’s record-breaking performance proves he’s not a one-year wonder. What it really shows is a bad ass all-around skill set that he’s honed and perfected through real life application. His ability to create time in the pocket with his legs, yet still deliver an accurate pass makes him one of the toughest match-ups. While fantasy managers will be hoping for his encore, they’ll want to focus on matchups. Hurts’s scoring consistency gives him a pretty solid floor for any fantasy squad.
The Eagles’ offensive strategy underlines Hurts’s potential. By focusing on a strong all-around offense, they open up spaces for him to take advantage of defenses with swift precision. Hurts is dangerous to score from anywhere with his elite explosiveness as a runner and passer. This versatility is especially important in fantasy formats that positively value players’ diversity.
Fantasy players will need to keep an eye on Hurts’s health and any shifts in offensive strategy as we move deeper into the season. His ability to avoid taking damage will be just as important in keeping him atop this tier.
Justin Herbert: Back in the Top Ten
And it worked, as Justin Herbert ended up ninth in fantasy QB scoring during his rookie 2020 season. In his second year, he soared right past the now second-best Josh Allen to reach second place. Entering this season, Herbert looks ready to return to the top-10 fantasy quarterbacks list once more. His live arm makes for impressive, explosive throws. His rapid release and intelligent decision-making make him one of the hottest commodities among fantasy teams looking to bolster their quarterback ranks.
Herbert’s rapport with his receivers has been a key component to his success. The chemistry he’s developed with his receivers opens up big plays and leads to plenty of scoring chances. As the season develops, Herbert’s ability to maintain this chemistry will determine his effectiveness on the field.
Additionally, the Chargers’ offensive game plan will play a significant role in Herbert’s performance. He needs to lean more on the passing game to help raise his fantasy value. If he shows this kind of accuracy with the league’s top receiving corps this year, his play should skyrocket.
Ja’Marr Chase and J.K. Dobbins: Rising Stars
Ja’Marr Chase has already shown that he’s established himself as one of the best in fantasy football. This year, he’s the No. 1 overall pick in nearly all ESPN fantasy leagues! He had 127 receptions for an incredible 1,708 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 2022. His ability to consistently create separation and make big-play potential makes him an irreplaceable component to any winning fantasy roster.
Chase’s value is in his upside for further advancement. Just as defenses adjust to how Chase plays, he’ll immediately find new creative ways to exploit mismatches. This will only increase his popularity in fantasy leagues. Fantasy managers spending big on Chase should anticipate his high-level production swinging the tide in must-win week-to-week matchup scenarios.
Last year he ran for 905 yards and nine touchdowns in only 13 games. This season, he is on pace for a career high 1,190 rushing yards. Dobbins’s hard work proves just how tough and talented he is. That makes him one of the best candidates for fantasy managers looking for reliable running back depth.
The implementation of passing game concepts into this run heavy paradigm with the arrival of Jim Harbaugh only makes Dobbins’s upside more tantalizing. By focusing on the ground game, the Eagles will create more opportunities for Dobbins to showcase his skills and earn more significant yardage. His ability to do this should make him a popular sleeper pick in many fantasy leagues.
Challenges Ahead
Although many of these players are set to follow through with productive seasons, others seem to be struggling through aspects that might prevent their productivity. As currently constructed, DeAndre Hopkins has been projected not to come close to 100 targets this season, drastically curtailing his fantasy upside. Managers who are still dependent on Hopkins would be well advised to seek other choices or efforts to minimize likely disadvantages.
Jordan Addison’s return from suspension in Week 4 might provide a much-needed boost for his team but raises questions about how well he will integrate back into the lineup. Fantasy managers will need to balance what he’s done before with what could be rust when he gets back on the field.
Additionally, style of play contributed to C.J. Stroud’s struggles last season with him constantly having to run for his life. This pressure has led to a disconnect on his end, resulting in poor timing and throws that can’t find receivers. Nico Collins, who’s averaging a paltry 5.5 yards per target, won’t be able to have a breakout season until QB play gets at least somewhat better.
Jeanty is one of the more dynamic players in space. His team would need to use him smartly within their system. His unique skill set can make him an extremely valuable weapon in the right hands.
Isaiah Likly will be back soon too, creating an impossible roster juggling act. It’s unclear just how much he’ll impact team chemistry or individual players’ stat lines.
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