Fantasy Longshots

QB: Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders

The Raiders added arguably the best wide receiver in all of football in the offseason.  When you add a star like Davante Adams your offense immediately goes to the next level.  Aaron Rodgers former #1 target gives the Raiders a threat in the red zone that they seemed to lack for most of the 2022 season. It also doesn’t hurt that there is a built in connection with Carr and Adams from their time playing together at Fresno State. 

Carr has the most weapons he has ever had while under center with the Raiders, a clear #1 receiver, a freak athlete and tight end, Darren Waller, and a reliable slot receiver in Hunter Renfrow.  He also has a great mind at the helm, new coach Josh McDaniels could be a big factor in his progression to upper level fantasy QB territory.

WR: Skyy Moore, Kansas City Chiefs

Western Michigan WR Skyy Moore was undervalued in the draft, likely due to being a part of a league that is not really known for being very defensive. Moore is “more” than just a product of MACtion.  He fell to the second round in a receiver heavy draft.

Moore will have to compete with fellow offseason additions Juju Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, but the speedy wideouts looks like a perfect fit to replace the departed Tyreke Hill. His impressive YAC ability was tied for first with 26 forced missed tackles. Patick Mahomes will need someone to pull the safeties deep to open up the middle for Kelce and company. Moore has the chance to be an immediate impact for the high powered offense in Kansas City.

RB: Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots

Rhamondre Stevenson finished the 2021 season with 606 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. As part of a three headed RB attack along with Brandon Bolden and Damien Harris.  Stevenson will not be the everydown back for New England but he should see plenty of opportunities out of the backfield in what they are calling the “James White” role of the New England offense. 

New England QB Mac Jones will likely see Stevenson as his safety net over the middle and on third downs.  Stevenson could become a serious red zone threat as well if he is about to be as productive as the former receiving RB James White was able to be.  Stevenson is also versatile in the running game, his ability to break tackles is on an elite level.  Bill Belichek tends to be unpredictable at times with his RB roles but this one looks like a solid lock as a weekly flex option, with explosive potential. 

TE: Hayden Hurst, Cincinnati Bengals

When the Falcons drafted future star Kyle Pitts, most forgot that they actually had a pretty talented tightend on the roster in Hayden Hurst. In 2020 Hurst put up 600 yards to go along with 6 touchdowns, he was emerging into a solid plug and play tightend. 

Hurst now finds himself on a Bengals team with an emerging offensive  and a litany of talent on the outside that will open up opportunities for him to return to his productive form.  Hurst will take over the role vacated by CJ Uzomah.  Uzomah had a route running participation of 78%, which is extremely valuable for any player that is not a primary receiver.  While being on the field doesn’t always lead to production, Hurst could find himself in so favorable one on one matchups because of the speed of Jamar Chase on the outside.  

His 6’4” 245lb frame could also make for a nice red zone target for Joe Burrow.  Hurst will likely go undrafted in many leagues but could be a sneaky addition in season or a late round pick for someone taking a gamble at the position.

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