In the sixth of an eight-part series, I make an argument for the best value fantasy player on each team in the AFC North (check out last week’s AFC West here). All ADPs were averaged between the current FantasyPros, Sleeper, and Underdog rankings.
Cincinnati Bengals – Hayden Hurst
Hayden Hurst is a player you can get practically for free (ADP 190 and beyond) who should realistically finish at the lower end of the top 12 in fantasy scoring among tight ends. The former first round draft pick has had an unimpressive start to his career, although such has been spent behind Mark Andrews and Kyle Pitts. When Hurst was the starting tight end for Atlanta in 2020, however, he finished as TE9 in PPR formats and TE12 in standard scoring. Hurst now has the opportunity to be the starting tight end for one of the best quarterbacks in the league. While Joe Burrow did not rely heavily on C.J.Uzomah last season, defenses will be maneuvering methods to thwart Ja’Marr Chase and this under the radar tight end could have a surprising upswing in Cincinnati’s game plan. I took Hurst as my TE2 in the Scott Fishbowl this year, as I am expecting a career season for him.Â
Cleveland Browns – Kareem Hunt
The Browns are a tough team to analyze due to their quarterback woes, but their running backs are stellar and Kareem Hunt has definite value this season. He’s ranked around RB30 and leaving draft boards at or beyond the sixth round. Hunt is healthy again and could very well assume production slightly regressed from 2020 (when Nick Chubb was injured four games). Let me remind you that Hunt finished tenth in fantasy running back scoring in 2020. Actually, both of the years Hunt has played a full season, he’s ranked in the top ten in fantasy scoring at his position. This is going to be a run-first offense until (and who knows if and when) Deshaun Watson returns. This is a contract year for Hunt and he should be flashing everything he has to stay in Cleveland. While he won’t rank up there this year behind Chubb (barring another injury to Chubb), if healthy, he will put up RB2 numbers and finish in the top 25 among running backs.Â
Pittsburgh Steelers – Chase Claypool
Embed from Getty ImagesKetchup and value are missing from Pittsburgh this season, as all their players are appropriately ranked considering the wonky quarterback choices they’ve got. I guess the question is if you’re up for second chances? Chase Claypool may have burned you last season, but you can pick him up much cheaper this year (round 10 and beyond at WR43-45) in hopes for a turn around. And Claypool, a self-proclaimed top three wide out in the league, definitely has something to prove. Can we blame his abysmal catch percentage (57.2) and barely four receptions per game last season on a sophomore slump and immaturity? Possibly. If so, he could be a steal at the WR3 price he’s going for. He put up low-end fantasy WR3 numbers last season with but two touchdowns. I’d like to bank on him hitting at least five touchdowns this season, but this is one of those picks where if I don’t sound confident, it’s because I’m not. I hated my choices here.
Baltimore Ravens – J.K. Dobbins
Why is the Ravens starting running back available in round five at an average ADP of 50 right now? Is it injury uncertainty, a split backfield, or Lamar Jackson’s legs that have him this cheap? Probably a little of all three, but no matter, I’m buying. Even in a split backfield in 2020, when Jackson rushed for over 1000 yards himself, Dobbins totaled 925 yards and nine touchdowns in fifteen games. He managed 6.0 yards per rushing attempt! That’s prolific! I believe Jackson will be more well-rounded than we’ve seen in the past (estimating less than 500 rushing yards) and the Dobbins will pick up where he left off as Baltimore’s lead back. He’s much more valuable in PPR as well, putting up twice as many receptions as Edwards when they split carries in 2020. He’s a gamble, but I love the Ravens this year and think it will pay off largely.Â
ATTN Dynasty Commissioners: Do you want to do something cool for your league? How about a 1-hour live show dedicated to YOUR league? Team-by-team breakdowns, rankings, and more. For details and to book a show, visit: GoingFor2.com/plp.
