PHASE 5 BEGINS - 2022 DRAFT RESULTS, SEASON PREVIEW, AND TEAM BREAKDOWN

Peytons Forehead Shiner

2021 Champion

2021 Record: 10-3

2022 RotoTrade Projected Record: 6-7

FantasyPros Rank: 5th

ESPN Rank: 7th

Iron Man prevailed in 2021. What did it cost? Nearly everything. He may not have needed the likes of Jonathan Taylor to win, but he needed to guarantee the defeat of Thanos. This leaves him with perhaps one sleeper too many this year. Justin Jefferson must carry the weight of the team on his shoulders if Peyton is to see a playoff bid.

Sledge Hammer

2021 Record: 9-4

2022 RotoTrade Projected Record: 5-8

FantasyPros Rank: 7th

ESPN Rank: 8th

Much like his executioner, Thanos left his fate up to the hands of the cards. However, he was much luckier than his counterpart, forming a roster that while the experts don’t seem to like, it is one that appears much more likely to hold up throughout the season than his red and yellow foe. If the likes of Justin Herbert can charge on in 2022, we may see him lurking yet again in the postseason.

Pull The Lever, Gronk!

2021 Record: 7-6

2022 RotoTrade Projected Record: 6-7

FantasyPros Rank: 6th

ESPN Rank: 6th

The 0RB strategy will officially be put to the test. If there was ever a time to do it, now was it. She’s secured the GOAT at QB, a top option at TE, and 4 truly elite options at the receiving position. In a world where the bellcow RB is becoming a rarity, can she cast a spell to turn this bold strategy into a championship? Only time will tell for the Scarlet Witch.

Odell’s Rusty Hip

2021 Record: 10-3

2022 RotoTrade Projected Record: 11-2

FantasyPros Rank: 1st

ESPN Rank: 1st

In our 3rd year of full player draft projections, this is the highest and most consistent grade we’ve received thus far. She’s put together one of the greatest rosters we’ve seen based off the eye test. Is there a manager or 2 with a higher projected RB duo? Yes. However, none of those managers have legitimate RB1 candidates lining their RB3-5 positions like Valkyrie has with Fournette, Conner, and Javonte Williams. Seeing this RB room, perhaps you’d have to assume she made sacrifices at the Wide Receiver position.  Perhaps not, she’ll take a slice of Ja’Marr Chase’s #1 overall upside with a dash of a likely 100-reception season out of Keenan Allen. Of course, we’ll have to wait a little longer to test the mettle of her squad. However, this may be one of the only rosters that seems like an unquestionable lock for the playoffs due to such a high floor. Aside from Is This Soccer, this is the most injury insulated roster in the league. 

Bradshank Redemption

2021 Record: 6-7

2022 RotoTrade Projected Record: 8-5

FantasyPros Rank: 3rd

ESPN Rank: 2nd

After failing to rebound when her dominant 2020 run came to an end, the Mighty Thor was able to secure the #1 draft pick and has put her full faith in the might of one Jonathan Taylor. Boasting the #2 Ranked RB duo by FantasyPros, that ranking my prove to an underrated assessment. Both Harris and Taylor have Top 3 potential at minimum. Securing the former #1 TE in Mark Andrews matched with a talented QB room she was able to secure later in the draft gives her an incredible floor with an elite ceiling. 8 wins is the current projection, but it feels like the floor in terms of the potential that this roster shows. Despite fading Wide Receiver until the 5th round, she didn’t allow the position to become a weakness, picking up 2 players with Top 12 upside. Is this the highest graded roster? No. Is it a championship caliber one? Absolutely. Expect some major redemption this year. 

Team G-Men

2021 Record: 6-7

2022 RotoTrade Projected Record: 7-6

FantasyPros Rank: 4th

ESPN Rank: 4th

After a 2nd consecutive 7th place finish, Captain American went back to the drawing board to reevaluate his strategy. Coming prepared with several trees worth of paper filled with fantasy advice, he put together a rather formidable roster to start his reclamation project. Armed with a deadly QB duo of Kermit and JoeyB, he also secured himself an all time great at TE and a good pair of running backs. His biggest lack of depth lies at wide receiver, ranking dead last among his league mates. With the rest of his roster in great shape, a playoff bid is most certainly in sight if he can hold it together for a full season. He’s projected smack in the middle in every projected format. If he can hold his team together and avoid a shaky start, we’ll see America’s Hero back in peak form. 

Is This Soccer?

2021 Record: 4-9

2022 RotoTrade Projected Record: 9-4

FantasyPros Rank: 2nd

ESPN Rank: 3rd

Despite having 6 picks within the Top 20 selection, he was unable to secure the highest draft grade. In

terms of overall depth, it’s hard to argue he isn’t the best. Dr. Strange has put together a formidable squad that could certainly lead him to playoff success.

Suh-Tang Clan

2022 RotoTrade Projected Record: 7-6

FantasyPros Rank: 7th

ESPN Rank: 5th

This was an incredible start. Not only securing a player with the best fantasy upside in CMC, but also securing a lite version of him in D’Andre Swift. 

His biggest weakness is his depth. There’s quite a few intriguing names to look out for (Gabe Davis & Drake London), though they’re unlikely to take a step to fill in the shoes of Davante, Diontae, or Godwin if he needs them too. The projections may have him outside of the playoffs; but his upside is not to be underestimated. A healthy team makes him incredibly dangerous. While it may seem like an obvious assessment for all managers, it’s a safe bet to say that injuries would blur Vision’s sight at a playoff bid. 

Zach S