Is Baker Mayfield a Good Fantasy Pick? Let's Break It Down!

Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! We know you're always on the hunt for the next big thing, so let's dive into a question that's been buzzing around the league: Is Baker Mayfield a good fantasy pick? We've got all the info you need to make an informed decision, so grab a snack, get comfy, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and is baker mayfield a good fantasy pick.

The Baker Mayfield Saga: A Quick Recap

Before we dive into Mayfield's fantasy prospects, let's take a quick trip down memory lane. Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2018, Baker Mayfield burst onto the scene with a promising rookie campaign. He threw for 3,725 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, earning a Pro Bowl nod. However, things took a turn for the worse in the following seasons, with injuries, coaching changes, and a lackluster supporting cast derailing his progress.

In 2021, Mayfield played through a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder, which undoubtedly impacted his performance. But with a fresh start in Carolina and a clean bill of health, could the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner rediscover his form and become a fantasy sleeper?

New Team, New Hope: The Carolina Panthers

Mayfield joined the Panthers in the offseason, and with him came a renewed sense of optimism. Carolina has surrounded their new quarterback with weapons, including dynamic wide receivers DJ Moore and Robby Anderson, as well as promising tight end Ian Thomas. The Panthers also added running back D'Onta Foreman to complement dual-threat QB Cristian McCaffrey.

With a solid supporting cast and a clean bill of health, Mayfield has the potential to rekindle his fantasy prowess. But let's dig deeper into the numbers and see how he stacks up against other QBs in fantasy football.

Baker Mayfield's Fantasy Football Numbers: A Closer Look

To determine if Mayfield is a good fantasy pick, we need to examine his fantasy points per game (FPPG) and compare them to other quarterbacks. Here's a breakdown of Mayfield's FPPG in each of his first four NFL seasons:

| Season | FPPG (4pt TD) | FPPG (6pt TD) | |--------|--------------|--------------| | 2018 | 20.8 | 22.4 | | 2019 | 16.7 | 18.2 | | 2020 | 14.8 | 16.2 | | 2021 | 12.3 | 13.5 |

As you can see, Mayfield's fantasy production has been on a downward trend since his rookie season. However, it's essential to remember that he played through a significant injury in 2021. Let's take a look at how Mayfield's FPPG compares to other quarterbacks in recent seasons:

- 2021 QB1s (FPPG, 4pt TD): Josh Allen (21.4), Patrick Mahomes (20.0), Tom Brady (18.7), Aaron Rodgers (18.5), Matthew Stafford (17.8) - 2021 QB2s (FPPG, 4pt TD): Jalen Hurts (16.8), Joe Burrow (16.2), Dak Prescott (16.0), Kirk Cousins (15.6), Ryan Tannehill (15.3)

Based on these numbers, Mayfield's best-case scenario (2018) would place him among the QB2s. However, his recent performances suggest he might be more of a low-end QB2 or even a streaming option in 2022.

Baker Mayfield's ADP: Where He's Being Drafted

To determine if Mayfield is being undervalued or overvalued, let's examine his average draft position (ADP) in fantasy football drafts:

- 2022 ADP (QB24, QB36 overall): Mayfield is currently being drafted as the 24th quarterback and the 36th player overall in 12-team leagues. This places him behind QBs like Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and even Teddy Bridgewater.

Given his ADP, it seems that fantasy managers are skeptical of Mayfield's ability to return to his 2018 form. However, his low cost and the potential for a bounce-back season make him an intriguing late-round flier or bye-week streamer.

When to Draft Baker Mayfield in 2022

Considering Mayfield's ADP and the current state of his fantasy value, here's a strategy for when to draft him in 2022:

1. 1. Late-round flier (14th round or later): If you're playing in a deeper league (14+ teams) or have multiple quarterbacks on your roster, Mayfield could be a valuable late-round pick. His low cost and potential for a breakout season make him an intriguing gamble at this stage.
2. 2. Bye-week streamer: Even in shallower leagues (10-12 teams), Mayfield could be a valuable streaming option. If you have a reliable starting QB, you can stash Mayfield on your bench and deploy him when your starter has a bye week or faces a tough matchup.
3. 3. Wait and see: If you're not comfortable drafting Mayfield in the late rounds, you can always monitor his progress throughout the preseason and add him off waivers if he shows signs of improvement.

Final Verdict: Is Baker Mayfield a Good Fantasy Pick?

Based on our analysis, Baker Mayfield is not a must-draft fantasy quarterback in 2022. His recent performances and injury history have dampened his appeal, and his current ADP reflects that. However, Mayfield's low cost and the potential for a bounce-back season make him an intriguing late-round flier or streaming option.

Here's a recap of our recommendation:

- Draft Mayfield late (14th round or later) in deeper leagues (14+ teams) or as a bye-week streamer in shallower leagues. - Monitor his progress throughout the preseason and add him off waivers if he shows signs of improvement. - Avoid drafting Mayfield as a starting QB in standard leagues, as there are more reliable options available.

In conclusion, guys, Baker Mayfield has the potential to rediscover his fantasy form in Carolina. But with his recent struggles and the depth at the quarterback position, it's essential to approach him with caution. Keep an eye on his progress, and don't be afraid to take a chance on him late in your draft or as a streaming option. Happy drafting, and good luck in your fantasy football leagues!

Stay tuned for more fantasy football analysis and advice as we approach the 2022 season!