Michael Pittman Jr.'s Fantasy Football Outlook: A Deep Dive
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! Welcome back to our series where we dissect the fantasy football prospects of some of the most intriguing players in the league. Today, we're going to take a deep dive into the fantasy outlook for Michael Pittman Jr., the Indianapolis Colts' rising star wide receiver. So, grab your helmets and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and michael pittman fantasy outlook.
Who is Michael Pittman Jr.?
Before we dive into his fantasy prospects, let's quickly recap who Michael Pittman Jr. is. A 2020 second-round pick out of USC, Pittman burst onto the scene in his rookie year, catching 40 passes for 503 yards and a touchdown. He followed that up with an impressive sophomore campaign, hauling in 40 receptions for 770 yards and six TDs. With Philip Rivers and Carson Wentz under center, Pittman has shown he can produce with both a veteran gunslinger and a mobile QB.
Why Should You Be Excited About Pittman?
Target Volume
One of the most encouraging signs for Pittman's fantasy outlook is his consistent target volume. In his first two seasons, Pittman has seen 104 and 99 targets, respectively. With the Colts' receiving corps lacking proven commodities, Pittman should continue to see a healthy dose of targets in 2022.
Quarterback Upgrade
The Colts addressed their quarterback situation by trading for Matt Ryan. While Ryan's fantasy stock has been on the decline, he's still a significant upgrade from Wentz. Ryan has a career completion percentage of 64.9% compared to Wentz's 63.8%. Additionally, Ryan has thrown for over 4,000 yards in eight of his 14 seasons, including a 5,000-yard campaign in 2016. If Ryan can replicate even half of that production, Pittman should benefit greatly.
YAC Ability
Pittman's ability to create yards after the catch (YAC) is another reason to be excited about his fantasy outlook. In 2021, Pittman led all WRs with 241 YAC, per PlayerProfiler. His ability to turn short passes into big gains makes him an attractive fantasy option, especially in non-PPR formats.
The Potential Roadblocks
While the case for Pittman is strong, there are a few potential roadblocks that could impact his fantasy outlook.
Injury History
Pittman has missed time due to injuries in both of his NFL seasons. In 2020, he missed two games with a leg injury, and in 2021, he missed four games with a quad injury. If Pittman can stay healthy, he has the potential to take a significant step forward in his third season.
Competition for Targets
As mentioned earlier, the Colts' receiving corps lacks proven commodities. However, that doesn't mean it's devoid of talent. Second-year WR Parris Campbell and tight end Jack Doyle could cut into Pittman's target share. Additionally, the Colts drafted Alec Pierce in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, adding more competition for targets.
Where Should You Draft Pittman?
Given his consistent target volume, YAC ability, and potential quarterback upgrade, Pittman has the makings of a WR2 in fantasy football. However, his injury history and competition for targets could limit his upside.
In non-PPR formats, Pittman's big-play ability makes him an attractive option in the late WR2/early WR3 range. In PPR formats, his target volume and YAC ability make him a solid WR3 option.
Where should you draft Michael Pittman Jr.? Let us know in the comments!
Conclusion
Michael Pittman Jr. has all the makings of a fantasy football star. With consistent target volume, a quarterback upgrade, and an impressive YAC ability, Pittman has the potential to take a significant step forward in 2022. However, his injury history and competition for targets could limit his upside. If you're looking for a high-upside WR3 with WR2 potential, Pittman should be on your radar. Thanks for reading, and we'll see you next time for another fantasy football deep dive!