MLB Best Bets – Free (Wednesday 7/24)
Josh Gross
Let me start off by saying – and I cannot stress this enough – this article is by no means intended to outline an optimal draft strategy. Instead, this piece is a reminder that at the end of the day, fantasy football should be fun.
Sometimes for the sake of fun, it’s acceptable (though not always wise) to throw logic and conventional wisdom out the window. Whether it’s for one of your low-stakes leagues or simply to serve as a tiebreaker when you’re stuck between two players, every once in a while it’s okay to draft simply for the sake of putting a smile on your face.
In this exercise, I didn’t actually “draft” my All-Fun Team, but instead I selected the most entertaining player in each round based on ADP (assuming a 12-team league) and built a team based on the answer to one simple question – “which of these players will be the most fun to watch on Sundays?” There was minimal care for roster balance or maximizing fantasy points, but when all was said and done, the end result was still a formidable lineup.
Round 1: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase and his propensity for big plays helped elevate the Bengals from AFC basement dweller to Super Bowl runner-up in just one year. His rare blend of size, speed, physicality and route-running ability caused fits for opposing defenders, and seemingly every week he found a new way to get himself into the end zone. Plus, since we’re strictly drafting for fun here, his trash talk and celebrations score him a few bonus points as well.
Round 2: Deebo Samuel, WR*, San Francisco 49ers
There may not have been a player in the league more fun to watch with the ball in his hands last year than Deebo Samuel. The 49ers’ “Wide Back” was lined up all over the field last year and inflicted damage from just about every spot imaginable. His otherworldly acceleration erased the angles of opposing defenders, and even when they were able to get their hands on him, his tackle-breaking ability meant bringing him to the ground presented an entirely new challenge.
Round 3: Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons
Despite only finding the end zone once last year, Kyle Pitts flashed game-breaking ability on multiple occasions throughout his rookie season. He’s a size/speed freak who’s just as dominant playing as an in-line tight end as he is playing as an X receiver. His 2022 season should include plenty of highlight-reel catches, ankle-breaking routes and spectacular runs after the catch.
Round 4: Mike Williams, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Up until last year, Mike Williams was largely viewed as an underwhelming first-round NFL draft pick. Then he exploded onto the scene early in 2021 by averaging over 25 full PPR points through his first four weeks. He cooled off a bit the remainder of the season but still found himself on the receiving end of numerous Justin Herbert touchdown passes. What makes Williams such an entertaining player to watch is his ability to belittle opposing defenders at the catch point due to his massive catch radius and leaping ability. Don’t be surprised to hear the phrase “you got Mossed” a few times this year when a Mike Williams highlight flashes up on the screen.
Round 5: Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
There might not be a player in the league more equipped to make an opposing defender look foolish than Lamar Jackson. His lighting-quick agility and wide array of juke moves makes him an opposing defender’s worst nightmare in the open field, and if broken ankles were an official NFL stat, I’m pretty sure Jackson would be the league leader year after year.
Round 6: AJ Dillon, RB, Green Bay Packers
While roster construction wasn’t a primary factor in this exercise, eventually I had to draft a running back, and AJ Dillon makes for a wonderful first option. Green Bay’s bruising back may not be known for explosive plays like the rest of the players on this list, but his sheer power makes him a joy to watch on any given Sunday. If you’re a fan of broken tackles and smash-mouth football, Dillon may be the best in the business not named Derrick Henry.
Round 7: Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens
This one may be cheating a little bit, as the Rashod Bateman selection is more a Lamar Jackson amplifier than it is a pick based on Bateman’s talent alone. After trading Hollywood Brown away at the NFL Draft, the Ravens handed the keys to the No. 1 receiver role over to Bateman. Watching Bateman and Jackson accumulate fantasy points in bunches for your fantasy team could be one of the more exciting stacks in all of fantasy this year.
Round 8: Miles Sanders, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
While Miles Sanders may not be getting much love in the fantasy space right now, he’s nothing if not an electrifying athlete. Sanders boasts an impressive 5.1 yards per carry over his career largely due to his ability to hit home-run plays. He may not be the most consistent player week in and week out, but running behind the Eagles offensive line should lead to a few monster runs from Sanders this year, and the excitement from those plays alone is worth an eighth-round pick.
Round 9: Kadarius Toney, WR, New York Giants
There may not be a player in the NFL more chaotic with the ball in his hands than Kadarius Toney. His start/stop ability is second to none, and watching him juke a would-be tackler or dice up an opposing defensive back on a route is pure football entertainment.
Round 10: James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills
Even though this roster isn’t built for strategy, I felt it would be wise to grab at least one more RB, and James Cook is an intriguing option in Round 10. What Cook’s role looks like this year is a bit of a mystery, but the rookie back should see enough opportunities to show his stuff even if it’s only in flashes. Cook’s ability to be equal parts receiver and equal parts running back makes him a frustrating cover for NFL defenders. Watching him line up all over the formation in a high powered Bills offense should be tons of fun.
Round 11: Skyy Moore, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Much like with Cook, a lot of Skyy Moore’s appeal comes from his versatility and the offense he’s tethered too. The Chiefs have already shown a few looks with Moore lined up in the backfield throughout training camp, and it’s clear that they want to get the ball in the hands of their new playmaker. Throw in the fact that he’s already entering the league as a crisp route-runner, and we should get to see him on the receiving end of a few Patrick Mahomes bombs in his rookie year.
Round 12: Justin Fields, QB, Chicago Bears
I don’t normally double up on QBs – especially if I take one early – but year two Justin Fields was too enticing to pass up in this exercise. The combination of Fields’ strength, mobility and rocket arm means he’s a big play waiting to happen. While he experienced his fair share of ups and downs as a rookie, the highs were extremely fun to watch, and I’m only expecting more highlight-worthy plays in his second season.
Round 13: George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
If you haven’t already heard, the fantasy community recently named George Pickens the next great NFL wide receiver. The Steelers rookie has already shown flashes of brilliance throughout the preseason and training camp, and it seems like it’s only a matter of time before he starts to dominate when the games actually matter. Pickens’ massive catch radius and phenomenal hands make him a friendly target for quarterbacks, and pairing those traits with impressive athleticism and sweet feet mean he’s a big play waiting to happen.
Round 14: Brian Robinson, RB, Washington Commanders
Much like with AJ Dillon, Brian Robinson’s excitement comes from the sheer power that he runs with. He may not possess the home-run ability some of the earlier names on this list do, but he consistently brings the boom and finishes his runs with plenty of pop.
