Fantasy football dynasty rankings: Young NFL stars to target in 2022
As we shift our focus to 2022, there are many young NFL and fantasy stars we need to take note of. With that said, we have compiled the following fantasy football dynasty rankings by position.
Please keep in mind while perusing this ranking, the purpose is to focus on younger, fresher players who have many years of football ahead in their careers with a few small exceptions. These are the fantasy keepers you want on your dynasty teams for multiple seasons to come.
Be sure to check here often as these dynasty rankings/players will be updated and expanded as the 2022 offseason, NFL Draft, and preseason evolve.
Related: Predicting fantasy football sleepers and breakouts for 2022 .
Fantasy football dynasty rankings: Quarterbacks
1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Look for weekly QB1 fantasy points from Josh Allen moving forward as he continues to defy NFL defenses, both through the air and on the ground. Take note that Allen led the league with his 6.3 yards per run in 2021. Expect more of the same from this fifth-year quarterback in 2022.
2. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes’ fantasy stats leveled down slightly from seasons’ past. However, he is in his prime and those who draft him can expect upwards of 300 total yards on the average per game along with a pair of touchdowns in 2022.
3. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert has been nothing short of phenomenal, ending his second season with 5,014 passing yards and a total of 41 touchdowns. He is one of the best dynasty quarterbacks in 2022 to have on your roster.
4. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
Now that Watson has been cleared by the Grand Jury of any criminal charges , he was traded to the Cleveland Browns coming from a 2020 fantasy season that consisted of 5,267 total yards, and 36 TDs.
With that stated, Watson has yet to face civil lawsuits and there is an ongoing investigation by the NFL as it pertains to the league’s personal conduct policy. Stay tuned.
5. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow is a young fantasy quarterback already playing like a pro , coming from a 4,611-yard, 34-TD season. Do what you can to secure him moving forward.
6. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott played lights out this past season and boasted a career-high 37 passing touchdowns as he enters 2022. Equipped with stud playmakers on offense, Prescott is a keeper fantasy QB you can depend on for years to come.
Related: Ranking NFL quarterbacks in 2022
7. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
At the mere age of 25, here’s to hoping Jackson plays a complete season in 2022. When healthy, Jackson is a mean dual-threat as showcased by the 767 rushing yards he managed over his 12 games played in 2021.
8. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray will get you fantasy points in both passing and running and is returning in 2022 after producing 29 total touchdowns. Look for that number to increase as Murray aims to play an injury-free full slate this season.
9. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence was far from startable in fantasy football coming from his rock star career at Clemson. With everything to prove and a change in coaching , Lawrence hopefully picks up his pace as a dynasty quarterback that we can depend upon for a long time. The team is currently adding assets to make this happen.
10. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Sporting excellent mobility, Jalen Hurts led all quarterbacks in 2021 with his 784 rushing yards and an impressive 10 rushing TDs. In 2022, the hope would be for Hurts to improve on his passing yards to return QB1 fantasy points more often than not.
11. Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers
Trey Lance is highly-ranked as a dynasty fantasy quarterback who should bust loose when given a full opportunity to start. Stay tuned this offseason to see how the 49ers plan to move forward with both Lance and very tradeable Jimmy Garoppolo . Either way, Lance is a keeper.
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12. Mac Jones, New England Patriots
Mac Jones fell perfectly to the Patriots as a rookie and is a young keeper quarterback who should continue to flourish on a well-coached Bill Belichick football team.
13. Zach Wilson, New York Jets
Rostering a Jets quarterback in fantasy football is never easy. But Zach Wilson looks to have a promising career ahead, making him a dynasty fantasy quarterback worth stashing as he establishes his groove.
14. Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
Justin Fields should be fully unleashed in 2022 and perhaps a new head coach in Chicago will help boost his fantasy value. When healthy, Fields is a mobile threat, as showcased by his 420 rushing yards and two touchdowns accomplished in 12 games last season.
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15. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
While the Dolphins continue to attempt to improve on offense, Tua Tagovailoa’s fantasy value should rise. He will be entering his third season at a mere 24-years-old with the hope that he plays his first full slate of games.
16. Malik Willis, Liberty
Willis impressed at the Combine and projects to be the first QB selected in the NFL draft. As for dynasty quarterbacks, Willis is most definitely worth the stash even if he does not land a starting job in his first pro year. It is worth noting that he last rushed for 878 yards and 13 TDs, making him an exciting double-threat as an eventual fantasy QB.
17. Kyle Trask, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With yet another year to groom under Tom Brady, Trask should be stashed until his number is eventually called. Trask was selected by the Bucs 64th overall in 2021 following a final 43-touchdown season at Florida State. He’s a dynasty QB that could have some fantasy relevance in the near future.
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Fantasy football dynasty rankings: Running backs
1. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Taylor is the top dynasty fantasy RB for 2022. He was good as a rookie, and absolutely sensational in 2021 –recording a league-high 1,811 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. He also added another 360 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. Get him while he’s hot!
2. Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers
Moving forward, Harris is a dynasty running back who should keep the fantasy points coming in for years. He enters his second season after producing a pretty sweet 1,667 total yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie.
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3. D’Andre Swift, Detroit Lions
At only 23-years-old, Swift is a dynasty running back who hopefully plays healthy for those who roster him. As the Lions look to improve in 2022, Swift tallied 1,069 total yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore last season.
4. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Chubb is a stud who should still have a few good seasons of fantasy football left in him. He is a traditional back who has maintained an average of 5.3 yards per carry but doesn’t get utilized much in the passing game. Ride with him while he’s in his prime or trade him for some loot as he enters his fifth year in the NFL.
5. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
A PPR keeper, Ekeler just recorded a career-high 911 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns while with 647 receiving yards and eight touchdowns through the air. Those who roster Ekeler as a dynasty RB can only wish for more of the same as he enters his sixth season.
6. Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos
Williams dazzled as a rookie while recording 1,219 total yards and seven touchdowns splitting the field 50/50 with Melvin Gordon. Draft him in dynasty as a running back who should eventually command a starting role, working with a major upgrade at QB in that of Russell Wilson.
7. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
Cook is a fantastic fantasy running back when he can stay healthy . That’s the caveat. But when he’s been on the field, he has averaged 86.1 rushing yards per game. That’s not too shabby. This comes along with 27 receiving yards on average per clash as well.
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8. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Henry at 28-years-old is a bit vintage for this ranking, but he is the exception to the rule after posting league highs in rushing yards and touchdowns in both 2019-20. And, he was well on his way to a 2,000-yard season until injuring his foot in Week 8 . Here’s to hoping he still has a couple of decent dynasty seasons left on those wheels of his.
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9. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals
Mixon will be 26 when 2022 kicks off. With that said, Mixon just had his best fantasy season to date with 1,519 combined yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s a hot dynasty running back, playing on one of the most up-and-coming offenses in the league.
10. Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams
Akers is back after an Achilles injury stole his 2021 season . He will enter his third year when he hopefully plays at 100% to retain his featured running back status with the Rams.
11. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Kamara has helped win fantasy championships as a dual-threat running back who can catch as well as he can run the ball. He hopefully finds the end zone more than the nine times he did in 2021.
On a side note, Kamara is facing allegations of battery in a Las Vegas club incident that took place prior to the Pro Bowl. A full investigation is ongoing, so keep this in mind if you are drafting early in 2022 dynasty leagues.
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12. David Montgomery, Chicago Bears
Montgomery is a dynasty running back who should benefit from some new coaching in Chicago moving forward. Hopefully, this equates to Monty increasing the 65.3 rushing yards he accomplished per clash in 2021.
13. J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens
Dobbins is only 23 and has a great shelf life as a dynasty running back. He should return in 2022 in good health to improve on the 805 rushing yards and nine touchdowns he produced as a rookie before missing the 2021 campaign.
14. Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers
Those who drafted Mitchell as a rookie in dynasty leagues did well! This young running back dazzled when he was featured this past season and for that, he should remain the lead Niners RB as long as he can avoid injury.
15. A.J. Dillon, Green Bay Packers
Dillon had 221 touches in 2021, which was far more than expected compared to Aaron Jones’ 223 touches. With that said, Dillon looks to see an expanded role, increasing his dynasty fantasy value, while Jones’ value will take a hit.
16. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
McCaffrey is one of the best PPR running backs in the business. We just need for him to stay in one piece as he enters his sixth year. Due to his sketchy health status, CMC should not be drafted too highly. Let him fall to you for the right price.
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17. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Still young, Barkley needs an overall better Giants team and to stay healthy to improve his fantasy stats. If all the stars align, Barkley can be that dynasty RB1 who makes a big difference come game day. The talent is there.
18. Antonio Gibson, Washington Commanders
Gibson had some ups and downs, but overall produced a notable 1,331 total yards and 10 touchdowns. Entering just his third year in the NFL, Gibson comes with plenty of dynasty appeal — especially with an upgraded QB ( Carson Wentz ).
19. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
As a dynasty RB, Jacobs fizzled, recording a mere 58.1 rushing yards on average per game. However, he will only be 24 entering 2022, and he will be a free agent in 2023. Perhaps, he moves along to a team that can afford to run the ball more.
20. Damien Harris, New England Patriots
Splitting the field at times with rookie RB, Rhamandre Stevenson, Harris still racked up 929 rushing yards and an astounding 15 touchdowns. He is a keeper running back who should be startable as an RB2 on a weekly basis.
21. Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars
Etienne never saw the regular field as a Jaguars’ first-round pick from 2021 after he suffered a Lisfranc injury during the 2021 preseason. Moving ahead, look for him to emerge as a double-threat PPR running back working in tandem with James Robinson.
22. Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles
After a scoreless, low-yardage, and injury-riddled 202 1 campaign, Sanders is on thin ice still being featured within dynasty rankings. We will give him — and how the Eagles utilize him — one more shot when hopefully Sanders exceeds fantasy expectations in 2022.
23. James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars
Robinson is only signed with Jacksonville through 2022. So, he could be on the move after this upcoming season, making him a dynasty RB multiple teams would pursue as a young upgrade. This is provided he recovers fully from a torn Achilles just as miraculously as the aforementioned Cam Akers did.
24. Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
While we mentioned Damien Harris, above, Stevenson is worth a later-round pick in dynasty startup fantasy leagues. He did an excellent job in his rookie year recording 729 total yards and five TDs while taking limited snaps. Look for Stevenson to continue to be involved with the Pats losing a couple of veteran RBs to free agency.
25. Breece Hall, Iowa State
Coming from 4,675 scrimmage yards and 56 touchdowns over three collegiate years, Hall could be the first running back selected in the 2022 NFL Draft . With that said, he would make an immediate impact in fantasy football provided he lands with a team planning to feature him as their starter.
26. Kenneth Walker, Michigan State
Walker ranks highly when it comes to dynasty rookies stemming from the incoming 2022 class. He last rushed for a bruising 6.2 yards per carry while recording 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns. He’s less of a factor when it comes to catching the ball, but in standard fantasy leagues, he is a stud in the making.
27. Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M
Depending on which NFL team selects him, Spiller could have a prominent role on offense sooner rather than later. He averaged a consistent 5.5 yards per carry in college and at a sturdy 6-foot-1, Spiller hopefully headlines your dynasty rosters for years to come.
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Fantasy football dynasty rankings: Wide receivers
1. Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
Do what it takes to get the No. 1 dynasty fantasy WR for 2022 on your roster! Chase was magnificent as a rookie (1,455 yards, 13 touchdowns) and he will deliver WR1 fantasy points for years to come, working with the youthful Joe Burrow as his quarterback.
2. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
Jefferson is a stud and a dynasty keeper who has recorded an incredible total of 2,016 yards and 17 touchdowns over his first two years in the NFL. There is no reason this type of fantasy production tapers any time soon.
3. Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
A sensational 2021 season boosts Samuel up the dynasty ranks heading into 2022. Samuel hit the field like a wrecking ball, racking up 1,405 receiving yards and 15 total touchdowns. We can’t wait to see what the very versatile Samuel next has up his sleeve entering his fourth season.
4. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
An anomaly , the age-defying Adams just recorded his highest yards (1,553) to date. And with 20 TDs accomplished over his last two years, Adams still remains one of the best dynasty wide receivers in the league. Can he keep this amazing pace as a Las Vegas Raider catching from Derek Carr ? We will see!
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5. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
Even though the Cowboys’ postseason went up in flames , Lamb is a talented fantasy wide receiver who looks to produce at a high level for many years. He should score WR1 points more often than not for those who roster him.
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6. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
Kupp (28-years-old) had too darn good of a fantasy season not to feature within this ranking. He is coming from a phenomenal 1,947-yard, 16-TD campaign. We hope he can keep delivering elite WR1 fantasy numbers for another couple of years. While these monster stats are not likely to repeat, Kupp is still a keeper or a great sell-high dynasty piece.
7. Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers
The insane amount of targets Johnson has received per game makes him one of the best dynasty receivers to roster. With potentially Mitch Trubisky slinging balls to him in 2022, Johnson hopefully retains or even increases his fantasy value.
8. A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans
Those who roster Brown can only hope for him to play a full season in 2022. The talent is there for him to explode in year No. 4 of his NFL career.
9. Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins
Waddle topped 1,000 yards and scored six times as a rookie, working with his former Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa. Look for more of the same from Waddle who at the age of only 23, is a dynasty receiver who sports tons of upside.
10. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills
Diggs, 28, is still thriving with the Bills. His combined 2,760 yards and 18 touchdowns over his past two seasons are proof. We can hope to expect more of that, making Diggs a dynasty keeper who still has an elongated shelf life.
11. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins
Verging on veteran status, Hill has lived up to his nickname — Cheetah — and has been a fantastic dynasty WR who should remain highly productive catching passes from his new QB. Let’s hope we get another few productive seasons out of him.
12. D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks
A threat to take it the distance in any given game, Metcalf last caught a career-high 12 touchdowns. At only 24-years-old, Metcalf should be a dependable WR1 in dynasty fantasy football, no matter who his QB is.
13. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Godwin has produced consistent fantasy points and should continue to do just that providing he is at 100% after healing from a torn ACL . Look for the Bucs to hopefully re-sign Godwin who will benefit greatly with Tom Brady under center for the 2022 season . How exciting is this?
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14. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
Higgins, at only 23-years-old, is a great wide receiver to roster in dynasty leagues, catching balls from the red-hot Joe Burrow. He will play second fiddle to Ja’Marr Chase, but that second fiddle last year earned Higgins 1,091 yards and six TDs. That’s impressive!
15. D.J. Moore, Carolina Panthers
We need more from Moore who dealt with some pretty criminal quarterbacking in Carolina last season. Consistent in yardage per season, that number could stand to increase along with the 14 career TDs he has scored over four seasons.
16. Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders
McLaurin is a talented fantasy receiver who would benefit from Carson Wentz under center . With that said, he has averaged 1,030 yards over his three seasons, which is not bad. We just need more touchdown action moving forward.
17. Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos
Jeudy is a talented dynasty keeper with his stock highly on the rise due to the blockbuster trade for veteran quarterback, Russell Wilson . Keep in mind, Jeudy is will only be 23 when the 2022 NFL season kicks off and a new QB could mean all of the world fantasy-wise.
18. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
A must-add in dynasty leagues, St. Brown rocked his rookie year as a surprisingly very playable fantasy receiver in 2021. He picked up speed mid-season and produced 912 yards and five touchdowns. We can’t wait to see his fantasy stats increase in 2022.
19. DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles
Rostering DeVonta Smith in dynasty fantasy football comes with plenty of upside. As he continues to develop as an NFL receiver, his chemistry with Jalen Hurts should improve. Be patient and those WR1 fantasy points will come soon enough.
20. Michael Pittman, Indianapolis Colts
With a gun-slinging QB such as Matt Ryan throwing passes to him for at least a couple of more seasons, Pittman is a dynasty wide receiver worth investing in. Look for Pittman (only 24) to build on the 1,082 yards and six TDs he recorded as a sophomore.
21. Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens
Bateman, who was a 2021 first-round pick by Baltimore, sports a ton of potential as a dynasty WR. He just needs Lamar Jackson to stay on the field, so the pair can resume building its chemistry.
22. Hunter Renfrow, Las Vegas Raiders
Renfrow had himself a career fantasy season in 2021 that consisted of 128 targets for 103 catches, 1,038 yards, and nine touchdowns. He was flying off waiver wires left and right and accomplished enough that he belongs in dynasty WR rankings, especially in PPR league formats.
23. Treylon Burks, Arkansas
Burks could easily be the first WR selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. He’s 6-foot-3 and coming from 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final college year. Stay tuned to see which NFL team selects him so we can reevaluate his future fantasy potential.
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Fantasy football dynasty rankings: Tight ends
1. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
Pitts was a coveted dynasty TE as a rookie, and his fantasy value in 2022 should be on the rise. While the 1,026 yards he recorded last year were impressive, the one touchdown he scored was unacceptable. Entering 2022 as a top receiving option for quarterback Marcus Mariota , Pitts’ upside in fantasy football remains unchallenged.
2. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Andrews enters 2022 having last recorded a career-best 1,361 yards! And the nine touchdowns he scored keep him atop these dynasty rankings. At 26-years-old, Andrews is signed with the Ravens through 2025 — making him a TE keeper for years to come.
3. Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers
Look for Freiermuth, who surprised as a rookie, to build on the 497 yards and seven touchdowns he recorded in 2021. We are not sure who will be quarterbacking for the Steelers this upcoming season, but Freiermuth is a dynasty tight end who should only get better.
4. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Let’s hope those who roster Kelce can either sell him as a hot commodity or squeak another couple of stellar fantasy seasons from him. He’s a vet, but a gem of a fantasy TE who has averaged no less than 70.3 yards per game since 2016. His 20 touchdowns combined over his last two seasons compel us to keep him within this ranking.
5. Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys
Schultz has been much-involved in Dallas’ passing game for the last two years, much to the dismay of those who roster the Cowboys’ WRs. Nevertheless, Schultz is coming from his best career season — having recorded 78 catches for 808 yards and eight touchdowns. For this, Schultz is a keeper!
6. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
We will slide Kittle into these dynasty rankings because he’s still playing at a high level (910 yards/six TDs) at the age of 28. If he can stay healthy, he should have a few fantasy-worthy seasons left. Fingers crossed.
7. Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills
Only 25, Knox had a breakout year that consisted of nine touchdowns and 587 yards over 15 games. If the chemistry between Knox and Josh Allen continues to thrive, Knox is a dynasty TE who can be drafted at an affordable price — for now.
8. T.J. Hockenson, Detroit Lions
Hockenson has a long career ahead as a very much-involved pass-catching dynasty TE playing on a Lions offense who typically has to air out the ball. He last averaged a career-high seven targets per game and should continue to build his chemistry with Jared Goff heading forward.
9. Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins
Gesicki has averaged 742 yards over his last two seasons which has accompanied eight touchdowns. Will the Dolphins re-sign him in 2022? If not, he’ll land with another NFL team that hopefully keeps him involved in their passing game. The dynasty appeal remains.
10. Noah Fant, Seattle Seahawks
He’s averaged a consistent 635 yards per season but has scored only 10 times in three years. He’s a talented pass-catcher who will attempt to retain some fantasy relevance as a Seattle Seahawk. Stay tuned.
11. Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears
Kmet exudes all kinds of fantasy upside with some major changes in coaching and quarterbacking happening in Chicago. Nearly tripling his yardage (612) from his 2020 rookie season, Kmet just needs to get some touchdowns on his stats. Maybe now that Jimmy Graham is out of the picture, this will happen.
12. Brevin Jordan, Houston Texans
Jordan is a great dynasty TE to stash entering his second year in the league. He showed flashes of promise in the nine games he played that accompanied three touchdowns. Should he carve out more of a role in 2022, those who draft Jordan late will reap the benefits.
13. Kylen Granson, Indianapolis Colts
Granson is in line to inherit the No. 2 TE duties with Mo Alie-Cox headed to free agency. In deep dynasty formats, Granson is worth pickup as he enters just his second season in the league.
14. Noah Gray, Kansas City Chiefs
Travis Kelce won’t play forever. This will open the door for Gray to eventually become the No. 1 tight end to catch passes from Patrick Mahomes. So, stash Gray now as a dynasty tight end who should reward in the future.
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