KC Chiefs: Three fantasy football sleepers for 2022
By Jacob Milham
Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling may not be Kansas City’s first or even second receiving option, but he has the potential and buzz to rocket up positional rankings come the regular season.
Valdes-Scantling was one of Kansas City’s biggest free-agency acquisitions this offseason, signing a three-year deal worth up to $36 million. While the deal is very team-friendly, the Chiefs were wise to sign MVS following trading wide receiver Tyreek Hill. He is a great deep threat, but his value has grown exponentially this offseason.
Mahomes and Valdes-Scantling have developed a tangible connection, through voluntary workouts and trips to Texas. The Athletic’s Nate Taylor noted MVS’ “crisp, intermediate routes, which require meticulous timing with Mahomes”, and that the dependable connection is already there between the two players.
https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1529947737008898048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1529947737008898048%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F3358482%2F2022%2F06%2F09%2Fchiefs-marquez-valdes-scantling-patrick-mahomes-strong-connection%2F
In the past three seasons, Valdes-Scantling’s’ 18.5 yards per reception leads the league. He was a deep threat that allowed then-teammate Davante Adams to work everything underneath him. MVS has been that, and more, for the Chiefs during offseason programs. He has the chance for more touches, more designed looks, and better production in Reid’s scheme.
Currently, Valdes-Scantling is trending upwards in fantasy drafts. His ADP has risen seven points from June to July, with a 98th overall ADP in July. While top-100 players are not usually sleepers or value picks, Valdes-Scantling looks to be a solid WR2-WR3 option for any fantasy team in 2022.