Geno Smith: The Unlikely Fantasy Football Hero
Alright, guys, let's talk about a name that's been making waves in the fantasy football world - Geno Smith. Now, we know what you're thinking, "Geno Smith? Really?" But stick around, because we're about to dive deep into why this guy might just be your secret weapon this season. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and geno smith fantasy football.
The Comeback Kid
First things first, let's rewind to 2013. Geno Smith was the New York Jets' starting quarterback, showing promise with a 3,000-yard passing season in his rookie year. But then, injuries, poor coaching, and a lackluster supporting cast derailed his career. He was cut by the Jets in 2017, and it seemed like his NFL journey was over. But here's where our story gets interesting.
Geno Smith spent the next few years bouncing around the league, from the Giants to the Chargers, always looking for an opportunity to prove himself. And in 2021, with the Seahawks, he finally got his chance. Russell Wilson went down with an injury, and in stepped Geno Smith. What followed was a string of impressive performances that had fantasy managers scrambling to add him to their rosters.
Geno Smith's 2021 Breakout
Smith finished the 2021 season with 3,806 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. He completed 60.7% of his passes and had a quarterback rating of 92.9. Not bad for a guy who was supposed to be a mere placeholder. But what does this mean for fantasy football?
Well, let's look at the numbers. In standard leagues, Geno Smith finished as the QB11, ahead of names like Lamar Jackson, Tom Brady, and Dak Prescott. He was a top-12 quarterback in 12 of his 10 starts. And here's the kicker - he was available on the waiver wire for most of the season.
Why Geno Smith Could Be Your Fantasy Football MVP
The Seahawks' Offense
The Seahawks have a new head coach in Pete Carroll, and while his offense might not be as pass-heavy as some, it's important to note that Carroll has always been a quarterback-friendly coach. He's worked with the likes of Russell Wilson, Matt Hasselbeck, and even Carson Palmer. With a healthy Geno Smith under center, there's no reason to think the Seahawks' offense can't produce fantasy-relevant numbers.
The Weapons
Smith has a solid group of receivers to work with. DK Metcalf is a top-tier wideout, and Tyler Lockett is a reliable slot receiver. Noah Fant was added in the offseason to bolster the tight end position. If Smith can distribute the ball effectively, these weapons could put up big numbers.
The Schedule
The Seahawks' schedule is filled with matchups against pass-funnel defenses. In other words, defenses that give up a lot of passing yards. Smith could feast on these matchups and provide consistent fantasy production.
The Risks
Of course, there are risks. Smith is still Geno Smith, after all. He's not Russell Wilson, and he might not be the long-term answer at quarterback for the Seahawks. But for fantasy purposes, that doesn't matter. What matters is that Smith has shown he can put up fantasy-relevant numbers, and that's enough to warrant consideration in fantasy drafts.
Draft Strategy
So, how should you approach Geno Smith in your fantasy drafts? Here's a strategy: wait on the quarterback position. There are plenty of viable options in the mid-to-late rounds. Draft your skill position players first, then snag Smith as your quarterback. If he pans out, great! You've got a top-12 QB at a discounted price. If he doesn't, no big deal. You've still got a solid team and can stream quarterbacks or pick up a replacement on the waiver wire.
Conclusion
Guys, Geno Smith is not your typical fantasy football sleeper. He's a proven commodity who put up impressive numbers last season. Sure, there are risks, but the potential reward is too great to ignore. So, keep an eye on Smith in your fantasy drafts. He just might be the difference between a winning season and an early exit.
And there you have it, folks. Geno Smith - the unlikely fantasy football hero. We hope this article has given you some food for thought as you prepare for your fantasy football drafts. Until next time, happy drafting!