DK Metcalf Fantasy Outlook & Injury Update 2022 (Value Takes a Hit Without Russell Wilson)

DK Metcalf exploded in 2020 when he finished as the No. 7 wide receiver in PPR-scoring fantasy leagues. The 2021 season was a different story, though. An injured Russell Wilson was the main reason why Metcalf fell out of WR1 territory with a No. 14 finish. Now, Wilson isn't even on the team.

With that being the case, it's no surprise to see Metcalf on the lower end of WR2 territory in fantasy football rankings. His average draft position (ADP) has him going as the 18th wide receiver off of the board and as a late fourth to early fifth round selection.

DK Metcalf Fantasy Outlook

There's no denying that DK Metcalf has one of the best skill sets of any wide receiver in the NFL. His combination of size and speed makes him a mismatch against opposing defenders on every snap. It has led to a lot of success early on in his career. He averages a reliable 7.3 targets per game (which is more than Courtland Sutton) and 14.7 yards per reception (which is more than Terry McLaurin).

What gives Metcalf so little upside in 2022 is the change at quarterback in Seattle. Wilson was shipped off to Denver in a trade and now either Geno Smith of Drew Lock will start for the Seahawks. Metcalf will have to step up as a leader on offense. That means improving on his contested catch rate from last season (No. 55 in NFL) as well as his inconsistency. The 24-year-old scored a touchdown in eight different games last season, but also finished with less than 60 receiving yards 10 times.

It's not all bad news, though. Metcalf connected with Smith on a beautiful 84-yard touchdowns last season and the presence of Tyler Lockett will keep him from seeing blanketed coverage too often. Lock has also been touted as an above-average deep ball thrower, so it's possible a connection can be formed there. Metcalf's fantasy production comes down to a lot of what ifs and "we'll see" scenarios.

DK Metcalf Injury Update

News came out after the conclusion of the 2021 season that Metcalf was playing through a foot injury for months. It was an issue that eventually needed offseason surgery to correct. Metcalf needed to have a screw removed that "bothered" him whenever he was running routes on the field.

The foot injury was always considered a "minor issue", though, and Metcalf entered training camp in July fully healthy. He and the Seahawks were even able to come to terms on a new contract extension after rumors surfaced that Metcalf may hold out. There's no reason he won't be ready for Week 1.

DK Metcalf Projections

Projections from the NFL odds on FanDuel Sportsbook expect Metcalf to bounce back and finish in the middle of the pack. He's 16th to lead the NFL in receiving yards (+3500), which is well above where he finished last year with 967 yards through the air. He is also 19th to lead the NFL in receiving touchdowns (+4000). Metcalf finished fourth with a career-high 12 scores in 2021. When taking Metcalf's career averages into account (4.4 receptions per game, 14.7-yard average), a 1,000-yard season certainly doesn't seem out of reach. That likely comes down to the Seahawks QB play.

Is DK Metcalf a Good Fantasy Football Pick?

When it comes down to it, is Metcalf someone to target in the early rounds? Absolutely, but it's important to temper expectations. He's the No. 16 wide receiver inThe Duel's PPR fantasy football rankings, and does not come with the WR1 upside he used to.

Metcalf is always going to be a hit-or-miss WR option. After all, the Ole Miss product posted WR2 numbers in just 42.5% of the games in 2021. However, his biggest performances can singlehandedly win fantasy managers their weekly matchup. It can be frustrating predicting when that will happen.

If you've drafted Metcalf this year, make sure to check out the best DK Metcalf fantasy football team names for your squad.

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Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.