Will Terry McLaurin Be a Tier 1 Fantasy Football Receiver?

There is nothing quite like the fantasy football offseason. All the preparation on who to draft. Reading countless articles on a variety of different fantasy football advice. One of the most important concepts in fantasy football is finding sleepers. Fantasy football players spent a tremendous of time trying to find these underrated players. So, the question remains. Will Terry McLaurin be a tier 1 fantasy football wide receiver by the end of the season?

McLaurin finally has a consistent quarterback

Whether one considers Wentz a consistent quarterback is a topic for another day. However, for the first time in his NFL career, McLaurin will have a “consistent” quarterback. Carson Wentz will take the reins of the offense, and Washington hopes to lead a powerful offense. 

Washington never fully committed to Taylor Heinicke last season, so the offense seemed sporadic. Heading into the 2022 season, fans are still arguing for the start of Heinicke. However, Washington has invested a lot of assets and cap space into Wentz, so Wentz will be throwing the ball to Terry McLaurin. 

Will the addition of Wentz increase Terry McLaurin’s fantasy football value?

Wentz and Michael Pittman Jr had a great statistical year in 2021

Indianapolis Colt’s wide receiver, Michael Pittman Jr, had a breakout year in 2021. Pittman Jr finished with 1,082 receiving yards and six touchdowns. In 2020, prior to Wentz’s arrival, he finished with only 503 receiving yards and one touchdown. 

Pittman Jr did play four fewer games in 2020, but the effect Wentz had on the young wide receiver is evident. Furthermore, Pittman Jr finished in the top 20 in fantasy football for wide receivers in 2021 (16th), while McLaurin finished outside the top 20 (24th). 

Furthermore, the Colts had a run-first scheme, and yet, Pittman had a fantastic statistical year. Washington has shown a commitment to wanting to air the ball out more in 2022, so Wentz and McLaurin showed to be able to have a lot of opportunities for big-time numbers. 

Terry McLaurin should have more freedom in 2022

The freedom Terry McLaurin should see in 2022 will come in a few different forms. 

1. McLaurin should have fewer double teams and safety help in 2022. Washington drafted Jahan Dotson in the first round. Curtis Samuel, if he finds a way to stay healthy, will make his way back onto the field. These additions to the receiving core should free things up for McLaurin. 
2. Play calling should be very different from what fans have seen in the past couple of years. If head coach Ron Rivera and offensive coordinator Scott Turner have as much trust in Wentz as they publicly proclaim, then Terry should be able to have a breakout season. 

What does this all mean for Terry McLaurin fantasy football value?

Terry McLaurin’s current average draft position is 40 in a PPR league according to PFF. In some fantasy football leagues, McLaurin could fall down to the fourth round. This could be a steal for most teams depending on their previous picks. 

However, if McLaurin has a breakthrough year, what will that look like? Will it be a modest breakout year like Michael Pittman Jr, or an outstanding breakout year like Cooper Kupp? 

In all likelihood, it will probably be somewhere in between, and if so, McLaurin might make his way to tier 1 level in fantasy football.