AJ Dillon is more than a fantasy football handcuff in 2022
Currently being drafted as RB27 in the 6th round in half PPR leagues, AJ Dillon finished as RB23 in half PPR leagues in 2021. He is coming off a 2021 season where he had over 1,100 all-purpose yards as the Packers second running back. He had 187 carries for 803 yards and 5 touchdowns and 34 receptions for 313 yards and 2 touchdowns in 17 games played.
The Packers starting running back, Aaron Jones, finished 2021 with over 1,100 all-purpose yards, as well. He had 171 carries for 799 yards and two touchdowns and 52 receptions for 391 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games played.
Going into this season, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has referred to Jones and Dillon as ‘1A and 1A.’ A starting running back on any NFL team is an asset in Fantasy Football, but especially on a top 10 offense, as the Packers finished 10th in offense in 2021.
The Packers should be in the top half of the league in offense yet again. Despite losing wide receiver Davante Adams, they still have the back-to-back MVP Aaron Rodgers at quarterback and two starting running backs. Rodgers, Jones, and Dillon will be protected by the projected 11th-best offensive line.
The Packers are also favored to win at least 11 games this season. They play suspect defenses in the Bears, Lions, and Vikings twice a year each. If they are up in any games and want to run out the clock, they will be running the ball a lot. The younger of the two running backs is who the Packers will likely rely on.
Dillon’s nickname is “The Quadfather” because of his strong legs. Expect an uptick in carries, goal-line work, and receptions in 2022 for Dillon. Currently viewed as an RB3/flex, he could produce RB2 numbers.