As we inch toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty fantasy football value of Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
The Chiefs’ second-leading receiver in 2022, Valdes-Scantling did exactly what he’s done for his entire career. There are certain players every season that provide a litmus test for fantasy analysis. In 2022, MVS was one of those guys.
There is absolutely zero reason to be bullish on MVS. Zero. He spent four seasons playing with one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Yes, Mahomes is much better than Aaron Rodgers now, but let’s not pretend like Rodgers isn’t an all-time great who was able to get more out of ancillary receivers than the average quarterback. James Jones once led the NFL in receiving touchdowns because of Rodgers.
In four seasons in Green Bay, MVS never averaged more than 8.6 ppg, and his best season saw him catch 33 passes for 690 yards and six touchdowns.
MORE: Dynasty Rankings 2023 — Top Fantasy Options at Wide Receiver
With the Chiefs, his role was going to be the same. He was the outside burner who would occasionally catch a long touchdown but never produce at a level even remotely consistent enough for fantasy relevance.
Unsurprisingly, MVS was exactly the player he’s always been. He caught 42 passes for 687 yards and two touchdowns. His 14.6 average depth of target was seventh in the league. When he was targeted, it was downfield. It just wasn’t very often.
Valdes-Scantling’s target share was just 13.3%, and he only saw a target on 16.2% of his routes run — outside the top 80. His 7.2 ppg were good for a WR70 finish.
The AFC Championship Game and Super Bowl comprised a perfect microcosm of MVS’ career. In the former, he caught six of eight targets for 116 yards and a touchdown. In the latter, he didn’t catch a pass. That’s MVS in a nutshell.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s Fantasy Ranking
I would imagine the Chiefs look to upgrade their wide receivers this offseason. They have two young wideouts with upside, but they lack a true outside option. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Valdes-Scantling’s role is reduced in 2023.
MVS is already 28 years old. He has two years left on his current deal, but the Chiefs can cut him with a $4 million dead cap hit. It would save them $7 million against the cap. If I were them, I’d do it.
Regardless, MVS is never going to be fantasy-relevant. After he has his customary big games, he’ll pop up on fantasy waiver wires, but five years is plenty enough to know it’s best to just leave him be.
He currently sits at WR83 (No. 199 overall) in our dynasty Superflex ratings. I wouldn’t roster MVS outside of deeper dynasty leagues, and I wouldn’t take him in dynasty startup drafts.
