2022 Fantasy Upside
J.D. McKissic didn’t go anywhere last season as he retained a solid role in Washington’s offense. His overall numbers are down, but that’s mostly because he played in five less games due to injury. When he was active, McKissic had a strong role as a receiving back averaging 3.9 receptions for 36.1 yards per game, and even added an additional 20 yards per game on the ground. He was 13th in the league in total receptions by a running back, and has the 3rd-most receptions at the position in the past two seasons. He returned to Washington after briefly agreeing to play for the Bills, but the Commanders matched Buffalo’s offer, proving this team wants to keep him around. McKissic should see a similar role for Washington in 2022.
2022 Fantasy Downside
McKissic does return to Washington, but he joins a more crowded backfield. The Commanders added Brian Robinson in the third round of this year’s draft. And while Robinson wasn’t a major receiving threat at Alabama, it’s worrying whenever a backup running back such as McKissic sees any amount of snaps taken away from them. He’s also a 29-year-old back who hasn’t topped 1,000 scrimmage yards or scored more than four touchdowns in a season.
2022 Bottom Line
McKissic offers very little value in standard leagues since he doesn’t find the end zone often. And it’s unlikely he scores much more with the arrival of Robinson. But McKissic should maintain his role as a receiving back since Robinson doesn’t offer much competition there. McKissic went from 5.0 receptions per game in 2020 to 3.9 in 2021, and we currently project him to have less than 3.0 receptions heading into this year. He should be viewed as an RB3 in half and full PPR leagues.