As we close in toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move, with key events like free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft still to come. 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 WR DJ Moore.
DJ Moore’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
All I wanted for Moore was to have an above-average QB for once while he’s still in his prime. And finally, my wishes have come true as the Panthers pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Bears for the No. 1 overall pick. As part of that package, Moore is heading to the Windy City with Justin Fields as his new QB.
But before we get into what this means, what are the Bears getting, and what have we seen from Moore’s past that should get managers excited for the future?
Moore entered 2022 as the only receiver with three straight seasons with 1,200+ total yards. Unfortunately, he saw this streak come to an end, but that isn’t a surprise, given the revolving door at quarterback and turmoil in the coaching department.
Moore was everything for the Panthers, especially after Christian McCaffrey left. He accounted for a league-high 33.05% of the team’s targets and saw a staggering 53.38% of the air yards. The next closest receiver was Davante Adams at 40.99%.
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Yet, due to the conservative nature of Sam Darnold, PJ Walker, and Baker Mayfield, Moore was only 12th in total air yards with 1,534. He caught 63 of his 118 targets for 888 yards and a career-best seven touchdowns.
It’s such a shame, too, as Moore should be a yearly staple inside the top 10 at receiver. It’s just hard to do on a consistent basis when you’re No. 4 in deep targets (29) but also sit 90th in catchable-target rate.
It was not a wasted year, though, as Moore did finish as the WR23 overall and 32nd in points per game (12.3 PPR). However, there are zero reasons for Moore ever to be a start/sit candidate and not a locked-in WR2 — at worst. He is simply too good and too talented.
DJ Moore’s Fantasy Rankings
Moore will turn 26 over the summer and is still in the prime of his career but was quickly closing in on the “what if” category of players who have immense talent that was never capitalized on due to factors outside of their control. I think that changes now.
For all the criticism some have of Fields as a QB, some fair and some not, he is unequivocally an upgrade for Moore. Does Fields have more room to improve?
Unquestionably yes, but when has he had the weapons to do so? But he was also 11th in intermediate accuracy, had a 78% short accuracy, was fourth in air yards per attempt at 8.9, and just so happened to get one of the best deep-ball receivers in the league.
Yes, Darnell Mooney is one of my favorite receivers in the league from a skill set standpoint, but he has been in the wrong role and is more of a Z — or even inside in the slot — rather than an X. Fields now has a weapon in Moore who can be a legitimate No. 1 with a 25%+ target share and take advantage of when a play breaks. I love this for both Fields (QB6) and Moore.
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He’s currently ranked as the WR19 in PPR and comes in as the No. 52 player overall in Superflex formats, where QBs gain value due to positional scarcity. But from a talent perspective, Moore is a top-10 receiver in the NFL. Now he needs to produce like one.
If you could get him for WR3 pricing, especially if someone is now disappointed Moore won’t be with Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Will Levis, or Anthony Richardson, I’d have no issue trying to pull off a trade to acquire his supreme talent, but I would not give a discount to move him off my dynasty roster.
He’s been too good and is now in the best environment to succeed in his career and won’t just see bracket coverage every single play. If you held on to Moore through thick and thin, congratulations, this one is for you (us).