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 dynasty rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty fantasy football value of wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
JuJu Smith-Schuster’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
It is wild to think that at one point, Smith-Schuster was the dynasty WR1. That valuation was very speculative following his overall WR9 finish in 2018 as a 22-year-old.
The problem with anointing JuJu at that time was he never profiled as a WR1. We just didn’t know how much of his production was due to being the other guy opposite Antonio Brown. Four seasons later, we have our answer. As it turns out, AB played far greater of a role than even Smith-Schuster’s biggest detractors could’ve accounted for.
After Brown left Pittsburgh, Smith-Schuster posted seasons of 9.4 fantasy points per game, 14.6 ppg, and 7.0 ppg (in just five games). His fantasy value was plummeting as questions rightfully arose as to whether he could even be a WR2.
MORE: Dynasty Rankings 2023 — Top Fantasy Options at Wide Receiver
Then, in 2022, Smith-Schuster signed in a dream spot with the Chiefs. They also traded away Tyreek Hill. The stage was set for JuJu to be Patrick Mahomes’ WR1. With minimal target competition in an elite offense with the most talented quarterback the league has ever seen, we would finally get a definitive answer on Smith-Schuster’s value. Sadly, he’s just not very good.
After winning a Super Bowl with the Chiefs, it wouldn’t have surprised me at all for them to bring him back. But JuJu’s bet on himself didn’t exactly pay off. He caught 78 passes for 933 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games playing with the quarterback who led the NFL in passing yards.
JuJu Smith-Schuster’s Fantasy Ranking
At just 26 years old, Smith-Schuster’s dynasty value is as low as it’s ever been. If he couldn’t manage more than a low-WR3 finish at 11.6 ppg this past season, I don’t have much hope for him going forward.
Anywhere other than Kansas City is a downgrade in situation. From an offensive quality standpoint, New England is as weak as it gets. Mac Jones is one of the worse starting quarterbacks in the league, and this is a run-first offense.
We currently have JuJu at WR41 (No. 104 overall) in our dynasty Superflex rankings. His ceiling is what Jakobi Meyers was as the unquestioned No. 1 last season. Meyers averaged 12.9 ppg in 2022, 1.3 ppg more than Smith-Schuster. He did that on a 22% target share.
Smith-Schuster would do well to match Meyers’ volume and production. But I’m skeptical he can get there.
I think we have to view 2022 as close to Smith-Schuster’s ceiling. I’m just not particularly interested in what he has to offer. He’s not worth acquiring in dynasty leagues, and if you have him, see if you can get a reasonable return to move on. It goes without saying that I would not target JuJu in dynasty startup drafts.