Derek Carr’s fantasy performance has been consistently average in recent years. Although he has had a few standout games with impressive numbers, his overall performance has remained average. In the 2022 season, Carr scored only 219 points in 17 games, ranking him 34th in fantasy production. In 2021, he accumulated 256 fantasy points, placing him 16th overall. In 2020 Carr finished 16th with 272 points, and in 2019, he had 244 fantasy points.
It’s important to note that Carr has never managed to break into the top 10 quarterbacks during these years. His best performance came in 2020 when he finished as the 11th-best QB in the league based on overall fantasy points. Consequently, based on his historical production, Carr is not a player that owners will be eager to draft in the early rounds. This article will delve into Carr’s standing among the top fantasy QBs, explicitly focusing on the upcoming 2023 season.
Analysis of Carr’s Statistical Output in the 2022 Fantasy Football Season
When analyzing Carr’s numbers from the 2022 season, it becomes evident that they were rather underwhelming. In total, he accumulated 219 points, averaging 14.5 points per game. His strongest performances occurred in the 11th and 12th weeks, where he surpassed the 20-point mark in each game. However, Carr failed to be a reliable fantasy option for most of the season, often left unrostered in standard 10 to 12-team leagues.
Comparing Carr’s numbers to those of other notable fantasy quarterbacks, it’s clear that he didn’t even rank among the top 15 QBs. His 219 fantasy points paled compared to the impressive 417 points amassed by league leader Patrick Mahomes, nearly double Carr’s total. Following Mahomes were Josh Allen with 396 points, Jalen Hurts with 378 points, Joe Burrow with 350, and Geno Smith with 303 points. Justin Fields, Trevor Lawrence, Kirk Cousins, Daniel Jones, and Jared Goff also had successful performances during the 2022 season.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Derek Carr’s Fantasy Game
Carr’s overall fantasy production has been hindered by several limitations over the years. One core issue has been the lack of top-tier receivers at his disposal. Coupled with a below-average offensive line, subpar coaching, and a history of injuries, these factors have contributed to Carr’s inconsistent performance in the 2022 season. Carr threw for just 3,622 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions that year. His 305 pass completions marked the lowest of his career, and his completion percentage 60.8 was the lowest since his rookie season.
Furthermore, Carr has never been known for his mobility. He has endured numerous sacks throughout his career and has only managed six rushing touchdowns. While he is unlikely to transform into a scrambling quarterback overnight, some changes during the offseason might positively impact Carr’s fantasy production in 2023.
Offseason Changes and Impact on Carr’s Fantasy Value
During the offseason, the Saints made significant moves to enhance their offensive arsenal. They drafted RB Kendre Miller, OT Nick Saldiveri, QB Jake Haener, and WR A.T. Perry, bolstering their offensive options. Additionally, they made multiple signings to strengthen their offensive line, which was already superior to the Raiders. As a result, Carr can anticipate a positive change heading into the 2023 season, benefiting from these improvements.
From a coaching perspective, the Saints have also expanded their staff by adding several assistant coaches, including Clancy Barone as the TE coach and Kevin Carberry as the offensive line coach. With these coaching additions and the existing talented offensive weapons on the Saints’ roster, Carr is poised to be more productive, accurate, and better offensively compared to previous years.
While it may be premature to make definitive predictions about Carr’s future with the Saints, it is clear that his prospects are brighter than the previous season, given the positive changes in personnel and coaching.
