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Should I pick up Odell Beckham Jr. in fantasy football? Is OBJ A League Winner? Fantasy football outlook for OBJ's return from injury.
Odell Beckham Jr. is one of the most prominent NFL identities of the past decade. While he is best known for “the catch” in his rookie season, he is also a coveted fantasy asset when he isn’t chasing passes from Baker Mayfield.
OBJ sustained a torn ACL in last year’s Super Bowl and dedicated his free agency to the rehabilitation process to get back on the field as soon as possible. The buzz around Beckham is heating up with positive news indicating an imminent return to action.
Savvy fantasy managers are scavenging the waivers for their next lottery ticket after falling short in the recent Powerball drawing, and many are hoping Odell can fill the void. Should you add OBJ while he is still flying under the fantasy radar? Can we expect him to be a reliable fantasy asset, or will he struggle to keep up with his name value? Here’s what we know.
How Has Odell Beckham Jr. Performed In Fantasy Football In Past Seasons?
OBJ’s most productive seasons for total yards and fantasy points came in his first three years with the New York Giants, and his efficiency has seen a gradual decline in recent seasons.
Beckham averaged 17.14 half-PPR fantasy points per game with the Giants from 2014-2018. His average dropped to a respectably down-to-earth 9.57 fantasy points per game in the three subsequent seasons after leaving New York.
In eight regular-season games played for the LA Rams in 2021, Beckham failed to reach more than 17 points in a single game. That could be attributed to quarterback play or unfavorable offensive schemes, but his production hasn’t reflected elite fantasy value since 2018.
Will Odell Beckham Jr. Be Fully Recovered From His ACL Injury? How Has OBJ Managed Previous Injuries?
OBJ’s standout performances outshine the shadow of injuries surrounding his career. He initially tore his left ACL in Week 7 of the 2020 season, and his 2017 season was cut short by a fractured left ankle suffered in Week 5. The repeat ACL tear sustained in last year’s Super Bowl marks his third season-ending injury in his eight-year career.
Durability is an important factor when assessing his outlook, and he hasn’t posted WR1 fantasy numbers since returning from his first ACL tear in 2020. Beckham has proven his ability to push through a range of more minor injuries, and even claims his ACL was a lingering concern before it forced him off the field during the Super Bowl.
Odell is likely approaching the back end of his career as he enters his ninth season at age 30. Hopefully this doesn’t make anyone feel too old, but OBJ made his career-defining catch as a rookie in 2014. To put the time in perspective, Obama was still in the White House during Odell's rookie season. While Beckham’s leg tattoo of the former President may be permanent, his youth is bound to fade.
Should I Add Odell Beckham Jr. From the Waiver Wire in Fantasy Football?
OBJ’s play-making ability is undeniable, and any team would welcome him with open arms. The uncertainty lies in how long he will take to establish a consistent role and become a viable fantasy option.
Odell does not plan on donating his valuable upcoming years to a rebuilding team. He wants to compete now and will most likely join a playoff contender with an effective quarterback. On the positive side of this strategy, strong quarterback play should help OBJ adapt to his offense and maximize his efficiency. From a fantasy standpoint, however, he could find himself in a supporting role rather than a featured WR1.
OBJ will need some time to build chemistry with his offense while easing his way back into game shape. He should be viewed as a bench stash or dart-throw flex play until he emerges within his offense, but don’t be surprised if he is force fed a touchdown from the red zone in his debut.
Depending on his surrounding teammates, he could command sufficient volume to flirt with WR2 production for the fantasy playoff stretch. OBJ has had a uniquely prolific career as an elite talent, but he shouldn’t be relied on to carry your team to a fantasy championship in 2022.
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