In fantasy football, the main focus is on the so-called “skill” positions — QB, RB, WR and TE. This is understandable given that unless you play in an IDP league, those are the only players you will be drafting.

Football is a team sport. Eleven men must be in sync on every play to achieve your team goals. A WR is only as good as the QB throwing the ball, and a QB is only as good as the offensive line protecting him.

Why do we not dive deeper into these other elements that could significantly affect your fantasy team’s outcome? These overlooked factors to a player’s range of expected outcomes in fantasy football are important to consider come draft season. We’ve decided to tackle one of those oft-ignored factors for this 2022 draft kit: the offensive line.

This is a new endeavor and not an exact science. Here, you will find projected starters for all 32 teams and unit rankings, with a brief explanation for each ranking. As things change throughout the season, I’ll keep these rankings updated to help you with start/sit decisions, waiver wire acquisitions and trades.

1) Philadelphia Eagles

Projected Starters

– LT Jordan Mailata
– LG Landon Dickerson
– C Jason Kelce
– RG Isaac Seumalo
– RT Lane Johnson

Anchored by veterans Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson and bolstered by the return of Issac Seumalo, the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line is poised to be one of the league’s best in 2022. This unit was ranked fourth overall in 2021 by PFF.com despite a revolving door of starters due to injury. Stability will only improve this group, which is good news for a Philly offense looking to throw the ball more this season.

2) Dallas Cowboys

Projected Starters

– LT Tyron Smith
– LG Tyler Smith
– C Tyler Biadasz
– RG Zack Martin
– RT Terence Steele

The top-ranked offensive line in 2021 is looking to keep up its excellent work in 2022. The addition of rookie Tyler Smith to replace the departed Connor Williams should bolster the left side. In addition, Terence Steele has shown in relief duties that he is a capable lineman and should fit in well after the departure of La’el Collins.

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected Starters

– LT Donovan Smith
– LG Luke Goedke
– C Ryan Jensen
– RG Shaq Mason
– RT Tristan Wirfs

When you lose two staples of your offensive line — Ali Marpet retired unexpectedly, and Alex Cappa departed in free agency — there’s cause for concern. However, Tampa Bay seems to have filled the holes left by the veterans quite nicely. Guard Shaq Mason was lured over in free agency, and the team selected talented former Central Michigan lineman Luke Goedke in this year’s draft. This line should continue to dominate in 2022 on its way to another Super Bowl push.

4) Los Angeles Chargers

Projected Starters

– LT Rashawn Slater
– LG Matt Feiler
– C Corey Linsley
– RG Zion Johnson
– RT Storm Norton

This Chargers offensive line, bolstered by veterans Matt Feiler and Corey Linsley and second-year phenom Rashawn Slater, got even better this offseason. The addition of Zion Johnson in the draft’s first round shows the Chargers are serious about protecting Herbert and competing in a tough AFC West division. RT Storm Norton is the only potential weak link in an otherwise stellar unit. Don’t be surprised if they climb up my rankings as we get into the season.

5) Cleveland Browns

Projected Starters

– LT Jedrick Wills
– LG Joel Bitonio
– C Nick Harris
– RG Wyatt Teller
– RT Jack Conklin

There wasn’t much to like about the Cleveland offensive line in 2021. QB Baker Mayfield constantly seemed to be on the run. But, heading into 2022, this unit looks to be improved. Veterans Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills look healthy and ready to return to full-time starting roles, which will bring stability back to a talented line that had lousy luck last season.

6) New England Patriots

Projected Starters

– LT Isaiah Wynn
– LG Mike Onwenu
– C David Andrews
– RG Cole Strange
– RT Trent Brown

This is a story similar to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This unit lost two talented linemen in Ted Karras and Shaq Mason — two big reasons New England had PFF’s ninth-ranked offensive line in 2021. However, it appears Mike Onwenu will get a shot at a full-time role, and rookie Cole Strange brings some youth and quickness to a veteran group. Mac Jones will yet again be in good hands in 2022.

7) Kansas City Chiefs

Projected Starters

– LT Orlando Brown
– LG Joe Thuney
– C Creed Humphrey
– RG Trey Smith
– RT Andrew Wylie

The Kansas City Chiefs made a bold move in 2021, starting over with their offensive line, and I think it’s safe to say it paid off. One of the best units in the league will now be in its second year together, and with the departure of WR Tyreek Hill, they will need to be every bit as good as they were in 2021. Expect a repeat performance of last season in a very good way.

8) Washington Commanders

Projected Starters

– LT Charles Leno
– LG Andrew Norwell
– C Chase Roullier
– RG Wes Schweitzer
– RT Sam Cosmi

The Washington Commanders don’t have a lot of bright spots right now, but this line is undoubtedly one. A solid unit in 2021 returns intact, with Andrew Norwell being the lone new addition to the crew. Protecting a QB known for holding the ball too long is no easy task, but this unit should be up to it. If it can build on last season’s success, look for this offensive line to creep into my top five during the season.

9) Detroit Lions

Projected Starters

– LT Taylor Decker
– LG Jonah Jackson
– C Frank Ragnow
– RG Halapoulivaati Vatai
– RT Penei Sewell

Despite winning only three games in 2021, the Detroit Lions had a solid offensive line unit, ranking 13th per PFF. Even with Pro Bowl C Frank Ragnow missing 13 games, this Lions unit gave up the 14th fewest sacks (36) last season. However, Ragnow is back, and this crew might be one of the best in the NFL in 2022.

10) Los Angeles Rams

Projected Starters

– LT Joe Noteboom
– LG David Edwards
– C Brian Allen
– RG Logan Bruss
– RT Rob Havenstein

The Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams head into the 2022 season with four returning starters from the 2021 unit and are ranked seventh by PFF.com. Andrew Whitworth retired, allowing his four-year backup, Joe Noteboom, to earn his place on the line. Don’t expect much to change with this veteran squad, barring injury.

11) New York Giants

Projected Starters

– LT Andrew Thomas
– LG Joshua Ezeudu
– C Jon Feliciano
– RG Mark Glowinski
– RT Evan Neal

The New York Giants’ offensive line was terrible in 2021 — so bad that PFF had the Giants 30th in their end-of-season rankings. However, the team recognized it was time for a change and has only one returning O-line starter. Between free agency acquisitions Jon Feliciano and Mark Glowinski and incoming rookies Evan Neal and Joshua Ezeudu, the Giants will have much-improved line play this upcoming season.

12) New York Jets

Projected Starters

– LT George Fant
– LG Laken Tomlinson
– C Connor McGovern
– RG Alijah Vera-Tucker
– RT Mekhi Beckton

There is a lot of debate about what this New York Jets team will look like in 2022. One thing that seems clear is that the offensive line will shine. With George Fant moving to left tackle, where he looked more comfortable last season, and the return of Mekhi Beckton from injury, this group should be able to give QB Zach Wilson and RB Breece Hall their best shot to break out in 2022.

13) Indianapolis Colts

Projected Starters

-LT Matt Pryor
– LG Quenton Nelson
– C Ryan Kelly
– RG Danny Pinter
– RT Braden Smith

The Indianapolis Colts were primed to have one of the best offensive lines in 2021, but injuries put a damper on those expectations. Stand-out guard Quenton Nelson should be back to full health alongside veterans Ryan Kelly and Braden Smith. Expectations are again high for this crew, and the sky is the limit if it can stay healthy.

14) Carolina Panthers

Projected Starters

– LT Ikem Ekwonu
– LG Brady Christianson
– C Bradley Bozeman
– RG Austin Corbett
– RT Taylor Morton

The 2021 Carolina offensive line was putrid, and that’s being kind. It makes sense then that the only returning starter from last season is veteran Taylor Morton. A complete overhaul, including drafting rookie Ikem Ekwonu in the first round, has positioned the Panthers to flip their fortunes in 2022. As long as this unit can build rapport, it will be heads above what it was last season.

15) Cincinnati Bengals

Projected Starters

– LT Jonah Williams
– LG Jackson Carman
– C Ted Karras
– RG Alex Cappa
– RT La’el Collins

The 2021 Bengals offensive line wasn’t great, but it wasn’t bad enough to keep the team from making the Super Bowl. This past offseason, the team decide to upgrade its line for another run at a Super Bowl, signing veteran lineman Ted Karras, Alex Cappa and La’el Collins to pair with LT Jonah Williams. This unit will be significantly better in 2022 and could be a dark horse candidate to be a top-five unit by season’s end.

16) San Francisco 49ers

Projected Starters

– LT Trent Williams
– LG Aaron Banks
– C Jake Brendel
– RG Daniel Brunskill
– RT Mike McGlinchey

The San Francisco 49ers’ talented offensive line took a hit this offseason with the loss of G Laken Tomlinson in free agency and the retirement of Alex Mack. This unit isn’t as deep as some in the league, so an injury could set them back significantly, spelling trouble for what is likely to be a committee approach at RB. However, if the 49ers’ blockers can avoid injuries, they will move up in the rankings quickly.

17) Denver Broncos

Projected Starters

– LT Garret Bolles
– LG Dalton Risner
– C Lloyd Cushenberry
– RG Quinn Meinerz
– RT Billy Turner

The Denver Broncos come into the 2022 season with an offensive line that is mostly unchanged. Free-agent acquisition Billy Turner, who followed new head coach Nathaniel Hackett over from Green Bay, should be able to perform adequately at right tackle after Denver let Bobby Massie leave in free agency, and the rest of the returning veterans have proven to be solid. Russell Wilson is in good hands in Denver.

18) Green Bay Packers

Projected Starters

– LT David Bakhtiari
– LG Jon Runyan
– C Josh Meyers
– RG Zach Tom
– RT Elgton Jenkins

The Green Bay offensive line was ravaged by injuries in 2021. Elgton Jenkins tore his ACL in Week 11, and David Bakhtiari played in only one game. However, both are set to return in 2022, which will get this unit back to full strength. Zach Tom looks to be the lone fresh face on this squad, but all signs indicate he is ready to step in and contribute quickly.

19) Minnesota Vikings

Projected Starters

– LT Christian Darrisaw
– LG Ezra Cleveland
– C Garrett Bradbury
– RG Ed Ingram
– RT Brian O’Neill

The Minnesota Vikings have one of the younger offensive lines in the NFL, which will be an advantage for this team in the future. If the future is going to be 2022, the Vikings will need their young core of linemen — especially Christian Darrisaw — to take a step forward. The addition of RG Ed Ingram in the draft could help. If this offensive line can build some cohesion early on, this could be a top-15 unit by midseason.

20) Atlanta Falcons

Projected Starters

– LT Jake Matthews
– LG Jalen Mayfield
– C Matt Hennessy
– RG Chris Lindstrom
– RT Germain Ifedi

The 2021 season was a difficult one for Atlanta, offensive line play included. The young unit had difficulty playing together, forcing QB Matt Ryan out of the pocket more than anyone wanted to see. However, there is hope Jake Matthews and Jalen Mayfield can improve alongside solid vets Matt Hennessy and Chris Lindstrom. In addition, free-agent acquisition Germain Ifedi has a good shot to replace former first-round pick Kaleb McGary, which could make this line better than expected in 2022.

21) Baltimore Ravens

Projected Starters

– LT Ronnie Stanley
– LG Patrick Mekari
– C Tyler Linderbaum
– RG Kevin Zeitler
– RT Morgan Moses

The best news the Baltimore Ravens could get is the return of Ronnie Stanley. He has missed the better part of the last two seasons, and replacement Andrew Villanueva was a major disappointment in 2021. The team also drafted rookie C Tyler Linderbaum, an upgrade over former C Bradley Bozeman, and has veterans Patrick Mekari and Kevin Zeitler returning after solid performances last season. This unit should be improved and could be a sleeper to land in the top 10 at some point this year.

22) Las Vegas Raiders

Projected Starters

– LT Kolton Miller
– LG Denzelle Good
– C Andre James
– RG Dylan Parham
– RT Alex Leatherwood

When I made my starter projections, I initially had Brandon Parker slated as the starting RT. Alex Leatherwood was unimpressive at guard in 2021 but could benefit from a slide over to tackle. However, if Leatherwood continues to disappoint, look for Parker to get the nod. Adding Dylan Parham in the draft could be significant if he can adjust to NFL competition quickly.

23) Houston Texans

Projected Starters

– LT Laremy Tunsil
– LG Kenyon Green
– C Justin Britt
– RG Max Scharping
– RT Tytus Howard

The addition of rookie Kenyon Green to this veteran offensive line could be the spark it needs to improve. Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil is back after playing in only five games last season and is returning to a line that got markedly better towards the end of the campaign. If second-year QB Davis Mills has any chance at progressing, this unit will need to keep the momentum rolling into 2022.

24) Miami Dolphins

Projected Starters

– LT Terron Armstead
– LG Connor Williams
– C Michael Deiter
– RG Robert Hunt
– RT Liam Eichberg

Miami was another team bitten by the injury bug last season. That, coupled with the inexperience of a green group of lineman, spelled doom in 2021. However, the team signed G Connor Williams and T Terron Armstead in free agency to solidify the left side for QB Tua Tagovailoa, and the unit as a whole is another year older. This might not be the year this group makes a giant leap, but it’s on the horizon.

25) New Orleans Saints

Projected Starters

– LT Trevor Penning
– LG Andrus Peat
– C Erik McCoy
– RG Cesar Ruiz
– RT Ryan Ramczyk

After losing oft-injured LT Terron Armstead in free agency, rookie Trevor Penning appears to be the favorite to take his place, which could go well or poorly, a la Garret Bolles’ rookie season in Denver. However, the rest of the unit is returning from last season, presumably healthy, and should be improved over what we saw in 2021.

26) Buffalo Bills

Projected Starters

– LT Dion Dawkins
– LG Roger Saffold
– C Mitch Morse
– RG Ryan Bates
– RT Spencer Brown

This Buffalo offensive line could go one of two ways this season, and much of it depends on the development of Spencer Brown. He wasn’t supposed to be thrust into a starting role his rookie season, but injuries dictated otherwise. Brown played surprisingly well, but if he can’t progress quickly in 2022, he will be on a short leash. The addition of Roger Saffold in free agency adds a needed veteran presence to this line.

27) Jacksonville Jaguars

Projected Starters

– LT Cam Robinson
– LG Ben Bartch
– C Tyler Shatley
– RG Brandon Scherff
– RT Walker Little

The road to rebuilding can be long, and it appears Jacksonville is just at the beginning. Unfortunately, not much has improved for one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Brandon Scherff was brought in to replace the retiring Brandon Linder. Second-year RT Walker Little showed enough with his opportunities in 2021 to land the starting job over disappointing Jawaan Taylor. Unfortunately, the change is likely a lateral move, keeping this unit average at best.

28) Pittsburgh Steelers

Projected Starters

– LT Dan Moore
– LG Kevin Dotson
– C Mason Cole
– RG James Daniels
– RT Chukumwa Okorafor

After fielding one of the worst blocking units in the league last season. Pittsburgh seems content to stick with the status quo for 2022. Adding free agent Mason Cole at center is risky — he only started one full season in 2018 in Arizona and hasn’t been more than a spot starter since. James Daniels is an excellent addition, but Dan Moore and Chukumwa Okorafor will need to show improvement for this unit to take a step up in 2022.

29) Seattle Seahawks

Projected Starters

– LT Charles Cross
– LG Damien Lewis
– C Austin Blythe
– RG Gabe Jackson
– RT Abraham Lucas

Seattle head coach Pete Carroll likes playing with fire. It appears he will be marching out two rookie tackles — Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas — to start the 2022 season, which is a massive risk. Gabe Jackson isn’t the same player he was in his prime, and the Seahawks are going with a center, Austin Blythe, who played only 12 snaps in Kansas City last season despite being healthy. This could be the worst unit in the league when all is said and done.

30) Tennessee Titans

Projected Starters

– LT Taylor Lewan
– LG Aaron Brewer
– C Ben Jones
– RG Nate Davis
– RT Dillon Radunz

This projected starting offensive line for the Titans is likely to change often. There is a lot of uncertainty here, and uncertainty rarely breeds success. Taylor Lewan has been a shell of himself since tearing his ACL in 2020, and the loss of David Quessenberry and Roger Saffold is a major hit to this unit. However, if Aaron Brewer can step up at LG, there is a chance this group could be better than expected.

31) Arizona Cardinals

Projected Starters

– LT DJ Humphries
– LG Justin Pugh
– C Rodney Hudson
– RG Will Hernandez
– RT Kevin Beachum

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results. Someone should tell this to the Arizona Cardinals front office. The only change to a unit that played poorly in the second half of the season was the addition of RG Will Hernandez to replace Josh Jones. The Cardinals decided to focus on adding more weapons for Kyler Murray rather than on protecting him, which seems like a dangerous bet unless they know something we don’t.

32) Chicago Bears

Projected Starters

– LT Larry Bloom
– LG Cody Whitehair
– C Lucas Patrick
– RG Sam Mustipher
– RT Tevin Jenkins

Unfortunately for Bears fans, it looks like another year of pain is in the forecast. This unit lost LT Jason Peters to retirement and James Daniels in free agency and will now be forced to start second-year linemen at both tackle positions. The hope is that they can progress quickly, but that’s a big ask. Sam Mustipher is likely to be thrust into a starting role after free-agent signee Dakota Dozier was injured in OTAs. This unit is a mess and unlikely to significantly improve in 2022.

Nate Polvogt is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Nate, check out his archive and follow him @NatePolvogt.