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The meaningful part of the preseason for fantasy owners is over. Its time to put all the research and draft prep to the test. Before we all zone out and get parked on the couch for 9 hours watching #Redzone for the next 17 Sundays, I’m going to take my stab at predicting the best and worse of this upcoming fantasy season.
Fantasy Breakouts
QB – Deshaun Watson, HOU – Hopkins, Fuller (for 8 games), Coutee (for 6 games), Stills, Duke Johnson, Laremy Tunsil. What can go wrong?
Honorable mention: Lamar Jackson, BAL
RB – Dalvin Cook, MIN – The second year after an ACL tear is usually the time when a RB gets his mojo back. This time, next year, Dalvin will be among the top 5 overall picks in fantasy drafts.
Honorable Mention: Chris Carson, SEA
WR – Tyler Lockett, SEA – Doug Baldwin out, Tyler Lockett in. Russell Wilson’s top target is always a valuable fantasy asset. I expect him to be among the top 12 WR drafted in 2020
Honorable Mention: Dede Westbrook, JAC
TE – Evan Engram- NYG – Whether it be Eli Manning or Daniel Jones, the Giants starting QB will soon realize that the best way to cope with life post-Odell Beckham is to feel Engram early and Often
Honorable Mention – Vance McDonald, PIT
Fantasy Busts
QB – Baker Mayfield, CLE – Baker’s rookie breakout, combined with signing Odell, has catapulted him to being drafted as a top 5 QB. The engine to this revamped Cleveland Browns’ offense, however, will be Nick Chubb, which will leave Baker owner’s disappointed
Honorable Mention: Matt Ryan, ATL
RB – Saquon Barkley, NYG – Bust in this instance is relative. I am drafting Barkley among the top 4 RBs like the rest of the world, but I give him the best chance to be the 2019 version of 2018 David Johnson, still being an RB1 but being held back by a lackluster supporting cast.
Honorable Mention: Damien Williams, KC
WR – Michael Thomas, NO – Michael Thomas is extremely talented, but I expect the 85% catch rate to regress to something less superhuman, resulting in him not living up to the top 5 WR ADP is has had this draft season.
Honorable Mention: Odell Beckham, CLE
TE – George Kittle, SF – 15% of record breaking 1,377 receiving yards came in one half last year. Expect regression, and expect Jimny G to spreads the ball around more,
Honorable Mention: David Njoku, CLE
Fantasy MVP - Ezekiel Elliott, DAL – The Cowboys have paid Zeke, so you expect that them to run him into the ground and run his owners to fantasy trophy’s
Fantasy Rookie of the Year – David Montgomery, CHI – David Montgomery isn’t the most talented rookie., but his situation will give him the chance to lead all rookies in rushing yards and TDs.
Fantasy Comeback player of the Year – Le’Veon Bell, NYJ– Anything Le’Veon gives fantasy owners is better than the donut he gave us last year. I don’t expect him to match his fantasy output from his prime years in Pittsburgh, but even 75% of that is worthy of Top 10 RB status. I don’t own as much of Bell as I want, and I hope don’t regret it come week 16.