2020 Fantasy Football Sophomore Running Backs: Standouts vs Slumps
The 2019 NFL season brought forward unexpected stars, as fantasy football owners attempted to get ahead of the curve. The standout performances of select players will be carefully monitored for consistency later this year. Here, we discuss the performances of last year’s rookies and whether they can uphold their fantasy value moving forward.
Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders)
As far as reliable running backs go, Josh Jacobs was one of few options from the 2019 Draft class that could be designated as an RB2. In four of his last five starts, Jacobs totaled 10 or more points.
Looking ahead to this season, the Raiders drafted four offensive players in the 2020 NFL Draft; most of which were wide receivers. With the 11th-easiest schedule according to fantasy running backs, he becomes a serviceable option once again this season. His schedule becomes even more favorable in the fantasy playoffs, when the Raiders play IND, LAC, and MIA from Week 14-16.
Standout or Slump: Standout
Miles Sanders (Philadelphia Eagles)
This may come as a surprise, considering the lack of fantasy success in the Eagles’ backfield in the past, but Miles Sanders is expected to remain productive in the 2020 season. Just last season, Sanders finished as RB13; only 2.9 points behind Josh Jacobs.
Looking ahead, the Eagles have the 10th-friendliest schedule for fantasy running backs, and Sanders is coming off a campaign in which three of his last five starts resulted in 16+ fantasy points. At the right price, Sanders could be reliable option.
Standout or Slump: Standout
Devin Singletary (Buffalo Bills)
Even with Frank Gore on the roster in 2019, Singletary managed to finish as RB32 (Gore was RB50). In 12 games played last season, Singletary exceeded his fantasy projections on seven occasions. One year later, the only competition in the backfield for the sophomore is third round selection Zack Moss.
The Bills have the third-easiest schedule for fantasy running backs, which includes a favorable first half of the season. However, fantasy owners need to prepare for longevity; the Bills play @SF, PIT, @DEN, and @NE from Week 13-16.
Standout or Slump: Slight Standout
David Montgomery (Chicago Bears)
Fantasy owners weren’t thrilled with David Montgomery’s production in 2019, as he finished as RB24 in PPR leagues. As a whole, he only totaled 10+ fantasy points in four different weeks.
Looking to this season, there is no additional value to Montgomery’s fantasy stock. The Bears don’t have a clear stretch in which Montgomery can string together consecutive sets of RB2 performances. In addition, Chicago refused to draft offensive line support until the seventh round.
Standout or Slump: Slight Slump
Justice Hill (Baltimore Ravens)
In redraft leagues, Justice Hill is hardly worth a bench spot; despite totaling 10+ fantasy points in two of his last three starts. The Ravens still have Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards, and J.K. Dobbins on the roster, all of which will likely outperform Hill.
Still, in a dynasty setting, Hill is still viewed as a work in progress. At the age of 22, there is plenty of time for him to develop through the preseason and in select games.
Standout or Slump: Slump
You must log in to post a comment.