You Might Want To Think Twice Before Taking These Players In Your Fantasy Football Draft

Football | 9/3/20

It happens every year. You're getting ready for your fantasy football draft and you have all your hopes and dreams set on one player. Maybe they signed a huge contract in the offseason or had a breakout performance the year before. Whatever the reason, you know this player can't fail you. Then he does. He gets injured or worse -- underperforms. Suddenly your fantasy football season is over before it even began and you regret putting all your chips on one player. These are the hyped-up players entering the 2020 NFL Fantasy Draft that you might want to hit the brakes on!

A.J. Green's Success This Year Isn't Guaranteed

aj green fantasy football
Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty Image
Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty Image

Ever since entering the NFL, Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green has been one of the most explosive players in the league. When healthy, he has never been anything less than a top fantasy option - until this year.

Green is 32-years-old this season and missed all of 2019 with an injury. Rookie QB Joe Burrow will also be under center, and will probably have limited passing opportunities while he learns the ropes of the league. If you can, draft Green in a later round, but avoid grabbing him early.

ADVERTISEMENT

John Brown Won't Be A Top Target In Buffalo

ADVERTISEMENT
john brown fantasy football
Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images
Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Last year in Buffalo, wide receiver John Brown was one of Josh Allen's favorite targets. He was thrown to 115 times and finished the season with 1,060 receiving yards. It was a resurgent season for the speedy deep threat, and one he likely won't replicate in 2020.

ADVERTISEMENT

The biggest issue holding back Brown's value is new addition Stefon Diggs. Buffalo gave up a treasure trove to acquire the player from Minnesota, and we expect him to become the team's top target.

ADVERTISEMENT

Will Tom Brady Be The Same In Tampa Bay?

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
tom brady fantasy football
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

For the first time in over 20 years, Tom Brady will not be lining up under center for the New England Patriots. Now a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, the 43-year-old six-time Super Bowl winner will finally get a chance to prove he's not a system QB.

ADVERTISEMENT

Will he prevail? The truth is you should never count out Tom Brady. Still, it's hard to recommend buying high on a player in his mid-40s playing in a new system for the first time ever.

ADVERTISEMENT

Avoid The Headache Odell Beckham Jr. Will Cause You

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
odell beckham fantasy football
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

There is no denying the talent that Cleveland Browns' wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has. That alone will put him high on experts' draft boards. Before jumping on the hype though, remember how much he regressed in 2019.

ADVERTISEMENT

Beckham Jr. went from a top-five player with the Giants to an afterthought in Cleveland. Add to that how his attitude changes when he stops seeing balls come his way, and you might want to wait on picking him. A risky pick in the first two rounds, wait to grab him for as long as you can.

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't Buy High On Melvin Gordon

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
mlevin gordon fantasy football
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Melvin Gordon may have signed a big contract with the Denver Broncos over the summer, but that doesn't mean you should take him in the first round of the draft. Coming off a season where he only rushed for 612 yards, Gordon is likely to find himself as a complimentary back in the Mile High City.

ADVERTISEMENT

The hype around Gordon throughout his career has been just that -- hype. He's only rushed for more than 1,000 yards once, which also happened to be the only season he played a full 16 game schedule. Leave this running back for someone else!

ADVERTISEMENT

Deshaun Watson Is A High-Risk Option

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
deshaun watson fantasy football
Alex Davidson/Getty Images
Alex Davidson/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Deshaun Watson has shown time and time again that he is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL. Entering the 2020 season, Watson will once again have to prove himself after losing top wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

ADVERTISEMENT

Without his top receiving threat, Watson will be left throwing to a trio headlined by Brandin Cooks. To help take the pressure off him, head coach Bill O'Brien will lean on running back David Johnson. Expect Watson to be good, but not come close to putting up the same numbers he did in 2019.

ADVERTISEMENT

Is This The Year Drew Brees Finally Regresses?

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
drew brees fantasy football
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Like Tom Brady, it's hard to imagine Drew Brees not being a viable fantasy option, but it could happen. Brees will be 42-years-old when the season starts and has suffered from diminishing arm strength for years.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Saints have been smart to surround Brees with players who are explosive after the catch to make up for his deficiencies, but how long can that last? If Brees maintains his accuracy he should still be good, but expect New Orleans to run more to expose their franchise star to less criticism.

ADVERTISEMENT

Marlon Mack Won't Be A Workhorse

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
marlon mack fantasy football
Sean Gardner/Getty Images
Sean Gardner/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The Colts were not a good passing team in 2019, forcing them to lean on Marlon Mack to carry a heavy load on the ground. Mack responded with over 1,000 yards rushing and eight touchdowns. With Philip Rivers under center now, Mack likely won't repeat the same success.

ADVERTISEMENT

Add into the equation the Colts' appear set to use a stable of running backs and Mack's overall carries could be cut in half in 2020. If you want to take a flyer on Mack, take it as late in the draft as possible.

ADVERTISEMENT

Todd Gurley Will Not Be Reborn In Atlanta

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
todd gurley fantasy football
Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Todd Gurley ended his career in Los Angeles with a thud. His aching knee brought him diminishing returns year after year, and that's not something a change of scenery will fix. Gurley's carries will have to be limited for him to be effective, which depletes his fantasy value.

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't forget, the Rams waited too long in 2019 to lean on Gurley, in part because the team didn't want him to be hurt during a possible postseason run. With a healthy Gurley in 2018, the Rams made it to the Super Bowl, losing to New England.

ADVERTISEMENT

Aaron Rodgers Has A Lack Of Talent Around Him

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
aaron rodgers fantasy football
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

After making the NFC Championship Game in 2019, the Packers were supposed to go all in to get Aaron Rodgers a chance at a second ring in 2020. Instead, the team spent its first-round draft pick on quarterback Jordan Love.

ADVERTISEMENT

What Rodgers needed was a new wide receiver or two. What the team chose to do was look towards the future, not only putting Rodgers' 2020 fantasy viability in doubt, but also his future in Green Bay.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mark Ingram Is On The Wrong Side Of 30

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
mark ingram fantasy football
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Mark Ingram was great in Baltimore in 2019. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored ten touchdowns. Is it possible he can repeat that feat in 2020 now that he's in his 30s?

ADVERTISEMENT

Technically, anything is possible, but the reality of the situation is that running backs don't age well. Baltimore also has younger options, and an MVP winning QB who can rush for 1,000 yards if he really needs to. If you are interested in Ingram, pick him late and stash him on your bench.

ADVERTISEMENT

A Change Of Scenery Won't Benefit Philip Rivers

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
philip rivers fantasy football
Michael Hickey/Getty Images
Michael Hickey/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Philip Rivers did not have a good season in 2019. He tossed 23 touchdowns and was intercepted 20 times while completing 66 percent of his passes for an 88.5 QB rating. Now 38-years-old, it's hard to imagine moving from sunny Southern California to Indianapolis will help revive his career.

ADVERTISEMENT

That doesn't mean Rivers won't try though. Earlier on this list, we highlighted Marlon Mack specifically because Rivers signed with the Colts. Rivers is a classic "gunslinger" under center and isn't afraid to throw into tight windows or 40 times a game, they just won't be fantasy worthy attempts.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rob Gronkowski Won't Be A Difference Maker

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
rob gronkowski fantasy football
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Someone in your fantasy draft is going to get way too excited that Rob Gronkowski is back in the league and will draft him too high. Please, we beg you, make sure that person isn't you.

ADVERTISEMENT

While Gronk is 100 percent healthy for the first time in years, he's also one year removed from playing. Add in that he, like Tom Brady, is having to learn a new system for the first time in his career and you have a recipe for disappointment.

ADVERTISEMENT

CeeDee Lamb Won't Be A Rookie Sensation

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ceedee lamb fantasy football
Brian Bahr/Getty Images
Brian Bahr/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

CeeDee Lamb is an exciting fantasy football prospect. A rookie wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, he was brought in to help stretch the field. If you plan to play in a PPR (points per reception) league, then you'll want to avoid Lamb.

ADVERTISEMENT

Not only will Lamb be fighting for balls from Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup, but the Cowboys offense should also feature a heavy dose of runs. It might be a prove-it year for QB Dak Prescott, but with Zeke Elliot in the backfield, we think those "prove it" opportunities will be limited, which won't work out well for Lamb.

ADVERTISEMENT

Dak Prescott Can't Be Trusted Week-To-Week

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
dak prescott fantasy football
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

When Dak Prescott is good, he's a top-five quarterback in the NFL. When he's bad, you wonder why he's even on a roster, let alone starting. And that is exactly why he can only be trusted in fantasy football week-to-week.

ADVERTISEMENT

If Prescott is one of your must-have players, the best strategy is to start him against teams with losing records, which is when he historically puts up his best numbers. Don't even try to start him on weeks he faces a team with a winning record.

ADVERTISEMENT

Be Cautious Jumping On The Cam Newton Bandwagon

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
cam newton fantasy football
Kathryn Riley/Getty Images
Kathryn Riley/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

At the peak of his career, Cam Newton led the Carolina Panthers to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl berth while winning the league MVP along the way. At his worst, he was released in favor of a rebuild.

ADVERTISEMENT

After a tumultuous offseason full of speculation about his health, Newton signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots. On paper, he should be a perfect fit in New England. In reality, he will be tasked with carrying the load on one of the least talented offenses in the NFL.

ADVERTISEMENT

Le'Veon Bell Should Be Left In Free Agency

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
leveon bell fantasy football
John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Le'Veon Bell was always considered a top tier fantasy player until 2019. In his first season with the Jets, Bell was less than spectacular, rushing for under 800 yards and only scoring three touchdowns.

ADVERTISEMENT

In the offseason, New York head coach Adam Gase said he wants to limit Bell's touches even more. This is one running back who you should wait to see if you can grab in free agency, but don't make the mistake of drafting him.

ADVERTISEMENT

How Much Will Tom Brady Target Mike Evans?

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
mike evans fantasy football
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

In Tampa Bay, Tom Brady has a wealth of targets to throw to, which could end up hurting Mike Evans' fantasy production. While the Bucs led the league in passing in 2019, leading to an excellent year by Evans, Brady doesn't have an explosive arm anymore, among other issues.

ADVERTISEMENT

With less arm strength, we expect the Bucs to try and run a more balanced offense. Take into account all the talent in Tampa, and Evans might struggle to reach 1,000 yards.

ADVERTISEMENT

Raheem Mostert Will Be Stuck Splitting Carries

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
raheem mostert fantasy football
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

By the end of the 2019 season, 49ers' running back Raheem Mostert was carrying the load in a crowded backfield. Head coach Kyle Shannahan loves to play the hot hand, and no one was hotter than Mostert.

ADVERTISEMENT

In 2020, Jerrick McKinnon will finally make his return after knee injuries, helping create a three-headed monster of RBs in the Bay Area. That, if you haven't figured it out yet, means Mostert's carries will be limited and his fantasy value will be crushed.

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't Buy High On George Kittle

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
george kittle fantasy football
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

If you get the chance, you should absolutely draft George Kittle as your starting tight end. We just recommend waiting, and not grabbing him too early when other more valuable players will be available.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kittle will be complemented this year by Jordan Reed, which will help the physical player get rest to stay healthy. It also means he will see fewer targets in the passing game. If you can grab a player you know will score more points, take them before Kittle and hope he falls to you.

ADVERTISEMENT

Avoid Lamar Jackson Early

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1188250084
Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Patrick Smith/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

We get it, Lamar Jackson is coming off of winning the NFL MVP. He threw for over 3,500 yards in 2019, tossed 36 touchdown gems, and rushed for over 1,000 yards. He's a once in a lifetime player. He's also one of several viable QB options.

ADVERTISEMENT

You only need one starting QB in your league. Focus your early rounds on multi-position needs. Don't leave yourself under-handed at receiver or running back because you just couldn't help yourself.

ADVERTISEMENT

Derrick Henry Won't Have To Carry The Load This Year

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1197568651
Elsa/Getty Images
Elsa/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

There one big reason we suggest you consider avoiding Derrick Henry with your first round pick this year. Last year was sensational, coming on like lightning down the stretch and finished the season with 1,540 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns.

ADVERTISEMENT

Entering the 2020 season, there is every reason to believe the Titans will want to lessen the load on Henry. Ryan Tannehill just signed a major contract to be the team's starting QB, and we expect the team to throw the ball more, too. Henry, unlike other backs, is not a pass catching threat.

ADVERTISEMENT

Just Don't Touch Devin Singletary

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1183037930
Eric Espada/Getty Images
Eric Espada/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Last season, Bills running back Devin Singletary was a hot ticket fantasy option. Unfortunately, he turned out to be a bust then, and we expect him to be a bust again this year.

ADVERTISEMENT

A lot of analysts have him graded to go in the fourth round of drafts. Even that's too high for a player who is clearly running second whistle to Zack Moss. Let Singletary hit free agency, then pick him up if you're desperate.

ADVERTISEMENT

Don't Overvalue Leonard Fournette

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-873269408
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Leonard Fournetter went from Jacksonville Jaguar outcast to likely starting running back in Tampa Bay. That alone has skyrocketed his fantasy value, which means you know what, according to us -- don't overvalue him just because everyone else is.

ADVERTISEMENT

Fournette never materialized in the game-changing back the Jaguars drafted him to be, and that won't happen playing next to Tom Brady either. Not only will Fournette have to learn a new playbook with limited time before week one, he will also have to fight for the ball against one of the most talented rosters in the NFL.

ADVERTISEMENT

DeAndre Hopkins Comes With A Warning Label

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1052748746
Scott Halleran/Getty Images
Scott Halleran/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

DeAndre Hopkins is going to be drafted, and he is going to be drafted high. Before you commit to taking him, though, let us give you this warning label. In Houston, Hopkins was targeted 30 percent of the time and saw over 150 targets.

ADVERTISEMENT

In Arizona, Hopkins will be surrounded by more complementary talent (Christian Kirk and Larry Fitzgerald) and a QB who can run when he gets in trouble in the passing game. Hopkins will still produce, just not first round fantasy numbers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Amari Cooper Will Regress In Dallas

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1178845831
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

After being traded from the Raiders to the Cowboys in 2019, Amari Cooper became of the hottest wide receivers in the league. He made an instant impact and his fantasy value soared through the roof as a result.

ADVERTISEMENT

In 2020, we expect his numbers to regress, even if his initial fantasy value doesn't. Dallas has surrounded Dak Prescott with several talented receivers, which will make it harder for Cooper to find targets. There might be even fewer opportunities if the Cowboys lean on the running game.

ADVERTISEMENT

T.Y. Hilton Isn't Aging Gracefully

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-624667484
Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Stacy Revere/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

T.Y. Hilton has been a fantasy stud nearly every year he's been in the NFL. He's explosive and, when healthy, was a sure bet to reach 1,000 yards. In 2019, Hilton missed six games with a calf injury.

ADVERTISEMENT

In 2020, Hilton will be 30-years-old. We expect his production to slow down, even if his targets increase. Philip Rivers doesn't have much arm strength, which will limit explosive plays and, in turn, limit Hilton's overall fantasy value.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jared Cook Is A Risk At TE

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1189810215
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Jared Cook flourished as a fantasy option catching passes from Drew Brees in 2019. If you really dive into his stats, though, most of his value came from his seven touchdowns, not his yards or catches.

ADVERTISEMENT

In PPR, that means Cook is a TE best avoided until late rounds. In other leagues, the same goes. It won't be easy for Cook to repeat his seven touchdown year, which limits his value on a team filled with other talented options.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kenyan Could Fall Out Of Favor In Arizona

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1195963473
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Kenyan Drake was a solid pickup by the Arizona Cardinals last season. He made an instant impact as a difference-making back. He took pressure off of rookie QB Kyler Murray and is expected by many to play a big role again for the club in 2020.

ADVERTISEMENT

In PPR leagues, Drake will have a chance to flourish again as a runner and receiver. With a fast-paced offense, however, Drake could also find himself on the sideline more often than not, especially if he starts a game slowly. Expect head coach Kliff Kingsbury to play the hot hand, not the highest-paid player.

ADVERTISEMENT

Daniel Jones Isn't Ready Yet

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1196563318
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

In 2021, Daniel Jones has a chance to be a special player in the NFL and a high-value fantasy pick. This season, however, he is best left to free agency. His rookie season was filled with ups and downs and turnovers.

ADVERTISEMENT

This upcoming season should be filled with more of the same as he continues to learn with limited talent around him. Jones will surely have a few explosive games, but more often than not, his stats won't justify the pick unless you need a spot starter during your normal QB's bye week.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cam Akers Has Big Shoes To Fill In Los Angeles

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1228096124
Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images
Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Cam Akers was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams to be the new Todd Gurley. While that could happen down the road, it's unlikely to happen his rookie season. With a shortened offseason, Akers will be thrown into week one having never season a professional down before.

ADVERTISEMENT

Akers, of course, is an interesting choice in a late round. He could surprise and come out swinging. If he does, he will be the leader of the offense and carry the load.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jared Goff Won't Rebound

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-851128314
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

If you're sitting on Jared Goff in your fantasy draft thinking he might be a sleeper candidate, then keep sitting. With a weakened run game in 2019, Goff regressed badly as the leader of the Rams' offense.

ADVERTISEMENT

Unless Cam Akers explodes out of the gate (which we predict he won't), then you'll see more of the same from Goff. Given limited opportunities, he is one of the most accurate QBs in the league. When he is the focus of the offense, though, his skillset diminishes rapidly.

ADVERTISEMENT

Anthony Miller Needs A Different Quarterback

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1080071142
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Anthony Miller in the 2020 season is being drafted high because he's the best wide receiver the Chicago Bears have. The problem with his production won't be his talent, though, it will be the talent of who is throwing to him.

ADVERTISEMENT

As the Bears' starting QB, Mitchell Trubisky has led the team to the playoffs once. In his third year in the league he was benched. In 2020, the team placed him in competition with Nick Foles. None of that is good news for Anthony Miller.

ADVERTISEMENT

Julian Edelman Is Over The Hill

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-631712984
Jim Rogash/Getty Images
Jim Rogash/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

We understand the nostalgia for Julian Edelman. He formed a power duo with Tom Brady for years in New England. That's kind of the problem though, isn't it, it's been years. Edelman isn't a young player anymore, and he's become injury prone late in his career.

ADVERTISEMENT

Expect Cam Newton to find a younger target to favor with fresher legs and more explosive route running ability. Edelman is a WR3 at best in 2020, but we don't even trust that analysis.

ADVERTISEMENT

Can Hunter Henry Stay Healthy?

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1173190265
Jeff Gross/Getty Images
Jeff Gross/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The Los Angeles Chargers will try to lean heavily on tight end Hunter Henry this year as Tyrod Taylor tries to lead the team while teaching rookie QB Justin Herbert the ropes of the league.

ADVERTISEMENT

If Henry stays healthy, he could be a productive fantasy tight end. If his career is any indication that likely won't happen. Some players are just more injury-prone than others, and in three years in the league, Henry has never played a full 16 game schedule.

ADVERTISEMENT

Austin Hooper Won't Earn His Paycheck In Cleveland

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1178446274
Carmen Mandato/Getty Image
Carmen Mandato/Getty Image
ADVERTISEMENT

Before the start of the 2020 season, Austin Hooper signed a four-year contract with the Cleveland Browns. After four moderately productive years in Atlanta, the Browns made Hooper one of the highest-paid TEs in the league, and as his price tag soared, so did his fantasy value.

ADVERTISEMENT

If Baker Mayfield leans on Hooper, he might be worth the pickup. If Mayfield fails to improve on his disappointing 2019 season, though, you'll want to trade Hooper early before he runs out of value.

ADVERTISEMENT

Garnder Minshew II Isn't A Sleeper Candidate

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1175825543
James Gilbert/Getty Images
James Gilbert/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Gardner Minshew II was one of the breakout players of 2019. He came out of nowhere to become the Jaguars' starting QB. As a rookie, he had his ups and downs, but showed enough potential that the team traded away Nick Foles, making the jort-wearing player the unquestioned starter.

ADVERTISEMENT

What happens in the 2020 season will say a lot about Minshew II. We see it going two ways. He's every bit the player the team hopes he is and they make the playoffs. The more likely scenario is that he's average at best and the team is only starting him to lose games and draft Trevor Lawrence in 2021.

ADVERTISEMENT

Hunter Renfrow Will Only Let You Down

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1183122621
Jason O. Watson/Getty Images
Jason O. Watson/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Another surprise breakout player in 2019 will fall back down to earth in 2020. Late in last season, Derek Carr began to rely more and more on Hunter Renfrow. A tricky possession receiver, Renfrow holds value in PPR leagues but should be avoided in standard ones.

ADVERTISEMENT

Our biggest concern with Renfrow is Derek Carr. After signing a $125 million extension, Carr became too careful. Las Vegas then brought in Marcus Mariota to challenge the former MVP candidate. With Mariota now on the injured reserve, Carr has no one breathing down his neck, which will hurt the talent around him.

ADVERTISEMENT

Antonio Gibson Will Have All Eyes On Him

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1171387828
Joe Murphy/Getty Images
Joe Murphy/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The Washington Football Team will be relying on Antonio Gibson as its primary running back in 2020, and all eyes will be on him. QB Dwayne Haskins will be watched closely in his second year under center, leading the team to lean on the running game.

ADVERTISEMENT

Defenses will adjust accordingly, which won't help fantasy owners hoping Gibson will be a surprise 2020 sleeper. Keep dreaming and pick someone else in the slot you would have targeted the running back.

ADVERTISEMENT

Matt Breida Won't Be An Impact Player In Miami

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1029985758
Adam Bettcher/Getty Images
Adam Bettcher/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

With too many running backs on the roster, the 49ers traded Matt Breida to the Miami Dolphins in 2020. Fin fans are hoping Breida becomes the team's leading rusher. After all, he is one of the fastest players in the NFL and averages more than five yards-per-carry with San Francisco.

ADVERTISEMENT

Breida also fumbled a lot with the 49ers and had an injury-prone ankle. While his speed is exciting, don't be fooled by it.