As we gear
up for the offseason, taking an early review of how the top performers stacked
up this season will be a valuable tool in dissecting placement in 2020.
While we did
have a number of surprises, it’s clear a changing of the guard is upon us at
the quarterback position as the youth movement is coming. With massive depth at
the position already, we should see more of the same until long time veterans announce
their retirement form the game. Nevertheless, let’s dive into what transpired
over this past season.
2019 Top 10 Fantasy Football Quarterbacks
Lamar Jackson (BAL)
2019 Points: 421.7 | 2018 Points: 131.6 |
Net Gain/Loss: +290.1 (Rank 1)
Many will
say after the fact they knew Lamar Jackson was going to blow up this season,
but we call bull on that. While the prospects were extremely high for Jackson
to have a fabulous campaign due to his running ability, you can’t convince me
that the passing pedigree would’ve gone the way it had in 2019.
Nevertheless,
Jackson has put on a show and obliterated the competition in nearly gaining 100
more points than the next man up at the position. With that said, Jackson made
his money in passing touchdowns over passing yards which should be understood.
This offense is built around the run and taking advantage of open receivers off
the read-option was key in their success.
Either way,
while I really wonder if Jackson could become that trusted passer come next
season, we can’t fault how he plays the game and the numbers he put up. He
might be an over drafted player in 2020.
Deshaun Watson (HOU)
2019 Points: 332.0 | 2018 Points: 309.9 |
Net Gain/Loss: +22.1 (Rank 2)
Much like
Lamar Jackson, the Texans Deshaun Watson is another supremely gifted talent
that can cause damage on the ground and through the air. Looking to become more
of a pocket passer this season, Houston had its share of ups and downs when it
comes to execution. Clearly, Watson must learn to trust his instincts with
higher consistency, and use the traits which makes him such a danger on the
field. On more than one occasion, Watson attempted to do too much from the
pocket leaving many fantasy points on the field.
With that
said, Watson’s season should be viewed as a success with room to grow. In our
eyes the ceiling hasn’t been reached for this quarterback and we should be
treated too much of the same next season. Ironing out the offensive line issues
and potentially getting Will Fuller for an entire season could add another
60-points to this total in 2020.
Dak Prescott
2019 Points: 319.3 | 2018 Points: 252.2 |
Net Gain/Loss: +67.1 (Rank 3)
At this risk
of looking foolish, we still have a hard time believing the Cowboys Dak
Prescott is worthy of sitting as a top five quarterback, let alone number
three. Dallas made all attempts to become a pass first team this season, but by
all accounts, they were quite balanced when all was said and done. Their star
running back Zeke Elliott seemed to be used far less than in the past, but it
was only true in the form of pass targets.
The change
in this offense came with the evolution of their second year receiver Michael
Gallup which provided Prescott more opportunity to sling the ball. While Amari
Cooper had himself another sound season, pulling coverage from Gallup elevated
the overall stat line for Prescott. With a coaching change already made in
Big-D, we could see the Cowboys continue down the path of being a pass happy
club. No matter my thoughts on Prescott overall as a quarterback, he can be
trusted heading into next season with all the weapons Dallas has - baring
Cooper leaving in free agency.
Jameis Winston (TB)
2019 Points: 318.7 | 2018 Points: 165.9 |
Net Gain/Loss: +152.8 (Rank 4)
This is one
of the most difficult end of season evaluations to write, simply because of how
erratic Jameis Winston really was. Hitting new highs in most statistical
categories, Winston also found a new career high to not be proud of –
Interceptions. Leading the NFL in throwing the ball to the other team with 30
would normally send his fantasy season into the dumpster. However, with Coach
Bruce Arians continuing the aerial attack regardless of Winston’s errors, over
300 fantasy points was the outcome.
Tampa Bay
has proven to have some fantastic pieces to the puzzle on their receiving core
which has elevated the overall stat line for Winston. Heading into the 2020
season, much is still a mystery as Winston will become a free agent if not
offered a new deal from the Buccaneers. It’s impossible to know what the future
holds, but if Winston doesn’t return to Tampa, a sharp decline should be the
result.
Russell Wilson (SEA)
2019 Points: 313.3 | 2018 Points: 290.5 |
Net Gain/Loss: +22.8 (Rank 5)
There was a
point this season where Russell Wilson was in line for consideration for league
MVP honors, but that fell out the window with Lamar Jackson’s superb play.
Either way, Wilson has once again impressed on high levels putting this
Seahawks team on his back to gain over 20 fantasy points from the season prior.
Obviously this team is formed first through the run, but injuries did adjust
the path late in the season.
Heading into
2020 and wondering how the Hawks will fair, we are again very confident to
suggest Wilson to be a massive point getter. With the emergence of rookie DK
Metcalf, the light is shining bright for this team to become that fully
balanced unit to give the opposition fits.
Josh Allen (BUF)
2019 Points: 297.3 | 2018 Points: 167.6 |
Net Gain/Loss: +129.7 (Rank 6)
At the start
of the 2019 season, we didn’t see many hold the Bills Josh Allen in high
regard, but we never wavered form our belief. The knock on Allen’s overall game
is his accuracy issues, but this season he changed that notion quite well.
Having seen a great level of improvement in his game as he continues to learn,
fantasy upside always was here with his supreme running ability.
Allen
concluded a great year as the sixth ranked passer over a 16-game slate with a much
improved offense. Missing the 300 point mark by just under three points,
believe us when we say the future is very bright in Buffalo. The Bills have
nine picks in the upcoming draft and over 80 million in cap space, and if you
think they won’t spend a great deal on offense, you’d be wrong. Adding
playmakers will only lift Allen’s value making him a potential top three
quarterback next season. We hold nothing but high praise here.
Kyler Murray (ARZ)
2019 Points: 282.3 | 2018 Points: N/A | Net
Gain/Loss: +282.3 (Rank 7)
Coming into
the season, our affinity for the top rookie selected in the 2019 NFL draft had
us salivating at the potential in statistical achievements. With a young up and
coming coach (Kliff Kingsbury) calling the plays, we had little reservation
that something special was about to occur.
While yes,
taking pause overall was needed for Kyler Murray in year one as it should be
with any rookie passer, the Cardinals were again in complete transition needing
to iron out all inadequacy. The most encouraging part of this offense this
season was their ability to adapt while adding more plays. With this team on
the ground floor of yet another rebuild, we love the potential for Murray to
have a much better second season. 300-fantasy points could be a formality in
2020.
Patrick Mahomes (KC)
2019 Points: 279.8 | 2018 Points: 399.7 |
Net Gain/Loss: -119.9 (Rank 8)
Even though
we had the Chiefs Patrick Mahomes as our top rated passer heading into the
season, we knew some form of regression would occur. While having to follow up
the record setting performance from the season prior, we didn’t expect Mahomes
to lose nearly 120 points in the process. Granted, the fall can be attributed
to missed time to that dislocated knee, coming just 20 points shy of hitting
the 300 mark isn’t too shabby.
The biggest
issue for this offense over the season was the lack in productivity to their
run game. This had a negative effect on Mahomes and the pass attack as well, as
the balance in this offense was never achieved. Regardless of how the season
ends for Kansas City, finding a running back to replace Kareem Hunt and his
lost production will continue to be the priority two years later. If they can
rectify this issue, still expect Mahomes to flirt with top end numbers once
again.
Matt Ryan (ATL)
2019 Points: 266.9 | 2018 Points: 325.7 |
Net Gain/Loss: -58.8 (Rank 9)
Holding down
one of the top spots last season, we absolutely knew, and documented it well
that Matt Ryan would regress in 2019. History has been a great factor when
reviewing Ryan. This season like many others, Ryan got yet another new
offensive coordinator which always inhibits his level of comfort. While this
season was better than most in the first year of an offensive installation, he
still underwhelmed on an offense loaded with talent.
With that
said, Ryan was able to muster many weekly top notch performances to help your
fantasy club, the lows were also felt in the worst times. Continuity counts for
a lot with Ryan and his play, and we should see better from him in 2020.
Carson Wentz (PHI)
2019 Points: 265.8 | 2018 Points: 192.4 |
Net Gain/Loss: +73.4 (Rank 10)
Once again
the Philadelphia Eagles suffered catastrophic loss to injury this season, but
somehow Carson Wentz was able to generate a healthy amount of points in the
process. Setting career highs in nearly every passing category, it surly helped
that he was able to suit up for all 16-games.
We truly do
wonder if Wentz did have the services of all the talent this roster started
with, how would his number shake out? Nevertheless, holding almost 80 points
more from his 2018 campaign is a welcomed and optimistic sight for the future.
If the Eagles can add more and stay away from the medical room, Wentz could be
a gigantic sleeper in 2020.
2019 Top 5 Failed Value Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield (CLE)
2019 Points: 227.2 | 2018 Points: 219.0 |
Net Gain/Loss: +8.2 (Rank 1)
There are a
few names that can grace the top of the failed list, but in our minds based on
hype and draft position, Baker Mayfield takes the cake. The Browns loaded up on
talent in the offseason which had many believing they would be Super Bowl
bound. With that expectation, fantasy football dominance would surely follow,
right?
Needless to
say, we didn’t hold that same opinion as high octane offenses aren’t made in
the offseason. Chemistry was a massive issue to go along with play calling and
execution. With how the roster will change under yet another head coach,
perhaps Mayfield will finally become what most had envisioned.
Jared Goff (LAR)
2019 Points: 238.3 | 2018 Points: 286.3 |
Net Gain/Loss: -48.0 (Rank 2)
Now when we
discuss the failed season of the LA Rams, we must eat humble pie on Jared Goff
as we held him in very high regard for 2019. Ranking him near the top of
categories for fantasy quarterbacks, Goff let us down in a very big way. The
offense as a whole never could find its magic which took them to the Super Bowl
the previous season. With Todd Gurley taking a side step, the Rams play action
was never feared by the opposition.
Heading into
2020, the Rams will have to make many choices on this roster to stay within the
cap constraints, and we wonder if adding another running back will be a top
priority. A rebound should occur for the Rams, but Goff will be very hard to
trust early.
Mitchell Trubisky (CHI)
2019 Points: 206.4 | 2018 Points: 252.8 | Net
Gain/Loss: -46.4 (Rank 3)
Yet another
quarterback that we had high hopes for entering the 2019 season, the Bears
Mitchell Trubisky became a supreme disappointment. Under the second year
installation of the Matt Nagy offensive system, the Bears offense took a
massive step in the wrong direction leaving a lot to be desired for this
starting pivot. Trubisky still proved he’s struggling with reads and throws to
the left from inside the pocket.
In terms of
fantasy production, it was impossible to trust Trubisky even in the best
matchups. He did however have a few sound showings, but nothing credible to
make us promote. Being difficult to trust will be an understatement for this
man in 2020.
Matthew Stafford (DET)
2019 Points: 171.5 | 2018 Points: 193.7 |
Net Gain/Loss: -22.2 (Rank 4)
These next
two passers shouldn’t be on the list of failed performers, but our evaluation
must remain unbiased no matter the circumstance. With a loaded receiving core
and everything to play for, Matthew Stafford began the year on an absolute tear
racking up points at will. Even with no support from their run attack, Stafford
was a point leader on many weeks early this season.
The reason
Stafford found his way on the list of failed quarterbacks was out of his
control. Being battered to the point the Lions placed the pivot on injured
reserve, the failure still happened with lost time. As age continues to creep
up on Stafford, perhaps this will be the common thread?
Drew Brees (NO)
2019 Points: 206.8 | 2018 Points: 303.8 |
Net Gain/Loss: -97.0 (Rank 5)
Here we find
an elite passer that saw misfortune hit his stat line this season due to missed
time as well. The Saints Drew Brees was enjoying a fabulous campaign until it
was derailed to that broken thumb. With that missed time, Brees lost nearly 100
fantasy points in the process which makes his season a lesser fail, but still a
fail nonetheless.
Even though
down the stretch upon his return to the field, Bress did lift your club with
great performances, it’s tough to suggest the year was a complete success. The
future for his playing career is still up in the air as with each passing
season will bring the conversation of retirement on the 40 year old passer. For
the prospects of 2020, it will be a wait and see with the great Drew Brees.
2020 High Potential Quarterbacks
Ryan Tannehill (TEN)
2019 Points: 212.3 | 2018 Points: 134.9 |
Net Gain/Loss: +77.4
When we
discuss the season that was for the Titans Ryan Tannehill, we feel extreme
validation as we preached him right from training camp. It has been well
documented from us suggesting the Titans would’ve been a far better club if
they benched Marcus Mariota in favor of the former Miami Dolphin. When the
coaching staff finally had seen enough from Mariota, Tannehill took the role
and didn’t look back.
Over the
course of the 10 games Tannehill was the team’s starter, he amassed solid
numbers and became a darling off the wire. Had he played the full season, his
average points per game had him on pace to secure a whopping 339.68 fantasy
points. Without question the Titans will offer Tannehill a new contract and we
should see this offense continue to move in the right direction. Lots of
positives rest here for 2020.
2020 Projected
Points: 250-320
Drew Lock (DEN)
2019 Points: 59.1 | 2018 Points: N/A | Net
Gain/Loss: +59.1
With the
influx of young quarterbacks into the NFL, the Denver Broncos may have finally
hit the jackpot with Drew Lock. We were supporters of this young man coming
into the draft process as his accuracy and ability to read defenses was clear
on film. Having a side step to start the year with injuries of his own, Lock
showed good poise in the games he played in.
While with
any rookie passer just trying to get his feet wet in the NFL, he did encounter
many ups and downs which left some to believe he wasn’t ready. For our appetite
heading into 2020, we truly like the direction this team will go if they add
more play makers and offensive line assistance to help this up and comer. Don’t
sleep on Lock if the Broncos roster improves.
2020
Projected Points: 200-210
Dwayne Haskins (WAS)
2019 Points: 83.7 | 2018 Points: N/A | Net
Gain/Loss: +83.7
To be fair,
we definitely were not on the Dwayne Haskins bandwagon coming out of college
and it took a great deal to get us to think differently. The reason we have
placed Haskins as a potential high earner for next season is simply due to the
progression over the back end of the season. Haskins was clearly improving each
and every contest he played in, limiting the mistakes which validated our
original opinion.
When we
review the Redskins and how this roster will shake out, the offense is already
housing many youthful talents that will promote higher production in the new
year. With a new head coach and a new offensive outlook on the horizon, Haskins
will show vast improvement and should be on the radar come 2020.
2020
Projected Points: 200-230
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