We've finally made it! After what feels like the longest offseason known to man, with no football for the last 7 months, the wait is nearly over. So, as we prepare our rosters for week 1, I believe there are some guys that you need to have on your teams before the 2020 season kicks off and their values increase between now and the end of the season. Some may cost you more to acquire now than others but I still believe they are undervalued. Let's kick things off at QB...
Quarterback
Jared Goff
L.A Rams
Age: 25 - Height: 6'4" - Weight: 222lbs - Exp: 4
Current Dynasty ADP: QB16
2019 Ranking: QB13
Goff had a solid, if unspectacular, season in 2019 finishing the year as the QB13 with the LA Rams which was slightly disappointing after his QB7 finish in 2018. However, he had 4 terrible games where he failed to achieve over 7 points in fantasy which severely hurt his finishing points total, yet towards the end of the season there were signs that Goff was turning things around, and hopefully, he can carry that through to the 2020 season.
Jared Goff 2019 Gamelog:
(Image via ESPN)
Goff's TD figures fell from 32 to 22 last season compared to his 2018 numbers, yet he lead the league with then Tampa Bay QB, Jameis Winston in pass attempts, mainly due to their lack of rushing yards (dropping from 3rd to 26th in 2019) and an underperforming defense. Also, his offensive line ranked 31st in the NFL which was a huge fall from grace after their impressive 2018 season.
2020 Outlook
Goff is going to have to carry on throwing the ball a good amount with the Rams likely leaning on a RBBC approach at RB and I fully expect Goff TD rate to increase after a below-average rate in 2019 (career average: 4.7% - 2019: 3.5%). Rookie RB Cam Akers showed signs in college that he could be an effective pass catcher in the NFL and with the Rams likely to feature more 12 personnel in 2020, Goff could have plenty of easy outlets to pass to.
Conclusion
At an ADP of QB16, I feel Goff is been underrated, as even during the worst situation of his career in 2019 he still finished higher than the QB16. Tied together with a great offensive mind in head coach Sean McVay, I believe with the passing volume that he can achieve, behind hopefully an improved offensive line, a finish somewhere between his 2017 and 2019 finish, a Top 10 QB in 2020, and a consistent dynasty QB for the foreseeable future.
Other Players To Note:
Cam Newton (NE) (ADP: QB20)
Has a fresh start after signing with the Patriots this offseason, teaming up with arguably one of the best NFL coaches ever in Bill Belichick. If back to full health, Newton has at least Top 10 upside with his rushing ability. His value could easily increase with a hot start to the 2020 season.
Derek Carr (LV) (ADP: QB30)
Super cheap currently in dynasty right now, but the Raiders have massively increased Carr's offensive weapons by drafting Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards. While I'm not expecting Carr to a superstar in 2020, I can definitely see his value increasing with a solid season in the Raiders' new home of Las Vegas.
Running Back
David Montgomery
Chicago Bears
Age: 23 - Height: 5'10" - Weight: 222lbs - Exp: 1
Current Dynasty ADP: RB22
2019 Ranking: RB24 (PPR)
David Montgomery's rookie season was a bit of a disappointment considering the hype around him last offseason. A 3rd round pick by the bears, with many expecting big things with little competition for touches with fellow RB Tarik Cohen been used more as the passing-down specialist in the offense. However, Montgomery struggled to get going in 2019 and was largely inefficient, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry.
David Montgomery 2019 Gamelog:
(Image via ESPN)
Montgomery flashed his ability occasionally during the season but he wasn't helped out by poor run blocking (4th worst in the NFL) and also his QB Mitch Trubisky struggled throughout the season. However, the one thing that is often overlooked his the opportunity Montgomery had, ranking Top 12 in the NFL in touches amongst RBs. Yes, he failed to capitalize on the opportunity last year but is it too early to write him off? I believe so.
2020 Outlook
I fully expect Montgomery to match his 242 rushing attempts from 2019, if not exciding them with the Bears been a run-heavy offense. That kind of opportunity is like gold in fantasy football, especially for RBs. Trubisky should improve in 2020, and if not Nick Foles is waiting in the wings. Foles taking over the QB job would give Montgomery another bump, an immobile QB which should give Montgomery an increase in check downs. Also, it's worth noting that the Bears have a fairly attractive rushing strength of schedule (10th easiest via FTN).
Conclusion
It's rare that you can find a RB with such an opportunity with an ADP of RB22. For that reason, and with the Bears hopefully taking a step forward from their performance in 2019, I believe Montgomery's value will jump up from that RB22 value during the season. He has a shot at being a low-end RB1 with still 2 years of his rookie deal left after the 2020 season. A great buy in dynasty right now.
Other Players To Note:
Tony Pollard (DAL) (ADP: RB39)
Showed flashes of his ability when given the chance in his rookie season, posting rushing stats of 86/455/2 and receiving stats of 15/107/1. Talks of Pollard seeing an increased role in 2020 could offer great value, especially in PPR league, for his owners. Dallas is a high powered offense which Pollard could be a nice part of in 2020. Also, one of the top tier handcuffs backing up Ezekiel Elliott
Joshua Kelley (LAC) (ADP: RB51)
Rookie RB who could have an immediate opportunity in the running game alongside Austin Ekeler forming a 1-2 punch. The Chargers should have a strong defense in 2020 so likely looking to pound the ball and slow down play. Kelley could easily see over 150 touches in his rookie season and see his ADP fly up.
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Wide Receiver
Tyler Boyd
Cincinnati Bengals
Age:25 - Height: 6'2" - Wight: 203lbs - Exp:4
Current Dynasty ADP: WR28
2019 Ranking: WR18 (PPR)
Despite playing on the team with the worst record in the NFL, Tyler Boyd had a pretty good season in 2019, finishing the year s the WR18. With AJ Green missing the season due to injury, it gave Boyd the chance to be the team's No.1 target in the passing game, averaged 9 targets a game, and over 11.6 yards per catch.
Tyler Boyd 2019 Gamelog:
(Image via ESPN)
A combination of poor QB play (Andy Dalton struggled and rookie Ryan Finley played 3 games in 2019) and a poor offensive line didn't help Tyler Boyd much last season, yet he still managed to set a career-high in receptions and post another 1000 yard season. He was the Bengals top target in the passing game with a team target% of 24.3% and an impressive 423 yards after the catch (8th in the NFL amongst WRs)
2020 Outlook
Despite AJ Green returning from injury, I still believe Boyd will command a large % of his team's targets in 2020. The addition of the No.1 draft pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Joe Burrow, is a big plus for Boyd. Burrow loved targetting his slot WR Justin Jefferson during his time with LSU, the role that Boyd occupies for the Bengals. Reports out of camp this offseason suggest that Boyd and Burrow have found an immediate connection which is exciting to hear.
Conclusion
I believe that Boyd is a value at WR28 in dynasty. He's coming off a solid season and now he has an upgrade at QB for the foreseeable future in an offense that is going to take a step forward in 2020. I can see him having an uptick in receptions and yards in 2020 with the addition of Burrow. Grab Boyd before his value takes off this season!
Other Players To Note:
Will Fuller (HOU) (ADP: WR47)
While Fuller has struggled with injuries throughout his career, when on the field he has been highly effective. No with Deandre Hopkins been traded away to the Cardinals, Fuller has an opportunity to step into the WR1 role with the Texans. At the price of WR47 he can easily outproduce that with a healthy season, although it is a big IF with Fuller regarding injuries.
Preston Williams (MIA) (ADP: WR52)
Had a great rookie season before tearing his ACL. Still a top option in the passing game for an improving Miami Dolphins offense. Has legitimate high-end WR2 upside at such a cheap price. Again, like Fuller, if Williams can stay healthy his ADP will skyrocket after the 2020 season.
Tight End
Jonnu Smith
Tennessee Titans
Age: 25 - Height: 6'3" - Weight: 248lbs - Exp: 3
Current Dynasty ADP: TE16
2019 Ranking: TE20 (PPR)
Jonnu Smith is a player who has received a fair bit of hype this offseason, yet I still believe he is been undervalued as the TE16 in dynasty. Smith made a slow start to the 2019 season, yet once his snaps increased and Ryan Tannehill took over the QB job in week 7, so did his productivity, posting 4 weekly Top 12 TE finishes. He finished the season with 12.2 yards per reception and a 79.5% catch rate.
Jonnu Smith 2019 Gamelog:
(Image via ESPN)
While the final stat line isn't spectacular, he had to compete with Delanie Walker to begin the season. Once he got his chance he showed flashes with some big plays as a dominant YAC TE, which led Patriots HC Bill Belichick saying "Jonnu Smith is probably the best in the leagues after the catch" in January.
2020 Outlook
The Titans ran the 4th most 2-TE sets in 2019, this means there is a great chance that Smith will have plenty of opportunities to see the field in 2020 if it carries on. He's on a roster with a very shallow WR depth chart with AJ Brown, Corey Davis, and Adam Humphries the 3 starting WRs, and in 2019 the teams TEs finished with a 24% target share, so Smith has a great shot to be one of the Titans' top targets in 2020. His athletic profile has also led to Smith been used occasionally on the ground (4 carries for 78 yards in 2019) so it seems the Titans want to get the ball in Smith's hands as often as they can.
Conclusion
While the Titans are a run-heavy offense, there are still plenty of targets to make Smith a relevant fantasy TE. With an ADP of TE16, I still believe he can outproduce that value and move up to be a Top 10 TE beyond the 2020 season. Jonnu Smith is primed for a breakout in 2020 and this could be your last chance to get him at a good value.
Other Players To Note:
Irv Smith Jr (MIN) (ADP: TE16)
Smith had a solid rookie season behind Kyle Rudolph with the Vikings (36/311/2). A second-round rookie pick who looks to be inline for an increased workload in 2020 with the Vikings thin pass-catching depth chart. With that opportunity, he could see his value increase during the season. Kyle Rudolph isn't getting any younger either, so Smith's longterm outlook also looks attractive.
OJ Howard (TB) (ADP: TE17)
Coming off a disappointing 2019 season and now competing for snaps with Rob Gronkowski, yet we can't ignore OJ Howard's talent at still only 25 years old. He was been drafted as a Top 5 TE last offseason after a great season in 2018 before been injured. I feel Howard is now been undervalued due to Gronkowski's arrival but with Tom Brady at QB and after a strong training camp this offseason I believe Howard could outperform that ADP and become a Top 10 TE again in the near future.
Thank you for reading. Hopefully you are able to acquire some of these guys in your leagues before the season kicks off. Be sure to follow me on twitter @MattFFDynasty for more Fantasy Football content and my DM's are always open if you have any questions.
