It is almost the end of February 2020 with the Super bowl having been concluded a few weeks ago. And yet different news stories of the 2020 NFL season are already heating up. With Drew Brees announcing another year with the Saints and the uncertainty surrounding where Tom Brady is going to end up, the discussion around the NFL leagues will continue to go on. Then there is the NFL 2020 draft which is just 8 weeks away! Having said that, there is no better way to start your fantasy football season as soon as possible. Whether you are going to start a dynasty league or going to participate in a casual PPR or standard leagues, it is always a good idea to prepare yourself for the upcoming season.
We have researched the top 10 NFL fantasy football draft players which will surely make a huge impact in the upcoming season. The position of the pick is based on the player’s past performance and the circumstances of the upcoming season. We have done scientific research before listing these players however, still, they may change depending on the situation as it did with Antonio Brown in 2019. But for now here are our top 10 players for the 2020 Fantasy Football season.
1. Christian McCaffrey, RB, (Carolina Panthers)
No surprises there at all. McCaffrey’s work ethics and his workload have made him a huge name in the past year. In 2019 Christian McCaffrey made 287 rushing attempts for 1387 yard and he scored a staggering 15 rushing TD’s. To make this even more terrific, McCaffrey also caught 116 passes for 1005 yards while catching 4 passes in the end zone taking his total TD tally to 19.
Now the biggest question going into the 2020 season will be whether McCaffrey will be given the same workload. And the answer to a question like that would be with a guy like McCaffrey, WHY NOT? Matt Rhule is a pro RB coach who has done well in his college coaching years. So, we have little fear that McCaffrey stats in 2020 will dwindle.
2. Ezekiel Elliot, RB, (Dallas Cowboys)
Most people may not agree with us putting Ezekiel at number 2 but the thing about him is that he never disappoints. He has continued to put up numbers year after year. In fantasy football, consistency is the key if you want to win. Sure enough, Ezekiel numbers were down from the 2018 season but still, he rushed for 1,357 yards in 301 carries and scored 12 times through the ground. You have to get McCaffrey if you are number 1 in draft order otherwise Ezekiel Elliot is the safest option afterward who will continue to shine in 2020.
3. Michael Thomas, WR, (New Orleans Saints)
Michael Thomas is perhaps the safest bet in terms of the wide receiver ever since Calvin Johnson retired – that is the reason Michael Thomas is on number 3 on my list. When Drew Brees got injured there was a huge concern about Michael’s production, however, not only the backup QB Teddy Bridgewater played brilliantly but Michael’s targets were never down. He continued to be a workhorse.
Michael Thomas has a rare talent with the right amount of size, strength and speed with safe hands (just like Calvin Johnson). With Drew Brees announcing another year with the Saints, Michael Thomas will be again the center of Brees’s attention in this upcoming season.
4. Saquon Barkley, RB, (New York Giants)
Admittedly, Saquon’s 2019 season was a bit disappointing but a high ankle sprain in a running back is just a killer. However, Saquon’s potential cannot be denied in any way. We think that with Daniel Jones returning as NY Giants QB, the coach Joe Judge may make the necessary changes to build an offense similar to the Ravens which will create immediate value for not only Jones but it will boost up the offensive value of Saquon Barkley. Going into the 2020 season, we are placing Saquon on number 4 on our list.
5. Dalvin Cook, RB, (Minnesota Vikings)
In 2019, Cook’s start was nothing short of a dream start. In his first 7 games of the 2019 season, Cook had 5 games where he rushed for 100 yards or more. In the 8th game, he rushed for 98 yards. Kirk Cousins’s presence has been a blessing for Cook and Minnesota’s read-option worked really well.We think this year will be the best year for Dalvin Cook and he will be a definite top 5 fantasy player.
6. Nick Chubb, RB, (Cleveland Browns)
When you talk about workhorse you have to mention Nick Chubb no matter what. Chubb ran for 1494 yards in 298 carries with an impressive average of 5.0. He had 8 games where he carried the ball 20 times or more. Expect him to be the best offensive player for the Browns in the 2020 season. Chubb is definitely a safe and best draft pick at number 6.
7. Alvin Kamara, RB, (New Orleans Saints)
Alvin Kamara had a down season in 2019 but most of it can be blamed on his high ankle sprain. Sean Peyton has been known to play it safe and I think that’s why Alvin Kamara was not given a green light when It came to big plays. Expect Kamara to be back in 2020 with full swing and if you want a player closer to McCaffrey then, of course, look no further than Kamara.
8. Derrick Henry, RB, (Tennessee Titans)
Derrick Henry was a total beast in 2019. He carried his whole team on his shoulders to the AFC championship game. He gave the word “Workhorse” a whole new meaning in the 2019 season. He scored 16 rushing touchdowns and led the league in rushing with 1540 yards with an amazing 5.1 YPA. Expect Mike Vrabel to give Henry a good workload in 2020 as well.
9. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, (Houston Texans)
DeAndre Hopkins will have a great season in 2020. Part of Hopkins’s success can be credited to the starting quarterback DeShaun Watson who keeps getting better best every year and is expected to perform at his best in the 2020 season. In our opinion in 2020 Watson-Hopkins will be one of the best QB-WR connections.
10. Tyreek Hill, WR, (Kansas City Chiefs)
Speedster Tyreek Hill had a low fantasy season but he made up most of it in the postseason. We should expect the same performance in the 2020 season. Let’s face it, no one can become open and create a gap as Hill does and that’s why there are certain plays in Andy Reid’s play-book that have been specifically designed for Hill. Expect Chief’s star QB Mahomes to throw to Hill’s way in the upcoming season. He will remain a very important offensive weapon in the 2020 season.
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