Top-5 Fantasy Rookies for 2020
Fantasy sports is a multi-billion dollar industry that engages millions of fans. The popular fantasy sport these days is football, and with the 2020 NFL Draft in the books, it’s time to pivot towards discussing who might be the top fantasy rookies for the upcoming season.
Now that the draft is complete, and the schedule has been released, fantasy players everywhere have begun plotting their approach for the season. The offseason remains virtual and uncertainty clouds the outlook for training camps and preseason games. But owners are still confident there will be a full 2020 season.
There are a vast number of leagues with different scoring, draft and roster settings, making owners carefully consider which league they’re entering and how they should go about building a team. Options include Standard Scoring, PPR format, or Touchdown Only, as well as Dynasty, Keeper, Auction or Re-Draft Leagues.
What follows is a quick look at the Top-5 Fantasy Rookies for the 2020 NFL season without specific consideration for different scoring or league formats.
Top-5 Fantasy Rookies for 2020
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis
Sure, Marlon Mack returns as a 1,000-yard rusher, but there’s a chance for the Wisconsin star to work into at least a timeshare behind an offensive line that can be dominant when healthy. He’ll play with a savvy veteran quarterback in Phillip Rivers and could be a difference-maker as a fantasy rookie. A two-time Doak Walker Award winner as the top back in the country and a two-time consensus All-American selection, Taylor had three straight seasons of 2,000-plus scrimmage yards in college.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Denver
The 2020 wide receiver class broke several draft records, and Denver’s Jerry Jeudy is considered the best among those selected. He’s the most complete receiver in this draft, and his precise route-running will make him a go-to option for Broncos’ quarterback Drew Lock. Although he’ll lineup across from Courtland Sutton, Jeudy should still see plenty of opportunities. He could lineup in the slot and shouldn’t see opposing teams’ top corners very often.
Top-10 Fantasy Rookies for 2020
D’Andre Swift, RB, Detroit
As fantasy rookies go, some might initially balk at Swift, considering he’ll likely will start in a committee with Kerryon Johnson and Bo Scarbrough. But Matt Patricia could turn to his Bulldog running back and use him in a similar role as his former mentor Bill Belichick uses another former Bulldog in Sony Michel. Swift might be inconsistent from week to week early in the season, but there’s a good chance he leads all rookies in rushing yards in 2020.
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas
When CeeDee Lamb slipped to the Cowboys, he found himself in a favorable position. He’s already among elite company in Dallas. And he projects as a top slot receiver in a potent offense that already features Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup. Lamb should see favorable coverage as a result. Lamb should be a consistent pass-catcher as a result.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City
When the Chiefs took Edwards-Helaire, fantasy owners everywhere were licking their chops. Considering Andy Reid’s love for pass-catching running backs, CEH seems destined to be one of the most productive fantasy rookies. He had 55 catches last season for LSU, and should be a good fit in PPR leagues. He could be the second-coming of Brian Westbrook, but the caution here is Reid’s history with a running back-by-committee approach.
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