Welcome back! I’m back with a new segment of Division Reviews. These articles will go division by division talking about the fantasy impact these teams made and peek into next year.
Miami Dolphins
Biggest Surprises: The Miami Dolphins were not a team who had a ton of talent but for us in fantasy, but there were many surprises. The passing game had a huge role for fantasy since the Dolphins were behind in games usually. Ryan Fitzpatrick always has had that gunslinger style but he had a great fantasy season. From weeks six-to-16, he was a top three fantasy quarterback. Fitzpatrick's success also made his receivers have breakout seasons. Preston Williams showed glimpses of his talent and was a solid PPR option for a few weeks. Devante Parker, after five seasons, finally had his breakout season. From Week Three and on, Parker was a top-three wide receiver and ended the season with 1,204 receiving yards. He was a big draft bargain for us in 2019. Someone else who also was a huge bargain during the season was Mike Gesicki. He took a big jump in year two with 570 yards and five touchdowns.
Disappointments: In terms of fantasy if you attempted to play Miami DST in weeks one or two then you were very upset with yourselves. The other quarterback, Josh Rosen, was a huge disappointment for the Dolphins and fantasy after an embarrassing three starts. One thing we couldn’t rely on all season was the Dolphins' running back core. Not one running back was able to produce more than 15 fantasy points in a game. Fitzpatrick was actually the Dolphins’ leading rusher.
What to look forward to: The Dolphins can only go up from here, right? The passing game should continue to be fantasy relevant as long as Fitzpatrick is back at quarterback. Parker, Gesick and Williams involved in this offense if the gang all comes back. Parker should be drafted in all leagues next season. Gesicki and Williams will be late-round fliers in drafts. Also, if Miami were to draft one of the top backs in this draft than that player could show value in fantasy in 2020.
New York Jets
Biggest Surprises: The Jets had a few bright spots on this disappointing season. Jameison Crowder, who I predicted would have a solid season, did just that. He had a very productive fantasy season, especially in PPR leagues. Late second half-season, Robbie Anderson once again did what he did best and played very well in the final stretch. From weeks 11 to 16, he had four touchdowns. Both receivers were in the top 20 from Week Six and on. Ryan Griffin also stepped up during the season for the injured Chris Herndon as he put up 320 yards and five touchdowns.
Disappointments: One of the biggest disappointments had to be Adam Gase for killing Le'Veon Bell's fantasy value. Bell was RB19 on the season after being taken in most first or second rounds of the drafts. He had his lowest statistical season in his career in most categories. During the second half of the season, he was less involved in the passing game after only 26 receptions in eight games. Robbie Anderson falls on this list too as he was drafted high as he was expected to have a big season. He finished WR38 after the late surge at the end of the season. Sam Darnold had his moments in a few games but overall under performed for us in fantasy.
What to look forward to: Can Adam Gase get the best of Sam Darnold? Darnold will be in his third season and for fantasy will be a late-round pickup. It will really depend if the offense all comes back. Robbie Anderson is a free agent and could be on the move. Le'Veon Bell also could be traded this off-season. Do the Jets draft a stud rookie receiver in the draft? Does Quice Enunwa and Chris Herndon coming back, or does the offense change? There is a lot of question marks that will need to be answered. Darnold is worth a QB2 for your teams in drafts. Crowder and Anderson are draftable in 2020. Bell is an early third-round pick in he stays with the Jets. Herndon will need to prove if he can be a startable TE in this league.
Buffalo Bills
Biggest Surprises: There were many surprises in 2019 for the Buffalo Bills in fantasy. Josh Allen took major steps in his development for us in fantasy. He finished sixth in quarterbacks after the Bills made moves for him. Allen did very well in the air but his legs provided with 500 yards and nine touchdowns. Allen’s development was a success with the two veteran receivers, John Brown and Cole Bealeasy. Brown was able to finish in the top 20 and formed a solid connection with Allen. He had a stretch of games at the beginning of the year that he either had 60 yards receiving or a touchdown in a game. Beasley also had an impressive season too and had one of his best statistical seasons. Devin Singletary jumped from fourth on the depth chart to being a solid fantasy running back. During the second half of the fantasy season, Singletary finished inside the top 20 in running backs. From Week 11, he also played at least 70 percent of the snap for the rest of the season.
Disappointments: There weren't too many disappointing things about the Bills in fantasy. There was no third passing option to step up in 2019. It would have been nice to see if T.J. Yelden could make some fantasy noise. Dawson Knox couldn't break the rookie trend and be more productive.
What to look forward to: Everyone! The Bills' offense is looking to grow in 2020. In Fantasy, Josh Allen looks to be a quarterback that is draftable in 2020 drafts. John Brown should be a solid low-end WR2 in drafts. Early projections around the sixth or seventh rounds. Beasley looks to be a solid late-round PPR wide receiver, who can put up reliable numbers. Singletary, if Gore is gone, will probably be drafted higher than he should. Singletary will be a big breakout candidate in 2020. Bills should be considered for fantasy teams for next year.
New England Patriots
Biggest Surprises: Tom Brady’s first-half dominate in fantasy was a great surprise for many owners who drafted him. He was a top-six fantasy quarterback and put up great numbers. Seeing a young guy in Jocab Meyers was a pleasant surprise as he saw an opportunity with injuries. He was able to get in some important games and seems like a good hold in dynasty. Damien Harris having no relevant play this season was very surprising but it is the Patriots. Seeing AB in a Patriots uniform was an interesting surprise.
Disappointments: Patriots were not one for many fantasy-relevant players in 2019. Besides Julian Edelman, no one really stepped up for us to start. The mix of Phillip Dorsett and Mohamed Sanu never seems to be a consistent option. N'Keal Harry was injured most of the season but never had that connection with Brady’s trust. Sony Michael seems like a headache for most of the season. You never really know when you were going to start him and when you did, you felt sad. Brady’s huge decline in the second half really hurt fantasy owners. He was QB23 for the final half of the season. The lack of any fantasy-relevant tight end made the fantasy tight end world even weaker.
What to look forward to: Another year of the confusing running back rotation that the Patriots continue to give us. Sony Michel and James White both look like mid-round values at running back. Damien Harris and N’keal Harry taking the next steps in their developments and becoming more involved in the offense. Edelman may be the only real Patriots player you want in 2020 but he is getting up there in age. You can find yourself a solid WR2 in the fourth round of drafts. Brady is draftable but cant is trusted for a whole season.
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