Welcome back to part two of the League Winners fantasy football ‘league winners’ series. If you missed part one, check it out here.
If you’ve already read it and need a refresher, here’s the premise.
There are many strategies people use to draft their fantasy football teams. Zero running back, robust running back, anchor tight end, positional stacks, etc. All of those strategies are great, but they all have one thing in common. They all revolve around finding players that will outperform their ADP (average draft position). Last year, players like Stefon Diggs and Darren Waller were picked in the middle rounds, but according to ESPN data, were on more than 20% of championship rosters on the ESPN fantasy platform.
A couple of contributors to The League Winner have joined forces Avengers-style to pick out some players that we think will outperform their ADP and be “league winners” in fantasy drafts for you. If you enjoy this, check back over the next couple of days as we break down our league winners at each position.
Jeremy Shulman (@FF_Rebel): Raheem Mostert
Raheem Mostert is the type of player that fantasy football managers hate to rely on. When healthy, he’s the clear-cut top option in the San Francisco 49ers elite running game. The problem, of course, is assuming Mostert can stay healthy. In his age 28 season, Mostert managed to play in just eight games, only seeing a snap share north of 50% in Week 1 of 2020.
Though we know Mostert is a threat to find the injured reserve (he’s already been limited due to a minor knee issue this offseason), he’s still far too low on fantasy football draft boards right now. Mostert currently sits as the RB31 according to Sleeper’s August 1st PPR ADP data, behind guys like Leonard Fournette, Melvin Gordon, and James Robinson.
I get it. All of these backs have elite, younger competition in their running back rooms, and Mostert is no different with Trey Sermon in line to see significant touches. However, he’s been elite when on the field. Mostert has averaged 5.6 yards per carry over his career, while posting the same 5.6 yards but on a per touch basis in 2020, good enough for 8th in the league at the position. Further, Mostert posted the two fastest plays in the league last season, proving he’s a burner out in open space. And, I didn’t even mention the 49ers un-injured defense likely returning to form.
I don’t care that the 49ers signed and drafted a million RBs. Mostert is still the RB1. If he can remain healthy, he’ll eat as a mid-range RB2.
Jesse Moeller (@JMoeller05): Travis Etienne
Travis Etienne has an elite prospect profile and is depreciated by the presence of a UDFA in the backfield.
I will happily take the first-round running back paired up with his college quarterback. Etienne profiles as a great pass-catching back at minimum, in an offense that will need to pass early and often. In PPR leagues, we want pass-catching running backs with a path to an even more comprehensive role. Etienne has the road to a top-12 season this year in fantasy football. Getting him in the 5th or 6th round of drafts feels like a steal. Grab him at his ADP.
Keith James (@HighonSports28): Antonio Gibson
Antonio Gibson is my favorite back from the loaded 2020 class. His quick first step and ability to burst through the hole makes him a home run waiting to happen. His draft capital will cost you a 2nd round pick (ADP 17, RB11) but he is worth the cost. Antonio Gibson could be the next CMC. If the WFT unleashes Gibson and gives him 280-300 touches this year he could be a top-5 running back in fantasy football. His soft schedule during the fantasy playoffs is another key to AG helping you win your league this season especially.
Matt Alquiza (@AlquizaFFB): JK Dobbins
If you remember correctly, my quarterback league winner was Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Yes, I’m double-dipping on Ravens players, but J.K. Dobbins has an opportunity to be a top-5 running back that you can draft in the third round.
Dobbins finished 2020 with a stat line of 134 carries, 805 yards, and eight touchdowns on the ground while chipping in with 18 receptions and 120 yards through the air.
Last season eight running backs ran for double-digit touchdowns on the ground, and all of them finished as the RB14 or better in half PPR. The Ravens have led the league in rushing attempts for the past three seasons, and they’re a good bet to do it again in 2020.
If Dobbins can replace Mark Ingram‘s 2020 production and find pay dirt two more times in 2021, he will without a doubt finish as an RB1 and over-produce on his current fantasy football ADP of RB15.
