2020 Sleepers

The 2019 fantasy season has come to an end for all leagues as the NFL playoffs begin tomorrow. They say you can't win a league in the first round, but you can certainly win it in the 12th round or on the waiver wires and this year was do different. In many cases, the difference between a 1st and last place finish this year was a single late-round or waiver wire sleeper picks like Lamar Jackson, AJ Brown, Brashad Perriman, Davante Parker, Darren Waller or Raheem Mostert. In this post, I'm going to be jumping way ahead and talking about guys who may be next year's mid and late-round breakout picks.

Mike Williams' talent has never been in question, but fantasy owners are still waiting for him to consistently produce

Mike Williams (WR Chargers) - Mike Williams was supposed to break out last year. And the year before. And the year before that. While he did have 10 touchdowns and 662 yards last year and broke the 1K receiving mark this year (although with only 2 touchdowns), his extreme upside leaves much to be desired. Philip Rivers has been slowing down recently, but it hasn't stopped Williams from physically dominating smaller defensive backs. With a new quarterback like Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert likely on the way, Williams has the talent to skyrocket into a top 5 wide receiver next year. You can't realistically say that about any other wide receivers in the mid rounds. If you're looking to take a boom-or-bust shot next year at the WR position, Mike WIlliams should be your guy.

For the New England passing attack to improve, N'Keal Harry will have to make a major 2nd year leap

N'Keal Harry (WR Patriots) - The Patriots biggest weakness this season has been at their receiving corps with the departures of Rob Gronkowski, Josh Gordon, and Antonio Brown. Rookie N'Keal Harry was expected to pick up some of the slack behind an almost nonexistant set of wide receivers behind Julian Edelman. While there is still time to break out in the playoffs, it has been a mostly disappointing year for the rookie, who had a total of 12 catches for 105 yards on the year while battling multiple injuries. However, if Tom Brady comes back next season, expect Harry to build a stronger connection with the GOAT quarterback, command a larger target share, and capitalize on the opportunity with his combination of size, quickness, and hands.

Once again, Darrel Henderson's production will depend on the health of Todd Gurley

Darrell Henderson (RB Rams) - Everyone knew that Darrel Henderson would either be a fantasy dud or high-end running back this year. That fate depended on Todd Gurley's knee and it looks to have held up just fine this year. However, you can never take anything for granted with his health and if anything were to happen to the superstar back next year, look for Henderson to take the lion's share of the workload. With the Rams missing the playoffs after a Super Bowl appearance next year, expect them to ride the higher-upside Henderson over veteran Malcolm Brown if anything were to happen to Gurley. Next year can look like his 39 carry, 147 yard 2019 season or it could look a whole lot bigger.

Justice Hill is working behind 2 other backs, but he is in the dream situation to succeed

Justice Hill (RB Ravens) - The Ravens were a historically good team on the ground this year, averaging 5.5 YPC for a record-breaking 3296 rushing yards on the season. Now, Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards figure to be ahead of Hill next year, but Ingram is 30 years old and may start showing signs of wear and tear soon. Scouting reports had Hill as one of the quickest and most explosive backs coming out of college, so if Hill can seize the reigns as the RB1 or even RB1B next year on the offensive juggernaut Ravens, look for a big year.

If Hunter Henry can stay healthy, he will return on his projected mid-round price tag

Hunter Henry (TE Chargers) - Hunter Henry has shown enormous potential at the tight end position in the last four years. He was projected to be the newest edition to the big-3 at tight ends, but injuries have derailed his career thus far. Because of his injury history, there is a very good chance that Henry will come at a major discount next year, likely in the 4-6 round range, although he has shown the ability to easily jump into a round 2-3 player. In 12 games this year, he posted 652 yards and 5 touchdowns, but like Mike Williams, with a new quarterback, the sky is the limit for the emerging superstar.