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Fantasy Football: Reflecting on players who positively impacted teams in 2019

By Matthew Catalano

Yahoo DFS: LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Chris Godwin #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
Yahoo DFS: LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Chris Godwin #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium on December 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Lamar Jackson (BAL)

Much like the other two players on this list, it seems pretty obvious Lamar Jackson would appear on this list. It’s a no-brainer to have Jackson here and it’s not even a topic to debate in the present. But that wasn’t always the case. There was a time not too far off in the distant past where a lot of people were unsure of what they were going to get with Jackson.

Last year, we saw great promise when he came in midway during the 2018 regular season. We obviously were aware of his running ability as he used his legs to get the Ravens to the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

In his rookie season, he only completed roughly around 58.0% of his passes for 1,201 yards, six passing touchdowns, and three interceptions. On the flip side, he rushed the rock 147 times for 695 yards and an additional five scores while on the ground.

A lot of sports critics were all saying that if Jackson could just get a little more effective with his arm he can be the full package for Baltimore’s offensive attack in 2019. He struggled mightily in the playoffs against the Chargers as he threw for under 200 yards, a pair of touchdowns and a pick. There was no need to panic for his future since he was only a rookie and had plenty of time to correct his weaknesses for next season.

When fantasy drafts went underway in the late summer, there was still some skepticism as to whether Jackson would actually shift into another gear. The risk was quite high to invest in especially with other proven talent available to choose from. Turns out, Jackson was the steal of the draft. Almost the equivalent to Patrick Mahomes in 2018.

In some drafts, Jackson was not even selected at all and was a waiver-wire acquisition after a week or two into the regular season. He is an MVP candidate in both fantasy and the NFL’s standards. A stat-line of 2,889-33-6 through the air and over 1,100 rushing yards for seven more scores is absolutely incredible.

An amazing athlete through and through, Jackson is looking like he will be the next Michael Vick of the NFL with his amazing running ability. Any fantasy team that has him on its roster and is currently competing in the playoffs should know why. Without him, who knows where those squads would be at this very moment?

Next. Fantasy impact of Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon signings. dark

He saved a lot of fantasy teams this season and is a huge difference-maker in terms of winning games for fantasy managers. Relish this moment guys. I wonder if we will be lucky enough to experience a late-round quarterback steal for a third consecutive year come next season.

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