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Fantasy football sleeper picks you shouldn’t snooze on in 2020

By Matthew Catalano

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 27: Allen Robinson #12 of the Chicago Bears rects after catching a pass during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Soldier Field on October 27, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 27: Allen Robinson #12 of the Chicago Bears rects after catching a pass during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Soldier Field on October 27, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 24: Wide receiver Jamison Crowder #82 of the New York Jets points during warmups prior to the game against the Oakland Raiders at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Jamison Crowder – NYJ

Much like their MetLife tenants, the New York Jets also have been going through an excruciating rebuild for an extensive period of time. Similarly to the Giants, they too have a few bright spots on their offense worth monitoring as we begin to prepare for the 2020 fantasy draft.

While “Gang Green” possesses one of the most talented runners in the league (Le’Veon Bell), his relationship with head coach Adam Gase is on shaky ground. So rather than focus on Bell I’d like everyone to take a gander at Jamison Crowder who was one of the best slot receivers in the last year.

In 2019, he caught 78 passes for 833 yards and six touchdowns for the Jets. The chemistry he had built with quarterback Sam Darnold throughout the year was very special and something all fantasy managers love to see.

Crowder’s production hit a bit of a snag when Darnold had to sit out three contests with mono, but when he returned, the magic resumed. After Darnold had recovered, Crowder was targeted 94 times which was the 14th-most among receivers between Week’s 5-17.

Slot receivers typically tend to benefit a lot in fantasy as their usage is much higher than that of their deep threat co-padres. Cooper Kupp in Los Angeles or even Adam Thielen in Minnesota can attest to this statement.

Volume is king in fantasy and Crowder most certainly possesses this quality. The arrival of Breshad Perriman and Denzel Mims shouldn’t intimidate anyone interested in Crowder. They are more of a downfield threat to opposing defenses so Crowder’s role in the slot should not diminish at all. In fact, it could be beneficial as less attention will be focused upon him with all of the weapons around Darnold.

If the Jets can just get their running back Bell more involved in the passing game this year, then Crowder’s value will only improve. The more talent, the less attention gets pegged on one guy. The Jets have the talent to make this work for Crowder, but the question remains will they follow through?

Judging by their strong finish from last season I’m leaning more towards a yes. Don’t make me regret saying this Jets!

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