Fantasy football: Five quarterbacks who were helped most this offseason
By Brian Towne
AFC quarterbacks
Denver Broncos, QB Drew Lock
Additions: RB Melvin Gordon, WR Jerry Jeudy, WR KJ Hambler, TE Nick Vannett, TE Albert Okwuegbunam
No team has helped it’s QB more than the Broncos did. Gordon, despite his poor 2019 will help immensely in the passing game, not only receiving, but in pass protection as well. He joins Phillip Lindsay, a back-to-back 1000+ yard runner. In the draft, the team added arguably the smoothest route runner in Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hambler, who excels after the catch. They will go along with Courtland Sutton, who blossomed last year with over 1100+ receiving yards. A couple new TE’s join Noah Fant, who gained over 500 yards as rookie, no small feat for a tight end. Given the upgrades around him, there’s no doubt Lock should improve on his five encouraging starts from 2019 earning fantasy sleeper status in 2020.
Verdict: Taking a late-round flier, as your backup to Mahomes or Jackson is not a bad gamble.
Las Vegas Raiders, QB Derek Carr
Additions: RB Lynn Bowden, RB Devontae Booker, WR Henry Ruggs III, WR Bryan Edwards, WR Nelson Agholor, TE Jason Witten
Raiders brass had been vocal about getting Carr more help on offense even before the Antonio Brown dumpster fire last year. Ruggs III, an explosive dynamo, was the 1st WR drafted and should be the teams #1 threat before long, making a nice trio with RB Jeremy Jacobs and TE Darren Waller, who were the only skill position pieces in 2019 that garnered any attention from opposing defenses. This offseason, Carr got more toys to play with, but also potential competition in Marcus Mariota. This is a make or break year for Carr, he will be judged largely on how well he incorporates the new talent. If he struggles in the eyes of the decision makers, Mariota will get an opportunity to start some games.
Verdict: Stay away from Derek Carr until he proves he can hold off Mariota.