Fantasy Football Sleepers 2020: Dolphins RB Matt Breida

Matt Breida has a real opportunity to be fantasy relevant again this season.

On April 25, the Miami Dolphins continued their busy offseason by acquiring running back Matt Breida from the San Francisco 49ers for a fifth-round pick. That was the second acquisition of a running back by the Dolphins in the offseason, as they had also signed Jordan Howard to a contract. Now, from the outside looking in, Howard is the far more praised running back but Breida is the cheaper (and better) option for fantasy football this season. That puts him right in the middle of fantasy football sleepers for 2020.

Breida has shown continued signs of explosiveness and dominance in his first three seasons in the NFL. His only problem has been crowded backfields and having to fight through injury. It was the 2018 season that saw Breida enjoy the most success as he ran for 814 yards with 5.3 yards per attempt. That trend continued in 2019 when he averaged 5.1 yards per attempt but had far fewer opportunities with the addition of Tevin Coleman and the emergence of Raheem Mostert. Now as a Dolphin, he can be the change of pace back and be a top candidate for catches out of the backfield.

And usually, when there are catches so be had, you instantly become a fantasy asset. While Breida’s best season for receptions is only 27, he has shown that he can make work with those if given room to work with. Considering the team he now plays for in the Dolphins, there will be plenty of opportunities for check-downs as they are still likely to be down on the scoreboard more than holding a lead this season.

Another interesting stat to consider when comparing him and Howard was Breida’s ability to break runs. Last season, he ranked fourth in the entire NFL for breakaway percentage with a 6.5. That only shows he can boom at any time when given more opportunities.

Opportunity. That is all Breida has ever needed and usually when he gets it, he makes the most of it. With a role that is solidified entering a contract season, he very well could be the steal of any draft and be the best sleeper all year. Highlight him on your cheat sheet come draft day.