10 bold predictions for the 2020 NFL season

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on prior to Super Bowl LIV between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 29: Running Back Miles Sanders #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles follows the action against the New York Giants in the rain in the first half at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) /

1. Philadelphia Eagles tailback Miles Sanders becomes the next big thing

In 2019, veteran running back Jordan Howard “stole” many of rookie Miles Sanders’ touches. This is not uncommon, though, as franchises often prefer to work in a youngster with the shared production of a vet like Howard.

Now Howard is gone. In March, he inked a deal with Miami Dolphins for a two-year stint valued at around five million per season. This makes the running back room in Philadelphia a bit less congested. The team still has running backs Boston Scott and Corey Clement, but Sanders is probably the bonafide RB1.

Last season, Miles Sanders averaged 5.79 yards per touch. On the other hand, Howard notched a 4.6 mark in this parameter. Sanders is significantly more versatile than Howard in that he is an astute catcher of the football. Howard was showcased in situations where touchdowns were needed, but it’s time to allow Sanders a crack at this responsibility.

On 9.2 percent of all touches in 2019, Miles Sanders notched offensive gains of 15 yards or more. By the numbers, it made him the league’s fourth-most explosive running back.

If allotted the “going rate” for a steadfast RB1 of near 300 touches, Miles Sanders will account for 1,700 yards from scrimmage. Sprinkle in some maturity, and Sanders should tally around 10 or more touchdowns, too.

Fantasy owners — it’s ok to salivate.

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