So the season is drawing closer, and our 2020 season projections are done- so let’s continue with WRs that will fail expectations. If you want to have a go at making your own projections then you can have a go by using our projections workbook. Otherwise- let’s get stuck in!
2020 Season Projections: WRs That Will Fail Expectations
Odell Beckham Jr (CLE, KFS Rank: 20 ECR: 13)
The Case For
Beckham is a supreme talent. There is no denying that. Even in an off year (like he had last year) he still finished with over 1,000 yards.
The Case Against
The Browns moved away from moving the ball through the air last season when it didn’t work. Instead, they’ve doubled down on the running game in bringing in new head coach Kevin Stefanski and bringing back Kareem Hunt.
Summary
Ultimately, I’m staying away from Beckham. I’m worried about the team moving away from throwing the ball, reducing the potential targets. Combined with the fact that Beckham will continue to face tight coverage- I’m staying away.
Amari Cooper (DAL, KFS Rank: 21 ECR: 14)
The Case For
Cooper is the lead receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, and has a healthy share of the targets. Equally, the Dallas offense became more pass-happy last season, so there could be more targets for the offense as a whole.
The Case Against
Cooper can be infuriating to own, as he is wildly inconsistent. With the increased depth the team has at receiver, there are more mouths to feed- meaning increased competition.
Summary
The competition for targets in Dallas isn’t the concern for me- I think Cooper will continue seeing the lion’s share of them. What concerns me is that he will be less efficient in previous seasons, as his role will change with young blood in the offense.
Courtland Sutton (DEN, KFS Rank: 29 ECR: 23)
The Case For
Sutton is the only player on the offense that has returned on the offense, and was a big part of what worked last year. With another year under his belt in the offense, he could take another step forward this year.
The Case Against
Last year, there wasn’t a big competition for targets. This year, the team brought in two rookies at receiver and a free agent running back. That increased competition could limit the number of targets that Sutton gets in the offense.
Summary
Ultimately, I side with Sutton struggling. I think he was effective last year as he was one of the only options on offense. There is a chance that he continues as the alpha, but there are safer options out there.
So that’s it! Certainly this season there seems to be even more options than there have been in previous seasons- albeit with varying risk levels. What do you think? Let us know if you disagree! You can find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Image Credit: Ken Blaze/Scott Galvin – USA TODAY Sports
