Early-Season Dynasty Buys
The NFL season is finally upon us. And while the focus for many fantasy gamers and analysts is on seasonal leagues and DFS, it’s an important time for dynasty managers as well. It’s a prime window to buy some players who are flying under the radar but are in for a productive season. Here are some of my guys to consider as dynasty buys.
Eric Ebron PIT TE (27):
Eric Ebron is my “My Guy” at TE for 2020 and beyond. Fantasy players easily forget how dominant Ebron was in 2018 with a competent QB. He was particularly efficient in the red-zone with 13 TD’s on 110 total targets. Fast forward to 2020, and Ebron once again has a competent QB throwing him the ball. Ebron is only 27 and in the prime of his career. He signed a 2-year contract this offseason and will be an integral part of the offense. The Steelers have a plethora of pass-catching options but none have the red-zone prowess of Ebron. With little-to-no competition behind him, he should be on the field constantly for the Steelers. With the emergence of Diontae Johnson and the presence of star JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ebron should consistently battle single coverage. Ebron doesn’t have much hype around him in dynasty circles, because of this, he can be had for cheap. He is a perfect second TE to roster with immense upside. His dynastyleaguefootball.com ADP is currently TE28. At that price, Ebron is a no-brainer trade target for any dynasty player that is weak at TE.
Jordan Howard MIA RB (25):
Jordan Howard has been a consistent RB in the NFL for the last four seasons. Most fantasy players don’t realize Howard is just 25 years old and in the prime of his career. Howard joins a Dolphins team that struggled mightily on the ground in 2019. For example, veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick led the team in rushing yards this past season. The Dolphins made moves to bolster their offensive line, which will open up lanes for Howard in the running game. Howard has some competition behind him with the ‘Phins bringing in former 49er Matt Brieda. Breida is a quality change of pace and receiving back that will compliment Howard nicely. Howard has the frame and experience to handle a full workload as the lead back in the NFL. His dynastyleaguefootball.com ADP is currently RB39. Howard won’t be a sexy play each week, but his floor is perfect for an RB3 on any roster. The buzz behind Howard has been very quiet, but any RB that has a floor of 200 touches is worth monitoring.
James Conner PIT RB (25):
James Conner is unquestionably one of the most talented RB’s in football when healthy. He has shown the ability to be a very valuable fantasy asset. Conner finished as the RB7 in 13 games during the 2018 season. Conner has battled injuries the last two years, and thus, his value has plummeted. He is currently the RB25 in ADP according to dynastyleaguefootball.com. The Steelers have shown the ability to be one of the top offenses in football. With the return of Big Ben, the Steelers offense will once again scare defenses. This means more opportunity in the red-zone for Conner to punch it into the end zone. The Steelers defense is one of the best in football and should allow the Steelers to maintain leads and feed their stud RB. Conner struggled with efficiency in 2019 due to the imbalance in the offense, with little-to-no consistency in the passing game. Conner is in a contract year and has some capable competition behind him. He has plenty of fuel heading into the 2020 season. If Conner stays healthy, he will greatly outperform his ADP and reward the fantasy players who roster him. At his current value, Conner is too good to pass up. He could return to top 10 form this season.
