Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen certainly made strides in 2019, in his second NFL season, but his main value to fantasy football managers was, as it was in his rookie campaign, what he did with his legs. Allen rushed for more than 1,100 yards combined in his first two NFL seasons and added 17 touchdowns. We love that, of course, but as a pure passer, eh, Allen was below average in completion percentage, yards per attempt, essentially all relevant categories. Sure, Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson figured out how to pass better in his second season, but there was little reason to think Allen would follow the same path.
Then he did. Boy, did Josh Allen improve. He finished first in fantasy points for the 2020 season!
Look, one should never treat all athletes of a certain skill set the same and assume they will progress and/or regress at a similar rate, but whenever I see a running quarterback with already significant value, I will also no longer presume gains cannot be made with his arm. The similar narrative on Jackson and Allen was that they were incapable of becoming great enough passers to challenge defenses, and the former won the 2019 MVP award and the latter should absolutely be in the 2020 MVP conversation for the 13-3 Bills. The Bills presented Allen a serious, motivated wide receiver weapon in Stefon Diggs, and look what happened. Nobody caught more passes. Nobody had more receiving yards.
In fact, take things a step further here.
Who will be the "running quarterback" to make strides during the 2021 season? Well, Philadelphia Eagles surprise Jalen Hurts might or might not be the starter, depending on how the Carson Wentz saga ends, if it ever does. (Watch out if they get a decent wide receiver, though.) Taysom Hill could start for the New Orleans Saints if Drew Brees rides into the proverbial sunset. Perhaps someone we never considered gets a chance and shines. The point is, we should have learned by now to open our minds to running quarterbacks becoming fantasy stars, because when we are able to combine typical running back and quarterback numbers, it makes all the difference in fantasy football.
OK, time to move on to the team-by-team aspect of this end-of-season column with what we have learned and/or general thoughts. Since there are 32 teams, I will try to be somewhat brief.
Team-by-team rundowns
Scan through all 32 NFL teams alphabetically, or click here to jump ahead to your team:
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAC | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WAS
Arizona Cardinals
We learned that adding DeAndre Hopkins to the wide receiver group was akin to uniting Allen and Diggs. Kyler Murray took the steps to stardom as a passer and rusher, though we saw how running takes a toll on these quarterbacks, as Murray's final six weeks indicated. We also learned that people love Kenyan Drake more than they should. We still await his first 1,000-yard rushing season.
Atlanta Falcons
We learned Calvin Ridley could outscore Julio Jones not only because of the missed games but even on a game-by-game basis. Perhaps a different Falcons wide receiver makes our top 10 in 2021. I also learned I was correct to fade Todd Gurley II. Arthritic knees do not suddenly heal.
Baltimore Ravens
We learned that it was indeed foolish how rookie RB J.K. Dobbins failed to see major volume the first two-plus months over what was left of veteran Mark Ingram II. What were the Ravens looking at? Was it not obvious? We knew Lamar Jackson could not duplicate his numbers and he did not come close, but he sure finished strong. We learned a quarterback can actually amass consecutive 1,000-yard rushing campaigns, too.
Buffalo Bills
We learned that neither Devin Singletary nor Zack Moss seem bound for fantasy stardom. Was it because of Josh Allen hogging all the rushing touchdowns? Doubtful. Then again, the Bills might not need or even seek a running back upgrade.
Carolina Panthers
We learned the sheer volume of usage from one amazing season can have major repercussions on the next one. RB Christian McCaffrey sure was awesome in his three games. However, three games! We also learned Robby Anderson, like so many others in recent times, just needed to escape the Jets to emerge. Two offenses boast three wide receivers among the top 25 in PPR (point per reception) scoring: the Steelers and the Panthers.
Chicago Bears
We learned that David Montgomery can at least take advantage of bad rushing defenses. Montgomery posted 20-plus-point PPR efforts in each of the final six games and finished fourth in scoring at his position for the season. He didn't run so well the first half of the season. Which do you believe? I probably fade him in 2021, and if you buy what Mitchell Trubisky is selling, you are on your own. C'mon, people. The Bears still need a QB!
Cincinnati Bengals
We learned that QB Joe Burrow can definitely be a fantasy starter, though it's dangerous to assume it in 2021, since he'll be coming off a major knee injury. We learned that rookie Tee Higgins can join Tyler Boyd as potential WR2 options soon and that A.J. Green cannot. As for Joe Mixon, eh, would you have returned to this?
Cleveland Browns
We learned that playoffs are indeed possible for all NFL franchises. We learned that the offense always revolved around a pair of awesome running backs in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, and not wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. I think we also learned that QB Baker Mayfield is not going to become a fantasy asset.
Dallas Cowboys
We learned that Ezekiel Elliott, who thanks to a big September still finished as a top-10 PPR running back, is not the same when QB Dak Prescott is out. Frankly, Tony Pollard looked better than Elliott did for much of the season, so keep him in mind for when he gets his chance. We saw enough to know WR CeeDee Lamb is a future star.
Denver Broncos
We learned that this enticing corps of young wide receivers really needs a quarterback. Drew Lock seems like he is not the answer. The Broncos and fantasy investors can get away with relying on RB Melvin Gordon III another year, should they desire.
Detroit Lions
We learned that another poorly coached team fell for adding and giving touches to a limited Adrian Peterson, even when a hotshot rookie was obviously better. D'Andre Swift was far from perfect this season, but he's an RB1. Well, unless the Lions block him again. Also, good for you, Marvin Jones Jr. You won fantasy leagues for myriad folks.
Green Bay Packers
We learned that Aaron Rodgers was hardly too old or lacking in weapons. Fantasy managers underestimated him, yet again. Forty-eight touchdown passes versus five interceptions! WR Davante Adams is also amazing, and he is worthy of the No. 1 overall choice in 2021. RB Aaron Jones has major game, but we learned in one December night that AJ Dillon might be able to match his production. We even learned how to pronounce the name of tight end Robert Tonyan: It rhymes with "onion."
Houston Texans
We learned that RB David Johnson continues to fool not only fantasy managers but real-life evaluators as well. What a ridiculous trade that was for DeAndre Hopkins. There is some good news: Deshaun Watson overcame it all, from the roster to the coaching, and became the latest to lead the league in passing yards and not win the Super Bowl. Still, he outscored Russell Wilson, Tom Brady and Lamar Jackson.
Indianapolis Colts
We learned that QB Jacoby Brissett could have won the same number of games as Philip Rivers did. Perhaps that's a bit mean, but Rivers was not good. Upgrade needed in 2021. We learned that Jonathan Taylor is an RB1, and like Swift, it just took him a bit longer to show it. Fantasy managers must learn to be patient when an obvious running back star just needs more time to emerge.
Jacksonville Jaguars
We learned that opportunity is often more important than talent, in any fantasy sport. So what if RB James Robinson went undrafted, in real life and ours? So what if the offense around him lacked, um, precision? He had a great rookie season, and Laviska Shenault Jr. will love playing with Trevor Lawrence, and we will love them both.
Kansas City Chiefs
We learned that even without major rushing numbers, there is nobody safer than Patrick Mahomes. We learned that a special tight end is capable of outscoring, for fantasy, just about every other flex-eligible option in the sport, as Travis Kelce did. Why did so many fantasy managers whine about RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, even though he averaged 13.5 PPR points per game? Because they can.
Las Vegas Raiders
We learned that TE Darren Waller could indeed improve upon his breakout 2019 campaign and triple his touchdown output. We also know fantasy managers are going to expect WR Nelson Agholor to score eight touchdowns again, and he will not.
Los Angeles Chargers
We learned that a veteran quarterback can lose the starting role, even through curious injury, when the rookie is so clearly, so obviously, better. Nice work, Justin Herbert. As with Diggs, nobody wanted WR Keenan Allen back in August, and he was fantastic. Unfortunately, I think we also learned Mike Williams is not a fantasy starter.
Los Angeles Rams
We learned, but few admit, that while QB Jared Goff is held in much higher regard than his 2016 draft-day pal Carson Wentz, perhaps the difference between them is not so large. Separately, we probably learned who the future running back is: Cam Akers.
Miami Dolphins
We learned that Tua Tagovailoa still has some work to do to be a fantasy starter. Give him some time and perhaps more weapons around him, though. Assume this offense adds a running back and wide receiver before next season.
Minnesota Vikings
We learned -- yet again -- that real-life draft position means nothing when it comes to evaluating rookies at running back or wide receiver. Amazing season, Justin Jefferson. Record-breaking. Four wide receivers went earlier in the first round. Typical overthinking. By the way, if you want to draft Dalvin Cook first overall next season, no arguments here.
New England Patriots
We learned how much a Hall of Fame quarterback matters. Still, we learned one can throw more interceptions than touchdown passes and still help a fantasy team. Weird season, Cam Newton. Only three running backs rushed for more scores. Anyway, avoid him in 2021, wherever he lands. This offense needs a makeover.
New Orleans Saints
We learned that a whole lot of fantasy managers will be scared to draft Alvin Kamara if Drew Brees retires. Taysom Hill, anyone? He runs! We learned that the No. 1 wide receiver selected in so many leagues could play in seven games and still score nary a touchdown. Bounce back, Michael Thomas, please.
New York Giants
We learned that RB Saquon Barkley was in for a tough season even before he shredded a knee. The Giants have so much work to do this offseason, too. We also learned that QB Daniel Jones could trip over the 20-yard line. Hard to do.
New York Jets
We learned that even if management prefers to lose, players want to win. Sam Darnold is probably not the answer at quarterback, but perhaps Justin Fields or Zach Wilson is. Perhaps one of them can turn Jamison Crowder into a WR2. By the way, Frank Gore outrushed Adrian Peterson, in case you care.
Philadelphia Eagles
We learned that Jalen Hurts has a future, while another franchise quarterback can regress to depths nobody had thought of. Where does Carson Wentz play in 2021? We learned that the Eagles still need wide receiver help, even as they draft the wrong one in every first round. We learned that TE Zach Ertz was not so safe. He moves on as well.
Pittsburgh Steelers
We learned that surrounding any quarterback with remarkable wide receiver options can make him look and play 10 years younger. Make the case for any order of Diontae Johnson, JuJu Smith-Schuster or Chase Claypool next season. We also learned that RB James Conner has skills, but durability continues to not be one of them.
San Francisco 49ers
We learned that this franchise lacks a quarterback and durable running back (great story, that Raheem Mostert, but always hurt), but watch out for receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel in 2021. We also learned the only way to stop TE George Kittle is through injury.
Seattle Seahawks
We learned that every NFL team that passed on DK Metcalf needs to figure out how that occurred. And again, if you want to invest in receivers JJ Arcega-Whiteside or Andy Isabella in fantasy because they went earlier in real life, good luck with that.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
We learned that Tom Brady likes the number 43. It's his age and the number of touchdowns he accounted for. Wide receiver Antonio Brown still has game left as well.
Tennessee Titans
We learned that the Titans could boast the sport's leading rusher and nearly a pair of 1,000-yard wide receivers with Ryan Tannehill at quarterback. Sometimes quarterbacks just need a new start, and Tannehill outscored Brady, Herbert and Jackson. We also learned that as awesome as Derrick Henry is, sans the receptions, it is nearly impossible for him to finish as the No. 1 running back. Kamara and Cook outscored him.
Washington Football Team
We learned that a quarterback can overcome an incredible 17 surgeries on a battered leg to lead his team to a division title. In a rough 2020 for so many, let us end with good news. Congrats, Alex Smith.