The 2020-21 NFL season was like no other that we have seen. COVID-19 eliminated off-season workouts and limited the number of fans that could catch the action live and in person. I do have to say, all things considered, the season was a success. Sure, we had some postponements, but the league did a great job of pushing through and making everything run smoothly. The season and its games provided a some much needed sports in our lives and was a nice way to get away from everything that is going on in the world.
From a fantasy perspective, the season was a ton of fun. We saw some prolific play from the Quarterback position as well as some dynamic performances from the high-end Wide Receivers. For me personally, the season was highlighted by a deep run into a Best Ball tournament on Draft Kings, with a team being led by Dalvin Cook and Davante Adams. I had the 7th pick in the draft, so it was a miracle that I was able to lockdown both of those players. DFS wise, my season started hot, hit a cold stretch in the middle and then ended with some of the best weeks I’ve ever had. All and all, the season was a success and a ton of fun to watch. A few guys stood out from the rest, so I decided to do a piece highlighting these elite players. Here are my Fantasy Award winners:
Most Valuable Fantasy Performer
Davante Adams - GB: For me this is a no-brainer. We have never seen a Wide Receiver put up these kinds of numbers and do so on a consistent basis. Adams put up 1,374 yards on 115 catches, in just 14 Regular Season games. Most importantly, he scored 18 touchdowns, while becoming the primary Red Zone target for the Packers. Adams showed he is not only the best Wide Receiver in the game, but the most elite fantasy performer in the league.
Runner-up: Travis Kelce – KC
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Out of Nowhere MVP
James Robinson – JAX: Robinson came into the league as an undrafted rookie from Illinois State, likely as a result of his 4.64 40-yard dash time. After the Jags released Leonard Fournette prior to the season, Robinson took over as the lead back. He piled up 1,414 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns before shutting it down for the season after Week 15. Robinson seemingly came out of nowhere, but I promise you, he will not be overlooked in the 2021-22 season.
Runner-up: Miles Gaskin - MIA
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Breakout Player of the Year
Stefon Diggs – BUF: Diggs displayed flashes of star potential during his time in Minnesota, notably scoring one of the biggest touchdowns in NFL Playoff history against the Saints. However, this was the first season that Diggs became the clear go-to option in an offense. His connection with Josh Allen is one of the best in the game. Diggs piled up 1,535 yards on 127 catches, proving to be one of the elite Wide Receivers in the game.
Runner-up: Josh Allen - BUF
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Rookie of the Year
Justin Jefferson – MIN: This was perhaps the toughest call of any of the awards. You can argue that Justin Herbert could have locked up this award, and I couldn’t argue with you. However, Herbert’s play somewhat declined after a red-hot start. Jefferson, on the other hand, started slower, but by the end of the season had turned into one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league, piling up an NFL Rookie Record 1,400 receiving yards on 88 catches. He became the clear go-to wide receiver on his team and one of the best in the league, which is saying a lot since the position is loaded.
Runner-up: Justin Herbert – LAC
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Bust of the Year
Michael Thomas – NO: Speaking from experience, as someone who drafted Thomas in the Top 5 of my draft, no one was more disappointing than Thomas. When he played, he was solid, but it still wasn’t what we were used to seeing from this stud Wide Receiver. Thomas was hampered by a nagging ankle injury and an aging Quarterback. He will likely bounce back and be very solid, even with a new Quarterback under center.
Runner-up: Lamar Jackson - BAL
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Best QB
Aaron Rodgers – GB
Best RB
Dalvin Cook – MIN
Best WR
Davante Adams – GB
Best TE
Travis Kelce – KC
This season was a blast and it’s hard to believe that it’s already over. With the way the NFL is now, you can expect the same type of elevated scoring going into next season, which will make for another exciting fantasy season in 2021-22. It will be fun to see which guys take the next step and breakout, which rookies have an immediate impact, and which aging stars begin to slow down. These are all reasons why we all love Fantasy Football. It’s been a fun season and I already can’t wait for next year!
-Jason Sullivan