Miles Sanders truthers, rejoice! The talented sophomore is set for a true workhorse role in 2020 with Jordan Howard now heading to Miami, and the fantasy results should be glorious.
Sanders began 2019 trapped in Doug Pederson‘s typical RBBC, topping 50% of the snaps only once through the season’s first nine weeks.
Once Howard went down from Weeks 11-16, the real fantasy fun began.
Stay up to date on all the Free Agency Fantasy Fallouts! Bookmark our Fantasy Stock Watch. Even better, consume them in our cleanest format by downloading the Roto Street App.
Before digging into Sanders’ usage and production in this span, let’s frame how this.
During Pederson’s 57 games as Eagles HC, his lead RB played 75% or more snaps all of one time (1.7%). Only 4 RBs actually crossed the 60% snapshare threshold (7%).
From Weeks 11-16, Sanders logged:
- 61 snaps (84%)
- 63 (85%)
- 61 (88%)
- 50 (56%)
- 55 (71%)
- 59 (82%)
He averaged 19.833 touches — unfathomable for a Pederson back. Sanders ultimately racked up the third most FPs (112.5, 18.8 FPPG) among RBs during this time, trailing only Christian McCaffrey and Ezekiel Elliott.
Particularly of note, in the three games he topped 20 touches, Sanders posted 21.5 (RB6), 35.2 (RB3), and 26.6 (RB7).
The man proved he could shoulder a full load, and produced like a monster. Ultimately, despite Howard “hoping” to return to Philly, the team felt comfortable letting him go as a result of Sanders’ epic stretch.
Granted, the Eagles seem likely to add a back in this year’s draft. Moreover, Boston Scott feasted late, and won’t just disappear. In particular, he could be a thorn in Sanders’ receiving side — discouraging, as Sanders ranked seventh in RB receiving yards (509) and 12th in RB receptions (50).
Still, Pederson switched his entire philosophy for Sanders, who answered the call. Thus, Sanders must be considered a Top-15 RB and second-round selection in 2020 Fantasy Drafts. He’s risen to my personal RB13 on my 2020 Fantasy Rankings.
