K. Drake v M. Sanders 2020 Fantasy Draft
Kenyan Drake and Miles Sanders are two running backs who are being targeted right next to each other in 2020 Fantasy Football drafts. In HALF-PPR leagues, Kenyan Drake’s ADP is #15 overall, and #9 for the RB position group. Miles Sanders’ ADP is sitting at #23 overall, and #13 for the RB position group. So, these two running backs are being selected in the mid-to-late 2nd round and they both could be on fantasy championship rosters come 2021.
Both of these running backs had very similar years last year. They both had slow starts but they ended up being top running backs at the end of the year.
Drake started the year on the Dolphins, but was traded after Week 6 to the Cardinals and was a completely different player. Drake failed to reach the end zone or surpass 80 total yards in any of the 6 games as a Dolphin. He was only able to muster out with 348 total yards, 22 receptions, and 0 TD’s while the Dolphins went 0-6. Drake was ranked RB49 from Weeks 1-8, but his VERY FIRST game as a Cardinal, he went off for 162 total yards, a touchdown, and a 2-point conversion against the Super Bowl runner-up 49ers.
Welcome to the Cards, Kenyan Drake.
First drive, first AZ score.
Cardinals — 7
49ers — 0pic.twitter.com/gxjLA1PlS7— Sporting News (@sportingnews) November 1, 2019
From Weeks 9-17, he ranked as RB4. The rest of the season Drake was able to register 123 carries, 643 rushing yards (5.2 YPC), 8 TD’s, 35 targets, 28 reception, and 171 receiving yards. The Cardinals also traded for DeAndre Hopkins which will take some attention away from the Cardinals running game, making it easier for Drake to gain yards. His performance as a Cardinal last year, boosted him up the 2020 draft boards and has made him a safe choice in the middle of the second round.
Miles Sanders wasn’t fully unleashed in the Eagles backfield until around Week 11 when Jordan Howard (now with MIA) went down with an injury and never returned to the lineup. Sanders’ snap count skyrocketed in Week 11 when he played 85% of snaps against the Patriots. From Weeks 11-17, Sanders registered 103 carries, 482 rushing yards (4.68 YPC), 2 rushing TD’s, 36 targets, 28 receptions, 204 receiving yards, and 2 receiving TD’s. During that span, Sanders ranked as RB10 in fantasy leagues. The Eagles are a riskier team to be betting on in 2020 because they seem to hit the injury list pretty hard throughout the year. They could be in for a solid playoff season, or it could be a huge stepback for the 2018 Super Bowl Champions.
Both of these players had similar seasons last year, so who should you draft this year?
The answer is in Arizona. Kenyan Drake is due for another big year this year with a high-powered offense and tons of opportunity. Sanders should have a great year as well, but Drake has better upside to gain more yards and score more points in the Arizona offense. Both of these running backs are probably going to be taken right after eachother, so make sure go with your gut. My final projections for the 2020 season are the following:
Kenyan Drake: 258 carries, 1,234 rushing yards, 8 rushing TD’s, 59 receptions, 652 receiving yards, and 2 receiving TD’s, RB6
Miles Sanders: 206 carries, 876 yards, 6 rushing TD’s, 72 receptions, 812 receiving yards, 3 receiving TD’s, RB10
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