In The Blitz, RotoViz writers react to the latest news and help you place it within the context of our 2020 research and recommendations.
The 2020 NFL season has come to an end. Honestly, there were times when I wasn’t so sure we’d make it through an entire season, but we did. For many players, their performances this season boosted their value, and fantasy managers are likely to respond as such in the offseason. For other players, 2020 was a season to forget. Running back Ezekiel Elliott falls into this category. The loss of quarterback Dak Prescott sunk any hopes for this offense that struggled offensively over the second half of the season. However, Elliott did cap off his season by finding the endzone in Week 17, and he’s an intriguing dynasty asset heading into the offseason.
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott scored a touchdown in a Week 17 loss to the New York Giants. Elliott didn’t run particularly well otherwise, rushing 14 times for 42 yards, averaging just three yards per carry. He did add three catches on four targets for an additional 19 yards. Elliott finishes the 2020 season with just five RB1 finishes, three of those coming with Dak Prescott under center. The Cowboys offense as a whole is just much better with Prescott running things. Elliott should see a drop in his ADP heading into next season but could be back in the low-end RB1 ranks as long as Prescott returns at full strength.
A Tale of Two Seasons
Elliott was a consensus early first-round pick in dynasty startup drafts and redraft leagues before the 2020 season began. He entered this season on the heels of back-to-back top-five running back seasons, where he touched the ball over 350 times in each season and scored 23 total touchdowns over those two years. He’s been durable, dependable, and has added the highly sought after receiving element to his game. On an offense led by Prescott and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, it was hard to imagine Elliott having the season he did.
