Sterling Shepard 2020 Fantasy Outlook

Sterling Shepard 2020 Fantasy

Sterling Shepard had high expectations as he was going into the 2019 season as the number one target for the Giants with the departure of Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns.

Shepard’s 2019 season was the worst of his career statistically due to an injury-riddled season. Shepard suffered concussions in week 1, and week 5, forcing him to miss week 2 of the 2019 season, as well weeks 6 – week 11. He played in 10 games recording 57 receptions on 83 targets, 576 yards, and 3 TDS. His 57 receptions lead the team, and his targets were right on par with his teammates despite the 6 missed games. 

Due to the limited games played, Shepard ended 2019 as the WR49 with 84.8 fantasy points in standard leagues, and WR 48 with 141.8 fantasy points in PPR leagues, However, Shepard was 16th in the league in targets per game at 8.3 behind the likes of Keenan Allen (9.3), D.J. Moore (9.0), Jarvis Landry (8.6), Chris Godwin (8.6), Cooper Kupp (8.4), Odell Beckham Jr. (8.3), and Christian Kirk (8.3). While on the field he was targeted, the problem was his availability, and the poor offensive line play. 

New York Giants Receiving Depth 

The New York Giants wide receiver trio consists of Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, Golden Tate III, and star running back Saquon Barkley. 

Tate III the 10-year vet played 11 games played due to early 4 game suspension for violating the substance abuse policy. 49 receptions on 85 targets 676 yards, 6 TDS, Tate III ended the year as the WR44 with 103.2 fantasy points averaging the 5.7 targets per game

Slayton impressed in his rookie season with 48 receptions on 84 targets for 740 yards and 8 TDS. Slayton ended the year as the WR37 with 122 fantasy points averaging 5.6 targets per game. 

Barkley struggled through injuries during 2019 as did most of the Giants playmakers. He hauled in 52 receptions on 73 targets for 438 yards 2 touchdowns out of the backfield. Barkley is an excellent receiver and a safe-option for last-minute dump-offs due to pressure or good defensive coverage. 

The Development of Daniel Jones

Daniel Jones‘ rookie season was solid. He proved he belongs on the big stage, involved growing pains, The Giants handed jones the keys to the franchise after starting the year 0-2 under Eli Manning.

Jones played in 13 games, throwing 284 completions on 459 attempts for 3,027 yards, 24 TDs along with 12 ints. Jones’ one key struggle was ball security as he fumbled the ball 12 times in the pocket and 6 times rushing, losing 11 of those fumbles to the opposing teams. Jones ended 2019 as the QB24 in fantasy and has a positive outlook on the 2020 season.

The Giants selected Andrew Thomas an offensive tackle out of Georgia with the  4^th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft to be an immediate impact starter. As well as Matt Peart, OT, UConn in the third round, and Shane Lemieux, OG, Oregon in the fifth round to address their offensive line woes. This is a positive note for the entire New York Giants offense, as it was lackluster last year in its protection of Jones and poor run blocking for Barkley. 

One key move in the offseason has been the offensive coordinator change to former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett may throw a wrench into the progression, and development of Jones as it remains to be seen what the offensive identity will be for 2020 and beyond. 

Recommended Read: Fantasy Hot Take: Daniel Jones Is A Late-Round Steal

Shepard’s 2020 Fantasy Value 

FantasyData projects Shepard to be the WR36 in standard leagues and WR37 in PPR leagues for the 2020 season. Projections of 16 games played with 103 targets, 68 catches, 832 yards and 4 touchdowns for 114.6 fantasy points in standard, and 182.6 in PPR.  

According to Fantasy Football Calculator, Shepard’s current ADP 9.11, 44^th WR taken in drafts right behind teammate Darius Slayton (9.5). Receivers drafted before Shepard in current mock drafts are Marvin Jones (8.11), Emmanuel Sanders (9.5), Mike Williams (9.6). 

Shepard remains a great fantasy value at his ADP of round 9.11, as it is in no way too early. It is a bargain for the number one targeted receiver on a team that is young and growing together. Yes, he remains at risk for concussions to hurt his 2020 season. However, it is worth the gamble. Make sure to highlight Shepard’s name on your draft kits, and don’t forget to snag the late-round steal for a FLEX option that has the ceiling of a WR2.