When we talk about hype coming into the NFL or fantasy season, it’s something that really can go a number of different directions. Sometimes the wrong guy gets a lot of hype and the wrong guy flies under the radar. Somehow, someway, the mustache man has zero buzz. Gardner Minshew is the least talked about starting quarterback in the league… but he shouldn’t be in terms of fantasy.
If I had to guess a reason why nobody is talking about Minshew, I would think it’s because the Jaguars are a strong contender for the number one overall pick next year. I’m sure somebody already bought a Trevor Lawrence Jags jersey. It doesn’t change the fact that Gardner Minshew should be considered a steal in terms of fantasy for the 2020 season.
Minshew has a lot of things working in his favor. All of which are good things in terms of fantasy.
- Bad defense? Check.
- Constantly trailing? Check.
- Some rushing ability? Check.
Those factors alone will make Minshew a great value for fantasy. His team will be losing a lot and his team will need him to be in shootouts. I like those game scripts. His most underrated skill set a year ago was that rushing threat. In eight of 12 starts, Minshew had at least 27 rushing yards. That’s just more added value in fantasy as the mustache man showed he can pick up first downs with his legs.
One other thing isn’t being talked about enough. Doug Marrone is the head coach of Jacksonville, However, there’s a new play caller in town. That man is Jay Gruden. I’m not sure Gruden is the best head coach, but he’s a very established play caller.
From 2011-2013, Gruden was the offensive coordinator for the Bengals during Any Dalton’s first few years in the NFL. Below are Dalton’s fantasy finishes by year.
- 2011 (rookie year: QB 20
- 2012: QB 13
- 2013: QB 6
80 of Dalton’s 204 career touchdowns came with Gruden as the offensive coordinator. Gruden was only Dalton’s coordinator for 3 of his 9 seasons in the NFL. Dalton hasn’t been the same since Gruden took the head job in Washington. Guess who Minshew’s play caller is in Jacksonville? Jay Gruden.
Even as a rookie, Minshew had 16 fantasy points in eight of 12 starts. Now he gets a better play caller, a rapid improving DJ Chark, and maybe even healthy Tyler Eifert. OH, and Gruden as a play caller. Want to hear something funny? Minshew is being drafted as the 27th QB off the board in ESPN fantasy leagues as of right now.
For the real OG’s that play in two quarterback leagues, don’t sleep on Gardner Minshew. The Jacksonville Jaguars may not be a great team, but the former Washington State quarterback has a chance to be a great fantasy quarterback. How many weeks will he have where Minshew throws for 3 touchdowns and 2 of them are in garbage time? Probably happens a lot. Plus, I think there’s a chance he actually plays well and ruins the Jags tank job. Gardner Minshew should be considered a steal for fantasy in 2020.
