The 2020 injury list resembled a Pro Bowl team. We as fantasy owners sometimes felt defeated seeing our rosters break down week by week. This article is meant to highlight 10 comeback players that are returning from injury and the fantasy impact they can make in 2021. While not every player is going to come back after an injury-riddled year and put up career numbers (i.e. Peyton Manning and Adrian Peterson), these 10 are bound to be in the running for Comeback Player of the Year. The criteria for making this list is a player who either had a season-ending injury or played eight or fewer games. I know I will leave off some names, but the point of this article is to dive into what these players will have to offer post-injury.

1. Christian McCaffrey-Running Back, Carolina Panthers

Christian McCaffrey only played three games last year and had six touchdowns (TDs). Drafting him number one seems like a no-brainer right? While a small sample size, McCaffrey this past season averaged an astounding 24.5 fantasy points (pts) in standard leagues and 30.1 pts in points per reception (PPR) leagues. Unfortunately for McCaffrey and his owners, ankle and shoulder injuries in 2020 made the year a wash. On the bright side, the loss of Curtis Samuel and Mike Davis will allow McCaffrey to be the most important short range weapon in Carolina. There’s a real good chance that McCaffrey returns to his ultimate form… Super Saiyan McCaffrey (yea I’m a major nerd).

Across all platforms, I believe that McCaffrey is still a top-five player coming off the board. The real question we are asking ourselves, is Christian McCaffrey still a #1 Draft Pick? Though the season sucked if you had McCaffrey in Re-draft Leagues, I would say it’s safe to assume that he’ll make a strong comeback this year. This upcoming season should see the Panthers stick with their offense that predominately goes through McCaffrey. My stat prediction for McCaffrey is 1100 rushing yards (yds), 90 catches, 900 receiving yds, and 20 TDs. Yes, there is no one in fantasy football like McCaffrey, which is why he is still the number one draft pick.

2. Michael Thomas-Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints

In 2019 Michael Thomas caught an NFL record of 145 receptions, finally validating a top 10 pick in most draft formats. 2020 was different for Thomas, who recorded all of 40 catches for 400 yards and 0 TDs. So why was he ineffective in his seven games played this year? One thing to look into is the number of times Thomas was targeted. In 2019, Michael Thomas was the most targeted receiver on average, garnering 11.7 targets a game, while going only two games without 10 or more targets during the 2019 season. Compared to 2020, Thomas was targeted 7.85 times per game and only had two games of 10 or more targets. Thomas’s yards after catch (YAC) number last year of 2.1 is the underlying issue within his game.

Thomas is still the best route runner in the game, and his lack of YAC makes him very target-dependent! So what does Thomas have going for him this upcoming year? It may all depend on who is the Saints quarterback next year. 2020 gave us a look into what an offense ran by Taysom Hill would look like in New Orleans. It wasn’t ideal for anyone other than Hill and Alvin Kamara. Last year Taysom Hill had 1 receiving TD, 8 Rushing TDs, and 4 Passing TDs…as the Quarterback. That being said, it may be imperative to Thomas’s game that Jameis Winston takes the reins as Quarterback. I fully expect to see the 2019 version of Michael Thomas if Winston is the Quarterback. While Thomas had surgeries this offseason, I expect him to recover and start the season at 100%.

Thomas remains the best route runner in the league. As long as Winston can cut back on his turnovers and learn Sean Payton’s playbook, we shouldn’t have any problem with Michael Thomas returning to prominence this year. My stat prediction for him is 90 recs, 1200 yds, and 10 TDs…this is a hot take considering Thomas has never gotten double-digit TDs in a season. Thomas is still a WR1, but he will slide down draft boards, so look out for this gem in the second/third round.

3. Saquon Barkley-Running Back, New York Giants

Saquon Barkley’s season was cut short last year. While he played in two games he was effective in none. Barkley took on a stout Steelers defense in Week 1 before getting knocked out in Week 2 against the Bears. Prior to 2020, Barkley had seen a significant drop in numbers and an increase in injuries. Barkley’s 2018 stats included 1300 rushing yds, 91 catches, 721 receiving yds, and 15 TDs which made him a top pick in 2019. In 2019, Barkley had 1000 rushing yds, 52 catches, 438 receiving yds, and 8 TDs. To be fair, Barkley missed three games in 2019. 2021 though makes me wonder which Saquon are we going to get, Superstar Saquon or injury Saquon?

Don’t get me wrong I think Saquon can still have a great fantasy season. My worries come from the New York Giants offensive line. The Giants ranked 32nd in pass protection and 18th in run blocking. One stat not talked about is difference in targets coming to Barkley. In Barkley’s best year receiving (2018) he was getting targeted 7.56 times/game, while in 2019 he was targeted 5.6 times/game. Now the Giants might benefit from giving Barkley the ball more in space and letting him handle the rest. So if I’m Saquon this year I’m encouraging the idea of drafting O-line help in hopes that it can only get better.

Most players coming off an ACL injury don’t return to form right away, that is unless you’re Adrian Peterson. That being said, Barkley seems on track to suit up Week 1. I do think that unless the Giants get better on their O-line, Barkley will be inconsistent. The outlook for Barkley is that the Giants start drafting some help on the O-line and get Barkley heavily involved in the passing game again. My stat prediction: 70 catches for 600 yds and 5 TDs. My rushing prediction for him is 1100 yds on the ground and 12 TDs for Barkley’s return. Barkley might slip this year, but don’t let him get past you. He’s still a legit RB1 and if the Giants get their line right he’ll return to 2018 Saquon.

4. Dak Prescott-Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott had a horrific ankle injury in 2020. The good news is that Prescott seems to be on track with his recovery and has high hopes for being at Training Camp. Adding to the progress, Prescott signed a $140 million dollar contract, guaranteeing Dallas Cowboys fans and fantasy owners alike that he’s here to stay. For fantasy owners, he put up a 26.9 pt average over five games, and from Weeks 2-4, Prescott averaged 34.85 pts. Let’s put some perspective on that 26.9 average. If Prescott had played 16 games he would’ve put up 430.4 fantasy pts. Josh Allen had the most points last year with…405.2. Let that sink in for a second.

Prescott’s almost record season came about due to the Dallas Cowboys not knowing how to play defense. I fully expect Prescott will return to form and continue to take advantage of his offensive weapons in Dallas. I hope Prescott has a healthy Ezekiel Elliott and won’t shoulder the offense by himself. Prescott will have some challenges coming back from this injury, also the Dallas O-Line is getting up there in age and has been looking brittle in the past two years. My prediction is that Prescott will be good this year. I’m expecting him to try and put the team on his back. My stat prediction for Dak: 4000+ yds and 25+ TDs. Prescott will be a QB1 in any format, Don’t worry guys, Dak will be back.

5. Joe Mixon-Running Back, Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Mixon going into 2020 was looking like a “dark horse” top-five running back because he had put up back-to-back 1100 yard seasons. Averaging 39 catches a year from 2018-2019, Mixon caught 80% of balls thrown in his direction in the 2020 season. Mixon’s pass-catching ability is something that The Bengals may want to expand on. These stats become more impressive considering how terrible the “Bungals” offensive line had been since Mixon was drafted. This also comes with the news of Giovanni Bernard’s release. It seems like the perfect time to get Mixon more involved in the passing game.

The outlook is promising for Mixon. Ideally, the Bengals get Penei Sewell, fortify that O-line, and start checking down to a healthy Mixon. If Mixon can stay healthy and return to form there’s a good chance he takes off this year. I’m going out on a limb and saying Mixon has a career year. My stat prediction for Mixon is 1200 yds rushing and 10 rushing TDs. I’m also predicting 50 receptions and 5 receiving TDs. He’ll be an RB1/high-end RB2. Mixon may finally become the top five back that can win you the title.

6. Courtland Sutton-Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos

Courtland Sutton had a rough 2020 season. After catching 3 passes for 66 yds against the Steelers, he went down with a torn ACL. Sutton was coming off of a 72 catch, 1112 yd, and 6 TD campaign that had everyone in the fantasy football community ready to draft him in 2020. While Sutton is due to be back at the beginning of the year, he now has a lot of competition at wide receiver and uncertainty surrounding the team’s quarterback. There is still so much potential with Sutton but he will most likely drop in draft position because of the aforementioned issues.

A rare talent at receiver, Sutton is a physical specimen as well as a talented route runner. Sutton can catch “50-50” balls and make some impossible-looking catches…see video below. Coming back from ACL injuries can be difficult to assess in fantasy. It’s usually a risk that you should take with players like Sutton. Someone who is a “freak talent” with the upside of a WR1 is worth the draft capital. The outlook is that Sutton is a big-time player with the potential to break off multiple 20-40 yd TDs in a game. There are a lot of mouths to feed in Denver and uncertainty with their QB situation. So it could be a difficult year for Bronco Fans, but Sutton owners should be elated. My prediction for Sutton is 55 Catches, 800 yds, and 10 TDS. Sutton should be an excellent WR2/WR3 and an awesome flex.

Ready for Courtland Sutton’s return 🔥 @SuttonCourtland

(h/t @broncos) pic.twitter.com/TmBblPnPav

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) April 9, 2021

7. Joe Burrow-Quarterback, Cincinnati, Bengals

Joe Burrow got a tough break. I mean first, he gets drafted by the “Bungals” (Cincinnati Bengals). Then, he has to get ACL and LCL surgeries because he’s behind the 30th ranked offensive line; a unit that surrendered the second most sacks and fifth most QB hits. Prior to Burrow going down, he was making the best of a bad situation. Burrow had five games with 300+ yards while putting up 13 TDs and only 5 interceptions. The 2020 Number One overall pick was doing a damn good job at keeping the Bengals in every game. I think the best thing the Bengals can do for Burrow is to go heavy on offense in the draft. The Bengals should grab Penei Sewell and some receiving weapons to help Burrow when he returns.

Burrow will most likely be out for a good part of the season, but there’s optimism on his 2021 return. While drafting him early almost surely means you’ll need to draft another QB, not drafting Burrow could mean you’re missing out on a perennial 4000 Yd and 30 TD, QB1. My outlook on Burrow is that he’ll be back by Week 3 or 4, and with a 17 game schedule, Joe Mixon back healthy, Tee Higgins taking the next step, Burrow should have 4000 yds with 30-35 TDs. Burrow is a QB1 in Dynasty formats and will be an excellent QB2 in redraft leagues.

8. Kenny Golladay-Wide Receiver, New York Giants

In 2019 Kenny Golladay had career highs with 1190 receiving yards and 11 TDs for the 27 year old wideout. This skyrocketed Golladay up the fantasy ranks, looking like a promising WR2/WR3 for most teams. Hampered by hamstring and hip injuries, Golladay only got to play in five games, averaging 9.1 fantasy pts per game in 2020. While it was hopeful that Golladay could come back later in the season, the Lions being in last place and Golladay’s imminent departure may have led the team to deactivate him.

Golladay has since signed with the New York Giants, hopefully opening up the avenue to more production. At 6’4″, Golladay used his size to become an excellent “50-50” ball receiver. He was so good that in 2019 he ranked fourth in contested-catch percentage (63.4). This leads me to believe Golladay will most likely become Daniel Jones “go-to-guy” in the redzone. Daniel Jones has been a surprisingly accurate deep ball thrower and is now paired with Golladay who was the most targeted deep ball receiver in 2019 (39 targets). I fully expect The Jones-Golladay connection to be a 15-20 yard per catch (ypc) duo.

This could lead to Golladay having a breakout year. The outlook on Golladay is that he’ll probably retain his 2019 status as a proper WR2/WR3 going into the draft. I do expect him to make a leap this year into that top 10 fantasy wide receiver conversation. My prediction is Golladay puts up 1200 yds and 8 TDs. This is a bold claim but look for Golladay to have a Stefon Diggs-like breakout.

9. Deebo Samuel-Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers

Deebo Samuel is a very underrated player. The guy is a dual-threat receiver. If you watch him play, there’s never a time that he has the ball that he can’t take to the house. The man is a part of a three man band in San Francisco called the YAC (Yards After Catch) Bros along with George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk. Last year Samuel led the league in YAC/reception at 12.9 yards. Holy Cannoli! Kyle Shanahan is notorious for scheming his players open. If you ever need proof that Coach Shanahan can get Samuel into open space and YAC it up, then look no further than the two LA Rams games. Samuel was taking end-arounds and turning them into massive gains against one of the best defenses in the league.

Outlook on his potential next year is high in my opinion. Samuel’s style is going to come with an injury here and there, but this guy is worth sticking in your lineup when he’s healthy. Samuel is a wrecking ball in open space, often resembling a running back with his vicious hits and desire to break tackles. Something to consider is the 49ers 9th best Offensive Line Ranking in 2020 by Pro Football Focus and the return of George Kittle. Everything factored in with a healthy season, Deebo seems to be a steal considering his 2021 wide receiver ranking is 47.

Go grab Deebo! The guy is going to give you solid production and will breakout in multiple games when healthy. His ability to turn a two-yard gain into a 20-yard gain can’t be stressed enough, he’s a killer with the ball in hand. My prediction is Samuel will miss some games, but will put up 600-800 yds receiving, another 200-300 yds rushing, and 10 combined TDs. A damn good option as a WR2/WR3/Flex. Enjoy Aaron Donald’s introduction to DEEBO Samuel.

10. Raheem Mostert-Running Back, San Francisco 49ers

Raheem Mostert going into last year was an undervalued player. Maybe it’s because he’s 29 or an undrafted free agent, whatever it is Mostert is a MONSTER!! Mostert is a rare type of back because he is fast, powerful, elusive, and has the work ethic of a special teamer…take a look at his tape on special teams. Yea he’s good! Still, I think the most underrated aspect of Mostert’s game is his pass-catching ability. I know it’s not much but he did catch 16 of 19 targets last year. So improving his target share along with his elite speed should lead to much more production, right?

Mostert’s career with San Francisco has been impressive as he has taken on the role of the big play guy. Before going down he had impressive TD runs; one 70 yard receiving TD and a 80 yard rushing TD. Why be impressed by just two long TD plays? Because they were the two fastest recorded TDs last year! We also need to address the fact that Mostert has the highest career YPC avg at 5.64 (200 Rush att min). Mostert has averaged 15 receptions, 11.3 Yards per reception, 3 TDs, and a YAC of 9.8 yds over his two-year tenure as starting RB. You can see where there is opportunity for him to grow and become more lethal.

Happy 29th Birthday Raheem Mostert!

Highest career rush yds/att among RB since 1960:
(Min. 200 rush att)

1. Raheem Mostert (5.64)
2. Bo Jackson (5.40)@RMos_8Ball | @49ers pic.twitter.com/XQd9Iy3HxH

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) April 9, 2021

The outlook on Mostert is that barring any injuries he should have a very strong campaign. This is a bold statement but if Mostert was drafted and 25 years old, analysts would be predicting this guy for a breakout season. If I were you I would snag him in all re-draft leagues and think about taking him late in Dynasty drafts. My prediction is 1000 Yds, 10 TDs, and an uptick in receiving stats. Mostert is a solid RB2/RB3 with the ability to have three to four RB1 games.

Final Thoughts

This past year was a tough year, with no OTAs or preseason games. We all figured that there would be injuries this year. What I don’t think anyone expected was so many top picks going down early. 2021 should be different and hopefully all 10 of these players return to form and become prominent fantasy football players in 2021. Some of these guys are going to slide this year so all I can say is go snatch them up and make your roster dynamic.

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