Passing Yards- Matt Ryan
2019 Leader: Jameis Winston (5109)
The former league MVP looks to be in prime position to earn the passing yard title next year, as Matt Ryan continues to be loaded with receiving weapons and is part of the most pass-heavy offense in the NFL. There is no team that threw the ball more last season than the Atlanta Falcons, who attempted 684 passes in the 2019 season, 50 more than the next closest team. This upcoming season, the Falcons will continue to be forced to pass the ball early and often with the high powered offenses of Tampa Bay and New Orleans in their division. Ryan has proven to be capable of leading a top-ranked passing attack in the past, and he will be passing more than ever in 2020.
Passing Touchdowns- Patrick Mahomes
2019 Leader: Lamar Jackson (36)
Undoubtedly the best quarterback in the NFL, Patrick Mahomes is possibly the most talented quarterback in the history of football and is accompanied by the best supporting cast in the league today. After becoming the third quarterback in history to throw for 50 touchdowns in a season, Mahomes did not hit the same statistical peaks in 2019, some of that being due to a knee injury he suffered in week 8. Coming into 2020, Mahomes is retaining all of his receivers and coaches from a year ago, and is adding first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a star dual-threat back who just won a national championship with LSU. As long as the Super Bowl MVP remains healthy for all 16 games, its tough to see him not take home the passing touchdown crown.
Rushing Yards- Josh Jacobs
2019 Leader: Derrick Henry (1540)
While this may take some by surprise, halfback Josh Jacobs is in a great position to build upon his rookie rushing title last season and out-rush all backs in the league in 2020. Despite missing three games, Jacobs found himself in the top ten in rushing yards and third to only Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb in yards per game. Due to the Jon Gruden offense Jacobs is featured team, he will be right at the top of the league for attempts, as the Raiders trailed just the Titans and Redskins in run rate in 2019 with 62% of Las Vegas’ plays being runs. In front of Jacobs is one of the best run blocking lines in the NFL, led by center Rodney Hudson. It is quite evident Josh Jacobs is an emerging star and workhorse of a back, and look for his play to continue to elevate moving forward.
Receiving Yards- Michael Thomas
2019 Leader: Michael Thomas (1725)
The only player picked to repeat on the list, it is tough to bet against a player who caught over 40 more passes and 300 more yards than the next closest wide receiver during last season. No receiver gets even close to the volume of targets Thomas does, and the 27 year old has no intentions of slowing down anytime soon. With hall-of-fame quarterback Drew Brees at the helm, New Orleans will look to pass as much as ever in 2020 with the hopes of making one last title run before Brees inevitably retires. While it seems unlikely Thomas repeats his previous season’s numbers purely due to how historically great they were, expectations are for him to sustain his statistical titles he won comfortably in 2019.
Total Touchdowns- Tyreek Hill
2019 Leader: Aaron Jones, Christian McCaffrey (19)
No wide receiver has led the league in total touchdowns since Doug Baldwin in 2015, however, Tyreek Hill is a perfect candidate to break the streak of halfbacks taking the touchdown title. Originally just a gadget player and star returner, Hill has developed into a top tier wideout for the Super Bowl champions. His route running ability and hands are right there with the best in the game, and it does not hurt that he is the fastest player in the league as well. With Mahomes being healthy for 16 games, along with offensive coaches Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy still being with the team, there is no reason for Hill not to have a career year statistically. Expect Tyreek Hill to become real friendly with the endzone in 2020, whether it be through the air or in the return game.
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