Rapid Reaction: Jordan Howard Lands With Dolphins (2020 Fantasy Football)

Jordan Howard is headed to his third team in four seasons – and this one could offer him an opportunity to be the lead back again, as he agrees to terms with the Miami Dolphins. Our analysts break down how fantasy-relevant could be in South Beach this season:

Practice mock drafts with our FREE Dynasty Draft Simulator

Q1. What is the fantasy football impact of the Miami Dolphins signing Jordan Howard?

As of now, Howard is the RB1 on the Dolphins, there’s no doubt about that. The question becomes, “How long do they put off drafting a running back?” They’re surely going to add another one, but when they do is the biggest question. As of now, we’ll assume it’s Howard back there in the early-down role, which is similar to the one they had Kalen Ballage in last year, which netted 71 carries through his first 11 games (before getting hurt). While his inefficiency surely capped his carry potential, the offensive line in Miami was straight-up offensive. To this point in his career, Howard has played behind a few of the better offensive lines in football. Knowing his lack of appeal in the passing game, he’s nothing more than a low-floor/low-ceiling RB3.
-Mike Tagliere (@MikeTagliereNFL)

Jordan Howard has been an extremely underrated back throughout his NFL career. In 2016, he finished as the RB9 in half point scoring. In 2017, he finished as the RB9. In 2018, he finished as the RB24. And even last year, while dealing with injury, he finished as the RB39. Howard’s a good RB that can contribute to a NFL team…and he’s only 25 years old still. He now lands in Miami, who desperately needs a RB. While the OL is still shaky in front of him, I expect them to make significant strides on that in the NFL Draft. Howard isn’t going to rebound to his RB9 days like he was in 2017 & 2017, but he’s going to be an under appreciated back for fantasy that’s simply just going to produce week in and week out.
-Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL)

Howard hasn’t gotten a lot of respect over the years, but he’s been a quality running back with a career 4.3 YPC average and 30 touchdowns over four seasons. He does little in the passing game, so the Dolphins are likely to bring in a pass-catching option as a complement. But he’ll almost certainly be the primary ball carrier and get the goal-line looks. Depending on what the Dolphins do at quarterback, Howard’s value will vary slightly, and the Miami offensive line isn’t likely to be a positive for him. But he’s likely to end up in the Flex conversation most weeks, with lesser value in half- and full-PPR leagues.
-Dan Harris (@danharris80)

Q2. Who else is impacted by Howard’s signing from a fantasy perspective?

This signing obviously means the end of the road for Kalen Ballage, who is now droppable in even dynasty formats. On the team Howard departed from, Miles Sanders benefits the most, as Howard was going to be a vulture as long as he was around. Provided the Eagles don’t add anyone of significance, Sanders should be in the high-end RB2 conversation with top-10 upside.
-Mike Tagliere (@MikeTagliereNFL)

There really wasn’t anyone else in that backfield that people were considering for fantasy football, so this doesn’t carry a huge impact. The only thing that might be impacted is talks of the Dolphins drafting a RB with a high pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Potentially looking at a pass-catching back to be a compliment to Howard and his running style.
-Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL)

Fantasy owners certainly weren’t interested in any ball carrier currently on Miami’s roster, so the main impact is on Miles Sanders. If the Eagles don’t add another running back, Sanders will be an RB1 in all formats. But this is Doug Pederson’s team, so there will likely be another body brought in, keeping Sanders just outside the RB1 range. For now, however, dare to dream big for Sanders, as the immediate impact is positive.
-Dan Harris (@danharris80)