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Kirk Cousins 2020 Outlook: A Model Of Consistency
5 years agoMinnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has finished as a top-20 quarterback in five consecutive seasons. However, his lowest finish was during the 2019 season, where he threw for only 3,603 yards, 26 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 15 games. This was good enough for a finish as QB18, behind names like Jimmy Garoppolo, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Derek Carr. The Vikings have also suffered two significant losses on the offensive side of the ball: the trade of Stefon Diggs and the departure of offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski. However, there are several reasons for optimism heading into the 2020 season for Cousins. Long-time NFL play-caller Gary Kubiak will take over for Stefanski in 2020, which means a similar offensive game plan (zone running scheme with play-action passes). Despite the exit of Diggs, Minnesota returns four of their top-five receivers by target share in the form of Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, Kyle Rudolph, and Irv Smith Jr. The team also added rookie Justin Jefferson out of LSU in the first round of the NFL draft. With heavy losses in free agency on the defensive side of the ball (seven defensive role players, including seven in the secondary), the Vikings may find themselves in more shootouts as they look to break in numerous new contributors. Cousins remains a late-round quarterback (current ADP of QB15) that provides a high floor with an upside in fantasy drafts for the 2020 season.
