With the start of the NFL regular season less than two weeks away, fantasy football addicts are either studying away trying to build a championship team or waiting for the season to start so they can evaluate the players that they have already drafted. I, myself, have a draft in a few days and the anticipation is killing me. There’s nothing better than 12 men sitting in a room eating potato chips, drinking beer and calling out football players’ names when they are on the clock. With that being said, I composed a list of some players who are flying under the radar and who may be able to help your team this season.
Quarterbacks
Josh McCown– After Jay Cutler got hurt for the Chicago Bears last season, McCown stepped in and the Bears didn’t miss a beat. Cutler eventually came back and McCown was back to his backup quarterback duties on the sidelines. But, the 12th year veteran now is at the helm in Tampa Bay, where the team is taking on a new look (with their jerseys, as well). New head coach Lovie Smith worked with McCown in Chicago, so these two are not strangers. The Buccaneers do have some talented receivers, also. Vincent Jackson is one of the best in the game, while rookie Mike Evans of Texas A&M shows a lot of potential. Pay close attention to McCown and the Buccaneers this season; they may easily make a run at the playoffs.
Blake Bortles– Being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t the best situation that any rookie would want to find themselves in, but Blake Bortles of UCF seems to be adjusting well to his new surroundings. The Jaguars previously said that they wanted Bortles to sit the whole 2014 season, but the way he has been playing this preseason has changed the team’s previous outlook. He may not have many receivers to throw to, but the youngster should excel regardless. Chad Henne may start the season as quarterback number one, but Bortles may overtake him at some point.
Running Backs
Bernard Pierce– With Ray Rice’s two-game suspension to start the season still in effect, Bernard Pierce stands alone as the Baltimore Ravens’ starting running back for those two games. I don’t see Rice doing much this season, which was the case in 2013, when Rice had the worst season of his career. Pierce is a big back who isn’t easy to tackle and can easily be a game changer. Look for Pierce and Rice to share carries this season, with Pierce getting the bulk of the runs.
Devonta Freeman– Yes, I have been watching Hard Knocks lately. The rookie out of Florida State seems to be a budding superstar at the running back position. His only competition is an aged and injury-prone Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers, who has never been better than average during his professional career. Freeman has speed, explosiveness and can flat out play. Jackson is already dealing with injuries, so he doesn’t seem to have a promising season in the making. Watch out for this kid, he may blow you away.
Wide Receivers
Kendall Wright– The third-year wide receiver from Baylor had a good season in 2013, but he was not noticed much, seeing that he plays for the Titans. 94 receptions and a little less than 1,100 yards were what Wright contributed to his team last season. He and quarterback Jake Locker have good chemistry, so this season may be a memorable one for the two. Fantasy owners should give Wright a chance this season. He could have a very solid year.
Emmanuel Sanders– It seems like Peyton Manning can make any wide receiver look like Jerry Rice. He’s the Steve Nash of the NFL, turning average players into great ones. This may be the case for Emmanuel Sanders, former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver. Wide receiver Eric Decker’s departure to the New York Jets left a door open at the second receiver position, which Sanders opened when he signed with the Broncos. Although Manning still has Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas to throw to, he will not neglect Sanders, as the all-pro quarterback spreads the ball out regularly. Sanders is definitely a solid fantasy option this season at the receiver spot.
Tight Ends
Dennis Pitta– People forget how good Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta was before he almost missed the whole 2013 season. He returned in December and played in four games, in which he played suitable enough. Pitta is a top-ten tight end, possibly even a top-five. He and quarterback Joe Flacco have a great connection, so they will definitely hook up frequently this season. Draft Pitta with confidence during your draft. You won’t regret it.
Ladarius Green– The tight end position for the San Diego Chargers has been filled for a while now, as Antonio Gates seems to have been there forever. There may be a changing of the guard soon, however. Ladarius Green is a 6’6 240 pound up-and-comer who may have a breakout season in 2014. He only had 376 yards and three touchdowns last season, but he did not get much playing time in the first half of the season. The Chargers’ coaching staff knows what Green can do, so he is going to get many more snaps this year. Give him a chance on draft day. It may be a great pick.
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