20. Matt Ryan, Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons
Ryan was a 2013 fantasy football quarterback disappointment to say the least. People who drafted Ryan, who ranked fifth among quarterbacks with close to 5,000 passing yards in 2012 got robbed. Unfortunately for Ryan, losing stud wide receiver Julio Jones to an injury early in the season, and playing without a healthy Roddy White for many weeks led to his demise. Look for Ryan and the Falcons to rebound again in 2014 when he has his healthy, elite crew of receivers back, making him a top 10 fantasy quarterback choice once again.
19. Khiry Robinson, Running Back, New Orleans Saints
The rookie Robinson remained fairly quiet for the regular 2013 season, as the Saints running backfield was quite full with their veterans handling the ground duties. However, in the Saints two postseason playoff games, Robinson had the opportunity to showcase his talent, averaging over 4.9 yards per carry and impressively scoring a rush touchdown against the threatening Seahawks defense last week. If fellow running backs, Pierre Thomas, 29 years-old, and Darren Sproles who will be 31 when the 2014 season starts should miss time, Robinson could be a late round sleeper pickup who may just surprise his fantasy owners in 2014.
18. Greg Olsen, Tight End, Carolina Panthers
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Olsen rank in the top five for tight ends in 2014. He had a season high 111 targets in 2013 and his chemistry with quarterback, Cam Newton, should continue to thrive in 2014. Top producing tight ends are difficult for fantasy owners to acquire, so when drafting in 2014, keep Olsen in mind. He brings consistency and good health to the table and I’ll bet you didn’t realize that Olsen had more receiving touchdowns in 2013 than any of the Panthers’ wide receivers individually scored. Olsen’s fantasy numbers should only improve in 2014, making him a valuable asset to your team.
17. Jordan Todman, Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars
With the Jaguars starting running back, Maurice Jones-Drew, entering the free agent’s pool, this could be the opening, Todman needs to step into the spotlight if the Jaguars decide to use him for their lead running back. Surprisingly, the one time Todman filled in for the injured Jones-Drew, he rushed for 109 yards, something Jones-Drew only accomplished once in 2013. Todman is worth being monitored over the upcoming months and if he appears to be in line for the starting job, he’s worth a flex or third running back selection in 2014 fantasy drafts.
16. Rashad Jennings, Running Back, Oakland Raiders
Jennings is a free agent, however he’s likely to remain with the Raiders in 2014 as it appears fellow running back, Darren McFadden may be headed elsewhere.
He got his chance to shine in Week 9, while filling in for the injury-prone McFadden, and finished 2013 completing seven games with 733 rush yards, and six rushing touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. If Jennings becomes the Raiders lead running back in 2014, or ends up on another team, he is worth drafting as a flex position with upside in 2014 fantasy drafts.
15. Doug Baldwin, Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks
Baldwin played his way through the regular 2013 season gaining the trust of Russell Wilson more and more each week, as he claimed 50 receptions on 73 targets and had five touchdowns. Look for Baldwin, who averaged 15.6 yards a catch, to continue to play a large role in the Seahawks offense. Percy Harvin cannot be trusted to remain upright more than five minutes at any given time, ensuring increased play time for Baldwin who really began flourishing at Week 9. Baldwin could be a sweet fantasy surprise in 2014 if you draft him for added depth at the wide receiver position.
14. Michael Crabtree, Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers
Unfortunately for Crabtree, who suffered an Achilles tear during practice last spring, his 2013 regular season with the San Francisco 49ers this past year was a minor one.
Crabtree was eased onto the scene during Week 13 and finished with two touchdowns and double-digit fantasy points his last two weeks.
Crabtree is now healthy and we’re getting a pleasant sampling of his explosive play action as the 49ers compete now during post-season.
Crabtree was in the top 15 wide receivers in 2012, and should find himself within that same ranking for 2014, making him a WR2 selection for 2014 fantasy drafts.
13. Donald Brown, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts
Brown is an undrafted free agent in 2014, and while his future as a Colt is not decided at this time, one cannot put behind his fantastic production when he began handling the lead running back duties for the Colts. Trent Richardson turned out to be a major flop for the Colts, and when they finally put their trust in Brown, he finished the 2013 season averaging 5.3 yards per carry, achieving his career high numbers. Keep an eye on Brown to see where he settles for the 2014 season, and don’t be surprised if he earns a spot as a starter, who finishes 2014 in the top 15 for running backs.
12. Dwayne Allen, Tight End, Indianapolis Colts
Coming off a fairly productive rookie season in 2012, Allen found his season cut short as an unfortunate hip injury kept him sidelined after only playing one week in 2013. The 6”-3”Allen, who was slated to play as the Colts top tight end last year, is on the road to recovery, and could surprise fantasy owners who take a flyer on him in 2014. Fellow tight end, Coby Fleener was a hit or miss guy last year, so the Colts should rely on Allen as their primary tight end starting off the 2014 season.
11. Andre Ellington, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals
Ellington, who most definitely went undrafted by fantasy owners in 2013, was a satisfactory waiver wire pickup later in the season. He finished 2013 averaging a notable 5.5 yards per carry with 652 rush yards. For some reason, the Cardinals coach questioned Ellington’s durability and limited him to an average of only 10 carries per game. Ellington, who didn’t fumble the ball once in 2013 is young and speedy, and if given the opportunity to be the lead carrier for the Arizona Cardinals, should remain producing quality fantasy numbers in 2014. He makes a solid flex choice in 2014 fantasy drafts.
10. Mike Glennon, Quarterback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Glennon was by no means the fanciest of quarterbacks in 2013, but surprisingly, he was a huge upgrade to the floundering Josh Freeman, when he became the Buccaneers starting quarterback in Week 4. Glennon may have even been more impressive, had he not lost key players Doug Martin and Mike Williams to season-ending injuries. With all his weapons back in 2014, and a new head coach in the works, Glennon, if he remains the starter, should service as a valuable backup quarterback, if not a starting quarterback for your 2014 fantasy team.
9. Alfred Morris, Running Back, Washington Redskins
Last season Morris encountered what many would call the “sophomore slump”, ranking 15th among running backs for 2013. This was a far cry from his 2012 rookie season where he was a top five running back, who produced the second to the most rushing yards and touchdowns that year. Put Morris’ past year behind him and expect 2014 to be a bounce-back year for him. Gone is the Redskins capricious head coach, Mike Shanahan, who didn’t allow Morris nearly the field time he deserved last year. Morris should dazzle again and bring fantasy drafters in 2014, numbers that closely mirror those of his rookie season.
8. Randall Cobb, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers
Randall Cobb is a vital part of the Packers offense and when he exited Week 6 with a fractured right leg, fantasy owners of Cobb were devastated as he left a major hole in their lineups. Cobb was incredible in 2012 especially in PPR leagues, and he started off 2013 in exact fashion.
Fortunately for Cobb, he was able to return right at the end of 2013 where he surprisingly didn’t miss a beat, catching two touchdowns in Week 17. There is no reason not to think Cobb will amaze once again and could easily end up a top 10 receiver in 2014.
7. Jake Locker, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans
Locker, who is in his final year of his contract will surely compete aggressively to resume his starting quarterback status in 2014. Plagued by injuries, Locker only completed six games in 2013 for the Titans, however, his production over his six appearances had him averaging 16.62 fantasy points and 209 passing yards per game. With gifted receivers such as Kendall Wright, and the emergence of rookie Justin Hunter, and a new head coach, the entire Titans offense should improve. If Locker retains his starting status, he could be a solid backup quarterback option for your 2014 fantasy team and even your starter if need be.
6. LeGarrette Blount, Running Back, New England Patriots
Blount was hardly a reliable fantasy option most of 2013, amongst a crowd of Patriots running backs. However, if four rushing touchdowns and 166 yards on the ground in last week’s divisional playoff game against the Colts didn’t get your attention, it should have. Obviously, this type of play won’t happen on a regular basis, but Blount is clearly a successful running back, who dominates the goal line. Fellow back Shane Vereen will get his fair share of carries, but he is utilized more for catching short passes. Stevan Ridley, Blount’s other competition has a knack for fumbling the ball, causing costly turnovers. Blount could be the surprise running back star for the Patriots in 2014, as he is too much of a force to keep benched. He certainly warrants a flex draft pick in 2014.
5. Cordarrelle Patterson, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings
The rookie Patterson was not much of a fantasy choice early in 2013, but if you landed him up late in the season, he really began to pick up speed around Week 13. Between Weeks 13-17, he had three receiving touchdowns along with three rushing, return touchdowns. Patterson is incredibly fast and is an upcoming amazing talent in my opinion. The only downside is Patterson’s production is somewhat capped by the Vikings lack of a consistent, competent quarterback. Just like other teams, a new coach is coming to the Vikings and hopefully this works in Patterson’s favor. I’d confidently draft him as a WR2 or flex in 2014.
4. Ladarius Green, Tight End, San Diego Chargers
Green notably began catching people’s eyes around Week 11 as he had some major games up through Week 13. He finished the 2013 season with 23.5 yards per catch on 17 receptions, which blows away veteran tight end, Antonio Gates, who only averaged 11.3 yards per catch, and ended his 2013year with four touchdowns; his lowest touchdown count on record. As Gates slows down, look for the dynamic 6’-6” Green to emerge as one of the San Diego Chargers major red zone threats in 2014. Don’t be surprised if Green registers as a top 10 tight end at some point in 2014.
3. Jeremy Maclin, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
Maclin was out of sight and out of mind when he missed 2013 with a preseason injury. However, keep in mind, Maclin was the No. 1 wide receiving option in 2012 and the top target of Nick Foles when he came on the scene. So can you imagine what lies ahead for Maclin and an immensely improved and accurate Foles in 2014? Of course Maclin has fellow receiver, DeSean Jackson to compete with, but with Foles under center, likely throwing for 300 yards per game, there is plenty of targets to go around for Maclin. Beware that Maclin could find himself a free agent come March if he doesn’t remain with the Eagles. Either way, he makes a flex-worthy fantasy draft in 2014.
2. Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback, Miami Dolphins
Tannehill definitely was not anyone’s top option as a fantasy football quarterback at the start of 2013, but as multiple quarterback injuries occurred, you may have found yourself plucking Tannehill from the waivers, or reaching to your bench to start him. If you played him, you had the 16th ranking quarterback for 2013, who was highly productive during Weeks 12-15, passing for eight touchdowns and averaging close to 300 passing yards per game. Tannehill and receiver Mike Wallace, finally began meshing around this time as well. 2014 should show Tannehill continuing to improve, so he makes a fantasy draft-worthy prospect if you like to wait to choose your quarterback.
1. Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Washington Redskins
Ding-dong, Mike Shanahan is gone. This is huge for RGIII and the rest of his team. The 3-13 Redskins really have nowhere to go but up in 2014. I project RGIII, who will have his entire off-season in addition to his benched end of 2013 to regain complete health, to make a major rebound in 2014. While his fantasy numbers were not awful in 2013, he was vastly off from his fifth place ranking in 2012. With changes at head coach and special teams coach, improvement is on the horizon for RGIII in 2014, making him a trustworthy fantasy quarterback option for your team.