Before a season starts fantasy lovers and gurus alike have predictions on how the season will turn out and who will shine in the world of fantasy sports, but of course there are always surprises.  Guys who prove everybody wrong, come from nowhere and have a breakout year, step in for an injured star, or resurrect their career and show they still have the fantasy football juice.  These are the guys drafted in late rounds and picked up from waiver wires and free agency, the guys you brag about at the water cooler. These are the most surprising fantasy players at each position.

Philip Rivers, Quarterback, San Diego Chargers

2013 Statistics: 184/249 for 2132 yards and 15 touchdowns only five interceptions

Rivers is currently No. 2 behind Peyton Manning for yards and touchdowns.  That alone is impressive because of Manning playing like a Madden 25 create a player.  Rivers was not expected to do well after struggling the last couple years.  It also wasn’t clear if the Chargers had found a replacement for Vincent Jackson who left for Tampa Bay a couple seasons ago.  A lot of fantasy experts didn’t have him in the top-20 quarterbacks this year and he wasn’t expected to produce a lot of points.  But thanks to guys like Antonio Gates and Danny Woodhead, who each have 40 catches, and Eddie Royal with six touchdowns Rivers seems to be back and back with avengence. 

Runningback Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos

2013 Statistics: 95 attempts 413 yards and eight touchdowns

This has to be if not the biggest one of the biggest surprises of the 2013 season.  Everyone had given up on Moreno, he didn’t shine when sharing the load with Willis McGahee when he was in Denver, and the team just drafter Montee Ball.  Some analyst didn’t even think Moreno would make the team! Forget Fantasy predictions this guy was on the cut bubble! Well it’s a good thing John Fox doesn’t listen to ESPN cause Moreno leads the league in touchdowns and has taken full responsibility as the main guy in the backfield. Glad to see a guy labled a draft bust make some noise and proove himself on the field.  

Wide Receiver Alshon Jeffery , Chicago Bears

2013 Statistics: 33 receptions for 561 yards and two touchdowns

Jeffery was not supposed to be a top 10 receiver this year.  A lot of people had him behind rookies like Tavon Austin and Kenbrell Thompkins.  But I guess nobody told Alshon that as he is currently number nine among all receivers in fantasy points. Over the past couple weeks he has solidified himself as a very capable number two behind Brandon Marshall.  Both guys will benefit from the fact that you can’t double cover them because the other will definitely hurt you in single coverage.  Look for Jeffery to continue his outstanding play in the second half of the season. 

Tight End Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints

2013 Statistics: 37 receptions for 593 yards and six touchdowns

I know I know Graham was supposed to be the best tight end this year what's the surprise right?  Just look at his stats, after a bye week and being completely shut out against New England he’s still number six in yards…….Among Receivers! In weeks two through four he brought in 20 or more points for his fantasy owners.  He’s been a fantasy G.O.A.T. all year and without Aqib Talib and the New England Patriots in the way look for him to make defenses look straight silly the rest of the year. 

Defense Carolina Panthers

2013 Statistics:  19 sacks nine interceptions five fumble recoveries one touchdown

The Panthers weren’t a team that was supposed to make a lot of fantasy noise on defense.  However they have have a good season getting to the quarterback and causing turnovers.  Also they are doing a great job at keeping points off the board, Carolina 83 points scored against them this season.  To put it in perspective for you Kansas City the best fantasy defense so far has allowed 81.  Let’s hope the Panthers can keep up the pace.