Fantasy Football 2014: Sleepers, Busts, and the Safest Picks

By Camden Joiner on August 7, 2014

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Football season is just under a month away which means fantasy football leagues across the nation are being rebooted and put together for the upcoming 2014-15 NFL season. The fantasy draft is the first step in every fantasy league and easily the most important for each individual team. Drafting a balanced and talented team is an easy road to the playoffs and, as experienced fantasy players know, building through the waivers scarcely leads to fantasy success. Treading the dangerous waters of the fantasy draft can be stressful and time-consuming, but hopefully these tips will help you in crafting your own personal dream team.

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Sleepers

Jay Cutler, QB Bears

While Jay Cutler will never be a sexy pick, all signs point to a successful year for the Bears’ quarterback. Cutler’s passes are caught by Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, perhaps the best wide receiver duo in the NFL. The Bears’ backfield is led by veteran Matt Forte, which certainly takes some pressure off of Cutler. Finally, the NFC North is no longer the defensive powerhouse division it once was and should be easy pickings for an experienced quarterback in his prime.

Doug Martin, RB Buccaneers

Just two years ago Doug Martin was the fantasy surprise of the year, putting up a monster rookie season for the Bucs. But after a rough start to last year and suffering an early season-ending injury, Martin has fallen out of many fantasy owners’ graces. This year, however, Martin is back to full health so look for him to balance out the deadly passing attack of Tampa Bay.

Jeremy Maclin, WR Eagles

Jeremy Maclin missed all of last season to an ACL tear suffered in training camp. Eagles QB Nick Foles managed, however, and led Philadelphia to a NFC East Division title. The loss of star wide out DeSean Jackson opens up the number 1 receiver spot for Maclin. With a division certainly not known for defense, Maclin is poised for a breakout season.

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Busts

Cam Newton, QB Panthers

Cam Newton’s biggest detriment is clearly the loss of star wide receiver Steve Smith to the Ravens in the off-season. The Carolina wide outs are certainly nothing to write home about and the same goes for the backfield. Newton also plays in a tough division which only got better in the off-season. Look for the Carolina Panthers to take a big step backwards to a down year.

Marshawn Lynch, RB Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks are coming off of a victorious Super Bowl-winning season helped by power back Marshawn Lynch. But unfortunately for the Hawks, all signs point towards a down year for Lynch. His career rush total is rapidly closing in on the 2,000 mark and Lynch has a long season ahead of him in the best defensive division in football. After a contract dispute in pre-season and coming off a championship season, the veteran back’s motivation will certainly be a question moving forward.

Michael Crabtree, WR 49ers

Michael Crabtree suffered a torn Achilles early last year and missed most of the regular season. While the 49ers are certainly trending upwards, the same can’t be said for the Niners wide out. San Francisco added Stevie Johnson as a target for Kaepernick this season, joined by Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis. Crabtree will be covered by the Niners’ division rivals’ top corners, which currently shape up to be Richard Sherman, Patrick Peterson, and Janoris Jenkins. Kaepernick will certainly avoid these talented defensive backs and will find Davis, Johnson, and Boldin much easier this season.

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Safe Picks

Aaron Rodgers, QB Packers

Many would expect Peyton Manning in this spot, but the aging QB is now 38 with multiple neck injuries. Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers is currently playing his prime. The Packers have a strong rookie running back, talented young receivers, and a serviceable defense. Look for Rodgers to bounce back from his collarbone injury and light up the defensively-lacking NFC North this season.

Adrian Peterson, RB Vikings

Arguably still the the most talented running back in the league, Adrian Peterson is poised for another strong year. The Vikings’ quarterback situation is still in flux, so look for Minnesota to yet again lean on Peterson to save their offensive woes. This year will equal a lot of touches for AD, and the defenses of the NFC North are no match for Adrian Peterson.

Dez Bryant, WR Cowboys

Surprised? Megatron is certainly a great pick at WR, but the safest pick here is Dez Bryant. The Cowboy receiver is coming off two monster years and with the loss of Miles Austin and the aging of Jason Witten, Romo will be targeting Bryant more than ever. No corner in the NFC East has the size nor speed to shut down Dez and never underestimate the power of a contract year.

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