The NFL fantasy football year for 2014 is here and after drafts some free agent pickups to look at include Kendall Wright, Ben Tate, Zac Stacy, Jeremy Maclin, Keenan Allen, Shane Vereen, Harry Douglas, Andre Williams, Ryan Mallett, Tim Wright, Steve Smith, Trent Richardson, Jordan Matthews and Mike Evans among many other players that owners may have overlooked on the waiver wire for week 1.
Kendall Wright has been looked at as a very solid sleeper after what he did last season and he could be a major sleeper for fantasy owners if he is still on the market. Ben Tate comes over to the Browns from the Houston Texans and both him and Terrance West could be very good if the team can rush the ball on a consistent basis this year after trading Trent Richardson. Jordan Matthews has the chance to be a star in the Philadelphia Eagles offense, while Andre williams should get plenty of touches as the backup for Rashad Jennings with the Giants.
Jeremy Maclin is coming back from a serious injury and he could be a very good pickup if he is available in leagues, as he is perfectly suited for the Chip Kelly offense,. Maclin missed out on year one with his injury and now he has the chance to come back minus DeSean Jackson and after he put up solid numbers for three straight seasons, he could be in for a big year. Wright had a very strong season last year with 94 catches and 1079 yards and while he had just two touchdowns, he should be in line for more this season. Wright went up from 64 catches and 626 yards two years ago and now he has the chance for a major breakout season.
Keenan Allen had a fantastic rookie season and now he could be even better in year two with Philip Rivers coming off of a very good season as well. Zac Stacy should have even more chances to touch the ball with Sam Bradford out and he looks like he will be the starting back. Shane Vereen was injured last season and he will be very valuable in PPR leagues, as he is a strong receiver out of the back field and should get the bulk of screen passes in the Patriots offense.
Tim Wright should be a solid tight end option even if Rob Gronkowski stays healthy, as he will take over the Aaron Hernandez position because he has the size and athleticism for it. Vereen comes in after having 47 catches in eight games last season and that was more than he had carries and that should play out again this season. Tate has the chance to be the starter and the last time he did that was in 2011 when Arian Foster was injured and he had nearly 1000 yards and he comes in after putting up 771 last season in 14 games.
There are tons of players out there with the potential to help win a fantasy league this year and the right moves now can pay off in the playoffs and could be the key to having a strong team and successful season in roto.
