Fantasy Football 2014 Sleepers, Rankings, & Draft: NFL Players Fans Should Pick, Who to Avoid on Roster
The 2014 National Football League season may seem like it's far, far away. In reality, NFL players are deep into training camps, or holding out for more money (cough, cough Andre Johnson.) But fans don't have to sit idly by and wait until kickoff, as they can start or join fantasy league for the 2014 NFL season today.
Who should you draft into your league? Latin Post.com takes a look:
Sleepers
Brian Hoyer, QB, Cleveland Browns
Hoyer, at 6' 2" and 215 lbs. isn't the biggest or smallest quarterback in the league. In fact, he kind of looks average in stature and build. But not getting noticed for his apparent physical gifts is just one reason why Hoyer is a good pick for your Fantasy Football draft.
During the 2013 NFL Season, Hoyer made his debut as Brandon Weeden's backup. With Weeden's thumb-injury and generally all-out atrocious play, Hoyer started the Week 3 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
He performed admirably as a "week-to-week" starter until going down with an ACL tear. Hoyer managed to pass for five touchdowns and over 600 yards in his three starts, helping the Browns go 3-0 over that stretch. Small-sample size aside, Hoyer is a savvy veteran with the full support of his team behind him. That is until the Browns' first round draft pick makes his debut...
Johnny Manziel, QB, Cleveland Browns
A favorite of team owner Jimmy Haslam, Manziel makes his NFL debut this fall. The mercurial QB is admired by many for his Houdini-like escapes from would-be tacklers, but some remain leery of his Las Vegas lifestyle.
The scrappy scrambler from SEC West-aligned Texas A&M University has a rocket launcher for a right arm and a tireless motor. But will he end up being crucified like Tim Tebow, another Heisman-winning QB? Or will he have a similar impact on Cleveland's success as "prodigal son" LeBron James may for the crosstown Cavs?
Expect Manziel's pocket awareness and lateral mobility to flummox defenders like he did versus Duke.
Sure Things
Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Most running backs are done after their first three seasons. Getting to that fourth or fifth year is a sign of good genes, self-discipline, luck and toughness. Gore is entering his 10th season. And he's been on an uncanny run (pun not intended) since '11, which, unsurprisingly, has coincided with the rise of the 49ers profile the past three years.
Gore will be looking to extend his 1,000 yard-season streak to four in 2014. And he's only missed that lofty mark two years in his entire career including in his rookie campaign. Gore also hasn't missed a game in since 2010, an impressive stretch that has been extended by several deep playoff runs.
The main reason to be confident Gore will continue to spearhead the 49ers rushing attack and complement the mobility of Colin Kaepernick under center is his beastly off-season training regimen. Gore is currently boxing in NorCal's Undisputed Boxing Gym under the supervision of trainer Brian Schwartz
Jimmy Graham, TE, New Orleans Saints
Basketball player turned football goliath Jimmy Graham is eager to get out on the field this year and pry open the eyes of the Saints' front office. The 6' 7", 275 lb., Adonis of a man is miffed that he's being pegged as a tight end, instead of a wide receiver. The TE franchise tag designation means a lot less money is headed down to the Bayou--over $5 million less
His production did dip after his MVP-like start to last season, but Graham is still a stud. Double teams can only hold him back for so long.
Nevertheless, Graham can't afford to have a subpar year, especially if he wants to get paid sometime in the future. With Saints QB Drew Brees as fit as ever, it wouldn't be a shock to see Graham exceed his gaudy 1,215 receiving yards and 16 end zone trips.
Avoid at all Costs
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Minnesota Vikings
Yes, rookie QB Bridgewater will be suiting up for games this season. After all, a Christian Ponder-led squad definitely isn't an exciting prospect, unless you like forced throws and three-and-outs. But Bridgewater hasn't been impressing people since the 2013 college football season ended and the lack of a dynamic end zone receiver is troubling.
His disastrous pro day performance is much more worrisome then his low Wonderlic intelligence test score taken at the combine. And his weak arm strength won't sit well with the cold Northern air. Bridgewater will have a chance to prove us wrong if he gets good first down yardage from All-World running back Adrian Peterson.
That being said, Peterson will continually have to carry his team, both literally and figuratively.
How to Sign Up
Sign up for NFL.com's Fantasy Football game here.
Which of these players is going to make your 2014 Fantasy Football Draft? Also, which is your favorite NFL playmaker? Let us know in the comments section below.
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