NFL Fantasy Wide Receiver Sleepers of 2014
By Erik Lambert
Oct 27, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) and wide receiver Kenny Stills (84) celebrates after a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Bills 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Wide receivers aren’t top priority in NFL fantasy leagues but they are still very important. Who are some names that need attention heading into 2014?
Jordan Matthews – Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles coaches have been all sorts of giddy about the prospects of rookie wide receiver Jordan Matthews. Indeed the career SEC receiving leader certainly has the size, hands and polish of a pro and with training camp not even underway he’s already pushing for a starting spot. Given his experience and unique fit in the Chip Kelly offense, nobody should be surprised if he’s making an impact right away.
Kenny Stills – New Orleans Saints
His rookie seasons wasn’t any sort of breakout but NFL fantasy owners definitely got glimpses of what Kenny Stills could do within the confines of that New Orleans Saints offense. His route running and ability to get down the field could take a significant step forward in 2014, especially if the team can get back to running the football consistently. One important stat to remember? Stills averaged 20 yards per catch as a rookie.
Marquess Wilson – Chicago Bears
The buzz is quite loud for a guy that caught two passes as a rookie. However, Marquess Wilson is a special case. He was only 20-years old for the Chicago Bears in 2013, still extremely raw as a 7th round pick out of Washington State and a wiry 186 lbs. Fast forward a full off-season under the tutelage of Pro Bowlers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery and Wilson is a thicker 207 lbs and well-versed in the art of hard work. With Marshall and Jeffery set to draw all sorts of coverage, Wilson is in line to benefit.
Marvin Jones – Cincinnati Bengals
A.J. Green is the man giving defenses nightmares for the Cincinnati Bengals, but the surprise revelation for NFL fantasy owners was second-year man Marvin Jones. Emerging out of nowhere, he posted 712 yards and a gaudy 10 touchdown catches. He has good size and reliable hands, which explains why Andy Dalton looked to him more and more down the stretch last season. Expect him to become the primary starter opposite Green.
Rod Streater – Oakland Raiders
He clawed his way to over 800 yards last season despite a parade of nobodies at quarterback for the Oakland Raiders. Now it seems Rod Streater finally has a stable arm to throw him the football in two-time Pro Bowler Matt Scahub. Streater is entering his third season and is ready to take his game to the next level. At 6’3″ he is a big target and knows how to get open. Fantasy leagues will ignore him initially, but not for long.