Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Joe Flacco(5) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver
Steve Smith(89) in the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Last week, I wrote an article about the most disappointing fantasy football players of 2014. This week I’ll be writing a similar piece. But instead of focusing on players who have let us down, I’ll be focusing on players that have left their fantasy owners very pleased. Today we look at the 5 most surprising players of 2014.
Like last week, this is not a start or sit article. It’s just a piece giving credit where credit is due.
With that being said, let’s get things started!
1.) DeMarco Murray
Fantasy owners who drafted DeMarco Murray have undoubtedly struck gold. After 7 weeks of action, Murray leads the NFL in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. With 913 rushing yards, Murray has nearly 300 more rushing yards than his closest competitor — Arian Foster with 615. His 7 touchdowns and 22 receptions don’t hurt, either.
Murray is bound to slow down eventually, but I don’t see it happening this week. The Washington Redskins, who Dallas plays on Monday night, have allowed an average of 103.3 rushing yards per game. With Brian Orakpo lost for the season, that figure is likely to increase.
2.) Arian Foster
Much like DeMarco Murray, Arian Foster was likely a first round pick in your fantasy football draft. Having said that, I have a hard time believing Foster owners predicted him to do this well. Besides Murray, Foster is the only other running back in the NFL to average over 100 yards per game (102.5). He is also second in the league in rushing touchdowns with 5.
He didn’t play in week 3 and had a disappointing game against the Buffalo Bills the following week. The other 5 games? Over 100 yards in each. If Foster can stay healthy, his owners are in for quite a treat.
3.) Matt Forte
Matt Forte is doing it all for the Chicago Bears this season. With 448 rushing yards, he is currently 5th in the league in that category. That’s not why I have him on the list, though. He’s on here because of his ridiculous ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
Through 7 weeks, Forte leads the NFL with 52 receptions (or about 7.5 catches per game)! PPR owners who drafted Forte are being rewarded heavily for their investment.
4.) Steve Smith Sr.
The savvy veteran has shown that he is still more than capable of producing for your fantasy football team. He is currently 7th in the NFL with 640 receiving yards. That’s more than Dez Bryant, DeSean Jackson, Emmanuel Sanders, and Alshon Jeffery. Smith is averaging 16.8 yards per catch, his best average since 2008.
Steve Smith provides Joe Flacco with a talented and consistent veteran wide receiver, something he has lacked since the departure of Anquan Boldin last season.
5.) Kelvin Benjamin
It’s no secret that I’m big on Kelvin Benjamin. The 6 foot 5 receiver out of Florida State has lived up to expectations and has provided Cam Newton with a legitimate weapon on the outside. Benjamin has tallied 34 receptions for 477 yards and 5 touchdowns. But what has impressed me the most about Benjamin has been his consistency.
The rookie wideout has recorded a touchdown in 5 of his first 7 NFL games. Outside of Benjamin and Greg Olsen, Cam Newton doesn’t have many options. I foresee the stellar year by KB continuing.
Those are the 5 players that have surprised me the most this year in fantasy football. Have any players on your squad that have exceeded your expectations? Be sure to let me know in the comments section!
But, before I go, here are some quick hit fantasy stats to think about!
1.) Like I mentioned earlier, Matt Forte leads the NFL in receptions with 52.
2.) That’s more catches than Larry Fitzgerald (23) and DeSean Jackson (26) combined (49).
3.) Fitzgerald is currently on pace to catch around 61 passes, his lowest total since his rookie year in 2004 when he caught 58 balls.
4.) With 23 catches, Fitz is tied for 64th in the league with the likes of Justin Forsett and Shane Vereen.
5.) Forsett also has 503 rushing yards on the year, which puts him in 4th place on the rushing leader board.
6.) In front of Forsett on the rushing leader board is Le’Veon Bell, who, much like Matt Forte, has dominated on the ground and through the air. In terms of receptions, Bell ranks second among running backs with 36 grabs.
7.) Fred Jackson comes in at number 3 with 33 receptions out of the backfield. The longtime Bill has done so very quietly, too. I attribute this to the fact that Sammy Watkins is now on board.
8.) With 35 receptions for 433 yards and 4 touchdowns, Watkins leads the Buffalo Bills in all major receiving statistics.
9.) His 35 receptions leads all rookies. 3 other players (Kelvin Benjamin, Brandin Cooks, and Allen Robinson) are tied for second in that category with 34 receptions each. Out of the 4 players just mentioned, Robinson is the only one that wasn’t selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
10.) That’s because the Jacksonville Jaguars elected to select Blake Bortles with their first round pick. The rookie quarterback currently leads the NFL with 10 interceptions.