The fantasy football season is over unfortunately and that makes me sad. As any regular reader can tell, I love fantasy football. As a result, I believe it's never too early to start looking toward next year. Staying ahead of the game is key to winning. So I've put together a list of five potential breakout stars that could help swing your league next year.
Paul Richardson, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Richardson's rookie season isn't exactly on par with the flashier Odell Beckham Jr. or Mike Evans. He has just 29 receptions for 271 yards and one touchdown in 15 games this season. But 10 of those catches came in the past three weeks. His playing time has increased down the stretch as head coach Pete Carroll has taken advantage of Richardson's 4.3-second speed. The guy can create separation and has pretty sure hands. While I expect the Seahawks to add to the wide receiving corps in the offseason, I still believe Richardson will be a big part of their passing game next year.
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Minnesota Vikings
Shall we play a little guessing game?
Do you know who has the eighth best QBR since Week 8? How about you name the quarterback who had the highest completion percentage on throws 10 and 15-plus yards over the last month of the season?
If you answered Teddy Bridgewater than congratulations, you get nothing except my unknown respect. Bridgewater was easily the most consistent of the rookie quarterbacks to play significant snaps this season and he should improve even more next year. His deep ball is nice, his overall accuracy is impressive and his rushing is an added bonus. I would definitely consider Bridgewater a potential QB2 next year.
Carlos Hyde, RB, San Francisco 49ers
If you're going to San Francisco, you might want to look up Carlos Hyde as your fantasy running back. Frank Gore has had a long and productive career. But like a king in "Game of Thrones" his reign must come to an end. Gore will be 32-years-old next season and is not under contract for 2015. Even if he does return to the 49ers, it will likely be in a complementary role. Hyde, a 2014 second-round pick, rushed 83 times for 333 yards (4.0 yards per carry) and four touchdowns this season. The 49ers want to give him more carries next season and reestablish their power running game. Greater opportunity usually leads to greater production.
Jace Amaro, TE, New York Jets
Eventually, the Jets have to start stringing together a few fantasy worthy players. Amaro could be one of them. The rookie second-rounder caught 35 balls despite playing only 35 percent of the offensive snaps. With an increase in playing time, Amaro could conceivably be a top 10 option at the position. He's a strong route runner with good athleticism and works well in the red zone. No one will ever mistake him for Rob Gronkowski, but Amaro could be a late round steal.
Isaiah Crowell, RB, Cleveland Browns
Crowell won two things this season: the first is the award for trickiest name to spell correctly, and the second was the starting running back job in Cleveland's crowded backfield. Crowell was an undrafted free agent when he signed on with the Browns, but he finished as the team's top option in what had been a revolving door of running backs. 607 yards on a 4.1 yards per carry average and eight touchdowns for one of the most run heavy teams in the league is nothing to overlook. If the Browns commit to him as the starter from day one next season, he could be a low end RB1.
