Fantasy Football 2014: Five Breakout Candidates

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Montee Ball, RB, Denver Broncos

Out goes Knowshon Moreno, in comes Montee Ball. While Ball isn’t nearly as versatile or well-rounded as Moreno was, the Broncos fully expect him to rise up and assume Moreno’s old role. He may not approach Moreno’s 60 receptions out of the backfield due to inferior hands, but he should still see 25-30 balls at a minimum, as well as the majority of the early down and goal-line work.

Ball’s flaws in pass protection and receiving were mostly eradicated by the end of 2013, and he is no longer the wet behind the ears rookie we saw in the beginning of last season. Now a sophomore on a potent offense, Ball is primed for a monster breakout season and has already earned a firm backing from quarterback Peyton Manning. He’s at the very worst a rock solid RB2 going into 2014, while he has a realistic shot at returning RB1 value.