The CBS Fantasy Football 2014 regular season will begin soon and after the drafts are over, some of the best free agent pickups and waiver wire options include Miles Austin, Tim Wright, Andrew Hawkins, Mark Ingram and Knowshon Moreno, especially after the news came down about Josh Gordon, which makes players like Nate Burleson, Austin, Hawkins and Jordan Cameron strong draft options in Yahoo Sports, ESPN, CBS and all other fantasy leagues.
Gordon was one of the best wide receivers in the league last year and he led the league in receiving yards and now will be out for the entire 2014 slate. That makes players like Cameron, Hawkins, Nate Burleson and Miles Austin smart pickups in deeper leagues and regular leagues, as they should get more looks without Gordon in the offense. Gordon was considered a sleeper by many in fantasy leagues because it was thought that he could miss just half a season, but clearly that's not the case now.
Gordon went for 87 catches for 1,646 yards and nine TDs last season and that came in 14 games and now the team will have to find a way to make up that production. As long as Austin stays healthy, he should be one of the better options on the Browns, as he has the potential to be a number one type receiver. Austin had injury problems in two of the last three seasons, but before that he had back to back years with 1,000 yards with 69 and 81 receptions and he could be in that range this season.
Andrew Hawkins is another player to look at with the Browns, as he had a very solid season two years ago before dealing with injuries last season. Hawkins played in just eight games last year and that came after he had 51 catches in 14 games for 533 yards and four touchdowns. Ingram is a great option if he can stay healthy, since Darren Sproles is gone and that means more touches for him and Pierre Thomas. Ingram had a couple breakout games last year and he will be looking to stay consistent and healthy this season.
Wright is an excellent option after his trade to the Patriots from the Buccaneers, as he can be an athletic option out of the tight end spot. Rob Gronkowski and his health are always a question and Wright could step up if he goes down. Wright had 54 receptions last season for 571 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games and he could make a big impact this year. Some have already called him an Aaron Hernandez type for the Pats, meaning he could line up in multiple spots as a versatile receiver, but likely not about the whole murder thing.