5 Free Agents Who May See a Major Fantasy Stock Boost in 2013

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In the NFL, there are numerous players that have the talent to be great that just aren't in the right system or situation. But a lot of these players happen to be free agents for the 2013-14 season, and could benefit from finding a new home. 

So, here are five NFL free agents that could see a major fantasy stock boost in 2013-14.

1. Peyton Hillis, Runningback

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After amassing a 2010-11 campaign that was good enough to land him on the Madden Cover, Peyton Hillis has struggled with a lack of production and injuries. Hillis is a bruising back who no doubt has the talent to put up good numbers, he just hasn't been able to keep it all together over the past two seasons. 

Hillis will come at a bargain for any potential suitors, and in the right situation he could once again return to fantasy prominence. He's worth keeping your eye on to see where he winds up, because in Kansas City he's not going to have anywhere near enough touches for significant fantasy production. 

2. Rashard Mendenhall, Runningback

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Rashard Mendenhall is a proven NFL runningback, and has had some great seasons in the past. He's also got a knack for finding the end zone, with 30 total touchdowns between the 2009 and 2011 seasons (per ESPN). Mendenhall's struggled with injuries and character issues as of late, which have severely hampered his numbers. 

Mendenhall no doubt has the ability to be a top fantasy runningback once again. In Pittsburgh, the backfield is crowded and it seems he's on his way out. Maybe a team like the New York Jets can swoop him up and help him return to fantasy relevance. 

3. Dustin Keller, Tight End

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Dustin Keller has shown flashes of potential throughout the course of his career. In the right system he could really put up great numbers and flirt with being a top-5 fantasy tight end. Unfortunately for Keller, he's been relegated to having Mark Sanchez as the guy throwing him the ball, not exactly ideal for fantasy success. 

Keller is a good player, and as long as he isn't in a Jets uniform next season, he should see a significant boost in his fantasy stock. It can't get much worse than Sanchez and Tim Tebow, can it? 

4. Dwayne Bowe, Wide Receiver

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Dwayne Bowe is the only player on this list that is a proven, elite player. Bowe hasn't had a solid quarterback to throw him the football for his entire career, but he's still been a productive fantasy player—with his highlight being a 15 touchdown season in 2010 (Per ESPN).

Like Dustin Keller, anywhere but home is a good place for Bowe to end up. If he has a good quarterback to throw him the ball, he'll without a doubt be a top-10 fantasy wide receiver. He has too much talent and ability not to be. 

5. Felix Jones, Runningback

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Ah, the enigma that is Felix Jones. Jones came into the NFL with much fanfare as a first round pick, but hasn't really lived up to the hype. Jones has struggled with too many injuries to list, and even when healthy he just doesn't seem to be able to, or maybe isn't capable of being a starting runningback in this league. 

For Jones, maybe the best thing he can get is a fresh start in a new city. Jones does have youth on his side, he's just 25 years old. Either way, it can't really get much worse for a runningback who was once thought to be a lock to be a star in the NFL. 

 

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