Fantasy Football: Sam Bradford and 5 Ready-to-Be Studs

Every season, fantasy football never works out right. Players underperform, get injured, etc. Some become studs and show us who the fantasy monsters will be for years to come.

Every player who is automatic now (Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Philip Rivers, Adrian Peterson), was at one time a wild card.

Here are five players ready to take the leap from fantasy dud to fantasy stud.

Marshawn Lynch

Lynch is experiencing a rebirth of his career in Seattle. Most people gave up on him in Buffalo, especially because of the off-the-field issues he’s had.

He’s now on an up-and-coming team and will have a season to match.

Josh Freeman

Probably the most talented young quarterback in the league, Freeman brought the Bucs close to a playoff berth last season.

This season, he’ll continue to improve and show that he’s ready to join division rivals Drew Brees and Matt Ryan in the fantasy stud club.

Dez Bryant

Last season, injuries derailed Bryant’s career a bit, but he’s back this year and ready to take his place as the most athletic young receiver in the league.

He appears to have matured past his previous off-the-field issues, and by the end of the season, he will have separated himself as the No. 1 receiver in Dallas and as a prolific stat machine.

Kevin Kolb

Kolb’s career has been a unique one thus far. As one of the most discussed backups in history, Kolb got a mega-deal with the Cardinals and will need to produce to live up to it.

And he’ll be able to with a weapon like Larry Fitzgerald. People will be skeptical to pick up Kolb at first, but he’ll end up being a steal for whoever nabs him.

Sam Bradford

Josh McDaniels is the new coordinator in St. Louis.

Heard of that guy Tom Brady? His best season, when he threw for 50 touchdowns, was under McDaniels' guide. And remember that following year year when Brady got injured? And how that Matt Cassel guy—who’d been a backup since high school—led the Pats to an 11-5 season and had a Pro Bowl-caliber year? Again, McDaniels.

Well, Bradford is a smart quarterback like Brady and may actually be even more naturally gifted. He is surrounded by young, improving skill players who will only get better under McDaniels.

Bradford will be a top-10 fantasy quarterback this season.