Brace Hemmelgarn – USA Today Sports
In my next addition to who may have a breakout fantasy football season in 2014, I am focusing on a player that many people didn’t even know about until the end of the 2012 season. That player is Joique Bell, and this is why he is a player that needs to be watched.
The Detroit Lions have a great offense. When you have players like Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford and Reggie Bush, it is very easy to get lost in the mix of these standout players. Bell, despite all of these weapons, had a huge impact on the play of the Lions this season.
Bell was the backup and third-down back for newcomer Bush at the beginning of the season. Many people felt that Bush would have such a good season in Detroit and that Bell would only get to play in order to give Bush a rest or if Bush would get hurt. However, Bell did much more than that in 2013.
Bell turned out to be a duel-threat for the Lions out of the backfield. He did more than just come in to give Bush a rest; he had some pretty big games himself this season. In four games this season, Bell had more than 100 total yards in a game and had eight scores this season. He showed potential during the first three weeks of the season, and then injuries and the emergence of Bush hurt the best season Bell has ever had.
In 2014, I can see Bell being used as a true duel-threat with Bush in the backfield of the Lions. With the hire of new head coach Jim Caldwell, who has done great things with running backs like Ray Rice, look for Bell to have an even better season in 2014. Many of you may say that you tend to stay away from two-headed backfields. Well, this is one player you should still keep an eye on. Bush will get the heavier workload, which means that there is a better chance of injury to Bush. This will open the door for Bell, and when he gets his chance next season, watch out!
Dom DeCarlo is a Fantasy blogger for www.RantSports.com. Follow him @DomDecarlo1, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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Fantasy Football 2014 Breakout Player: No. 9 Bernard Pierce
Fantasy Football 2014 Breakout Player: No. 10 Mark Ingram
