Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bengals WR Marvin Jones shocked the fantasy football world in 2013 when he came out of nowhere and finished the season with 10 touchdown grabs. It was quite amazing considering that going into last season, the Bengals coaching staff viewed Jones as a rotational receiver along with Mohamed Sanu. Too many times last season Sanu looked completely underwhelming compared to Jones.
Heading into the 2014 NFL season, things appear to be looking much different for the Cincinnati receiving corps. New offensive coordinator Hue Jackson has already started employing Jones in the first team during the offseason, splitting out wide opposite A.J. Green. Last season, nobody in the fantasy football world had much of an idea as to who Jones was, but as the season progressed, the young receiver emerged as a viable red zone target, who also has the ability to stretch the field.
Hue Jackson appears to be interested in using a run-first offense, but that should not take away from Jones’ fantasy value heading into the upcoming season. All over the NFL it is becoming a trend to stack both sides of the field with big receivers who can score from just about anywhere. A prime example can be seen with the success of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery of the Chicago Bears, who both were in the top 10 for fantasy receivers last year.
The Bengals don’t exactly have the same level of offensive firepower that the Bears passing attack does, but it will have a similar look in the upcoming season. Jones has a legitimate chance to break the 1,000 yard mark this year and post double digits in touchdowns like he did last year. Fantasy football owners should view Jones as an excellent WR-3 with massive upside heading into fantasy drafts this year.
Alexander Muir is a writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @AmuirAlex, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on your network on Google.
