Nothing like a pile of money to get you in shape and ready to go beyond expectations.
It happens every year. A guy who is so-so decides to have a career year and get a contract worth millions.
Here's who to watch out for this season:
Matt Schaub, Texans QB: If he stayed healthy last season, he might already have a deal done. But he didn't and that's all that is stopping him. I think he does well this season. Really undervalued right now.
Reggie Bush, Dolphins RB: He's on HBO's "Hard Knocks" this training camp, which should give you an impression if he has what it takes to do well. He did OK last season and was drafted but didn't play a lot until late. Now with a new system focused on the pass, he should be able to get more opportunities. This team doesn't have a lot of talent. He might get the ball a lot, but can he hold up? I say that's a maybe.
Peyton Hillis, Chiefs RB: He has a great chance to blow up. The guy leading the offense in Cleveland when he had a career year is now doing the same thing in KC. Hillis isn't getting paid $3 million to sit and watch. I think they will wear him out and bring Jamaal Charles around slowly. Way undervalued. I would take him.
Isaac Redman, Steelers RB: Christmas came early for Redman. He's playing for a contract the year he is not starting the season behind the starter. What no one remembers last season when Tim Tebow beat the Steelers was that Redman had 121 yards while averaging 7.1 yards a carry. Game before that he averaged 4.8 for 92 yards and a TD. This guy can ball. You want him. He is going to be a starter either for the Steelers or another team next year.
Michael Turner, Falcons RB: Everyone says he's done, but he's not. He doesn't have as many carries as other backs his age since he was a backup for a long time. He does have a new offensive coordinator in Dirk Koetter (remember the coach who dissed OSU?), who at the same job in Jacksonville fed the ball a lot to Maurice Jones-Drew, who just happened to win the rushing title last season. Here is what people are saying about Atlanta: Julio Jones and Matt Ryan are going to be huge. Here is what people should be saying: Their offensive coordinator lead the offense that was 32nd, also known as last, in passing last season. Season before that? Twenty-seventh. I don't think the Falcons will pass as much as people say. I think Turner will be the burner on this offense.
Kevin Smith, Lions RB: He was the best running back on the team last season and he starts this season the same. This is a great offense with some really easy games. His health is the only concern. I think he is going to do what he does - play pretty well until he gets hurt. I wouldn't draft him as a full-time starter, but he will be the best play week 1 when the Lions play the Rams.
Brandon Jacobs, 49ers RB: You wouldn't be out of line to call Jim Harbaugh the Statue of Liberty. He has asked teams to give him their tired. Jacobs is someone most fantasy owners are tired of. Same for Randy Moss. But Jacobs is just the kind of player who would do everything he can to score a contract.
Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs WR: Not shown up for camp yet, which isn't a good signal to give to your employer if you want something. If his QB gets his eyes checked, I think he will be a decent No. 2, but I don't see him being a top producer.
Wes Welker, Patriots WR: Didn't get a deal but did report. I don't think he goes crazy since there is now so much more competition for targets. No way he scores that many TDs again.
Victor Cruz, Giants WR: Yes, he did have some crazy, long touchdowns. But he also outran a lot of people and now has a full offseason and training camp with the first team. Remember, this guy was the No. 4 receiver on this team last year. Maybe less touchdowns, but with Hakeem Nicks possibly out early in the season, he should do well. Not great, but well.
Greg Jennings, Packers WR: Getting a concussion in training camp early isn't a good start. He's on one of the most explosive offenses in the game, so no reason why he can't add to his great stats. Buy on him.
Danny Amendola, Rams WR: He might get a lot of targets since no one else other than rookie Brian Quick could scare someone. I don't think he's a special kind of player, so it will be rough for him to exceed expectations.
Malcolm Floyd, Chargers WR: Antonio Gates is now healthy, so he will be the focus again in the air. Floyd is better than Robert Meachem, in my opinion, so he could blow up. The Chargers are going to throw it a lot.
Randy Moss, 49ers WR: If someone other than Alex Smith was throwing, I would be excited. I don't know if Moss has it in him. I like Terrell Owen's situation more.
Chad Johnson, Dolphins WR: Maybe he can still play. I think he's the second best wide receiver on this team behind Legedu Naanee. He will certainly entertain, but not sure he will get enough targets to dominate.
Jerome Simpson, Vikings WR: He starts the year suspended then has to deal with Christian Ponder throwing to him. I don't see a good formula for success.
Jason Witten, Cowboys TE: He will probably get a deal done either before the season starts or during it. He can still be depended on. But this offense doesn't ever get him enough chances to score to make him jump out.
Fred Davis, Redskins TE: Not a big fan, but the rookie quarterback might dump off a lot of passes to him. He's in a crowded receiving corps.
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