Fantasy Football: Week One Free Agent Finds

The first Sunday of football is soon to begin and hopefully you’re heading into 12 o’clock kickoff feeling confident about your fantasy football draft. To help even the worst Auto-Drafted team here’s a few Week One free agents pickups that deserve a spot on your bench.

More from Bears Fantasy Football

Aug 9, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA;Detroit Lions wide receiver

Calvin Johnson

(81) makes a catch and is immediately tackled by the New York Jets defense in the first quarter of a preseason game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

New Yorks Jets Defense (Owned in 12% of Yahoo! leagues): A favorable Week One matchup against rookie Derek Carr and an underwhelming Oakland Raiders offense make the Jets a great start to begin your fantasy season. Despite finishing 27th in fantasy scoring a year ago the Jets Defense is set for a major turnaround in 2014 as Rex Ryan, son of legendary Bears defensive coordinator Bud Ryan, remains head coach. After finishing in the top six in defensive scoring in his first three years in New York, Ryan’s defenses have had quite a drop off, but with the growth of Sheldon RichardsonMuhammad Wilkerson, and Dee Milliner and an improved offensive unit 2014 could be a whole new year for the Jets.

Jerricho Cotchery

looks to catch a pass during the minicamp held at the Carolina Panthers practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports” width=”220″ height=”331″ /> Jun 17, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers receiver Jerricho Cotchery looks to catch a pass during the minicamp held at the Carolina Panthers practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Jerricho Cotchery (13%): After scoring a career-high 10 touchdowns in 2013, Cotchery will to continue to bloom into a solid fantasy option late in his NFL career. The 32- year old is set start for a Carolina Panthers team with one of the weakest wide receiving corps in the league. Following a great year with Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cotchery should be able to establish himself as a reliable option for Cam Newton early in 2014.

Aug 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Marqise Lee (11) runs past Chicago Bears cornerback Kelvin Hayden (24) for a touchdown during the first half of a preseason game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Marqise Lee (13%): Though he could struggle early adjusting to the NFL, by the end of the season Lee will be among the elite rookie wide receivers. Despite a lackluster 2013 season, the USC product set the school record for career yardage and has proven his ability to put up big numbers, setting a Pac-12 Conference record with 345 receiving yards in a game. Lee’s touchdown against Chicago and 57 yard score against Atlanta in the preseason show the second round pick is progressing as an NFL wide receiver, and once first round pick and future star Blake Brotles takes over as the starter in Jacksonville his numbers will soar.

Schedule