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Breakout fantasy stars to hold on to in keeper leagues

New Year's may be a few days away, but fantasy footballers are already scheming for next season. What young stars will turn into studs in 2014? Here are a pair of players you MUST tag as 'keepers' prior to 2014 drafts:

Le'Veon Bell, Pit, RB – Despite missing four games due to a foot sprain, the 'Big Rig' trucked over would-be tacklers, developing into the three-down workhorse many envisioned when the Steelers selected him in the second round of last April's NFL Draft. Over 12 games, he averaged 97.7 total yards per game, excelling between the tackles as a runner and in the flat as a receiver. Extrapolate what he achieved during that stretch over 16 games and he was essentially Matt Forte. Assuming the Steelers beef up their offensive line this offseason, he could flirt with the position's top-five in 2014.

Keenan Allen, SD, WR – Nearly quitting after receiving little work at the beginning of the year, Allen got some sense slapped into him, put his nose to the grindstone, worked his way up and compiled one of the finest campaigns by a rookie WR in NFL history. If he finishes the season with 1,000 yards (43 yards shy), he will be only the third wideout this century to register 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns in his first year. The clear-cut No. 1 in a pass-friendly offense, it would be no surprise if he ventured into the 85-1300-10 realm next year.

Follow Brad Evans on twitter @YahooNoise.