Fantasy Football Sleepers
by Josh Gaier
With the start of the regular season just over a week away, many players have slipped under the draft radar but can end up being valuable assets to your fantasy team. Below is a player from each division that can potentially provide a spark for your team throughout the course of the season.
AFC East: Dustin Keller, Tight End, New York Jets
Favre loves throwing to his tight ends, and Keller has the mold of a perfect receiving tight end. This preseason, Keller has displayed the skills that the Jets were looking for when they drafted him. Although it might take him a while to reach the field, Keller provides mismatches when his feet hit the turf. Look for Keller to be active in the red zone from the start of the year and eventually be the main tight end for the green and white.
AFC South: Chris Brown, Running Back, Houston Texans
During his tenure in Tennessee, Brown showed that he is capable of being a full-time back. He has a great combination of speed and power, thus making him a dangerous man in the red zone. As of now Brown, is listed as the No. 2 running back on the Texans’ depth chart. However, Ahman Green is constantly injured and in danger of getting cut. When Green hits the training room, Brown is destined to carry the bulk of the Texans’ running game. Keep an eye on Brown and beat your opposition to the waiver wire when Green goes down.
AFC North: Limas Sweed, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers
Big Ben has vastly improved his passing in each season since his freshman year at Miami (Ohio). Although the Steelers are still a run-first team, they have been opening up the the offense with the shotgun and more multiple-wide-receiver sets. Currently, Sweed is third on the depth chart, making him the slot receiver. He’s a tall, lengthy receiver who will be able to crack the end zone. Sweed is a player that will have about two incredible fantasy games down the stretch.
AFC West: Selvin Young, Running Back, Denver Broncos
Many people are weary of drafting a Broncos running back in fear that he won’t see the field. Nevertheless, the Broncos’ system gives any mediocre running back the potential to excel and be the next superstar. Although there is still a question of who will earn the starting nod for the Broncos, Young looks to be the leading candidate for the job. Even if he doesn’t achieve the 2,000 yards he has guaranteed, he will be a valuable asset to your team.
NFC East: Sam Hurd, Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys
Terry Glenn has left the team and Miles Austin has suffered an injury, leaving the door wide open for Sam Hurd. Hurd has already instilled a sense of confidence in quarterback Tony Romo, something that can’t be said about Patrick Crayton. The downfall with Hurd is that the Cowboys have a ton of players hungry for the end zone, but Hurd will see his fair share of touchdown celebrations.
NFC South: Matt Ryan, Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons
Although rookie quarterbacks generally don’t have a good fantasy history, if you play your match-ups correctly, a stud like Ryan can always be a quick fix. Ryan has displayed a solid preseason, which allowed him to claim the Falcons starting quarterback job. The Falcons have underrated weapons surrounding the former Boston College quarterback, and he could have a solid rookie season. With quarterbacks suffering injuries routinely, keep an eye on Ryan’s numbers throughout the course of the year.
NFC North: Kevin Jones, Running Back, Chicago Bears
Kevin Jones looked very impressive upon his return to from a torn ACL. Although Forte will still hold down the starting job, Jones should receive his fair share of carriers. His return to the extent that he is a focal point of the Bears’ offense might take a while, but he should eventually reach that point. Monitor Jones’ situation, as well as the production of rookie running back Matt Forte. If Forte can’t get the job done, look for coach Lovie Smith to turn to a proven back.
NFC West: Leonard Pope, Tight End, Arizona Cardinals
Pope looks like he is finally maturing into a veteran status. Pope came into the league with great size, athleticism, and hands, and he should put them all together this year. Pope has the body to make plays consistently in the red zone, but the problem is that his offensive teammates, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald do as well. Pope unfortunately will still be an inconsistent tight end. He’s a gamble, but if you’re able to plug him into your lineup for the right games, you should hit jackpot.