2010 Fantasy Football Sleepers

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Fantasy Football Super Sleepers:

Again with this sleeper thing. People love to throw sleepers down that aren’t to be justified sleepers. Because a dude was hurt last year, and is now healthy, it doesn’t mean he automatically qualifies for sleeper status. Yes, I know he didn’t produce sweet stats that make your mouth water yesteryear, but if he’s been a stud in the past, and is in his prime, he doesn’t have stock in sleeper possibility. Another thing about a “sleeper” – he’s no longer a sleeper when every fantasy guy in the world thinks he’s going to break out. That means he’s kind of awake, right? Here are 10 guys (kind of) that have sleeper credits that should break out from their normal production.

A couple half-sleeper guys…

What can I say except the Raiders are beginning to make smart moves, and the best running back in Oakland just happens to be named Michael Bush. If Oakland continues to think outside Al’s power strip, this guy will be getting 20 carries a game and producing big stats for Raiders. He’s currently getting drafted in the late 30’s amongst RBs, but I think he finishes in the Top 20. That being said, how is Ahmad Bradshaw getting drafted as the 47th running back? This guy is the best RB on a New York Giants’ team that should be much better this season. I wouldn’t be surprised if he finished with 1000 yards and a handful of touchdowns. He can’t be a sleeper based off my definition – but dang, he’s a heist that late.

The Full Sleeper Hold…

Mohamed Massaquoi: I wouldn’t want a Browns’ WR to be in my starting fantasy line-up, but that’s doesn’t mean that Massaquoi won’t have value. Somebody has to be the #1 in Cleveland, and Massaquoi will almost certainly be that guy. It’s rare that you can get a teams’ #1 as late as you can grab Mohamed, and I think he’s worth the pick for his upside potential.

Mike Bell: 65th rated running back – will almost certainly get goal line and tough yardage opportunities in Philadelphia. You never know what the Eagles are going to do, and an Eagle running back situation is a scary thing, but Bell has always been a hard-nosed runner and the Eagles haven’t seen one of those in a long time.

Donnie Avery or Laurent Robinson: I have a pretty good feeling that one of these guys becomes Sam Bradford’s #1 target, and I’ve always liked Robinson. Before his injury, he was putting up some pretty solid stats for a terrible passing team last season. He’ll be back to 100% (the injury happened early) and he could be a nice big target for the young QB. Donnie Avery just has too much turbo in the bank to be forgotten. He’s one of the fastest wideouts in the game, and he has upside. If you’re deciding on going for Kevin Walter or Deion Branch, you might want to just pick Avery and hope he becomes the sure-fire #1 in St. Louis.

Jacoby Jones: Is this the year for the speedy receiver with an even faster name? Seriously, say his name out loud to yourself – fast right? JacobyJones… One word. This guy makes touchdowns happen. He’s the fastest receiver on their roster and he’ll get single coverage just about every time he steps on the field. Jones is a much better big-play guy than Walter – I say take a late chance on him and see where it goes. Currently being drafted outside of the Top 200.

Anthony Gonzalez: Currently rated as the 75th receiver via ESPN, Gonzo has never had a season better than 57 grabs for 664 yards and 4 scores. That being realized, he’s only really played one season. Now Indy looks to be stacked with receiver talent, Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon did work last year when Gonzo went down in the first few plays of the season, and many have suggested that Gonzo will be lucky to come in as the #4. I don’t buy it. I thought he’d be great last year, he didn’t get the chance. I’m not as sure this year, but he’s definitely worth the draft price to grab and see what happens.

Matt Leinart: It feels like an obvious pick, but I don’t see many other donkeys throwing Matt’s name out there. So I’ll go ahead and do it. I know he lost Boldin, and that stinks – and this team will probably throw a lot more now that Kurt’s old ace is retired – but there are still three very good receiving options, one of which might just be the best in the game in Larry Fitz. Breaston could be a beast opposite Larry (he often has when given the chance in Boldin’s absence) and Doucet has shown good upside. Matt is being rated outside the Top 24, and I see him getting in the Top 15 amongst QBs – making him a good #2 and a fringe starter.

Jermaine Gresham: There is 12 guys that I really think could be good TEs – well, 12 guys that are basically sure things. Then there’s John Carlson (Hawks, ugh), and this guy, Mr. Gresham. Jermaine judges the ball in the air as good as any rookie receiver and he’s really fast. Even better, he keeps his eyes on the ball and makes big time plays with his elite size and athleticism. For a team that didn’t score too much through the air, Jermaine might just walk in and be a gem for the fantasy guy that waits until the final rounds to take a TE.

Mike Williams: Yeah, laugh if you want, but last time Pete Carol and this guy teamed up, Mike was one of the best players in college football. His hands have always been amazing, and while he’s not super-fast, he knows Seattle’s offense as well as any he’s run as a pro. He might get his chance to start and make big plays in Seattle, and he’s definitely worth his weight in draft position (148th rated WR on ESPN).

Here’s an entire different type of SLEEPER ARTICLE – something I imagine you’ll find useful on draft day!