Fantasy Football 2006: Draft Tip #8

Sleepers

Every year several players emerge from some level of obscurity to grab both the NFL's and almost every Fantasy Football league's attention. Known as "sleepers", these players can have a significant impact on your championship hopes. A couple of years ago I managed to pick up sleeper who, at the time. was playing behind Cory Dillon. This guy, what was his name again? .... oh yeh, Rudi Johnson, helped me to both a regular season and league championship.

So who are this years biggest potential sleepers?

QB:

The concensus seems to be Houston's David Carr. The combination of Coach Kubiak, a revamped O-line, and the addition of some fellows who can catch the ball (Moulds and Putzier)

Backup Sleepers: Detroit's Jon Kitna and Washington's Jason Campbell

Almost Comatose: Jeff Garcia

RB:

The overall pick here seems to be Denver's Ron Dayne. Why, the running game in Denver. Need we say more? I still like GB's Samkon Gado as well. He opened some eyes last year and Green's durability is suspect.

Backup Sleepers: SF's Frank Gore and Minnesota's Chester Taylor

Almost Comatose: Pittsburg's Duce Staley (May be this year's Bettis getting the TDs after Parker does all the work)

WR:

First up here would be Eagle's WR Reggie Brown. With T.O. gone and given his performance at the end of last season, we think he poised for ... well maybe not greatness, but close.

Backup Sleepers: Atlanta's Ronnie White and the Bengal's Chris Henry

Almost Comatose: Cleveland's Braylon Edwards (Has the talent, but on the down side has Charlie Frye and went to the University of MeatChicken)

TE:

We'll go with NO's Zach Hilton. He established himself last year and we expect him to keep going.

Backup Sleeper: Cleveland's Kellen Winslow (if he can check the attitude at the door and stay healthy)

Almost Comatose: Denver's Tony Scheffler (We don't have a lot of confidence in Pollard and see Scheffler with a chance to make the job his)

Kickers:

Who else, product of THE Ohio State University, Jets Mike Nugent. After adjusting to the NFL last year we expect the Jets to reap the same benefits the Buckeyes did. NY's offense is suspect but this can sometimes present a kicker with more opportunities.

Bottom Line:

Sleepers are generally Sleepers for a reason. That reason? They are not expected to do that well. There is risk involved in picking them, but the rewards can be well worth it.

Next up: Comeback Kids