Sleepers in fantasy sports are basically underrated players posed for a breakout season. They usually are a variety of first and second year players. With that said, this year there are a decent number of experienced players coming off a bad season or an injury. However, last season’s statistics do not determine what a player will do this year. In most cases, year in and out there is a new player who will emerge as the dominant force each season.
A good example from last season would be Julius Thomas. He is a tight end for the Denver Broncos and prior to last season nobody had really heard his name. With the help of Peyton Manning, he was statistically one of the best tight ends in football last season. He was also selected on average near the 11th round last year. Today he is ranked as nearly a top three tight end.
He is the steal that every fantasy team owner will be looking to capitalize on this season. Anyway, here are my top ten fantasy football sleepers.
[new page = 10. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals, QB]
Dalton is an underrated QB because he turns the ball over a lot. Fortunately for fantasy owners, turnovers typically don’t mean much. What does matter is Dalton’s style of play. He loves the deep ball. With receivers like A.J. Green and Jermaine Gresham, he is able to get a lot of points quickly. He will be consistent with his yards per game the only question is how he will perform in the red zone.
[new page = 9. Trent Richardson, Indianapolis Colts, RB]
After being traded to the Colts, Richardson had a pretty awful season. That means the only place to go is up. He will be better than last season – which doesn’t say much – but he was given the full opportunity to learn the Colt’s playbook and should thrive in their offense this year.
[new page = 8. Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals, QB]
Palmer is a veteran QB that still has a lot of talent. He has quietly been putting up consistently solid stats over the past four years. He is a sleeper mainly because he plays for the Arizona Cardinals. He will simply be underrated for the rest of his career but will still make many fantasy owners very happy for drafting him.
[new page = 7. Chris Johnson, New York Jets, RB]
Five years removed from his ‘CJ2K’ campaign, Chris Johnson is looking to make a statement. He has played for the Tennessee Titans his entire career and simply wants them to know cutting him was a mistake. Ever since rushing for 2,000 yards he has steadily been on the decline but has yet to rush for under 1,000 yards. Thus far in training camp he has been as explosive as ever and seems poised for a big year. He just needs to stay healthy.
[new page = 6. Brandon LaFell, New England Patriots, WR]
LaFell has been one of the most unknown wide receivers for years. Now he is the newest addition to Tom Brady’s arsenal. He and Brady should become very good friends soon because he will be a very effective weapon for New England. His only downside is that Rob Gronkowski will take away many of his touchdown opportunities.
[new page = 5. Kenny Stills, New Orleans Saints, WR]
Drew Brees loves to throw the ball. The entire Saints offense revolves around the passing game. With a lot of attention of Jimmy Graham, Kenny Stills will have an easier time finding the open space. Very unknown last season, Still was still able to post five touchdowns and over 600 receiving yards. He should repeat and best these statistics this season.
[new page = 4. Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants, WR]
One of the fastest rookies in the draft, the New York Giants effectively replaced Hakeem Nicks with basically another Victor Cruz. Beckham Jr. should fit in nicely with Eli Manning who hasn’t had a very good season since his last super bowl victory in the 2011-12 season. With that said, if Beckham Jr. is able to get through his first NFL game, he should be poised for a monster season.
[new page = 3. Jordan Matthews, Philadelphia Eagles, WR]
With the outbreak of Nick Foles and departure of DeSean Jackson the Eagles were in need of a replacement wide receiver. Jordan Matthews could be the answer. The receiver out of Vanderbilt is big and fast with great route running. He will be able to thrive in Chip Kelly’s offense with the very efficient Foles throwing him the ball.
[new page = 2. Ladarius Green, San Diego Chargers, TE]
Green has been Antonio Gates backup for two years now. He has also been able to learn from Gates and has greatly improved his game because of it. He is a 6’ 6” athletic freak with good hands. Now that he can run route like Gates, he is just about ready to take over as the number one tight end. He will break out this season but the only thing that will affect his value is Antonio Gates’ playing time.
[new page = 1. Montee Ball, Denver Broncos, RB]
Knowshon Moreno being let go by the Denver Broncos left Montee Ball as the starting running back on the team. Although they will still be a very pass heavy offense, Ball will get his reps and thrive in the receiving game. Just looking at Moreno’s fantasy value last season in the Broncos offense is very promising for Ball. He should put up steady numbers throughout the season.