2012 NFL Sleepers

So, you didn’t follow my advice and missed out on some major talent.  Or maybe you want to round out your elite talent.  The next step would be to locate sleepers for your fantasy team.  No, a sleeper is not a sure fire pick but has elite potential.  So what characteristics do I look for in a sleeper?

1. Increased playing time.
2. In a good situation to post good stats.
3. Good to elite physical talent.
4. Finishing their first or second year.

Now that we have talked about what to look for:  Who do I believe are the top sleepers at each position?  I will name my top five at each position

QB

1. Kevin Kolb.  If Kolb gets traded, which is really likely, than he could post some huge numbers.  Playing for the Cardinals would give him some solid weapons to throw the ball to.  He has solid tools and should be entering his prime.  Projections: 3,800 yards and 23 TD’s and 10 Int’s.

4.    Sam Bradford.  Bradford had a great rookie year.  With Josh McDaniels taking over the OC job, McDaniels will really open up the offense.  Bradford has tools similar to Brady: quick release, elite accuracy, and under rated arm strength.  In his second year he will be way more conferrable.  Projections: 4,000 yards and 24 TD’s and 10 Int’s.

3. Ryan Fitzpatrick.  I don’t believe the Bills will win too many games but Fitzpatrick showed he can put consistent numbers in this system.  He only played 12 games last year.  It will be his second year as a starter so he should be even better.  I predict around 4,000 yards and 25 TD’s and 13 int’s.

2. Josh Freeman.  He really turned it on last year.  In year three, he will be even better.  If Blount can be a consistent force in the run game than Freeman can post solid numbers.  Projections: 3,900 yards and 23TD’s and 8 int’s.  Also Freeman will post some running statistics.

1. Matt Stafford.  Only injuries have slowed this kid down.  Most people are writing him off but he has shown he is completely healthy entering this season.  It will be his third year as a pro all with the same OC.  If Stafford can stay healthy I think he will be a top 8 QB.  4,200 yards and 27TD’s and 12 int’s.

RB

5  Shonn Green.  Okay I thought this last year was his year and I was wrong.  Either I am really stubborn or I was just a year off.  Tomlinson will not steal carries and I don’t think Powell is ready yet.  Downfall is Green’s receiving skills are not there but with an amazing OL and a defense that keeps the score low…he will be used a lot.  Projections: 1200 yards and 10 TD’s.

4. Ryan Thorain.  Injuries have always kept this kid down.  He isn’t an elite talent but he fits the system perfectly.  Thorain’s situation isn’t the best but I do believe he will get his share of carries.  Projections: 1100 yards and 8 TD’s with 25 rec.

3. DeAngelo Williams.  Was the number one pick in Fantasy Football a couple years ago…so what happened?  Injuries and his situation went from good to bad in a hurry.  Also where is Williams going to play?  This is a risky pick but you can get him late and if he goes to a better team he can be elite again.  Projection on a good team: 1200 yards and 9 TD’s and 40 rec.

2. Ryan Matthews.  Matthews was way over drafted last year but if he would have stayed healthy he might have met those expectations.  Matthews needs to stop fumbling as well but he is an all around talent capable of scoring a stable amount of points.  Projections: 1200 yards and 12 TD’s and 40 rec.

1. Jahvid Best.  This kid is explosive.  Turf toes, two of them, were the only thing able to slow him down.  Lions are a team on the rise and with Leshoure he will get plenty of rest…which helps Best since he doesn’t need a ton of touches to dominate.  Projection: 900 yards and 7 TD’s and 60 rec.  Best will get a ton of receiving skills.

WR

5   Jordy Nelson.  Nelson took over late in the season as well as in the playoffs.  Now there are a ton of players who have done similarly and failed to meet the high expectations the next year.  Nelson does not have those high expectations.  Now I would recommend him for more of a PPR league.  Predictions: 75 rec, 850 yards, 6 TD’s.

4. Danario Alexander.  Fell in the real draft due to injuries which also dogged Alexander in his rookie year.  While healthy though he did have some excellent games.  Plays the spread formation really well and will fit in McDaniel’s system.  Say what you want about Josh McDaniels as a HC but as an OC he is amazing.  Projection if healthy: 70rec, 1000 yards, 7 TD’s.

3. Sidney Rice.  See DeAngelo Williams write up.  Top notch WR that had injuries and is now a FA not knowing where he will play.  If the Vikings retain Rice, his numbers will drop but if Rice goes to a team that has a good QB he could return to dominance.  Projection if he goes to a better situation: 80 rec, 1150 yards, 9 TD’s.

2. Mario Manningham.  With Steve Smith being hurt, Manningham had increased playing time and opportunity.  Manningham has shown flashes in his second and third year.  I believe he will blow up this year.  Projection: 85 rec, 1200 yards, TD’s.

1. Austin Collie.  Guy was well on his way to a great year before injuries.  He is really risky and his numbers could suffer due to all the other targets on the Colts…but I just love this guy.  Projections if healthy: 80 rec, 1000 yards, 11 TD’s.

Well there you are.  It is my wish that you can not only find solid starters but complement them with some high potential sleepers.