NFL Fantasy Sleepers for 2014: NFC South
By Erik Lambert
Jan 11, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Khiry Robinson (29) runs the ball against Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Summer is approaching fast and so are preparations for NFL fantasy leagues. Here is an updated list of potential sleepers from every team in the NFC South.
Carolina Panthers: Tyler Gaffney – RB
All the talk during the off-season has centered on what the Carolina Panthers plan to do about their passing game following the departure of Steve Smith and other veterans from last season. However, those who know the teams understand the bread and butter of their philosophy is running the ball. DeAngelo Williams is into his 30s now and backup Jonathan Stewart has not played in double digit games since 2011. That is why NFL fantasy eyes should watch 6th round pick Tyler Gaffney very carefully. He’s a great fit for the system and has experience as a work horse back from his time at Stanford.
New Orleans Saints: Khiry Robinson – RB
Perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the 2013 playoffs was reserve New Orleans Saints running back Khiry Robinson. Going from spot duty behind Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas he emerged in postseason to put up 102 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries against Philadelphia and Seattle. While most expect Ingram to get the nod as the starting running back in 2014, nobody should be surprised if Robinson ends up taking that away from him. He runs hard, finds the hole and has versatility as a receiver out of the backfield.
Atlanta Falcons: Devonta Freeman – RB
This was a blip on the radar for many draft enthusiasts but for NFL fantasy owners they had to take careful note of the Atlanta Falcons landing Devonta Freeman. The Florida State product was a key cog in the Seminoles run to a national championship. He does everything asked of him. He runs inside, runs outside, can catch passes out of the backfield and throws his body around willingly in pass protection. Atlanta has wanted a running back to feature with their dynamic passing attack and Freeman has the talent to emerge as that very weapon.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brandon Myers – TE
Obviously the real hype will center around 2nd round draft pick Austin Seferian-Jenkins regarding the tight end position but injuries and inexperience may hold him back from being productive this 2014 season, at least in the early going. Meanwhile the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quietly added veteran help at the position when they signed fifth-year man Brandon Myers. While not the athlete ASJ is, he has a knack for getting himself open and presenting a nice big target for his quarterback. Over the past two seasons he has averaged 664 yards and four touchdowns.