NFL Fantasy: Five Sleeper Wide Receivers
By Erik Lambert
Oct 27, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) looks ahead during a run against the New York Jets during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
With leagues heating up, the NFL fantasy season is approaching. Who are some quality sleepers to mine at wide receiver?
Emmanuel Sanders – Denver Broncos
He was a nice complimentary receiver good for the occasional big play in Pittsburgh, but Emmanuel Sanders never really felt like a key part of the offense. That has a chance to change with the Denver Broncos. Peyton Manning loves to spread the ball around and is certain to make good use of Sanders’ speed and quickness. Add in the talent he’ll have around him, and he’ll be certain to see advantageous coverages as well.
Marvin Jones – Cincinnati Bengals
A.J. Green may be the go-to guy for the Cincinnati Bengals but he is no longer the only playmaker in that passing attack. Marvin Jones made that clear when he “quietly” posted 712 yards and 10 touchdowns in only his second season. The 24-year old boasts good size and strong hands and showed marked improvement from his rookie season. Now that he has the full confidence of quarterback Andy Dalton, his production should spike.
Marquess Wilson – Chicago Bears
Defenses in 2014 are going to lose sleep over figuring out how to cover the star Chicago Bears tandem of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. So to think that another talented 6’3″ will join them on the field quite often can cause migraines. Marquess Wilson spent all off-season improving his physical and mental conditioning. Coaches feel he’s ready to replace departed veteran Earl Bennett as the #3 receiver in Chicago. If he plays up to his talent, the NFL fantasy numbers should follow.
Chris Givens – St. Louis Rams
He may not boast intimidating size, but for a time in 2013 it looked like St. Louis Rams receiver Chris Givens was becoming one of the top deep threats in the league. Then Sam Bradford went down with a torn ACL. Without him the Rams reverted to a run-first offense and Givens finished with a disappointing 569 yards and no touchdown The hope is that Bradford’s return along with improving pass protection will get the 24-year old back on track.
Rueben Randle – New York Giants
Fans and NFL fantasy owners alike were quick to get on New York Giants receiver Reuben Randle for not doing better in 2013. Never mind the fact he doubled his numbers in every stat category compared with his rookie year. In truth Randle did struggle at times but much of his lacking impact had nothing to do with him but the woeful pass protection quarterback Eli Manning had to suffer through. If the Giants can improve in that area, and with the addition of rookie Odell Beckham Jr., Randle can continue his upward trajectory in 2014.