Everyone wants to be the guy who drafted Jamaal Charles late in his breakout season. Did anyone see Alfred Morris coming last year?
The most rewarding fantasy moves are the ones with low risk and high rewards. Determining the best sleeper players, guys poised for breakout and productive seasons, will redefine your fantasy football team’s value.
Choosing the fantasy football sleepers proves another difficulty in itself. It’s a guessing game.
Often the sleeper picks are found in players returning from injury, rookies, or others finally given the chance to compete.
Acquiring these potential sleepers could make or break your fantasy football season. You want to be the fantasy football owner whose risks pay off (i.e. the League Championship) when the losers sit wondering why they didn’t grab the Reggie Bush in the mid to late rounds. They’ll beat you next season. No, they won’t.
Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions
It’s easy avoiding the Reggie Bush hype these days. Fantasy owners over the years go all in over Bush craziness and suffer for his poor fantasy production. He’s no longer in New Orleans or Miami. Who ever thought he’d put up numbers in Miami?
Yes, in his new home, the Lions throw the ball a lot. But, in an offense with Matt Stafford and the intimidating Calvin Johnson, expect holes at the line of scrimmage to open up for Bush. His goal line value increases when Detroit’s in the red zone.
You can only pass so much in the red zone. Expect more draws and Bush touchdowns. With rushing touchdowns come fantasy points. He doesn’t need to produce outrageous rushing yards, but if he can find the end zone often, he’ll prove himself as a valuable 2nd or 3rd running back option.
Markus Wheaton, Pittsburgh Steelers
Who? Never heard of him? He spent last year playing for Oregon State. He’s undersized, but don’t overlook his speed. Mike Wallace plays in Miami now. With the consistent injury issues plaguing the Pittsburgh receiving corps, Wheaton will find a chance to show off that speed and ability.
History shows that speedy receivers thrive with the elusive aid of Ben Roethlisberger. Expect surprising numbers and fantasy value from this 3rd round draft pick.
Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
The other rookie quarterbacks overshadowed his potential last year. After a solid rookie season, with the growing experience and wide receiver upgrade in Mike Wallace, the probability increases that Ryan Tannehill will make a valuable sleeper pick in late rounds.
He may not be your first QB choice, but he’s worth a second look in late rounds or in free agency.
The tactics behind finding sleepers aren’t complicated. Pay attention to the preseason, injury reports, coach evaluations, and last season’s late games. These factors present indications of future breakout stars that can boost your fantasy team’s success.
If these players prove to live up to their sleeper status then the playoffs and fantasy football championship won’t be a dream deferred. Perhaps using fantasy football cheat sheets may assist your wounded opponents next season.
Ted Levin is a writer and longtime fantasy football commissioner. You can connect with him on Google+.