NFL 2015: Top 10 sleepers to break out

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Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) carries the football after a reception the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jarvis Landry

Few players have a terrific rookie season and somehow get completely forgotten by the national media. Landry managed this feat by playing in the small market of Miami with the Dolphins. It also doesn’t help Landry’s case that Miami missed the playoffs once again, compiling an 8-8 record. If Landry continues to produce, however, he won’t be undersold any longer.

Last year, Landry caught a team-high 84 passes for 758 yards and five touchdowns. While most of the aforementioned numbers are terrific, the average of 9.0 yards per catch leaves massive room for improvement. Considering Landry is entering his second year in offensive coordinator Bill Lazor’s offense, that number is likely to spike. On special teams, Landry also amassed 1,158 return yards with an average of 28.1 yards per kickoff.

Also, the Dolphins have made it clear they plan to feature a different case of receivers this year. Miami general manager Dennis Hickey drafted DeVante Parker with the team’s first-round pick after trading away Mike Wallace, cutting Brandon Gibson and Brian Hartline, and making a deal to acquire Kenny Stills. Landry will be a terrific compliment to Parker, likely getting terrific matchups because of his presence.

Projection: 91 catches, 1,305 yards, 10 touchdowns

Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) scores a touchdown carry in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Denver Broncos defeated the Miami Dolphins 39-36. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

3. C.J. Anderson

How often has a running back been the sleeper on an offense with Peyton Manning? Usually, it is Manning and the receivers/tight ends getting all the headlines. This year, look for C.J. Anderson to start making headway in the conversation of best back in the league. Anderson is entering his third season after showing he could make an impact at this level in 2014.

Last year, Anderson racked up 849 rushing yards and eight touchdowns despite seeing almost no action the first seven games of the season in favor of Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball. Anderson also averaged 4.7 yards per carry and caught 34 passes for 324 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Anderson has cemented himself as Denver’s lead back heading into 2015, giving him the opportunity to star.

Most importantly, Anderson is now playing in head coach Gary Kubiak’s system. Kubiak favors the running back as much as any coach in the NFL, and with a 39-year-old Manning at the controls, it stands to reason that Anderson will be seeing plenty of action. One of tougher runners in the game, Anderson will thrive behind Kubiak’s zone-blocking scheme.

Projection: 298 carries, 1,346 yards, 12 touchdowns

Next: A pair of second-year stars...

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