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Fantasy Football: Some Early Fantasy Football Sleepers

By Dave Fuqua

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Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks cheerleaders perform during the third quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Fantasy Football Sleepers

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We all have different meanings for the term ‘fantasy football sleepers’ when used in fantasy sports. So before we go any further let me define what I mean when I use the word ‘sleeper’. Basically all I am talking about is a player who should perform better than the value it will take to draft him. Say for instance you can draft Peyton Manning with a fourth round pick and I think he will perform for this season as a second round pick I could and would classify him as a sleeper.

I realize that this logic may seem a bit different that what you expect when the term sleeper is used, but gone are the days where a player just creeps out of nowhere and takes the fantasy sports world by storm. With the way that players are covered and hyped and the way the media over-hypes players the problem is more of a problem of being able to sift through all of the garbage and pick the true value in fantasy football drafts.

I will now try to pick out a couple of guys that I feel will be able to perform at a higher value than it will cost you to draft him.

Next: Who Are My QB Sleepers?

Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) gestures against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi

Quarterback Sleeper:

Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers: Rivers had a pretty good season until the last few weeks where he threw in some duds. Things were a little crazy out there in San Diego though and now Rivers is likely playing to impress for his next contract. I expect him to have a pretty decent bounce back season and put up QB1 numbers. Currently he is being drafted as the 16th QB off of the draft board behind both rookie QBs Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston. The only league I would consider taking those guys ahead of Rivers naturally would be a dynasty league.

If you are looking to win now, then you will want to draft Rivers just a round or two ahead of his current ADP of 118. Rivers is a great target for guys who like to draft QBs late and possibly even play some match-up scenarios off of the waiver wire. If you are gunning for Rivers then load up early on RBs and WRs then make sure and draft a high upside back-up QB.

Next: Do You Have Any Sleeper RBs?

Jan 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs the ball against Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Larry Foote (50) during the fourth quarter in the 2014 NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back Sleepers:

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    • Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers: I have been a fan of J-Stew for some time now. I wrote an article on how I thought he would likely be a break-out candidate for fantasy football this year. Last year in a brief stint with the featured back role Stewart showed some glimpses of what he is capable of and it was pretty impressive. I believe that Stewart will likely wind up being a steal in most fantasy drafts this year. Currently Stewart is being drafted as the 19th RB and 47th overall player off of the draft board. If Cam Newton returns to form and Kelvin Benjamin continues to improve it would not shock me to see Stewart put up RB1 type of numbers.

    C.J. Spiller, New Orleans Saints: I detailed some news that I believe will make  C.J. Spiller a steal in this years fantasy football drafts in a post I did here. Currently Spiller is the 28th RB being drafted this year and for me I would certainly take him quite a bit higher than that. The Saints are going to be looking for a new red-zone target with Jimmy Graham gone and Spiller could be the guy. He certainly has the tools needed to be a fantasy difference maker.

    Next: What About Some WR Sleepers?

    Sep 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs after a catch against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

    Wide Receiver Sleepers:

    Victor Cruz, New York Giants: I am of the mindset here that Cruz was injured for most of the 2014 season and should have a much better 2015 season. I realize that he may never be the same again, but with his talent and with the rising star of Odell Beckham Jr. on the opposite side of the field it should open up the field some for Eli Manning to be able to get Cruz back to the level he played at in 2011 and 2012. That is a gamble I am willing to take and pick up Cruz a little before his current ADP being the 43rd WR and 119th player off of the draft board.

    Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins: Garcon has to be better than the 54th best fantasy football WR this year doesn’t he? That is what I am betting here. I realize Robert Griffin III may not be the most ideal QB to make fantasy football worthy WRs, but what we have learned is that there is a good chance that RG3 will not play through the whole season thanks to injuries, and even if he does he has to be able to make Garcon at least a WR3?

    Next: Check Out Fantasy CPR's Latest Mock Draft

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