2018 Fantasy Football Deep Sleepers – Quarterbacks and Running Backs

Big names like Ezekiel Elliot and Todd Gurley go early in the draft, but it’s often the players who get drafted in the later rounds or who don’t get drafted at all that determine which owners emerge as the victors from their respective leagues. As the season approaches, here’s a few fantasy football deep sleepers you’ll want to consider. This article focuses specifically on the QB and RB position. Fantasy football deep sleepers from the WR and TE positions will be posted soon at FantasyCPR.com 

Deep Sleeper Quarterbacks

Eli Manning NYG QB 

While it’s possible that Manning’s disappointing 2017 campaign was due to the aging QB losing the battle with Father Time, it’s more likely that his decline was caused by an anemic rushing attack, injuries, and bad play calling. NYG enters this season with an improved O-Line, Saquon Barkley, a healthy Odell, and new head coach, Pat Shurmur who was able to make Case Keenum look like Joe Montana. Manning is primed for a career year.

Tyrod Taylor CLE QB

In the 3 seasons that Tyrod Taylor spent as the starting QB in Buffalo, he consistently finished as a mid to low-end QB2 while providing a high weekly ceiling due to his elite rushing skills. It feels strange to say, but the move to Cleveland is going to provide Taylor with the best arsenal of weapons he’s had in his young career. Look for Jarvis Landry, Josh Gordon, and David Njoku to help Taylor exceed pre-season expectations.

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Teddy Bridgewater NYJ QB

The reports coming out of Jets training camp has been that Bridgewater has looked every bit the part of a starting NFL QB. The only problem for Teddy is that the Jets just drafted their franchise QB, Sam Darnold. However, a lengthy holdout has kept Darnold off the practice field which could very likely help Bridgewater secure the starting job for week 1. If New York’s underrated stable of offensive weapons led by Robby Anderson and post-hype sleeper Terrelle Pryor deliver on their potential, look for Bridgewater to state his case to the QB needy teams in the league that he belongs under center.

Deep Sleeper Running Backs

Matt Breida – SF RB

Jerick McKinnon has been flying up draft boards, but is the hype justified? Most of the buzz surrounding the new SF RB is actually just due to the past success that other running backs have had in Kyle Shanahan’s system. It’s not as if there is a huge talent gap between McKinnon and Breida, and if McKinnon underwhelms or gets injured, Breida is a guy you’re going to want on your roster.

 Jordan Wilkins – IND RB

At this point, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will be lining up as the Colts starting RB. While Marlon Mack seems to be the leader in the clubhouse, Jordan Wilkins is a name you’ll want to keep track of. Kevin Bowen of 1070thefan.com reports that the rookie out of Ole Miss has impressed enough in practice to be in the mix for the starting job. With the potential of being the lead back in an explosive offense, you’ll want to watch Wilkins to see if he does enough in the pre-season to win the job.

John Kelly – LAR RB

If Todd Gurley stays healthy, this might be the last time you hear the name John Kelly. However, in the event that something happens to Gurley to cause him to miss time, Kelly fits the profile as the kind of guy who comes out of nowhere to win his owners a fantasy football championship. For what it’s worth, he is my pick to win the “Guy everyone is gushing over because of his pre-season performance” award. Kelly is a must own player for anyone investing a top pick in Todd Gurley.

Best of luck in your Fantasy Football drafts – stay tuned to Fantasy CPR for all your draft preperation as we head towards the start of the NFL season!