Sleeper, Sleeper, Sleeper
2017-08-20 09:30:17
By JEFF PAUR @jeffpaur
Sr Fantasy Writer
Fantasy owners love a "sleeper." Everyone gravitates to this article in Draft Guides, trying to find that diamond in the rough that emerges as a legit fantasy player. It isn't an exact science by any means, so loading your roster with a bunch of these players isn't a great idea. But targeting a few of these players with the hopes of one or two emerging is a good strategy. Just don't be that owner that has a roster full of high sleeper candidates. That usually spells disaster.
With that lecture out of the way, here are a few of our favorite under the radar players for the coming season.....
Carson Wentz, QB, Eagles. Wentz started off fast last year but faded as the year progressed, showing some chinks in the armor. He is a year older, though, and finally has a legit No. 1 receiver in Alshon Jeffery. Wentz can build on his rookie year and help as a spot starter for fantasy teams. He has the skill set to be a top fantasy player in this league for year to come, which could come this year.
Jared Goff, QB, Rams. Goff was a bust his rookie season. He lacked poise, made few big plays and was turnover prone. But the good news is he is young. As long as last season didn't scar him too bad, Goff has the talent to turn it around. He is the complete package at quarterback, possessing a great arm and enough athleticism to make plays with his legs if needed. The big plus for a Goff turnaround this year is new coach Sean McVay. He is one of the bright, young offensive minded in the game that helped produce some top offenses in Washington. McVay can help Goff take his game to a new level.
Brian Hoyer, QB, 49ers. Hoyer had four 300-yard games last year and six touchdowns without an interception before getting injured. He was on his way to capturing the Bears starting job and posting a career season. Hoyer has 37 touchdowns passes his last 31 NFL games. Hoyer is capable of the big game any given week. Don't underestimate as he holds the starter's job this season for the 49ers. He could be worth some spot starts for fantasy teams along the way this year.
C.J. Prosise, RB, Seahawks. The Seahawks added Eddie Lacy and Thomas Rawls is back healthy, but don't forget about Prosise. He is the top pass-catching back on the team and is going to get plenty of chances in this offense. Prosise might have the most total yardage potential out of the three backs. He is the biggest big-play threat out of the three and could post some big games along the way this year.
Devontae Booker, RB, Broncos. Booker got some chances his rookie season and wasn't off the charts, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry. He is going to be in the mix for the starting job this year. He will compete with C.J. Anderson and Jamaal Charles for that job. Booker is the younger option with more potential going forward. He has a legit chance to win the job with a good offseason and preseason. He can improve on last year and post better numbers. The talent is there for Booker because he can serve as a three-down back in this offense.
Shane Vereen, RB, Giants. Vereen might not be starting at running back for the Giants, but he is set to play a big role in the offense. He is going to be the top pass-catching back for a team that is going to throw often. Plus, the Giants are using a more quick strike approach offense that should suit Vereen well. He can get a lot of targets at running back and produce well in PPR leagues.
Robby Anderson, WR, Jets. The Jets need options at receiver to step up this year because they have a lot of openings. Anderson is a guy that could emerge as a starter for the Jets. He can take the top off a defense and make a lot of big plays. He needs to improve his route running but he has good hands and speed to make a lot of big plays. Don't be surprised if he leads the Jets in receiving yards this year.
Kenny Golladay, WR, Lions. Golladay is quickly turning heads in camp and preseason action, working his way up the depth chart for the Lions. He is a big receiver that can be a threat in the red zone and produce good reception totals in a pass-first offense. He could be starting before long for the Lions and have a big rookie season.
Austin Hooper, TE, Falcons. Hooper had an up and down rookie season but made some big plays along the way. He even scored a touchdown in the Super Bowl for the Falcons. Hooper has a good shot to be the starter from day one for the Falcons this year. The Falcons don't use the tight end a lot but will look for the tight end in the end zone. Hooper might be erratic throughout the year but could score a decent amount of touchdowns and post decent reception totals. His stock is rising in year two.
Tyler Higbee or Gerald Everett, TE, Rams. Higbee did very little his rookie year, getting little playing time. He gets a new coach that has a history of featuring the tight end in the offense. Things are really looking up for the talented tight end. He has a chance to be a big part of the offense. The same goes for Everett, who is another very talented young tight end. Either of these guys could start this year but both should get plenty of weekly chances. They are worth late-round grabs for fantasy teams.