2009 Sleepers:

July 8, 2009

The King's Fantasy Football Sleepers of 2009 represent players that you should highlight during your draft because they represent great value for where you can get them.  The key to dominating your draft is to take these sleepers at their average draft positions.  If you take a sleeper too early, then by my definition, you will have missed out on a player that will have more fantasy significance and value.  Use my cheatsheet throughout the draft to make sure you do not take a sleeper too early.

--Quarterbacks--

1. Matthew Hasselbeck (Seattle) should be top ten this year.  With the addition of T. J. Houshmandzadeh and emerging TE John Carlson, not to mention Nate Burleson (if healthy) and Deion Branch, he has the weapons to air it out.  The lack of a running game in Seattle only bolsters his value.
2. Carson Palmer (Cincinnati) was almost forgotten last year due to injury.  He was in some top five lists last year.  He has talent at receiver, a poor defense and a poor running game behind him.  Together, these are the perfect cocktail ingredients of a sleeper providing his arm strength is back. 
3. Matt Schaub (Houston) has tremendous upside this year and has Andre Johnson catching the ball.  Schaub was also hurt last year and if healthy provides another late round gem.
4. Kyle Orton (Denver) with Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal one would think he could put up some numbers.
5. Trent Edwards (Buffalo) also has some upside with Terrell Owens and Lee Evans running routes.  Proceed with caution here because Owens will disappoint many a fantasy owner this year.  He is worth a late round gamble in deeper leagues.

--Running Backs--

1. Darren McFadden (Oakland) had a quiet 2008 rookie campaign.  Look for him to catch up to the elite this year as he becomes more involved in the offense.  By mid season he will be producing as a top 15 back.  For where he will be taken, he will provide value.
2.  Felix Jones (Dallas) can score from anywhere on the field.  Look for him to get more involved in the passing game this year with the departure of Terrell Owens.  I would also expect him to line up in the backfield with Marion Barber and play a Reggie Bush type role in the flat.  Jones can instantly become a top 10 back if Barber gets hurt.
3. Fred Jackson (Buffalo) will get to showcase his skills during the first 3 weeks of the season as Marshawn Lynch is suspended.  Great pass catcher and gains chunks of yards at a time.  Jackson will be a valuable player on your team should Lynch get into more trouble or sustains an injury.
4. LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia).  Brian Westbrook seems to be questionable every week.  If the injuries take a toll and he cannot endure the season, McCoy may be the beneficiary of being at the right place at the right time.  The Eagles offense should be potent this year.
5. LeRon McClain (Baltimore) is a bruiser.  Period.  Willis McGahee has a hard time staying healthy and McClain provides Baltimore with a shove it down your throat attack that they love.
6. Correll Buckhalter (Denver).  Who knows what Denver is going to do without Mike Shanahan messing with fantasy football running back rankings.  When Buckhalter stepped in for Westbrook last year, he was productive.  He can be productive in Denver, productive enough to be a solid #2 back if he starts.
7. Shonn Green (New York Jets).  I am not a big fan of Thomas Jones this year.  Out with Jones in with Green.  This is a late round sleeper, but worth a shot.
8. Ahmad Bradshaw (NY Giants).  Remember Derrick Ward?  With Brandon Jacobs punishing the defense, Bradshaw will provide a nice change of pace and has the talent to put up respectable numbers this year.
9. Donald Brown (Indianapolis).  Josef Addai, to me, looks like he is done.  Look for Brown to get a chance to prove himself early and often.  When he does, Peyton Manning himself, will reward him with touchdowns.
10. Bernard Scott (Cincinnati).  Last but not least enter unheralded rookie Scott.  He has been turning heads in Cincinnati and is worth a shot in deeper leagues.  Cedric Benson is a bust this year and with only Brian Leonard to compete with I predict Scott to contribute positively for you team early in the season.

 --Wide Receivers--

1. Devin Hester (Chicago).  Hester would have had about 5 more touchdowns and 300 more yards if his quarterback could have thrown the ball near him last year.  In comes Jay Cutler and up goes Hester.  Hester will perform as a top 20 wide receiver this year. 
2. Deion Branch (Seattle).  The addition of Houshy helps his cause.  Branch started developing chemistry with Hasselbeck last year and I would look for it to continue in 2009.
3. Justin Gage (Tennessee).  I expect Tennessee will open it up a little more this year, getting away from the run dominated strategy they employed in 2008.  The beneficiary will be Gage, who Collins has eyes for.  Gage was also hurt for a stretch last year so for those other owners in your league who just look at bottom line numbers, they will miss the fact that he missed 3 weeks.
4. Mark Bradley (Kansas City).  Tony Gonzalez is gone.  Who will benefit?  Dwayne Bowe will get his, but will also draw the coverage.  In comes Mark Bradley to gobble up some of Gonzo's balls and a handful of Bowe's as well.  Look for a huge year out of Bradley. 
5. Nate Burleson (Seattle).  At the time I write this, I am not sure if he will be recovered from a torn ACL or not.  Last year I was convinced that he would be a top 20 wide receiver.  This year I am convinced that Seattle's passing game will be ridiculously fantisifying.  If he is healthy, I want all of their receivers on my team.
6. Chris Henry (Cincinnati).  In a contract year and has a ton of talent.  Look for him to score 4 or 5 long touchdowns this year.  And long I mean 65 yards +.  Chad Ochocinco, on my site, can be found in the Bust section. 
7. Rashied Davis (Chicago).  With Hester scoring like mad this year, defenses will start to take notice and in comes Davis.  Cutler can spread it around and Davis will benefit.  Replace Davis with Earl Bennett (8.28)--looks safe right now that Earl will start...Grab him in the 14th round.
8. Miles Austin (Dallas).  He is a gamer and can make the big catch.  Look for Tony Romo to find a favorite wide receiver target that will run for Miles.....
9. James Jones (Green Bay).  Back to full strength after injury last year.  Donald Driver is getting older and Jones will step in and put up respectable numbers this year.
10. Limas Sweed (Pittsburgh).  Hines Ward is getting older, Nate Washington is gone to Tennessee.  Why not Sweed to step in and score a few touches?  If for nothing else, he makes the list because he has a "sweeeeeeeet" name.
11. Harry Douglas (Atlanta).  With Gonzo, Turner and White commanding interest and respect, someone else is bound to be open for 6.  Enter Douglas.  Douglas went down for year...obviously don't draft him.