(Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images)

In our last article, we looked at the biggest bust candidates which means it is time to list our top fantasy sleepers for 2009. 

Sleepers fall into two categories: breakout candidates and deep sleepers. 

Breakout players are guys who are not considered a fantasy starter except in deep leagues but have the potential of to grow into fantasy starters or more.  A deep sleeper is a guy who is likely going undrafted in shallow leagues and late in deeper leagues who possess high upside but also the risk of being useless. 

When faced with the choice between a so-so veteran like Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson or Joey Galloway or a wide receiver with upside late in a draft, I recommend always take a flyer on the upside guy.  The veteran may get you points each week but if you can hit on a sleeper late in the draft it can be the difference between being a contender or pretender late in the season.

Lastly, to qualify as a breakout/comeback player he has to rank outside of the top 12 quarterbacks and tight ends, top 24 running backs, top 36 wide receivers in the Draft101.comrankings.  To qualify as a deep sleeper, they have to rank outside the top 20 quarterbacks or tight ends, top 40 running backs and top 60 wide receivers in the Draft101.com rankings.

QUARTERBACKS

Breakout:

Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks (Draft101 rank: 16)—More of a comeback candidate than a breakout, Hasselbeck is coming off a miserable season last year and is coming off a back injury but he is falling in drafts and could easily bounce back to a 3,500+ yard, 20-25 TD season on a team without a running back. Has the ability to be a top 10 QB and a late round steal. To insulate yourself from the injury risk draft Seneca Wallace who played well in relief late last season.

David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars (Draft101 rank: 17)—Garrard was not the breakout star many expected from him a year ago but considering his poor protection and lack of receivers his fantasy year was solid if not spectacular.  Garrard came into camp in better shape, and the team upgrade the line and receivers setting the stage for a 3,600 yard 20+, 10-12 INT season plus solid rushing yards.  I love Garrard in two QB league.

Deep Sleepers:

Shaun Hill, San Francisco 49ers (Draft101 rank: 28)—No one gives Hill any credit but all he has done is complete 60 percent of his passes and throw for 1.5 TDs per game the past two years.  He will throw less without Martz around but he should throw for 3,000 yards and a good touchdown to interception ratio.

Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions (Draft101 rank: 31)—You never want to bank on a rookie but if Stafford gets the starting job he could put up solid stats considering he gets to throw to Calvin Johnson and will be playing from behind a lot (Of course, he'll throw a lot of picks too).  Mark Sanchez is the safer rookie but Stafford is the one with the top 20 potential if he gets a chance to play.

RUNNING BACKS

Breakout:

(I love the depth at running back this season and sleeper options are plentiful)

Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals (Draft101 rank: 27)—Skeptics point to his 3.5 ypc and strong finish vs. weak opponents but anyone who watched the Bengals play saw a player with a good power/speed combination and unlike many higher ranked players Benson has a firm grip on the starting job and will get the goal line carries.  A 1,200 yard season with 8-10 TDs is possible.

Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens (Draft101 rank: 34)—The Ravens three back committee is daunting but expect Rice to be the top fantasy producer this season as his role expands especially between the 20s. Think a poor man's Brian Westbrook

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