Fantasy Impact: Is Malcom Floyd the Next Potential Sleeper?

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With the exodus of the declining Chris Chambers, Malcom Floyd will make his debut as the Chargers’ starting WR opposite of the surging Vince Jackson this week vs. the Giants.

If you haven’t already picked him up, you better race to the waiver wire now.

In a season that has been inundated with breakout sleeper receivers such as Miles Austin and Austin Collie, to name a few,  Floyd has all the makings of becoming the next—and possibly the last—sensational sleeper receiver just waiting to be plucked from the waiver wire.

In 2008, we were graced with Floyd’s potential as a player we might, one day, consider adding to our rosters.

 Mostly used in situational downs though, Floyd was a guy who found favor from managers looking for a competent bye week fill, but nothing more. Still, Floyd was able to chime in for 27 catches, 465 yards, and four TDs in only 13 games in 2008.

This year, while still in situational play, Floyd has already contributed 11 catches for 251 yards, and one TD. That means, he was on pace for 26 catches, 574 yards, and three TDs which would’ve been par-for-the-course.

Not anymore.

Now, in 2009, the 6’5” towering receiver finally gets his chance to really contribute to his team’s success, which should be the fantasy ambrosia every middle ground manager is looking for. But as I said, Floyd has far more upside than most people think.

Let’s take a look.

Floyd is surrounded by four players that require more round the clock attention than your average infant, which means the 6’5” WR could simply be lost in the coverage shuffle—especially when facing weaker teams who will inevitably spend all their focus on Gates, Jackson, Tomlinson, and Sproles.

The Chargers are a very pass happy team as most know, and they are currently ranked 9th overall in Fantasy points at QB, and 11th overall in Fantasy points at WR—that’s with Chambers as a starter, not Floyd.

In addition, Malcom Floyd is averaging an absurd 24.6 yards a catch, and if he can do that in situational play, one can only imagine what he will do as a starter.

But as if that isn’t enough, keep in mind that Floyd has never averaged below 13 yards a catch; can anyone think of another non-starter receiver with that type of clout over 4.5 years?

Me either.

The Chargers face the Giants, Eagles, Broncos, Chiefs, Browns, Cowboys, Bengals, Titans, and Redskins; aside from the Eagles and possibly the Broncos, that’s a pretty favorable schedule for a WR.

As of this article, Floyd  has a 20 percent ownership in Yahoo leagues, and his overall ownership average in various leagues is not much higher. In Salary Cap leagues he is still a low end buy, and in keeper leagues, Floyd’s hold value has an unlimited ceiling.

You would be foolish not to pick him up, especially for those of you trying to figure out whom to drop Anthony Gonzalez for.

For complete WR Start-Sit Rankings in Week Nine and free Start -Sit advice visit my column here !

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