Fantasy Football Sleepers For 2008
Many factors lead to a player having a breakout season. Sometimes players above him on the depth chart leave via free agency or get hurt, providing the opportunity for playing time and production. Other times the player is simply healthy or has more experience, leading to greater success.
Here's my top ten fantasy football "sleepers" for 2008:
10. Robert Meacham, WR, New Orleans Saints—Meacham did not play in 2007 due to a knee injury after being the Saints' first round pick. That said, the second starting spot could be his for the taking. Veterans Devery Henderson and David Patten were not consistently productive last season, and Meacham could at least get a chance to play a lot. The Saints have a good offense helmed by quarterback Drew Brees, and anyone that starts regularly has a good chance at being productive. Meacham could be a part of that in what essentially will be his rookie NFL season.
9. Drew Bennett, WR, St. Louis Rams — He had just 33 receptions for 375 yards and three touchdowns in his first year in St. Louis after signing as a free agent. Bennett played in 14 games, only starting one, as the Rams' offense battled significant injuries to key players (QB Marc Bulger, RB Steven Jackson, OT Orlando Pace) all season. With the free agent departure of WR Isaac Bruce (49ers) providing a likely starting spot opposite WR Torry Holt this season, Bennett could have a breakout season and prove he was worth the big contract he signed last offseason.
8. Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears— He was the Bears' second round draft pick this year out of Tulane. With the team's release of troubled RB Cedric Benson, Forte seems to be the frontrunner for the starting job. His only competition for significant playing time is "the other" Adrian Peterson and 2007 draft pick Garrett Wolfe. If the Bears' aging offensive line can have one last hurrah and whoever wins the battle at quarterback can provide a threat throwing the ball, Forte could be a sleeper pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
7. D.J. Hackett, WR, Carolina Panthers— He Signed a free agent deal this offseason with the Panthers after spending the first three years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks. Hackett played just six games last season while battling a knee injury. With the attention teammate Steve Smith garners from opposing defenses, Hackett could have a breakout year. Provided he can stay healthy, and quarterback Jake Delhomme stays on track in his recovery from Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow.
6. Julius Jones, RB, Seattle Seahawks—Jones signed with the Seahawks this offseason after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He should have the opportunity for plenty of playing time, since the Seahawks released long-time RB Shaun Alexander. The competition for carries includes fellow free agent signee T.J. Duckett and incumbent Maurice Morris. If Jones can nail down the starting job, he could finally realize his potential.
8 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
Paul Augustin, Jr. 11 months ago
I'm not sure that I'd consider Holmes a sleeper. Last year he was a top 20 fantasy wide receiver. He had better seasons than Driver, Evans and Roy Williams. I just think he was too good last year to have the sleeper label. I agree with most of the others, though.
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Brad Berreman 11 months ago
I suppose Holmes is more of a "breakthrough player" candidate. Since he missed time last year and could at least start to take Hines Ward's role as go to guy, he could have a big year if he can be healthy.
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Rohit Banerjee 11 months ago
ignore my avatar for a sec...JASON CAMPBELL...write it down, 3400 yds, 25 tds, 13 ints
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Brad Berreman 11 months ago
I think if Campbell's knee is alright, he could be a sleeper. I forgot to put him on the "honorable mention" section.
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Trent Walters 10 months ago
Come on!!! How can you trust any articles credibility, when it lists Aaron Rodgers playing QB for the Milwaukee Brewers. I am not from Wisconsin but i do know that Green Bay and Milwaukee are totally different cities. And being a sport fan I also know that the BREWERS are a freeking baseball team...come on!!! Is the inter come to this....ZERO cred.
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Vinny Gazzara 10 months ago
Lol I didn't even notice that.
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Daniel Gorter 10 months ago
lol
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Brad Berreman 10 months ago
I didn't write it that way for Rodgers, but I noticed someone edited this article, so maybe they did it for some dumb reason. But I know I didn't write it that way originally.
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