Alfred Morris and Rising Fantasy Football Stars to Spark Your Team

Fantasy football seems so easy. At least until a bunch of unknown players have big games in Week 1.

The most challenging part of a fantasy football draft is choosing the right sleepers in the last few rounds. However, some of the men who shined in Week 1 surprised even the best fantasy experts.

These players not only had huge weeks, but they have the talent and circumstances to have very successful seasons. The best part is that they will likely still be available in most leagues. 

Alfred Morris, RB, Washington Redskins

Mike Shanahan messed with fantasy owners yet again. Alfred Morris was listed as the third running back in the team's depth chart going into the game, but the rookie was given 28 carries. Roy Helu and Evan Royster combined for only four. 

Morris is a powerful runner who was used for mostly inside runs. He took advantage of the opportunity and finished with 96 yards and two touchdowns. 

The only catch is that Shanahan can change his mind quickly and keep the sixth-round pick on the bench all game next week. Still, the big man proved himself on the goal line and should at least earn many more opportunities for touchdowns this season.

Stephen Hill, WR, New York Jets

Who knew the Jets could score 48 points? 

Mark Sanchez looked as good as ever behind center and proved that he can be trusted as a quarterback. This increases the value of his receivers—especially Stephen Hill, who had 89 yards and two touchdowns.

When Hill was drafted in the second round out of Georgia Tech, he was known as an incredible athlete who might be too raw to have a good rookie season. He proved in Week 1 that he is ready for the NFL and could be a key part of the Jets offense this year.

Blaine Gabbert, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

The second-year quarterback is only owned in 2.7 percent of ESPN leagues, and for good reason. He struggled throughout most of his rookie season, completing just over 50 percent of his passes and throwing only one more touchdown (12) than interceptions (11). His QBR was a 20.6 out of 100. 

However, Jaguars fans should be much more encouraged after the first week of the year. His team lost, but Gabbert was efficient and showed signs that he is still improving. He found eight different receivers to total 260 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

If he can find some chemistry with talented first-round pick Justin Blackmon, Gabbert can play his way onto fantasy starting lineups. 

Andre Roberts, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Larry Fitzgerald is the go-to receiver on the Arizona Cardinals, but defenses are starting to pick up on that and focus the entire game plan to stop him. Andre Roberts was the beneficiary and finished with 54 receiving yards and a late touchdown from Kevin Kolb.

The third-year player was second to Fitzgerald with nine targets and his one 15-yard rush was enough to lead the team. 

Rookie Michael Floyd was drafted in many leagues, but he remains behind Roberts on the depth chart and was only targeted once against the Seahawks. As long as the older player keeps producing, it will remain that way.

Roberts was a consistent No. 2 toward the end of last season, topping 50 yards in six of the last nine games as the team went 7-2. If you need depth in your fantasy lineup, he could be a solid pickup.

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