Fantasy Football Sleepers For 2008 (Week 13 Edition)

As the 2007 fantasy football season heads to a close, many fantasy owners who missed the playoffs are already thinking about 2008.  Here are a couple players to keep in mind for next season, as they could be drastically better when the new season rolls around.

Upgrades

Matt Schaub, QB-Houston Texans

I have always been a big Matt Schaub fan, back to his Virginia days.  Schaub is a great passer with good instincts and a strong arm.  I really like the way he fits into the Houston offense, and he has accomplished great things this season in his first year as starter.  If Houston can acquire a good running back, look for Schaub to really take off next season.  Playing with Andre Johnson and the young, talented Owen Daniels will definitely help as well.

Next Season: Starting Fantasy Quarterback

Vince Young, QB-Tennessee Titans

Vince Young has undeniable dual-threat talent, and the idea of a dual-threat QB is dying in today's NFL.  Young has great potential to grow and develop in the offseason, but Tennessee has to do something about that horrible corps of wideouts.  Look for them to draft a young wide receiver in next years draft.  All that he needs is a reliable wide receiver target to become a solid fantasy quarterback.

Next Season: Top Fantasy Backup With Starting Potential

Ryan Grant, RB-Green Bay Packers

Remember when the Packers had a running back by committee?  It seems very far gone with Ryan Grant in the backfield now.  Grant is a true workhorse back with a great overall skill set.  He reminds me a lot of Ahman Green back when he was so successful with the Packers.  Grant can catch out of the backfield, and will get around 20-25 carries a game.  He will fly up draft boards early on next summer, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him drafted in the late first round.

Next Season: Starting Fantasy Running Back (#1)

Kolby Smith, RB-Kansas City Chiefs

Avoiding Adrian Peterson (Minnesota) in this upgrades article, take a look at Kansas City's Kolby Smith.  The Chiefs have always put great emphasis on the running game.  Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson are two names that come to mind.  Smith is a talented young back, simply put, and the Chiefs got a real find in the draft with him.  Larry Johnson has a lot of miles on him, and Smith will step up more than many people will realize into a 1A kind of role for the Chiefs.

Next Season: Priority Handcuff Running Back with Starting Potential

Greg Jennings, WR-Green Bay Packers

Brett Favre is back, and to the surprise of many fantasy owners, Greg Jennings has taken a significant step up with him.  He is one of the most reliable fantasy wide receivers that are out there, and they are truly hard to come by.  Jennings has unbelievable talent and potential for his size.  Watching him play, you can see just how important he is to keeping the Green Bay offense chugging along: Brett Favre couldn't do it with Donald Driver alone.  Jennings will have at least 1,100 yards and 6 scores next season, and he is a great value pick for where he will be going in drafts.

Get him as your #2 receiver, and you'll be sitting pretty.  He is a #1 fantasy wideout for 2008. 

Next Season: Starting Fantasy Wide Receiver (#1)

Dwayne Bowe, WR-Kansas City Chiefs

What an impact Bowe has made as a rookie!  Looking at the way he plays, you'd never think that he was one.  Playing with the young first-year starter Brodie Croyle, Bowe and Croyle could make for a special tandem in a couple years, possibly as soon as next year.  Croyle is a super-sleeper at QB for 2008, and if Croyle develops as quickly as some scouts believe, Bowe could be in for a special year.  I project somewhere around 950-1,000 receiving yards and 8 scores, as I feel that he will be the main scorer on the team next year, not Tony Gonzalez.

Next Season: Starting Fantasy Wide Receiver (#2) with #1 potential.

Sidney Rice, WR-Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota offense has been nothing to write home about, with Adrian Peterson excluded from the conversation.  Okay, maybe it's just the passing game that needs help.  But Tarvaris Jackson is a young, developmental quarterback with a huge ceiling, and he could be even better than the aforementioned Croyle.  Look for Jackson to take the next step up next season, and Minnesota will become more of a balanced offense with his development.  Rice will be the big time beneficiary.  He is making big-time plays as the season is closing out, and I expect for him to be a game breaking wide receiver as early as next season.

Next Season: Starting Fantasy Wide Receiver (#3), Solid Flex Option

Owen Daniels, TE-Houston Texans

Fantasy prognosticators expected Daniels to be a sleeper this season, and he has certainly delivered.  I strongly believe that Daniels will be a top three TE option next season, with the potential to be the best.  Schaub will only continue to get better from here on out, and as the Houston offensive line continues to take shape (it's about time!),  Daniels will be able to break free for more targets and catches.  Sweet deal with Daniels...if you can steal him after the "top TE's" are gone, you will look like a genius.

Next Season: The Best TE in Fantasy Football

There you have it, the best names to watch out for and draft for next season.  Best of luck in the closing weeks of your fantasy football season.