Stay Alert: Don't Sleep on these Fantasy Players

As the Fantasy Football season nears, I would like to share with the Bleacher Report writers and readers on a few players I have my eyes on for big seasons and a few players in deeper leagues you could consider.

Take these players with a grain of salt, but I assure you that a few of these players will be fantasy studs this season.

Jonathan Stewart, RB (Carolina Panthers):

I will start with a player who I have in both of my leagues and a player that I reached for in round 4 in both drafts, Carolina Panthers Running Back Jonathan Stewart.

At 5' 10'' and 235 pounds, Stewart will run you over in a heart beat.

In case you missed it, Stewart ran 10 times for 100 yards against the Washington Redskins in his debut during preseason action.  Adding a 50-yard TD run on a night that showed his power, break away speed and excellent balance.

His surgically repaired toe looks to be a thing of the past as he will back up DeAngelo Williams and could see a lot of time.  John Fox isn't big on using rookies that much, but it is going to be hard to keep this man off of the field, look out for Jonathan Stewart.

If you missed out on AP in 2008, get JS in 2009.

Dustin Keller, TE (New York Jets):

If you are weak at Tight End and no one picked up on this player, go get him right now.  Brett Favre loves his tight ends and I don't mean that in a non-football way. 

Dustin Keller caught Brett Favre's first touchdown as a Jet in New York's second preseason game.  While Chris Baker  and Bubba Franks are ahead of Keller in the depth chart, he is getting a lot of snaps playing in the slot.  He also received plenty of chances in the red zone during preseason.  If you are in a deep league and you don't have a decent Tight End, Keller is your man.

Patrick Crayton, WR (Dallas Cowboys):

Wide Receivers Miles Austin and Sam Hurd have been ruled out for the season opener.

Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton will be the Cowboy's only healthy, experienced receivers on the field at Celveland during Week one. 

Being how good the man known as T.O. can be and how distracting he can be to a defense, they could easily forget about Crayton who could get open often for some big yardage plays.

The Matt's...
Matt Ryan, QB (Atlanta Falcons); Matt Forte, RB (Chicago Bears):

Matt Ryan will receive the ball in Atlanta on Week one against the Detroit Lions.  He completed 15 of 21 passes for 108 yards and score in the Falcons third preseason game.  He has done a good job of learning the Falcons offense and has stayed clear of turning the ball over.  All of that could change in the regular season, but if you have the roster room in a deep league, he is a decent QB 2 or a solid QB 3.  Keep an eye on him.

Matt Forte is starting for the Chicago Bears and is an impressive athlete.  The only problem is the Bears offensive line is suspect.  He has looked strong on the ground during the preseason and should see plenty of snaps with a banged up Kevin Jones fresh off the PUP list with a knee injury. 

Rashard Mendenhall, RB (Pittsburgh Steelers):

The Bus Part II?  Fans in the Steel City are already comparing Mendenhall to Steelers' great Jerome Bettis and he hasn't even played a full game yet. 

Backing up Willie Parker, Mendenhall will need to keep the ball in his hands if he wants to be successful in Pittsburgh with early fumble troubles in the preseason.  FB Corey Davis is the current favorite for goal line opportunities.  Anything could change during the season, with his value low at the moment, keep an eye on Mendenhall. 

He has been deemed the kickoff returner as well.

Jericho Cotchery, WR (New York Jets):

Cotchery figures to be Favre's preferred target in the early going, while Laveranues Coles (hamstring) gets up to speed.  Cotchery has been selected before Coles in most drafts I have seen and until we see some chemistry between Coles and Favre, Cotchery is the odds on favorite to see more looks, even though Coles is the number one wideout.

Jacob Hester, RB (San Diego Chargers):

There is another Hester in the NFL to keep an eye on now, this one coming out of LSU.  Jacob Hester will be backing up LaDanian Tomlinson this season along with Darren Sproles.  He shows a lot of quickness and has ran over a lot of defenders this preseason.  If you are a lucky LT owner, I would find a spot on your roster for Hester as he serves a better insurance policy for LT then GEICO could.

Felix Jones, RB (Dallas Cowboys):

Exit Julis Jones. Enter Felix Jones.  I guess Dallas has a thing for the last name Jones, don't they Jerry?  Felix will serve as a nice change of pace back for the Cowboys this season as he backs up the more punishing starter Marion Barber.  Coach Wade Phillips has also dubbed Jones as his kick returner in Week One which shows his coach has faith in him this season.  He is definitely quick, no doubt.

Ted Ginn, Jr., WR (Miami Dolphins):

He should be Pennington's favorite target this season.  With his value recently increasing due to Derek Hagen's performance during the preseason.  Greg Camarillo as been dubbed the starter alongside Ginn to replace Hagen.  Ginn should also return kicks and punts for the Dolphins this season.  Also, keep an eye out during Week one against the Jets with Justin Miller missing the game as rookie Dwight Lowery will have to attempt to contain Ginn.

I am kicking myself for missing out on Ginn in both leagues I am in, I think he is in for a big year.  I was one year early when I spot started him last season, I will pay for not owning him now.

Ray Rice, RB (Baltimore Ravens):

Ray Rice should see plenty of snaps early and often for the Baltimore Ravens behind banged up Willis McGahee.  In fact, I would go as far to say that they will split carries for the most part.  McGahee is coming off knee surgery and should barely sneak in as the Week one starter though I will doubt they will put a big load on him when he does play, which is why Rice should have his opportunities this season.


Well there you have it, a few players to keep an eye on.  I don't want you getting mad at me if you heed my advice and a player doesn't come through, but please feel free to compliment me when a player goes off for you.