Fantasy Football Rankings: 2010's Biggest Sleepers

How closely did you follow the waiver wire this year?  

It could have meant the difference in the production your fantasy team as multiple NFL players emerged as productive fantasy football prospects.  Some of these NFL players were known before the season started, while others had never been heard of around the fantasy football world.

Looking on what has transpired this season, we got to thinking:

Who were the biggest sleepers in fantasy football of 2010?

Well, here we go...

25. Danny Woodhead, WR, New England Patriots

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Woodhead emerged late in the season but has been very effective for those fantasy owners who desperately needed late season wins to make the playoffs.  Very similar to Wes Welker, what he lacks in size, he makes up for in speed an agility.  Woodhead has found the end zone multiple times in the past few weeks and has been great for the flex position.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Rushing yards: 435

Rushing touchdowns: 4

Receiving yards: 357

Receiving touchdowns: 1

24. Kenny Britt, WR, Tennessee Titans

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - DECEMBER 06: Kenny Britt #18 of the Tennessee Titans scores a touchdown during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 6, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Kenny Britt was a great addition before getting injured.  The second year veteran from Rutgers had a touchdown in five straight games in Week 3 through Week 7.  In Week 7, he had three touchdowns but suffered a hamstring injury on Halloween that sidelined him for five games.  Still, Britt was a major sleeper during the middle of the season.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Receiving yards: 601

Receiving touchdowns: 7

23. Jon Kitna, QB, Dallas Cowboys

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 14: Jon Kitna #3 of the Dallas Cowboys in action against the New York Giants on November 14, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 33-20. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/

Despite a rough start, Jon Kitna has found a way to find the end zone in Dallas.  His favorite target in Dez Bryant may be out, but he has found ways to finds Jason Witten and Miles Austin when the Cowboys needed to score.  If you picked him up when Romo went down, you have to be somewhat satisfied. 

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Passing yards: 2,250

Passing touchdowns: 15

INT: 10

Rushing yards: 140

Rushing touchdowns: 1

22. Mario Manningham, WR, New York Giants

Al Bello/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Mario Manningham #82 of the New York Giants scores a touchdown in the first quarter during their game against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 19, 2010 at The New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Manningham has taken advantage of Steve Smith's injury, and now the injury to Hakeem Nicks, to be one of Eli Manning's favorite target.  He had a great game last week which helped all of his owners in the fantasy playoffs.  Some games were hit or miss, but he's tallied seven touchdowns despite being behind Smith and Nicks.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Receiving yards: 711

Receiving touchdowns: 7

21. Aaron Hernandez, TE, New England

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: Aaron Hernandez #85 of the New England Patriots scores a 1-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty

Aaron Hernandez has had quite the rookie season.  Why?  Because Tom Brady is his quarterback.  He's tallied six touchdowns on the season and could now be considered more than a bye week replacement. He has made some fantasy owners extremely happy this season.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Receiving yards: 563

Receiving touchdowns: 6

20. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Buffalo Bills

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills throws against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Miami, Florida.The Bills defeated the Dolphins 17-14. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Ryan Fitzpatrick has stepped up his game in the latter part of the 2010 season giving the Bills some hope for next season.  He's had a couple of monster weeks even though they usually ended up as losses for the Bills.  He was always a gamble but sometimes paid off.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Passing yards: 2,749

Passing touchdowns: 23

INT: 12

Rushing yards: 255

Rushing touchdowns: 0

19. Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Detroit Lions

Leon Halip/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 21: Brandon Pettigrew #84 of the Detroit Lions catches the ball for a first down as Orlando Scandrick #32 and Terence Newman #41 of the Dallas Cowboys defend during the game at Dallas Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Arlington, Te

Despite Calvin Johnson getting most of the touchdowns, Brandon Pettigrew put up some decent numbers for fantasy owners who were scrapping for a tight end.  Pettigrew was able to keep his yardage consistent but only managed to find the end zone three times.  Nonetheless, with Stafford back next season, he should have more value.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Receiving yards: 629

Receiving touchdowns: 3

18. Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 14: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 14, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

There's a last name I love to say.  Gronkowski is another rookie tight end that Tom Brady made a known name in the fantasy football world.  He doesn't rack up as many yards but has more touchdowns than Aaron Hernandez.  He should be personally cleaning, drying and straightening Tom Brady's hair for targeting him in the end zone so many times.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Receiving yards: 390

Receiving touchdowns: 7

17. Mike Tolbert, RB, San Diego Chargers

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 12: Running back Mike Tolbert #35 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates after his eight yard touchdown run against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty

Unknown to most before this season, Mike Tolbert is a bruiser when it comes to the goal line.  While many fantasy owners selected Ryan Matthews (yours truly), Tolbert slowly took over as the goal line guy, resulting in multiple touchdowns.  His yards aren't incredibly high, but touchdowns make up for that.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Rushing yards: 737

Rushing touchdowns: 11

Receiving yards: 216

Receiving touchdowns: 0

16. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, New York Jets

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

DENVER - OCTOBER 17: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets celebrates his touchdown against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Who said LT is getting old?  Tomlinson is leading the New York Jets in rushing after most thought to be only a backup to Shonn Greene.  Although the two split carries, LT has gone from a flex player to a starting RB in most fantasy leagues.  Kudos to you. sir.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Rushing yards: 886

Rushing touchdowns: 5

Receiving yards: 354

Receiving touchdowns: 0

15. Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Marcedes Lewis #89 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates after he scored a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Another a sweet name.  Marcedes Lewis has become one of David Garrard's favorite targets.  At 6-6, he puts points on the scoreboard frequently when the Jaguars find themselves in the red zone.  Look for him to be one of the first tight ends drafted next season.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Receiving yards: 637

Receiving touchdowns: 9

14. Matt Cassel, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Denver Broncos on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

At times he is quiet, but Matt Cassel has far surpassed the expectations that most Chiefs fans had this season.  His favorite target is Dwayne Bowe having hooked up with him 14 times in the end zone.  If he gets another solid receiver in the offseason, he could be a top fantasy quarterback next year.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Passing yards: 2,687

Passing touchdowns: 24

INT: 5

Rushing yards: 105

Rushing touchdowns: 0

13. Terrell Owens, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates his touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

T.O. sparked his career this season showing fantasy owners that he's not done yet.  Although the Bengals are terrible, the passes that Carson Palmer managed to throw to his own teammates usually went to Owens.  He silenced Chad Ochocinco but also silenced his critics.  I'm still upset his television show was cancelled (sarcasm).  Reports are surfacing that T.O. won't return to Cincinnati so should be interesting to see it all unfold.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Receiving yards: 983

Receiving touchdowns: 9

12. Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 05: Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Washington Redskins on December 5, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Redskins 31-7. (Photo b

A few years ago, it seemed as if Brandon Jacobs would be the premiere back for the Giants.  This year,, Ahmad Bradshaw has shown his playmaking abilities in both rushing and receiving.  Most people probably drafted him fairly early, but many people also passed on him.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Rushing yards: 1,182

Rushing touchdowns: 8

Receiving yards: 265

Receiving touchdowns: 0

11. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 19: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushes against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 19, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Chiefs beat the Rams 27-13. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Jamaal Charles looked good at the end of last season, but with the addition of Thomas Jones, it seemed like he would be splitting most of the carries.  Although Jones does get touches and found the end zone often, Charles has emerged as the premiere back.  For fantasy owners, Jamaal made up for his lack of touchdowns with total yardage.  He may be the sole back in KC by the time next season rolls around.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Rushing yards: 1,303

Rushing touchdowns: 4

Receiving yards: 415

Receiving touchdowns: 1

10. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, New England Patriots

Besides how awesome his name is, BenJarvus Green-Ellis has emerged as the feature back in New England after the loss of veteran Kevin Faulk.  Fantasy owners have grown to love him because he gets most of the touches at the goal line.  Another New England gem that has had a major impact on fantasy this season.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Rushing yards: 824

Rushing touchdowns: 12

9. Mike Williams, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 21: Mike Williams #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after he scored a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 21, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The rookie out of Syracuse has put up some fat numbers this season.  He went by unnoticed in most fantasy drafts because not many people had faith in Josh Freeman.  But that's all changed as he'll be a top receiver in next year's draft.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Receiving yards: 880

Receiving touchdowns: 8

8. Steve Johnson, Buffalo Bills

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 21: Steve Johnson #13 of the Buffalo Bills runs for a touchdown during NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bills won 49-21. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Steve Johnson came out of his shell in the second half of the season and looks to be the No. 1 receiver in Buffalo.  He had a monster game against Cincinnati when he snagged three touchdowns.  With Fitzpatrick steadily improving, Johnson continues to put up solid numbers.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Receiving yards: 943

Receiving touchdowns: 10

7. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 07: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders runs against Brandon Carr #39 of the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 7, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty

Finally Darren McFadden broke out of his shell after two slow seasons.  McFadden has been able to find the end zone this year as many fantasy owners started to give up on him after last season.  D-Mac proved that not every talented player that goes to Oakland becomes a bust

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Rushing yards: 1,112

Rushing touchdowns: 7

Receiving yards: 476

Receiving touchdowns: 3

6. Brandon Lloyd, WR, Denver Broncos

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

DENVER - NOVEMBER 14: Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd #84 of the Denver Broncos celebrates 6-yard touchdown reception against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter at INVESCO Field at Mile High on November 14, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Denver B

Lloyd is currently second in the NFL in receiving yards.  Many fantasy owners stayed away from Denver receivers because of the situation at quarterback.  Despite the meltdown in Denver, Lloyd has put stats that will land him as a No. 1 receiver next fantasy season.  Although many may look elsewhere again if Tebow is the starter.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Receiving yards: 1,264

Receiving touchdowns: 10

5. Josh Freeman, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Larry French/Getty Images

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins 17-16. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

The former Kansas State Wildcat put the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the radar as a up-and-coming team in the NFL.  He has put some great numbers for a second year quarterback who no one expected much from in the fantasy world.  Watch for his stock to jump up next season.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Passing yards: 2,959

Passing touchdowns: 18

INT: 6

Rushing yards: 330

Rushing touchdowns: 0

4. Mike Wallace, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 20: Mike Wallace #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs for a touchdown as Jarrett Bush #24 of the Green Bay Packers attempts to tackle in the first quarter during the game on December 20, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvani

Mike Wallace has had a fantastic season for fantasy owners.  Some people passed on him because of Ben Roethlisberger's situation at the beginning of the season.  Big mistake.  Wallace has been Pittsburgh's most productive wide receiver this season.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Receiving yards: 1,048

Receiving touchdowns: 8

3. Peyton Hillis, RB, Cleveland Browns

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 28: Running back Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns scores a touchdown in front of safety Sherrod Martin #23 of the Carolina Panthers at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sulliva

Peyton Hillis is one of the biggest fantasy sleepers of 2010 because he was so far off of the radar.  Hillis was another gem that Josh McDaniels decided to scrap while he was trading away the best talent in Denver.  The best about Hillis is that he has been consistent in yards and touchdowns in the second half of the season.  If you grabbed Hillis off of the waiver wire it could be a reason your team is in the playoffs.  If you missed him, good riddance.  Doesn't he remind you of Mike Alstott?

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Rushing yards: 1,129

Rushing touchdowns: 11

Receiving yards: 469

Receiving touchdowns: 2

2. Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans

Al Bello/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans runs the ball in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles won 34-24. (Photo by Al Bello/

Arian Foster exploded onto the scene when he rushed for 231 yards and three touchdowns against the Colts in Week 1.  He is the league's leading rusher and currently has the most touchdowns of any running back.  Foster has had an impact on fantasy teams almost every week and could be one of the first players taken in next season's fantasy draft.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Rushing yards: 1,345

Rushing touchdowns: 13

Receiving yards: 550

Receiving touchdowns: 2

1. Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Nick Laham/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Michael Vick's resurrection is by far the most interesting story of the NFL season.  Vick started the season behind Kevin Kolb and took full advantage when Kolb was sidelined with an injury.  He went absolutely insane against the Redskins in Week 10 when he passed for 333 yards and combined for six touchdowns through the air and on the ground.  Fantasy owners playing against him broke down and cried.

2010 Season Statistics to Date-

Passing yards: 2,755

Passing touchdowns: 20

INT: 5

Rushing yards: 613

Rushing touchdowns: 8