Fantasy Football Sleepers: 5 Players Who Emerged from Bears vs. Giants

After one of the most lop-sided games of the 2011 preseason, the Chicago Bears got destroyed by the New York Giants 41-13 on Monday Night Football in New Meadowlands stadium.

While both teams boast many solid fantasy picks, this game exposed some of the top players in the fantasy drafts weaknesses and showed the talent of some of the lesser-known talent.

These are the players that showed that they should definitely garnish late round consideration, and their potential could be enough to help win your league.

5. Devin Thomas, New York Giants

With two catches for 20 yards, not much can be said about wide receiver Devin Thomas besides the fact that he will benefit from the departure of Steve Smith and the non-signing of Plaxico Burress.

Not only did Thomas have his catches, he received three kickoffs for 138 return yards, including a 73 yard kickoff return that almost went to the house. In a deep league, Thomas may be a last-round dark horse.

4. Earl Bennett, Chicago Bears

With Jay Cutler as a former teammate at Vanderbilt University, Bennett already has a rapport with the quarterback, and the Bears hope the budding relationship translates to the field.

Bennett amassed three catches in limited time on Monday, and he managed 58 yards receiving, including a 32-yard reception that showed a glimpse of the possibilities.

3. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants

With Ahmad Bradshaw taking most of the 2011 hype for the New York Giants running backs, there is a good chance that Brandon Jacobs steals half the touches from Bradshaw.

Not only did Jacobs have a touchdown on Monday, he had six rushes for 48 yards, for an average of eight yards per rush. Jacobs still isn’t part of the passing game, but it is obvious that he will be the short-yardage back over Bradshaw.

2. Marion Barber, Chicago Bears

With Marion Barber’s departure from Dallas, most people though Barber would fade into obscurity behind Bears starting running back Matt Forte.

Barber looked great last night, boasting 13 rushes for 49 yards, but it was the five catches for 31 yards that could make him a great late-round steal, especially in a PPR league.

1. Mario Manningham, New York Giants

With the departure of Steve Smith to the Philadelphia Eagles and the return of Plaxico Burress to a different New York team, someone needs to steal the touches everyone is missing. That’s where Mario Manningham comes in.

Manningham has spent the offseason and preseason working up a rapport with Eli Manning, and the four catches for 39 yards shows that he is the clear No. 2 option at receiver.

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