Jets vs. Giants: 8 Fantasy Football Sleepers to Monitor

For the fantasy football gurus out there, drafting those "sleeper" players can be the difference in winning and losing.

Well, the NFL preseason is coming to a close, and finding that edge on every team is very crucial.

Now, of course, they're just preseason games, but you can still get a feel for what to expect from certain players. Therefore, getting a grasp on the starters, at the very least, should be considered.

So with that said, here are some fantasy football sleepers from the Jets and Giants.

Plaxico Burress

Yes, he was sweet when he played with the Steelers and Giants.

But now, Plaxico must begin anew and earn his way back amongst the NFL's premier WRs. He's a big boost to the Jets passing attack, and is an upgrade from Braylon Edwards.

However, after being out of football for the last three seasons, most won't expect him to come zooming out of the gates.

And rightfully so, yet don't let him fly off your radar.

Mario Manningham

Along with Hakeem Nicks, Manningham gives QB Eli Manning two solid receiving targets out wide. Include the fact that they no longer have Steve Smith and TE Kevin Boss.

Hence, you should anticipate Manningham becoming a more contributing target in the Giants offense, while at the same time, becoming a more-established receiver in the league.

He may go overlooked because of Plaxico on the Jets, as well as of his teammate Hicks, but that's no reason to overlook him.

Santonio Holmes

Now that the Jets do have a solid deep threat in Plaxico Burress, much of the defensive attention will hover that way, as well as focus on TE Dustin Keller.

Even when in Pittsburgh, Holmes wasn't the No. 1 or even the No. 2 receiving threat, despite earning Super Bowl MVP honors, because of Hines Ward and TE Heath Miller.

In addition, a lot of attention will be on QB Mark Sanchez who is in the need of a breakout year.

But the only way that will happen is if the QB-WR two-way street works, which is where Holmes comes in.

Plaxico will be deep, and Keller will be the short and medium routes, so Holmes must find every other open spot and become virtually impossible to cover across the middle.

Ahmad Bradshaw

Bradshaw was the Giants' leading rusher in 2010 with 1,235 yards on 276 attempts, including eight TDs.

And yet, he still doesn't get the respect he deserves after that effort.

Believe it or not, but Bradshaw has become a top 15 RB in the NFL. He is also a solid receiving threat as he caught 47 passes for 314 yards last year.

He may not look the part, but Bradshaw has played a huge role for the Giants since 2007. 

Mark Sanchez

Once his sophomore campaign was underway, Mark Sanchez was getting a lot of heat from critics everywhere, and hasn't put up the expected stats.

He barely improved from year one to year two, so there will be even more pressure in year three.

And as anticipated, he's maybe a Top 20 QB at best, but all that could change with the addition of Plaxico Burress.

Add in his experience and 2011 should be a much-improved season.

Sanchez is obviously not a top pick, but it wouldn't hurt to have him on the bench.

Brandon Jacobs

Jacobs is getting closer to that 30-year-old mark, and hasn't ran for over 1,000 yards since 2008.

That being said, with Ahmad Bradshaw earning the majority of the carries, it's reasonable to suspect that Jacobs won't be too much of a factor this season.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that he will be a serviceable RB, and should still contribute a significant amount.

Just because Jacobs no longer the premier back in The Big Apple, doesn't mean he's off the map.

Goal-line situations is where you'll want him on your squad. 

LaDainian Tomlinson

Despite not reaching 1,000 yards for the second straight year in 2010, LaDainian Tomlinson revived his career a bit with the Jets.

He was the team's leading rusher, but is now 32-years-old, and who knows how long he can maintain.

Expect fellow RB Shonn Greene to earn more carries, but Tomlinson will be more of a receiving threat and gain more total yards.

Plus, if you're in a league that earns points for receptions, he's even more appealing.

Giants' Defense

Although they missed out on the postseason in 2010, the Giants still had a top 10 defense in pass and rush yards allowed.

The only problem was they still allowed over 21 points per game, which doesn't bode well in fantasy football.

Well, even though there aren't really any new faces that will make an immediate impact, they'll be improved from 2010.

Why?

Because for one, there's no way Tom Coughlin allows them to give up that many points per game, despite being ranked in the top 10 in rush and pass yards allowed.

Not to mention when they play the Philadelphia Eagles, that'll only be more motivation to go out and play well, thus shutting up everyone who is picking Philly to win it all.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.