Any fantasy football owner will tell you that there is no feeling like drafting the hidden talent who helps you win the league championship. Here are the 2010 fantasy football sleepers who can help put your team over the top.
Joe Flacco (Quarterback – Baltimore Ravens)
The Ravens’ quarterback will be entering his third year in the NFL and ready to take the next step in becoming a top tier fantasy talent. During his second year in the league, Flacco showed improvement in every key passing category.
Another factor that is going to help develop Flacco into one of the top 2010 fantasy football sleepers is the addition of Anquan Boldin to the roster.
While some experts feel Boldin does not have the tools to be a dominant number one receiver, they are going to learn that Boldin can be the primary focus of an offense.
Flacco should have a decent shot of completing 65% of his passes for 4,000 yards with 28 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Chris Wells (Running Back – Arizona Cardinals)
Despite what a few experts are saying, the departure of Kurt Warner is going to change the Cardinals’ offense. This means Matt Leinart is going to be at the helm of this potent offense. In order to make sure he finds his groove, the Cardinals are going to have to find a way to utilize Wells’ running ability.
In 2009 when the Cardinals started to use Wells more towards the middle of the season, they saw their running game improve and actually force the opposition to place eight men in the box occasionally.
By the time the 2010 fantasy football season is done; expect Wells’ statistics to place him among the top ten best running backs in the league.
Jahvid Best (Running Back – Detroit Lions)
The majority of the times, fantasy football sleepers are players who have spent a couple of years in the NFL and have grown to understand the system. Rarely does a rookie have a chance to make a big impact for fantasy football teams.
Best will be the exception for whoever selects him in their 2010 fantasy football draft. His burst speed and ability to catch passes out of the backfield is going to make Best a dangerous threat. The Lions will split the load with Kevin Smith, but it will not be too long before he is the primary back.
While Best is not ready to be one of your top two running backs, he is a solid third choice to help your team win a championship. Just like in the NFL draft, fantasy football owners are going to be wary of Best, so you should be able to pick him up in the middle to late rounds.
Zach Miller (Tight End – Oakland Raiders)
The main reason Miller will join the upper ranks of tight ends by the end of the 2010 fantasy football is the addition of quarterback Jason Campbell. Not only does he have a serviceable quarterback, but one who has always had a productive relationship with his tight ends. Just ask Chris Cooley.
In 2009, Miller led the Raiders with 66 receptions for 805 yards and 3 touchdowns. Fantasy football owners should expect this sleeper selection to exceed all three categories by the time the season is done.
Especially when you consider the Raiders’ second best receiver was Louis Murphy, who hauled in 34 receptions for 491 yards and 3 touchdowns.
While some may stay away from drafting Miller as their starting tight end, you can be the smart one and pick him up by the sixth round.
Jerricho Cotchrey (Wide Receiver – New York Jets)
Many fantasy football owners are down on Cotchrey after his production dipped for the second consecutive, having only 57 receptions for 821 yards and 3 touchdowns.
You need to remember that the majority of the Jets success in 2009 came as a result of having the top rated running game in the NFL while they let their rookie quarterback learn the game.
With 16 games under his belt, fantasy football owners should expect the Jets to air it out more in 2010 and Cotchrey will be the benefactor. Look for him to take the spotlight away from Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes during the upcoming 2010 season.
Resources
NFL.Com
NFL on Yahoo
