The NFL season is not too far away, teams are doing training camps, and players are starting to get ranked for fantasy football. This year there is going to be a lot of players that everybody is going to try and get. A sleeper is a player that people may be overlooked because of previous seasons, their off field issues, or because of the team they are on; but they will put up a lot of fantasy points despite all of that. The sleeper players I am putting on this list are players that you will want to try and draft after round 4. The first few rounds people know who they want to draft and they are normally very popular players. So in no particular order here is a list of players that could be sleepers for the 2013 NFL season.
Maurice Jones-Drew RB Jaguars – MJD has had some injuries in past seasons and a very shakey offensive line. He is now totally healthy and the Jaguars beefed up their offensive line. Not to mention that the Jaguars put in a new offense that will utilize MJD to his full potential. Expect MJD to run for at least 1200 yards and 7 TDs
Chris Johnson RB Titans – Chris Johnson used to be one of the first running backs taken in fantasy drafts, but he has had some rocky seasons. The Titans made a lot of improvements to their offensive line and Johnson is fully healthy. Look for him to have at least 1300 rushing yards and 6 TDs. Not to mention he is a good receiver too; he will pull in points off receptions too.
Reggie Bush RB Lions – Bush has been bounced around a lot and has not totally lived up to the hype coming out of college; but he started to gain a lot of momentum with Miami and that will only get better now he is in Detroit. Bush will split carries with Leshoure, but he will be a huge addition to the pass game. Remember the Lions pass the ball a lot; and Bush has the speed to make a huge impact. He will total up at least 8 TDs this year and around 1400 total yards.
Lamar Miller RB Dolphins – Miller should pick up right where Bush left. Miller is a big physical runner who wont shy away from running a defender over. Most people have never heard of him because this is the first year he will be a starter. The Dolphins like to run the ball and Miller will take most of the carries. He has the potential to go over 1000 rushing yards and having 7 TDs.
Chris Ivory RB Jets – Ivory has made it very clear that he is excited to be a Jet and that he plans on having his best year. This is his first chance to be a starting running back after being a back up on the Saints for a number of years. He will get a lot of carries; and the Jets run the ball more than they throw. With the Jets passing game being a little risky; plan on them running a lot. I think he could end up with 1100 rushing yards and 7 TDs by the end of the year.
Miles Austin WR Cowboys – Austin started his career with a bang; but over the last few seasons he has had one injury after another. The Cowboys have basically said this year is a do or die for Austin; he is also on a contract year. He is finally healthy and he is playing opposite of Dez Bryant who will pull a lot of double coverages. The Cowboys are a throwing team so I can see Austin having 60 receptions, 800 or more yards, and 6 TDs. As long as he stays healthy he should be a nice pick up.
Mike Williams WR Bucs – Williams has been a solid player for years now. He wont put up numbers like Calvin Johnson, but he will consistently put up good fantasy numbers. In the last 3 seasons, Williams has had at least 60 receptions. The main receiver in Tampa Bay is Vincent Jackson; but if you dont get Jackson then get Williams he will have at least 60 receptions, over 900 yards, and 8 TDs.
Kenny Britt WR Titans – When Britt is healthy and on the football field he is one of the best out there. He has had off field problems and health issues. This is his contract year andif he wants to get another contract he will have to have a good year. He is healthy, not in any legal troubles, and been training like a mad man. Britt may be one of the biggest sleepers in 2013. It would not surprise me if he had 70 receptions, 1000 yards, and 8 TDs.
Dwayne Bowe WR Chiefs – Over the last few seasons Bowe has not done much, but we all remember a few seasons ago when he was the best receiver when it came to fantasy points. The Chiefs got a new head coach, new QB, and a new offense that will utilize Bowe more. He is still young and has a lot of promise. In previous years Bowe was a risky pick; I would take him in a heart beat now. I think he could have 80 or more receptions, over 1100 receiving yards and 9 TDs.
Kyle Rudolph TE Vikings – There are numerous tight ends that will be drafted before Rudolph, but dont forget that he has a great relationship with QB Ponder and he will see a lot of targets. Even with the Vikings signing Greg Jennings; you can still plan on Rudolph putting up good fantasy numbers. He could end up with 65 receptions and 10 TDs.
Denarius Moore WR Raiders – The Raiders just got a new QB with Matt Flynn; and they got a new offense. Moore is really the only reliable target in Oakland and you can plan on Flynn looking his way a lot. The Raiders will still utilize the run game a lot; but Moore is a deep threat that you will want on your team. He could end up with 55 receptions, 900 yards, and 6 TDs.
Alshon Jeffery WR Bears – Obviously Brandon Marshall is the main man i Chicago, but he is going to have a lot of double coverages on him. That is where Jeffery comes in. He is going to be a very reliable second option for Cutler and he just might be one of the biggest sleepers you could draft. I could see him with 60 receptions, 800 yards, and 7 TDs.
Aaron Dobson WR Patriots – New England is having some major tight end issues so Brady is going to get very familiar with his receivers. Amendola will be the main guy, but Dobson is going to be a solid player as well. The Patriots like to throw the ball and Brady likes to distribute the ball to as many receivers as possible and Dobson will be on the receiving end of most of those. He could have 50 receptions, 750 yards, and 8 TDs.
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