Time to look at who could be significant Sleeper candidates in 2009. Remember by definition sleeper is someone who is not expected to do well and far exceeds their expectations. So sometimes it will depend on what the "expected stats" are to begin with that determines how much they exceed them. In other words it is easy to exceed low expectations.
If anyone tells you that they know who the Sleepers will be for sure, ignore them completely because nobody knows with certainty who will shine. But I can offer a few possibilites and why:
QB
Trent Edwards, BUF-Any QB throwing to two Top 30 WRs deserves consideration for Top 10 performance. On most rankings he is 17th.
Kyle Orton, DEN-If (this is a big IF) Marshall plays nice, then Orton has two Top 30 WRs and a decent TE option in Scheffler. He is projected at QB18 now. That is a lot of room for improvement.
RB
Cedric Benson, CIN-Had a good finish to 2008 and could keep it going if he can fend off Bernard Scott who looks to be pushing him. Either are good candidates for Sleeper.
Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG-The #2 at the Giants will be more of a RBBC then most. Current ranking is around 40ish. But an injury to Jacobs pushes Bradshaw into the Top 15 and if not he could be top 30 even in a time-share.
WR
Nate Burleson, SEA-A healthy Hassleback and TJH to watch by the better corners means Burleson may have some good looks this year.
Chris Henry would get the other nod but he is screaming up the rankings so people are aware of him based on his preseason performance. Instead I will pick James Jones GB. He and GB look to have a great season ahead as A. Rodgers starts his first week 1 without a huge cloud called Favre overhead.
TE
Brent Celek, PHI-McNabb (and or Vick) will take advantage of having a healthy TE permanently on the field.
Brandon Pettigrew, DET-Rookies usually do not see the field much their first year, but DET is desperate. Expect bigger things from Pettigrew especially if he gets Stafford to start with them as Stafford-Pettigrew may become a household phrase in the Big D.
K
Vinateri, IND-IND will not be as good this year in terms of offensive production, Peyton has been sacked way too many times this preseason. So look for more FGs and less TDs. Adam is ranked conservatively at K15. He makes a nice choice for Top 5.
Shayne Graham, CIN- Ranked K17 in many polls if the Bengals have a healthy Palmer look for more scoring. Their Def was not as bad last year as everyone thinks.
Defense/ST
Green Bay-Switched to the 3-4 and the offense looks to be clicking on all cylinders too.
Arizona-They have an easy Fantasy Playoff stretch, as they face @SF, @DET and STL in weeks 14-16.
Sam Hendricks, Author:
Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95, www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669)
Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203
Fantasy Football Almanac 2009: The Essential Fantasy Football Reference Guide ($12.95, http://www.amazon.com/1602643989)
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