2010 Top 10 NFL Fantasy Football Sleepers

The fantasy football sleeper list is not simply a list of unknowns that may or may not have a solid season. My sleeper list is filled with players that you may have heard of, but will have better than expected seasons. Two years ago I was criticized for having my #1 sleeper be new starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Now I'm not always right, but check out my last two years worth of sleeper lists and you will find several other gems. These are players to keep in mind when your draft is coming near to an end and you want the best value for your pick. Here are my 2010 Top 10 NFL Fantasy Football Sleepers:

#10. Chaz Schilens, WR, Oakland Raiders
You have no clue who this guy is, but he is the best wide receiver that the Raiders have on their roster. Schilens missed the first eight games of last year with a foot injury, but came back to catch 29 passes and two touchdowns. Schilens will play opposite Heyward-Bey, and has great hands. His third year in the NFL could be a breakout one and a fantasy worthy season to land a spot on your bench to use in a bye week or possibly start a couple games when matchups allow.

#9. Matt Leinart, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Although Leinart has not shown much promise, he has the weapons in place and hopefully he has allowed himself to soak up knowledge from Warner and has grown up a bit in the last few years. Leinart has to have a solid year to keep his starting job, and I think he will come through. You won't have to draft Leinart, but you might want to pick him up a couple weeks into the season.

#8. Kenneth Darby, RB, St. Louis Rams
Darby is a long shot, but what else are sleeper lists for? Steven Jackson is entering his 7th year and coming off of back surgery. Darby has played three seasons and although he has not been used enough to get a rhythm, he has average 4.9 yards a carry and has 39 receptions in 27 career games. Darby could see a decent amount of playing time and is at least a necessary handcuff for Jackson owners.

#7. Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions
Stafford is expected to have an increase in production, but is not projected to have a top 10 year. Stafford will lead the Lions to a 6-9 win season, and has the weapons to put up top 10 numbers. Stafford may not have been last year, but this year he is very draftable. Stafford is worthy of a starting spot in deep leagues.

#6. Mike Wallace, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Fantasy owners are aware of Wallace and overall he had a solid season but was not worthy of starting in any week except for week three in which he had 7 catches and over 100 yards receiving. Wallace is now the #2 receiver if not the primary target with an aging but still capable Hines Ward. Mike Wallace will be a legitimate starter in 2010 and should have a breakout season.

#5. Ryan Matthews, RB, San Diego Chargers
The Chargers have the tools in place to give a rookie running back a solid first year. I question how Matthews will fair in the NFL, but with the Chargers moving up to the 12th overall pick to draft him, they obviously see something very special. Sproles and Matthews should share time, and Matthews will get opportunities to prove he was worth the high draft pick.

#4. Golden Tate, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Golden Tate has a great opportunity to have a much better than expected rookie year. Tate will play an interesting role with the Hawks this season and may work out of the slot or even play a part in the wildcat. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch are both recovering from surgeries and leave the door wild open for Tate who had a great career with Notre Dame. Look out for Tate to have a great rookie year with an improved Seattle team.

#3. Jahvid Best, RB Detroit Lions
Best may be a little high here on the list due to the offensive line he will be depending on, but the line will be improved and so will the overall offense. Best will take a solid number of carries with Kevin Smith both injured and coming off a weak season. Best will get receptions out of the backfield, and carries, which could make him very valuable to your fantasy team. You should be able to get him cheap in your NFL fantasy draft, and there is a huge upside in drafting him late.

#2. Dwayne Jarrett, WR, Carolina Panthers
Take notes, Jarrett will come out of nowhere to put up great numbers this season and challenge Steve Smith for the team lead in receptions. Jarrett should get plenty of open looks with teams focusing on Smith. Jarrett will need to quit dropping balls, but he will get a new start with Clausen behind center (I do expect Clausen to win the starting job over the improved Moore). I will be drafting Jarrett at the end of my draft as my top sleeper at wide receiver.

#1. Chad Henne, QB, Miami Dolphins
Henne is set up to have a monster season in 2010. With Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown at running back, Anthony Fasano at tight end, and now Brandon Marshall at wide receiver, Henne will have no excuses. Henne improved throughout the season and had over 300 yards passing in three of his last five games. I'm not going to put him in the Pro Bowl quite yet, but Henne could have a shot to make it, and will have a fantasy worthy performance this year.