2011 Fantasy Football Sleepers and Busts

Nick Meyer
The 2011 fantasy football season is upon us and many people are looking for draft sleepers while seeking to avoid major busts.

The season is going to be an interesting one with lots of teams coming into 2011 with a chance to put up big numbers on offense, including some lesser-known teams like the Lions and Chiefs who could put up huge numbers.

The best players come from strong, proven teams, however, and some players are worth the risks more than others. Here is a list of some fantasy sleepers and busts to be aware of:

Sleepers-

Colt McCoy, QB, Browns- Cleveland is probably not a playoff team but McCoy is capable of scoring through the air and on the ground making him a good late-round pickup at QB. He is capable of putting up big numbers in a shootout situation against a team the Browns' defense won't be able to stop.

Matt Stafford, QB, Lions- Stafford can go fairly high in many drafts but most have him in the middle rounds at least. The only concern is health, however. He has so many weapons and has looked so good when healthy that it's hard not to see him putting up top-tier numbers if he stays healthy.

Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers- Fantasy fans have been waiting for a big year from the talented young WR. This could be it for the 49ers who will get him the ball more. His injury will cause some to be skittish about taking him but he's worth it.

Busts-

Jahvid Best, RB, Lions- Best has a world of talent but the Lions' o-line is not the best run-blocking unit and injuries are a big concern. Plus Detroit may use other backs on the goal line and in the red zone at times to keep Best healthy.

Michael Vick, QB, Eagles- Vick is a great fit for the team but he has many inconsistencies that could pop up at any time. Vick is a high-risk, high-reward player but there are better options at QB in his tier.

Brandon Lloyd, Broncos- A coaching change and possible QB issues means Lloyd could drop off significantly this season from his surprise stats spike of 2010.

These are just a few of the top players to keep an eye on as you make your selections this year. There aren't as many sure things this season for fantasy football owners but there is a lot of potential in the later rounds. These sleepers and busts are just the tip of the iceberg so be sure to stay tuned for more selections in the future as draft season gets underway.

Published by Nick Meyer

I am a 26-year old writer trying to stay sharp and earn some side cash. My specialty is sports writing. I ve always had strong opinions but I ve become more humble over the years. I welcome freelance writ...  View profile

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