Fantasy Football 2009: The Top 10 Sleepers to Draft

Though predicting the top players each fantasy football season is not an exact science, most good fantasy players will have a fairly good idea of what top tier players to take in the early and mid rounds of their draft. It's the latter rounds that present the greater challenges. While some fantasy owners may use the last few rounds to try and secure a good backup or a good bye week option for a starter, these are also the rounds to gamble on sleepers with a good upside. These sleepers could play a major role on a team by season's end. Here then are ten sleepers to keep an eye on for the 2009 Fantasy Football Season.

Anthony Gonzalez (Colts) WR

Gonzalez is poised to have a breakout season; with the release of Marivn Harrison in Indianapolis, look for Gonzalez to have a career year. Not that he has had a bad career since coming into the league, having caught 94 passes for 1,240 yards in 29 games since being taken in the first round of the 2007 draft by the Colts. Still, his numbers this year should go up drastically from the 57-664-4 he posted last season. Look for Gonzalez to end up with over 70 catches for 900 yards this season, while scoring a dozen or more.

Tashard Choice (Cowboys) RB

As good a running back as Marion Barber is in Dallas, it became clear to see last season that he can't carry the load all by himself for the Cowboys. Over the last five games of the season, the Cowboys started going more to their 2008, 4^th round draft pick Tashard, and Choice responded well, gaining 325 out of his 472 yards for the season in December, and adding 17 of 21 receptions for the season during those four games as well. Keep your eyes on Choice this season, especially if Dallas decides to split carries between its backs.

Jamaal Charles (Chiefs) RB

The Chiefs were 2-14 and Larry Johnson has missed a lot of games the last two seasons, which may set the stage for Jamaal Charles to have a break out season. In the only game this 2008 rookie got over more than 10 carries last season, he rushed over the 100 yard mark (18 carries for 106 yards). For the season, this 4^th round draft pick from Texas ended up with 357 yards rushing and 272 yards receiving in limited action. If you are going to gamble on Larry Johnson, you might as well add Charles to your lineup.

Johnny Lee Higgins (Raiders) WR

If you play in a league that credits return yards, you may already know Higgins, who had over 1,400 yards of kick and punt return yards last year; that he scored three times on punt returns is a bonus. Higgins though can do more than return kicks, and by the time the 2008 season ended he was fast becoming one of JaMarcus Russell's favorite targets, catching 12 of his 22 passes in the last three games of the year. He added touchdown reception in each of those games as well. The speedy Higgins is headed for a breakout season and should be on your radar right about now.

Devon Bess (Dolphins) WR

Bess, who went undrafted after a stellar college career for Hawaii, was one of the best rookie receivers down the stretch, catching 36 passes in the final six games of the season. Playing opposite of speedster Ted Ginn Jr,. and having become one of Chad Pennington's favorite targets, Bess is set to have a breakout year in 2009. Though be aware that this 5-10, 190 lbs receiver will not see the end zone very often.

Darren Sproles (Chargers) RB

Anybody that caught Sproles in relief of Tomlinson during the 2009 playoffs would be hard press to label him a sleeper. But the fact still remains that Tomlinson is still in town, and though slowing down, he will still receive a good deal of touches. Sproles though remains a great sleeper option. The 5-6 running back had 672 yards from scrimmage and is also a master kick returner. He had two 100 yard rushing games in relief of Tomlinson last year, and San Diego will find him touches. If you draft Tomlinson, you must draft Sproles. If you don't draft Tomlinson, Sproles still makes for a great late round addition.

Ray Rice (Ravens) RB

The 2008 rookie crop of running backs was so good that Rice went mostly under the radar in Baltimore.
Yet as injured prone as Willis McGahee was last season, it would not be a bad idea to own his backup, especially if you decide to draft McGahee. Rice played well when given a chance, putting together a 154 yard rushing day against the Browns on one of two times he got to carry the ball over 20 times. For the season, Rice gained 454 yards on the ground, and added 273 yards on 33 receptions. With a good defense and a young QB, look for the Ravens to give Rice a fair chance to touch the ball.

Bryant Johnson (Lions) WR

Johnson has never quite lived up to expectations, but he was signed by the Lions this off season and should start opposite of All-World receiver in Calvin Johnson. Look for him to compete with John Standeford for receptions, though on this woeful 0-16 team, look for there to be plenty of passes to go around. A nice late round option, but keep an eye out on the Lion's QB situation if you take him.

Lee Evans (Bills) WR

Is not that Lee Evans had a bad season last year, he didn't, catching 63 passes for 1,017 yards and 3 touchdowns. It's just that the signing of Terrell Owens by the Bills should free up Evans enough for the former first round draft pick to return to 2006 numbers. Look for Evans to catch 80-85 passes for 1,200-1,300 yards and 8-10 TDs this year, moving him closer to being an elite fantasy receiver, than just a very good one.

Felix Jones (Cowboys) RB

Jones was injured last season, and the brilliant start to his career all but forgotten. Jones averaged an electrifying 27.1 yards per kickoff return (including a 98 yard TD), and 8.9 yards per carry (30 carries, 266 yards and 3 TDs). The upside on Jones is huge, but how Dallas will use him remains unknown. This guy is one for the true fantasy gamblers. Roll the die and take Jones.

Statistical Sources:

www.sports.yahoo.com