Fantasy Football Sleepers and Busts

As the NFL season begins fantasy football players are beginning to look for their sleeper picks. That is, they are looking for the undervalued or unwanted player that is going to break out and have a big year. As always before your draft do your homework, but here are a few players to try and get and a couple to stay away from.

First, if you haven't heard (but who hasn't) Brett Favre is on the Jets. Now I am not pitching Favre here, but how the defenses will now have to respect the Jets passing game and that should open things up for Thomas Jones. Jones hasn't been the back the Jets were hoping he'd be as of yet, but with slightly softer defenses he should be able to gain more yards. Also Ricky Williams has been named the starter for the Miami Dolphins. Now Williams has never been the most successful in fantasy football, but he could be a very solid backup running back for a low price. He shouldn't be your starter but he could help. For quarterbacks I have to go with Carson Palmer. Sure he's not a no-name quarterback, but look for him to have a huge year. With all his big name receivers and Chad Johnson's renewed faith in the Bengal's Palmer should put up some big numbers. If your league is based on a money system, look for Palmer to be a great value.

Okay, now it's time for who to stay away from. I hate to say it because I really like him, but Derek Anderson may have a tough year. Although I think the Browns are a decent team, they have a brutal schedule. Anderson will face almost all of the toughest defenses in the league in the first half of the season. It's hard to put up great numbers when week after week he may be taking a beating. Next is Brett Favre. He should help the Jets get a couple more wins and may help the running game, but look for Favre to be interception prone. He's with a new team, a new offense, and new receivers, and not to mention (except for last year) he's always thrown a lot of interceptions. I just can't believe Favre will be an asset to your fantasy roster.

As for a few rookies to take a shot at, try a couple of running backs that will play for running teams. Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears is a great all around back and plays for a team that will run the ball a lot and dump him a lot of short passes. I don't think he will be the best fantasy player but he could be a solid one. Next is Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans. He has been compared to Reggie bush, so he could put up some descent numbers. I don't think he will be an every down back, but he is always capable of making a game breaking play.

Remember, the owners who find the sleepers usually win fantasy leagues. Undervalued players will make or break your team. So, although I have mentioned a couple of people to be careful of drafting I would put more emphasis on finding that hidden gem that will propel your team to the top of its league. Or you could just pick Brady and Moss and not worry about anything else. Good luck everyone.