2010 Fantasy Football Sleepers

Every season there are key players who emerge from nowhere to become top fantasy players.  Targeting these players on draft day can help you win your league, and it may not be as hard as you think to find them.  Here are some players that I believe are the 2010 Fantasy Football Sleepers:

Joe Flacco – QB – BAL – Flacco was plagued by a major lower body injury late in the ’09 season that was downplayed as a “bruised quad”, but was really much worse.  With Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron getting a highly prolific receiver in Anquan Boldin to use in 2010, look for Flacco to take the next step towards being a solid QB1 in fantasy.  Flacco should be going ahead of Philip Rivers and Eli Manning in drafts. 

Matt Stafford – QB –DET – Stafford has taken a major leap by all accounts so far this preseason, showing improved accuracy and poise.  Being equipped with more weapons won’t hurt either, as the only thing that stands in the way of Stafford breaking out is Detroit’s offensive line, which still remains a concern.  Still, Stafford is an ideal target as a QB2, behind only Ben Roethlisberger. 

Jahvid Best – RB –DET – In what could go down as a very strong RB draft class, Best has as good a chance as Ryan Matthews or Montario Hardesty to make an immediate impact.  With comparisons to Chris Johnson in spring practices, Best’s durability is the only thing that comes into question.  If he gets off to a fast start, he could be a RB1 option in fantasy leagues.  Select Best ahead of Hardesty around Round 5.

Rashad Jennings– RB –JAX – With nobody seeming to know the exact extent or severity of Maurice Jones-Drew’s knee troubles, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to stash Rashad Jennings in the early going.  He would become the focal point of the Jaguars offense if Jones-Drew were forced to miss time at some point during the season. 

Kareem Huggins – RB –TB – Huggins has come out of nowhere during training came and emerged as a legitimate threat for carries in Tampa’s backfield.  With the release of Derrick Ward, Huggins is the clear-cut #2 RB in Tampa Bay.  Grab him in the last few rounds and stash him away until Cadillac Williams gets hurt, although he probably wouldn’t be an every-down back even if that happens. 

Jason Campbell – QB – OAK – Contrary to popular belief, Campbell will be surrounded by greater talent in Oakland than he was in Washington.  With a solid trio of young WR’s, two quality young RB’s and a TE with Pro-Bowl potential, the Raiders offense is looking up for the first time in years.  Look for Campbell to be a very high-end QB2 in fantasy leagues.  He should be targeted around Round 10.

Hakeem Nicks – WR – NYG – Look for Nicks to take the leap into high-end WR2 status and possibly even low-end WR1 level in 2010.  His size/speed combination was demonstrated at times last season, but look for much more consistency this year, along with big-play potential.  Nicks should be grabbed between Rounds 6-8.

Devin Aromashodu – WR –CHI – Aromashodu finished the ’09 season on a tear, and with the arrival of Mike Martz, could step into the fantasy spotlight in 2010.  Look for Aromashodu to lead the Bears trio of young WR’s, with Johnny Knox and Devin Hester not far behind.  Aromashodu can probably be had pretty late, around Rounds 9-12, but don’t wait too long.

Demaryius Thomas – WR –DEN – Thomas is the long-term replacement for Brandon Marshall, and while he won’t tap all that potential in year one, he should offer good value in the later rounds.  It won’t be long before his talent shines through though, and he could be a solid option in the second half of the season.  Look for Thomas in Rounds 8-11.

Aaron Hernandez – TE – NE – Hernandez has looked very in-sync with QB Tom Brady so far this preseason, and with nobody else stepping up as the pass-catching TE option in New England, Hernandez could shine as a rookie.  Expect Bill Belichick to find a way to utilize Hernandez’s athleticism. 

So there you have it, a few key players that may help you win your fantasy leagues in 2010.  Now the key is picking them at just the right time to maximize their value.  Good luck.