Let’s remind ourselves of the formula:
Sleeper Rating = Amount of Talent (Individual + Team Support) + Opportunity
Week 5 is on the way! It’s time to make some trades happen people! Again all the players I’m going to talk about here I look at within a “buy low” framework.
Tier I
Drew Brees 20 (10+10) – He’s had two starts in a row where he’s looked like Trent Dilfer which is ironic since the Saints D looked like the 2000 Ravens this past week. He has gone from “untouchable” to a player you might be able to get for the right price. Ideally a 2 for 1 like Cutler + decent skill position player for Brees. A lot of people would do that type of deal even though they shouldn’t.
Andre Johnson 19 (10+9) – Other than the one huge week he has been disappointing. His owner might be impatient with his inconsistency. There’s only one way to find out!
Larry Fitzgerald 19 (10+9) – ESPN is declaring Fitz to be a bust this year relative to his value. This is like Christmas in October for non-owners. I would definitely point this out in your trade offers for him. I have a friend who got him for Ryan Grant. May the looting begin!
Jason Witten 19 (10+9) – Jason Garret needs to grow a set. He keeps listening to the media, trying to be cute, etc. One manifestation of said trickery was leaving Witten at the line to block on goal line passing plays. I think the Cowboys are going to stop trying to get so fancy and feed 82 the ball like they should be. I’m also starting a rumor that he’s trying to change his name to “ochodos.”
Brandon Marshall 18 (10+8) – How ridiculously good was that play on Sunday? Word on the street is Marshall has been a model citizen since returning from his suspension/getting his contract extension. Apparently he’s working hard and toeing the line. Look I know he’s totally insane but so was T.O. in his heyday. He is a top 5 receiver in the NFL in terms of ability, flat out.
Tier II
Rashard Mendenhall (9+8) – There’s no secrets about this player. With Willie Parker dinged up, yet again it, appears Mendenhall may have done enough to put a vice on the starting job in Pittsburgh. Most owners won’t part with him but there will be a few looking to “sell high” on this obvious breakout candidate.
Leon Washington 16 (9+7) – He is getting enough points right now to be a serviceable start in all but the most shallow of leagues. If/when Thomas Jones gets hurt he will see an upgrade in work load, making him a big time contributor.
Ahmad Bradshaw 15 (8+7) Ran the ball very well again on Sunday. Definitely a great investment because you get solid production now with the potential for huge digits down the road.
Jerome Harrison 15 (8+7) – He played extremely well for a second game in a row and the starting job could be his even if Lewis comes back. James Davis is now out for the season.
Beanie Wells 15 (8+7) – He hasn’t delivered near the hype he was getting preseason. Owners are getting impatient that he hasn’t been able to take the job from Tim Hightower. It may not be as expensive as you think to land this great stasher.
Tier III
Mohamed Massoquoi 15 (8+7) – I debated putting him in tier II. Dude got 13 targets on Sunday, caught a ton of balls for a lot of yards. Braylon Edwards continues to play terrible and get no attention in that offense plus he may be getting in some legal trouble. I’m going to own Massoquoi everywhere I can.
Donnie Avery 14 (7+7) – Not a lot of production this past Sunday but their Offense got shut down completely. He’s a number one receiver what else can I say?
Antonio Bryant 14 (7+7) – This guys stock has risen and fallen more than any player in all of Fantasy Football over the past calendar year. He’s been on waivers in a lot of leagues and after a decent game there might be reason to own him.
Ryan Moats 14 (7+7) – A skilled scatback who has been around the league but doesn’t have a lot of miles on him. Steve Slaton has struggled somewhat for Houston. Moats got 15 carries for 56 yards, prompting compliments from Gary Kubiak. This was probably the most under the radar performance by a potential Sleeper this week. He looks like an excellent stash right now.
Mewelde Moore 13 (7+6) – If you have room he’s a great stash in case Willie Parker’s turf toe doesn’t improve. Moore sees a ton of action in the passing game and gets to run some.
Shonn Greene 13 (8+5) – I really think you’re going to start to see him carry the ball a little bit. If Thomas Jones gets hurt Washington will be the man on passing downs and some running plays but they drafted Green to make him the feature runner. A good stash for the 2nd half of the season. These are the guys who win playoff games for you.
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