The trade deadline isn’t that far away! We should all be throwing out trades right now like nobody’s business, gearing up our teams for a run at the playoffs or more. There are a lot of great trade targets, particularly at receiver sitting out there.
Let’s remind ourselves of the formula:
Sleeper Rating = Amount of Talent (Individual + Team Support) + Opportunity
Tier I
Calvin Johnson 19 (10+9) – Everything that I have seen has indicated that this injury isn’t nagging. His performance this season hasn’t been dazzling and he just missed a game. Most owners would love to ship him out and cut their losses. I am going to take a chance on him in every league if possible.
Anquan Boldin 18 (9+9) – Before you take any speculative shots on him wait and make sure that this ankle injury isn’t severe. Even if he’s only halfway healthy I love Boldin to turn his season around. Much of his lack of production stems from simply not getting in the end zone; his targets have remained relatively high. His asking price should be extremely low right now.
Greg Jennings 17 (9+8) – Another elite WR who has yet to step up and deliver on his potential. Donald Driver has been getting a lot more love from Rodgers than him and you can bet Jennings will voice his displeasure with the lack of targets.
Brandon Jacobs 16 (8+8) – As dynamic as the Giants offense has been I can’t believe how rarely Jacobs has been able to get in the end zone. Regular readers know I’ve been dissing him and jonesing on Bradshaw all year. But I feel like the time has come where it might be advantageous to take Jacobs off the hands of frustrated owners, particularly in non-PPR formats.
Frank Gore 16 (8+8) – Injured running backs make me really nervous. The upside to Gore is that you know the 49’ers are going to feed him the rock and if he’s healthy he will be extremely productive. Since he’s coming back next week his owner might be somewhat reluctant to sell him as low as they would have previously.
Tier II
Jerricho Cotchery 15 (8+7) – If you read “Gameday Companion” on Sunday you probably noticed that my prediction about defenses’ response to Braylon Edwards was accurate. And like I said I love what this will do for Jerricho Cotchery. Once he comes back, if he’s healthy, he will put up true #1 receiver numbers (not elite #1, think: DeSean Jackson).
Marshawn Lynch 15 (8+7) – If you watch NFL Network you’ve seen Michael Irvin refer to Cedric Benson as “running for money!” I love that bit, it’s hilarious. Marshawn Lynch is running like Forest Gump away from the cool kids on bicycles right now. I wish I could give him a higher “opportunity rating” but with how untalented/injured that Bills line is right now I just can’t do that.
Devery Henderson 15 (8+7) – You have to love any receiver in that Saints offense. As the #2 guy in New Orleans he’s going to get plenty of opportunities to catch the football from here on out. I think he makes a great #3 receiver/flex option for you week in and week out.
Sidney Rice 15 (8+7) – He just had a big game so he’s on people’s radars now. Percy Harvin might be dinged up also. None of us paid enough attention to Sidney Rice this season and it’s time to grab him before everyone catches on.
Michael Jenkins 15 (8+7) – Roddy White should continue to garner more and more attention. Watching Michael Jenkins and his role in that offense it just seems like his production should be higher than it is. Going forward I really like what he might be able to do relative to acquisition cost.
Tier III
Jamaal Charles 14 (8+6) – Larry Johnson needs to just go ahead and get injured already; he has no business being this healthy. I am going to keep touting Jamaal Charles until he gets his chance and rips it up. Then I’ll say “I told you so.”
Davone Bess 14 (7+7) – Chad Henne might actually be a serviceable quarterback. Davone Bess has looked really good so far and I love him for PPR leagues. Pick him up without reservations in 12 team.
Justin Forsett 14 (8+6) – He is starting to get more and more touches in that offense and Julius Jones continues to look more and more mediocre. Whether it’s injury or superior potential don’t be surprised if Forsett gets playing time as the season progresses. I love him as a potential breakout candidate.
Ladell Betts 13 (7+6) – Clinton Portis continues to stay healthy and run like a man possessed. If he goes down I like what Betts will do and he’s barely owned even in deeper leagues.
Garrett Wolfe 13 (7+6) – How bad was Matt Forte last night? How disappointing has his season been so far? Garrett Wolfe has gotten more and more touches in that offense. Forte could get injured or you could see the Bears go to a more democratic carry splitting situation.
Rashad Jennings 13 (8+5) – “Pocket Hercules” got 33 carries this Sunday. Are you kidding me? I love MJD but I’m really concerned that this excessive workload is going to catch up to him.
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