Fantasy football sleepers

For as much as I want to, I won’t further inundate you with yet another Brett Favre blog. I will, on the other hand, discuss a few fantasy football sleeper candidates for the 2009 season.

Daunte Culpepper | Quarterback | Detroit Lions

Culpepper has trimmed down to about 260 after clocking in at 292 pounds last year with the Lions. He is reportedly in great shape and has worked hard this offseason. A more mobile Culpepper is a more effective Culpepper. He has been reunited with offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, who is largely responsible for the veteran passer’s success during their time with the Minnesota Vikings. Another reason for the success: Randy Moss. Guess what? Calvin Johnson is the closest thing in the league that we have to Moss, but he’s even stronger! The additions of Bryant Johnson, Ronald Curry and Brandon Pettigrew can only help Culpepper. If the Lions can run the ball with any respectability, Culpepper could post weak No. 1 fantasy numbers, but you can land him as a near last-resort No. 2.

Matt Schaub | Quarterback | Houston Texans

Is Matt Schaub primed for a breakout season?

I have some crazy man-love for Schaub this season. I will go as far as saying I believe he leads the Texans – yes, the Houston freakin’ Texans – to a first-place showing in the tough AFC South. The key for this to happen, though, is Schaub remaining healthy. He is going to be a fantasy beast – look for top-10 statistical production from him, and I won’t be in the least bit surprised when Schaub lands in the top five of all fantasy passers. He has the weapons, a running game and an offensive line. He also is entering his third year in the same system. Jackpot! Draft him as a weak No. 1 or ideal No. 2 option.

Julius Jones/Justin Forsett | Running Backs | Seattle Seahawks

One of these two backs is going to breakout in a big way. Jones has flashed his talent on occasion, but he is an injury waiting to happen. Forsett is a tad on the slow side but has the strength to get it done. Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp will install the same zone-blocking scheme that has produced surprising 1,000-yard rushers in Kevan Barlow (2003), Warrick Dunn (2004-06) and Justin Fargas (2007). If Jones stays healthy, watch out! If Forsett gets his chance, expect a similarly strong showing. Keep an eye on touchdown-vulture T.J. Duckett, though, since he will be reunited with Knapp from their days as Atlanta Falcons. The opening day starter of this backfield is best considered a No. 4 fantasy back.

Brandon Jackson | Running Back | Green Bay Packers

My reasoning for including Jackson isn’t much more than a gut feeling. The 23-year-old University of Nebraska product showed enough in limited work last year (5.5 yards-per-carry average) that he is going to see playing time along side Ryan Grant in 2009. Jackson has NFL size (5-foot-10, 220 pounds) and quality hands (30 receptions last season). If you draft Grant, make sure you land Jackson, but I feel the latter could be a wise selection late in your draft, regardless of having Grant on your team or not, as a fifth back.

Chansi Stuckey | Wide Receivers | New York Jets

Something about Stuckey’s play in 2008, well, stuck with me! He was impressive in his limited body of work. No. 1 receiver Jerricho Cotchery is slow. He has good hands, but he’s not going to outrun any cornerbacks in this league. Stuckey is the dynamic playmaker that the Jets need in their offense. I see potential star quality in Stuckey, and tight end Dustin Keller should open things up over the middle for him. Quarterback Mark Sanchez is a rookie, yes, but he can’t be any worse tossing the rock than Kellen Clemens or Erik Ainge, can he? Draft him as a high-upside No. 5 fantasy option.

Pierre Garcon | Wide Receiver | Indianapolis Colts

So what if Garcon has only four career receptions! At 6-foot, 210 pounds, the Colts have a playmaker on their hands, and most fans have never even heard of him! Little known after coming from tiny Mount Union College (Ohio) in 2008, Garcon has legit NFL speed at 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard dash (’08 NFL Scouting Combine). Oh, did I mention he has Peyton Manning throwing him the rock?!?! No one has expectations on Garcon, and he has almost no competition behind him. If the Colts are smart, they will keep Anthony Gonzalez in the slot and start Garcon opposite Reggie Wayne to take advantage of Garcon’s size. If he’s the slot receiver, draft Garcon as a No. 6 option. If he’s the No. 2, view him as a quality fourth fantasy receiver.

Zach Miller | Tight End | Oakland Raiders

Everyone that looks at the Raiders’ passing game seems to throw up a little in their mouth. Miller is the Trident for your ailing bad breath, my friend. Now that you have that disgusting image in your head, the Raiders’ aerial attack may be a little easier to stomach. All joking aside, the young tight end is a star in the making, and he will be a household name in NFL circles very soon. If Miller caught more than one touchdown pass last year he would have gained considerable national attention. I expect huge things from Miller in 2009 as Oakland’s young wide receivers learn their way in the NFL. View Miller as a low-end No. 1 option for your fantasy team.