 |
| Doug Pensinger / Getty Images |
| Bills quarterback Trent Edwards should post the best numbers of his career with Terrell Owens in the mix. |
The term "sleeper" has several definitions. But in the world of fantasy football, it refers to a player who exceeds statistical expectations.
The 2008 NFL season was a virtual cornucopia of sleepers, as Aaron Rodgers, Pierre Thomas, DeAngelo Williams and Antonio Bryant were just a few of the players that made significant contributions for fantasy leaguers despite modest expectations. While some sleepers come from injuries that occur in the regular season (Ryan Grant might not have been a sleeper in 2007 had the Packers not lost several running backs), other can be label potential value picks heading into training camp and the preseason.
In our never ending quest to assist fantasy owners in their quest for a league championship, here's a look at 10 legitimate sleeper candidates heading into this season.
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 St. Louis Rams |  Donnie Avery, WR | Avery showed flashes of potential in his rookie season, and now he'll be the top option in the Rams pass attack after the offseason release of veteran wideout Torry Holt. While Avery is coming back from a foot injury, he's expected to be back sooner than later. Barring setbacks, he'll be well worth a middle- to late-round selection in drafts. Avery could be an absolute steal if he falls further due to the ailment. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Buffalo Bills |  Trent Edwards, QB | The value of Edwards started to rise the instant the Bills signed Terrell Owens. The Stanford product now has a tremendous pair of wideouts in T.O. and Lee Evans, and the presence of what should remain an effective ground attack should keep opposing defenses honest. If Edwards can improve his decision making and decrease his number of turnovers, he'll turn into a nice matchup-based fantasy starter. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Indianapolis Colts |  Anthony Gonzalez, WR | No matter where you go for fantasy draft information, Gonzalez will likely be listed as one of this season's top sleepers. With Marvin Harrison no longer in the mix, Gonzalez will move up the depth chart and start opposite Reggie Wayne. He also has a huge advantage in the person of Peyton Manning (you might have heard of him), whose presence alone makes Gonzalez a good bet to post 1,000-plus yards. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 New York Giants |  Domenik Hixon, WR | The Giants released the troubled Plaxico Burress during the offseason, and Hixon is the favorite to take over his spot in the pass attack. An athletic receiver, Hixon has shown flashes of potential and is almost certain to see more targets from Eli Manning. He won't put up Burress-like numbers, but Hixon should post career bests in most categories if he holds of rookie Hakeem Nicks in training camp. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Philadelphia Eagles |  DeSean Jackson, WR | Jackson showed flashes of potential in his rookie season but lacked the consistent level of production needed to be a solid fantasy starter. That should change this season, though, as Jackson is coming off a strong training camp and seems destined to be the top option in what will be a pass-happy Eagles offense. In fact, he'll be worth as much as a middle-round selection as a No. 2 fantasy wideout. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Dallas Cowboys |  Felix Jones, RB | Jones missed most of last season due to an injured foot, but he showed some real skills before the ailment. Jones averaged an incredible 8.9 yards per carry and scored three rushing touchdowns in just 30 carries. The Cowboys plan to run the ball more often in 2009, so Jones should see enough carries to produce even with Marion Barber in the mix. He could turn into a steal in the middle rounds. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 New York Jets |  Dustin Keller, TE | Keller developed into a legitimate fantasy starter during a four-week stretch in his rookie season that saw him record 27 receptions and 313 yards. While he did falter down the stretch, Keller's skills as a pass catcher were evident. With the potential for Mark Sanchez to open the season atop the Jets' depth chart, Keller should see more than his share of targets in the pass attack as the rookie's safety net. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Denver Broncos |  Kyle Orton, QB | Orton quietly recorded a career-best 21 total touchdowns in what was a run-based Bears offense last season. Now he'll lead a pass-laden offense with better weapons in Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal. Orton, who could be playing from behind quite a bit, also plays in a division that fielded some of the league's worst pass defenses in 2008. All of this makes Orton a very attractive sleeper candidate. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Baltimore Ravens |  Ray Rice, RB | Trying to predict who will see carries in the Ravens backfield could be tough from week to week, but Rice still has some under-the-value radar. Le'Ron McClain will see a more traditional fullback role in the offense, and Willis McGahee's recent proneness to injuries could mean more carries for Rice in 2009. The Rutgers product is well worth a look in the middle to late rounds as a fantasy reserve with upside. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
| New York Jets |  Leon Washington, RB | Despite the fact that he carried the ball just 76 times, Washington still recorded six touchdowns on the ground and eight overall. Now expected to see more work out of the backfield under Rex Ryan, the explosive Florida State product is suddenly worth as much as a middle-round pick in drafts. His overall potential in a more prominent role improves his stock in both standard and PPR leagues. |
Have a burning question for Michael Fabiano on anything fantasy football related? Leave it in our comments section below or send it to AskFabiano@nfl.com, and the best questions will be answered throughout the season right here on NFL.com!
View all comments >>