Take a look at your roster right now. Seriously, right now; I'll wait. There are a couple of names on your roster that likely don't belong. Get rid of those guys. Let me tell you, Santana Moss is not going to do much of anything for your team. Instead, why not take a chance on some sleepers who could have an impact on your fantasy team.
With that in mind, here's a look at my top 11 sleepers for Week 1.
Michael Bush, RB, Chicago Bears: Bush would be a sneaky start for some fantasy enthusiasts in deeper leagues. The Bears play the Colts and despite the presence of Andy Luck, Chicago should win this game handedly. So the Bears could be bleeding the clock late in the fourth quarter, and Bush should see those carries. Add in his red zone chances, and you have a pretty good chance.
Robert Turbin, RB, Seattle Seahawks:Marshawn Lynch is already having back spasms this season. Seriously kids, this is why you should avoid Skittles. (Wait, Skittles aren't a sponsor is it?) But if Lynch can't go, Turbin is the next guy up. And as somebody who uses Utah State while playing NCAA 12, this guy is legit.
Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints: The Saints are committed to getting Ingram 200 touches this season. And he should be useful near the goal line. So Ingram is a great sleeper for Week 1.
Nate Washington, WR, Tennessee Titans: Is there a more maligned 1,000-yard receiver than Washington? But he's a pretty good option. The Titans, you would imagine, are going to have to throw the ball to beat the Patriots. Jake Locker's top target will be Washington.
Malcom Floyd, WR, San Diego Chargers: Bobby Meachem was an early sleeper candidate, but he hasn't shown any consistency with QB Philip Rivers during the preseason. Floyd had seven receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown in the season finale against the Raiders in 2011.
Greg Olsen, TE, Carolina Panthers: Olsen should see an uptick in targets this season, even with Steve Smith's return from an infection. Jeremy Shockey is gone and the offense under Rob Chudzinski should provide more opportunities for Olsen.
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings need another option on offense after Percy Harvin, and it was Rudolph provided it during the preseason. He's a great option for those of you who are nervously waiting for news on Jason Witten.
Buffalo Bills defense: Are you also one of those fantasy enthusiasts who rotates defenses? Well, you can't go wrong picking a defense going against Mark Sanchez.
Arizona Cardinals defense: Everybody is raving about Russell Wilson, but he's still a rookie making his first-career NFL start. Plus, the Cardinals defense has Patrick Peterson so he also increases the sleeper appeal.
Rob Bironas, K, Tennessee Titans Bironas is one of the best long-range kickers in the NFL and is as accurate as they come. He was available in one of my leagues, so if you need a kicker, he's a good option.
Mikel Leshoure, RB, Detroit Lions: Every week I'll try to dazzle you with a long-term sleeper projection. This week it's Leshoure who could take over the Lions' running back position once he returns from suspension in Week 3.
For the record, you can submit your fantasy questions to NFL Fantasy Live, Michael Fabiano or me on Twitter. But realize, NFL Fantasy Live has 40,000 followers, and Fabiano has 50,000. Me? Just 13. See, the odds are better that I will answer your question, so hit me up both via Twitter or via Facebook. Also be sure to catch the latest "Dave Dameshek Football Program."
