NFL Football - Sleepers and Nightmares

We aren’t NFL scouts. Some of us can’t even tell what a ripe banana looks like.

We can, however, look at the psychology of football and the grinders that play each week.

Psychology isn’t that different from looking at a situation from the player’s view. For example, a stable organization lets a first-ballot HOFer go in favor of a former first-round pick who rode the bench for 3 years.  Of course, this was Aaron Rodgers.

Here are the players I’ll be looking for in the later rounds and why.

Jason Campbell

Yes, the same one that is a bye-week fill in, if you’re desperate. Since his first year in Auburn, he has had only one continuous year of the same offensive system. Now that he is a veteran with many young weapons at his side, I believe he will be a top-15 quarterback this year. It took half the year to grasp Hue Jackson’s system, and was serviceable the latter half of the year. In fact, his number for the last 5 games of the year (taking over starting QB again) makes him equal to Josh Freeman, 7^th among QBs.

When you are looking for a backup QB, take a chance on Mr. Campbell near the end of your draft and you could have the only true QB sleeper this year. How you remind your friends is up to you.

Ryan Torain

Injuries have been the toughest obstacle for the Washington RB. But, he is Shanahan’s guy from Denver and unlike last year is fully entrenched as the starter. I admit this is a gamble but he has the talent. Washington plays the NFC West this year, so that can only help as an opposing RB.

Roy Helu

Mike Shanahan loves the one-cut running style. Mr. Helu is the textbook definition, which is why he was Washington’s fourth-round pick. You will be able to draft Roy at the end of your draft, which is much better than picking a random WR to fill out your roster. Make sure to type “Roy Helu highlights” into YouTube and check him out.

Rashard Jennings

The truth is, this guy is on a lot of radars. However, I believe they are undervaluing him. Maurice Jones-Drew has had injury concerns and Jennings has a healthy 5.0+ yards per carry. Just think of it this way: if MJD gets hurt, there is no Running Back By Committee with Jennings. It’s a conditional, but just think of what this guy does with a true opportunity.

Louis Murphy

This is my call for the coveted 3^rd year WR. He has great chemistry with Jason Campbell, who should have a great year. Keep an eye on this guy on waivers when he starts getting 12 targets a game.

Pierre Garcon

Is Greg Jennings a good WR? Of course he is. That is the type of player Garcon was the last 5 games of 2010. Reggie Wayne is beginning to be replaced, and you look like a genius getting Garcon before anyone else. There is nothing better in fantasy football then proving the doubters wrong by hoisting the trophy. You do have a trophy, right?

Jordy Nelson

Proudly, I was on the bandwagon before the Super Bowl last year. It is common sense that teams try their hardest in the playoffs. Nelson had 29 targets (Jennings 33). Nelson had 286 yards (Jennings 303). Nelson, Jennings, and James Jones all had 2 touchdowns each. Nelson was a fingertip away from #3. I don’t expect Jermichael Finley to cut into that too much as Driver (age) and Jones (free agency) become more expendable.

Fantasy football seasons are won during the draft. Now go have fun!

Follow me at @seabassmartos