Discover the secret weapons of fantasy football—the sleepers. These are the players who fly under the radar, only to emerge as game-changers for your team. Often selected in the later rounds, they offer exceptional value, outperforming their draft positions with impressive stats. We delve into the 2009 fantasy football season to uncover these underrated athletes, providing you with the insight to make savvy picks that could lead you to victory.
In the realm of fantasy football, a "sleeper" is a player who is selected later in the draft but has the potential to produce high-end statistics, offering a significant return on investment. These players are akin to finding a diamond in the rough, and their late-round selection can be the difference between a good fantasy team and a championship-winning squad. The concept of sleepers is well-illustrated by the mock drafts and analysis provided by Maximum Fantasy Sports, which uses a standard league configuration as a benchmark.
Kyle Orton (Denver) – The trade that sent Orton to Denver from Chicago was met with skepticism, but it presented him with a golden opportunity. Under the guidance of Coach Josh McDaniels, Orton was expected to showcase his abilities with a more dynamic offense. With weapons like Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal, Orton was projected to exceed expectations as the 16th quarterback taken, typically in the last pick of the 11th round. His move to Denver's pass-friendly system was a significant factor in his sleeper status.
Derrick Ward (Tampa Bay) – Leaving the Giants for the Buccaneers, Ward found himself in a favorable situation with a quarterback competition that often leads to a stronger emphasis on the running game. Despite being the second option behind Brandon Jacobs in New York, Ward still managed a quiet 1,000-yard season. The potential platoon with Earnest Graham in Tampa was a concern, but Ward was expected to emerge as the primary back. Snagging him as the 30th running back off the board in the mid-7th round was considered a steal.
Josh Morgan (SF) – Morgan epitomized the sleeper pick. Overshadowed by Isaac Bruce's previous season and Michael Crabtree's draft buzz and holdout, Morgan was poised to step up. Crabtree's eventual signing, coupled with his rookie status and injury concerns, meant Morgan was likely to see increased playing time. Available at the start of the 12th round, Morgan was a valuable pick for a receiver who could potentially start every week.
Brent Celek (PHIL) – The tight end position often produces sleepers, and Celek was no exception. After a strong finish in 2008 and the Eagles' release of L.J. Smith, Celek was set to become a key target for Donovan McNabb. With a group of smaller, speedier receivers in Philadelphia, McNabb needed a reliable option for tough catches, and Celek was projected to fill that role effectively as a 16th round pick.
San Diego Chargers – Despite allowing 347 points in the previous year, the Chargers' defense was poised for a rebound with the return of Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips, plus the addition of Larry English. A favorable schedule, especially against AFC West opponents, and a potent offense to support them, made the Chargers an attractive sleeper pick as the 18th defense, likely chosen in the 16th round.
Garrett Hartley (NO) – Kickers may not receive much attention in fantasy drafts, but Hartley's accuracy and the high-scoring Saints offense made him a worthy last-round pick. After replacing Martin Gramatica, Hartley was perfect on field goals and extra points. His ability to kick indoors for over half the season added to his appeal as a reliable fantasy kicker.
In conclusion, the 2009 fantasy football season offered a wealth of sleeper opportunities for astute managers. By identifying and selecting these underrated players, fantasy enthusiasts could construct a formidable team capable of contending for the championship. Remember, the key to fantasy success often lies in the later rounds, where the next breakout star could be waiting to be claimed.
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