The NFL preseason is underway after a full slate of games in Week 1 and with Week 2 upcoming, a number of players showed off their skills and value heading into the regular season and names like Cordarrelle Patterson, EJ Manuel, DeAndre Hopkins, Chris Givens, Bernard Pierce and Stepfan Taylor showed that they could be big contributors this season.
Rookies are always tough to predict in fantasy football due to the fact that different teams play young players differently, but names like Giovani Bernard, EJ Manuel, Eddie Lacy, Jonathan Franklin, Stepfan Taylor and DeAndre Hopkins are names to remember, as they could be prime fantasy sleepers this season. Bernard is likely going to be the starter in Cincinnati after the team got rid of Cedric Benson and with AJ Green on the outside he could put up some starter-like numbers, as could Lacy and Franklin, as the Packers are looking for a running game for the first time in years.
At the quarterback position Geno Smith is not a legitimate sleeper option, but with Manuel looking like he definitely will start at some point this season, he could be a very big surprise. Stevie Johnson has gone over 1,000 yards in three straight seasons and with CJ Spiller looking like an elite back, Manuel may put up some numbers. He passed for 107 yards and one score in the Week 1 game against the Colts and he also added 30 yards, something that could be very valuable in the season, much like RG3 last year.
TY Hilton has been looked at as a breakout candidate this season with Andrew Luck after playing well last year and after making three catches for over 60 yards in the preseason game against the Bills, he appears to be the number two option behind Reggie Wayne and could have a big season fantasy-wise. Hopkins is in the same position behind Andre Johnson and his work for the Texans on offense could be a huge boost for the team after making four catches, including a touchdown that was a highlight reel play. Cordarrelle Patterson could end up being like Percy Harvin for the Vikings now that he is gone.
Chris Givens looks like a deep threat for Sam Bradford and a possible sleeper at receiver, as he made three catches for 82 yards and touchdown and he could end up having some great stats based on running after the catch. Daryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead and Zac Stacy all could be breakout options for the Rams, as could Montee Ball with the Broncos if he gets the starting job. Pierce and Stepfan Taylor are also sleeper options at running back and the Cardinals could end up starting Taylor depending on how injuries shake out and he showed why on Friday, rushing for over 60 yards on 20 carries.
All these players are potential sleepers and could be the key for a championship season.
