The fantasy football season is getting closer to starting in 2015 and some sleepers for drafts coming up include Le'Veon Bell, Carlos Hyde, Lamar Miller, Todd Gurley, Tom Brady, Latavius Murray, Mike Wallace, Jay Cutler, Doug Martin, Joseph Randle and Danny Amendola as potential options.
On the surface some of these players don't fit into the traditional "sleeper" category, but this is more about the idea that some owners could pass on these players due to issues other than their skills on the field. All of these players have "something" to deal with coming into the season, whether it be an injury, suspension, competition from another player or disappointment from last year and that is the main reason why they are being labeled sleepers.
While Brady and Bell obviously are not sleepers in the true sense of the word, some owners may pass over on them in drafts due to suspensions. Hyde is expected to be the starter, but with an injury and Reggie Bush coming in, some owners could overlook him this season in drafts. With all that in mind, these are some players to target if owners decide to not value them for whatever reason. Bell is going to be out for two games after previously being suspended for three and that still is a big hit for fantasy owners.
Bell was one of the best players in the league last season while putting up a combined 2000 plus yards and he ended up with 11 total touchdowns. Bell played in all 16 games and had 1361 yards and he also added 83 catches for 854 yards, making him very valuable in PPR leagues. Owners would be smart to go after Bell even with the suspension, as he is expected to be productive again and for insurance, owners could handcuff DeAngelo Williams.
Todd Gurley is a great sleeper option, as the rookie is coming in after knee surgery, but once he is healthy he could push Tre Mason to start. Gurley is a great draft and stash player, as he may take some time before getting on the field and he is opening camp on the PUP list for the Rams. Handcuffing Gurley and Mason is a great idea for owners and Gurley could end up being the starter by the end of the season.
Tom Brady's situation is unlike any other players for the past stretch of years, as he is a top fantasy quarterback but could miss a quarter of the season. That is a major loss for some fantasy owners and teams may pass on taking Brady in drafts. That is why he could be a sleeper even with the suspension being upheld, as Brady likely will come back in Week 5 and do what he normally does. If Brady remains on the board for an extra round or two, don't hesitate to go after him.
Carlos Hyde is dealing with an injury and with Bush coming in he could end up splitting carries, but he has the chance to be the main starter. Hyde is worth a draft pick, as is Joseph Randle and Lamar Miller, as those players are expected to start for their teams. The Cowboys have Darren McFadden and the Dolphins have rookie Jay Ajayi, but those two players are expected to get the majority of touches for their teams this season. Cutler is coming off of a bad season and could rebound with a new head coach and offense.
Check here for more fantasy football advice and more on sleepers this season.
