2012 Fantasy Football Super Sleepers

If my sleepers list didn’t satisfy you then this surely will. This is my Super Sleepers list. Players that, for the most part, aren’t even being drafted. They’re players that are worth taking a flier on and stashing on your roster. In most cases they are one injury away from making a significant fantasy impact.

Quarterbacks

Jake Locker – Tennessee
Projected Stat Line: 3700 yards, 20 TD, 16 INT, 450 rushing, 2 TD
ADP: 120-140

Jake Locker is going to be the Titans starting quarterback this year. I liked him as a prospect despite some accuracy issues. While those issues are still somewhat there, he’s athletic, smart and has a big arm. Not to mention he’s surrounded by quite a few weapons. His interception numbers will probably be high and he’s not going to complete 60% of his passes, but in fantasy that doesn’t really matter. He’ll make big plays and he can run the ball giving you a nice bonus. He’s at least a QB2 and might have QB1 upside.

Russell Wilson – Seattle
Projected Stat Line: 3200 yards, 15 TD, 13 INT, 650 rushing, 4 TD
ADP: Undrafted

Russell Wilson isn’t officially the starter and he may not end up starting this whole season but if he does, he’s most certainly worth a late round pick. Wilson can pile up the rushing yards and he’s a smart player so he’ll limit his mistakes. He does play in a run heavy offense but it’s his rushing totals that can make him a potentially dangerous fantasy option.

Running Backs

Bilal Powell – New York Jets
Projected Stat Line: 500 yards, 2 TD, 35 receptions, 300 yards, 2 TD
ADP: Undrafted

Bilal Powell is the Jets 2nd string running back behind shaky starter Shonn Greene. Greene has failed to impress at times and while the Jets are confident in him right now, many have called for his demotion. Powell will however be the teams 3rd down back. He figures to play a big role in the passing game and is a nice late PPR option.

Mike Goodson – Oakland
Projected Stat Line: 500 yards, 3 TD, 20 receptions, 170 yards, 1 TD
ADP: 150

Mike Goodson doesn’t figure to be involved much with the starting offense. He’s playing behind one of the best backs in the game so you can’t blame him. However, his appeal comes from the fact that running back ahead of him happens to be incredibly injury prone. In fact, in his 4 year career McFadden has never played a whole season and he’s carried the ball over 200 times just once. Unfortunately, he’s a good bet to miss a few games and that’s why Goodson has fantasy value. He’s a must-have handcuff for McFadden owners. Goodson is no slouch either as he was highly impressive at times with the Panthers.

Robert Turbin – Seattle
Projected Stat Line: 400 yards, 2 TD, 10 receptions, 80 yards
ADP: Undrafted

That projected stat line probably doesn’t sound too enticing and Turbin likely isn’t worth drafting unless you play in a 20 team league. However, he’s a very talented back and has impressed Seahawks coaches. Pete Carroll is all about competition so he’ll reward Turbin with touches in the regular season. Marshawn Lynch has had some trouble staying healthy the past few seasons so the potential is there for Robert Turbin. Keep your eye on him throughout the season.

Chris Rainey – Pittsburgh
Projected Stat Line: 350 yards, 1 TD, 35 receptions, 350 yards, 2 TD, 1 KR TD
ADP: Undrafted

Rainey won’t be a starting back any time soon but Todd Haley wants to use him like he used McCluster in KC. The Steelers offense is in need of some explosive plays from the running back position and he’ll be heavily involved in screens and will see action in the slot. He’s a utility player who can quietly rack up yards and put together some nice weeks. He’ll likely be a primary kick returner so that’s an added bonus if your league rewards your for return yards.

Wide Receivers

Golden Tate – Seattle
Projected Stat Line: 50 receptions, 600 yards, 4 TD
ADP: Undrafted

Golden Tate is very talented. He’s got great hands and possesses 4.3 speed. He’s a dangerous weapon with the ball in his hands. He still makes some rookie mistakes but he’s in his 3rd year now and those mistakes have cut down. He’s ready to be a starter and while the Seahawks are a run-heavy team, Tate will get his share of targets. If Sidney Rice misses anymore time Tate figures to be heavily involved in the passing game.

Lestar Jean – Houston
Projected Stat Line: 45 receptions, 650 yards, 5 TD
ADP: Undrafted

Lestar Jean has been making noise all summer. He’s likely to win the starting job opposite of Andre Johnson and even if he doesn’t he’ll be involved in the passing game without a doubt. He’s a big target but he can stretch the field with his deceptive speed. He’s worth a late round flier because Andre Johnson could go down with another injury at any time.

Harry Douglas – Atlanta
Projected Stat Line: 45 receptions, 600 yards, 3 TD
ADP: Undrafted

Harry Douglas is the forgotten man in Atlanta’s defense but his arrow is pointing up. He’s fully healthy off his ACL injury and the Falcons offense will be more pass oriented this year. His speed will likely be a factor as well as the Falcons will look to stretch the field more. He could also get looks as a returner so that’s an added bonus if your league rewards points for returns.

Rod Streater – Oakland
Projected Stat Line: 40 receptions, 550 yards, 4 TD
ADP: Undrafted

Streater is part of a log jam at receiver for the Raiders. However, he’s been the most impressive on this pre-season. More-so than Heyward-Bey and better than Moore by default because he’s been out with a hamstring injury since June. Ford will miss some time this season and Moore’s hamstring injury could linger around. Streater will get his looks and should make an impact when he gets the chance to play. Look out for him this year.