Top 10 2010 Fantasy Football Sleepers Part 1

Written by Dennis Burnham Tuesday, 27 July 2010 01:12

2010 Top Ten Fantasy Sleepers Part 1:

Kevin Kolb (Philadelphia Eagles)

Kolb is young and fairly inexperienced, but in just two starts, he has two career 300+ yard games. That, and he’s taking over a pass-happy offense that is littered with explosive weapons. Does it guarantee the Eagles win their division? Of course not, but it should mean Kolb touches on 3,500 passing yards and 20+ touchdowns in his first full season.

Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens)

Flacco already was making strides in year two, but was slightly side-swiped by injuries near the end of the 2009 season. Regardless, he finished with over 3,600 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. Not bad for a second season. Throw in Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth, and those numbers are bound to climb.

Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons)

Much like Flacco, Ryan is a young passer in a run-heavy system. Also much like Flacco, Ryan was having a fairly solid 2009, until he was hindered by injuries. Ryan still managed to top 20 touchdown passes in just 14 games, however, and with elite weapons around him, should take aim at 3,500+ yards and 25 scores in year three.

Shonn Greene (New York Jets)

What’s it called when you run a veteran out of town who just had arguably the best season of his career? I guess in Greene’s case, it’s called being a sleeper. Don’t pay any attention to the man behind the curtain (LaDainian Tomlinson). Greene displayed his toughness and immense talent in New York’s long playoff run last season. Don’t miss out on reaping the benefits as he continues his onslaught for an entire season.

Knowshon Moreno (Denver Broncos)

True, Denver appeared to be very much a pass-happy team in 2009, but with Kyle Orton still under center and Brandon Marshall catching passes in Miami, it just doesn’t make sense for Moreno to not get more involved.He had a decent enough rookie campaign, but he’s a near-lock for 1,000+ rushing yards in year two, and should be more active at the goal-line and in the passing game.

Jamaal Charles (Kansas City Chiefs)

This third running back sleeper spot is between Charles and Cleveland’s Jerome Harrison. Sorry, but I just don’t have much respect for Browns players. Charles is fast and explosive, and outside of losing some short yardage and goal line carries to the newly acquired Thomas Jones, he shouldn’t have much trouble picking up where he left off in 2009.

Justin Forsett (Seattle Seahawks)

I was devastated when they signed free agent Lendale White, thank god it only lasted four days. As White was cut due to pending substance- abuse suspension. This left the Seahawks back to square one with only the washed up ex-Cowboy Julius Jones and ex-Eagle Leon Washington and Forsett competing for the starting job. Forsett averaged 6.3 yards a carry when holding the rock at least 10 times and an average of 2=3 receptions. According to Pro Football Focus's "Elusive Rating System" he was the most Elusive back last season.

Jeremy Maclin (Philadelphia Eagles)

Donovan McNabb is gone, so that could put a slight damper on Philly’s passing game, but judging by what Kolb showed us in week two and three, Maclin and co. don’t have to worry about a dramatic drop-off. Adding to the joy in Philly’s receiving corps is the departure of both Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown, assuring Maclin of the number two job. As long as Philly sticks to it’s roots and throws more than passes, Maclin is a lock for 1,000 yards and has a chance to flirt with 10 scores.

Steve Breaston (Arizona Cardinals)

Out goes Anquan Boldin, in comes Steve Breaston. He’s flourished in mop-up and sub duty int he past, and is still playing along side one of the best receivers in the game (Larry Fitzgerald). Only problem? He has Matt Leinart slinging him passes, and not Kurt Warner. It may be a slight issue to start the season, but in the end, Breaston’s talent and Arizona’s system will make the Cardinals’ number two receiver a solid fantasy addition.

Julian Edelman (New England Patriots)

Disclaimer: If Wes Welker makes a miraculous recovery and is back in his starting slot role before week four, Edelman’s sleeper status can be revoked with no tears shed from the BBM staff. If Welker remains human and takes more toward the middle of the season to get back to full speed, however Edelman could pack a mean fantasy punch in PPR leagues as New England’s main man in the slot.