For the uninitiated, fantasy football "sleepers" are under-the-radar players with a sneaky upside. The annual dream, of course, is that you'll stumble upon a '99 Kurt Warner or a '10 Peyton Hillis. With fantasy draft season in full swing, here's a rundown of sleepers primed to deliver this season.
PHILLIP RIVERS
Quarterback, San Diego
OK, it's sorta cheating to label Rivers, a four-time Pro Bowler, a sleeper. But his "down" season (28 TDs, 4,624 passing yards) in 2011 will cause many to undervalue this sure-fire Top 10 talent.
DONALD BROWN
Running back, Indianapolis
Once considered a bust, the former first-rounder, 25, quietly enjoyed solid production (731 total yards, five TDs) on a miserable offense last season. This year, the Colts will be run-crazy with rookie QB Andrew Luck under center.
JACQUIZZ RODGERS
Running back, Atlanta
Michael Turner can't keep it up. The starting back, long in the tooth at 30, has the most carries in the NFL over the past four years. Atlanta is extremely high on his backup, the speedy Rodgers.
DOUG BALDWIN
Wide receiver, Seattle
Baldwin, an undrafted free agent in 2011, dazzled as a rookie, posting 788 yards and four TDs. An upgrade at QB (Matt Flynn and Russell Wilson both best Tarvaris Jackson), another year with the playbook and a healthy Sidney Rice will boost the youngster.
JACOB TAMME
Tight end, Denver
It's the Peyton Manning Effect. Two years ago in Indy, Manning and Tamme hooked up for 641 yards and four TDs. Reunited in Denver, the Hall of Fame passer will lean on the familiar Tamme as a security blanket.
KYLE RUDOLPH
Tight end, Minnesota
Rudolph was considered the top tight end in last year's draft. This year, the former second-rounder will continue to build chemistry with the team's 2011 first-rounder, QB Christian Ponder. His height (6-foot-6) and soft hands amount to a red zone threat.
