Welcome back to fantasy-football coverage with The Denver Post. This week, I’m taking a look at sleepers (or overachievers if some of the names on the list aren’t under-the-radar enough for you) that can help fantasy owners win their leagues in 2015.
Jordan Matthews, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
I’m not optimistic about a lot of things coming out of Philly in fantasy this year, but wide receiver Jordan Matthews is an exception. Since Chip Kelly took over the reins in Philadelphia, the No. 1 receiver has been a top-10 wideout in fantasy. In 2013, exciting playmaker DeSean Jackson was fantasy’s 10th-best receiver with 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns. Last year, Jeremy Maclin had 1,318 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, which was good enough for ninth place in fantasy. This year, Matthews is the heir apparent to receive the blessings of being the top guy in Chip Kelly’s system. I’m not too worried about fellow receiver Riley Cooper as he lacks the speed. The one hindrance to Matthews’ success could be the often-injured Sam Bradford at quarterback. Though the two have developed a chemistry in camp, Bradford hasn’t played a full season since 2012 and has suffered back-to-back season-ending knee injuries.
John Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Last year, coach Bruce Arians gave fantasy owners glimpses of Cardinals receiver John Brown’s playmaking ability as a viable deep threat. However, Brown was the epitome of boom or bust, totaling 696 yards with just five touchdowns, two of which came in Week 3 against San Francisco. But there’s reason for optimism as Arians is the same mastermind who was behind the success and growth of receivers T.Y. Hilton in Indianapolis in 2012 and Mike Wallace in Pittsburgh (when Wallace was actually elite). Bottom line is, Arians knows how to develop a deep threat and get him the ball for big plays. Though it should be noted Arians was a little unpredictable with wide receiver targets last year. Also, Cardinals receiver Michael Floyd will eventually return from dislocating three of his fingers and take some production away from Brown early in the season. But now that Arizona has a healthy quarterback and Brown has a year of experience to draw from, he should see more success in 2015, especially in the first couple games. If anything, Brown might be a viable sell-high player after Floyd returns.
Chris Ivory, RB, New York Jets
This one hits close to home. For two years running, I’ve picked up Jets back Chris Ivory only to drop him for players who I hoped would be a better play (thanks, Josh Gordon). Both times I made the wrong decision. Ivory racked up 821 rushing yards and six touchdowns, along with 123 receiving yards and one score in 2014 despite splitting carries with Chris Johnson and Bilal Powell. This year, Ivory finds himself in another committee with Powell, former Rams’ back Zac Stacy, former Patriots’ back Stevan Ridley — who is recovering from a torn ACL — and Daryl Richardson. Based on the Jets preseason matchup against Detroit, it looks like Ivory is the lead back in New York. I’ve been able to pick up Ivory consistently in mid-to-late rounds of mock drafts, which is a steal for a lead running back.
Richard Rodgers, TE, Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are fantasy gold. Nearly every offensive player is viable or even elite in fantasy. Running back? Most people have Eddie Lacy going in the top five. Wide receiver? The Pack has the best wide-receiving duo in the game with Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. And at quarterback, Green Bay boasted the No. 1 fantasy player in terms of points scored last year in Aaron Rodgers. But what’s missing? Despite their prolific success elsewhere, the tight-end position has been a fantasy wasteland where the Packers are concerned. That may change this year if second-year Packers tight end Richard Rodgers steps up. Rodgers is making waves in training camp. He’s known for his reliable pass-catching and has a big 6-foot-4, 257-pound frame. I’m not ready to say he’s a top-five tight end, but if the position is anywhere near as thin as it was last year, Rodgers could make a nice late-round or waiver wire addition. For now, consider him a deep sleeper.
Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants
I’m big believer that the New York Giants will see a return to form in 2015. Things are especially looking bright on offense with Eli Manning entering his second year in coordinator Ben McAdoo’s offense. Let’s not forget, Manning has a bona fide stud in Odell Beckham Jr. Beckham was dominant in fantasy last year, breaking into the top five among wide receivers despite missing the first four games of the season. Defenses will have to pay attention to Beckham which creates the perfect opportunity for the once-elite, salsa-dancing receiver Victor Cruz to make a big comeback. Cruz tore his patellar tendon last season while going for a ball in the end zone. The injury required surgery and cost Cruz the majority of the 2014 season. Though the recovery process can be tough, that some 79 percent of players who tore their patellar tendon between 1994 to 2004 returned to action the following year. In some cases, those players performed better than they did pre-injury. Look, don’t go out drafting Cruz like it’s 2011, that will lead to disappointment. However, if Cruz happens to slip into the eighth, ninth or 10th rounds, he’s worth a pick on sheer upside alone. Bear in mind Cruz may not play in Week 1, but as long as he’s available within the first quarter of the season, he’s with a late flier.
Ameer Abdullah, RB, Detroit Lions
Remember when I said in my busts column that owners should beware Matthew Stafford because the Lions are shifting to a more balanced offense? Running back Ameer Abdullah represents the other side of the coin. of the preseason, his sleeper status is quickly evaporating. Abdullah was so great against New York, that the Jets’ head coach compared him to legendary Lions’ running back Barry Sanders. It’s very high praise if not a tad ridiculous, but if Abdullah is anywhere near Sanders’ level he’s more than worth a look. The only issue here is that Abdullah will eventually have to deal with a returning Joique Bell who is recovering from surgeries on his knee and achilles. Detroit has employed a committee approach in years past and this year may be no exception. Abdullah is so hot right now that owners may end up overpaying for him. Hopefully, Bell’s return — which should be later in the week — will give the rookie Abdullah a chance to cool off on fantasy draft boards.
Martavis Bryant, Markus Wheaton, WRs, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers looked primed to return to the ranks of the NFL’s elite. This time around, however, Pittsburgh’s offense, not its defense, is the reason for excitement. The fantasy world knows of Le’veon Bell, Antonio Brown and “Big” Ben Roethlisberger, but the Steelers have a pair of young receivers who are poised to play bigger roles in the offense. Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton are both looking to become the No. 2 alongside Brown. Right now, I’m taking Bryant. At 6-4 and weighing 211 pounds, Bryant creates a mismatch for defensive backs. He has been a hot red-zone target for Roethlisberger as well as a viable deep threat. Wheaton had a lackluster season last year with just two scores, but he did manage 644 yards. Bryant on the other hand had 549 yards with eight scores. He also missed the first six games of the season. Bryant also hauled in against Jacksonville. Wheaton isn’t completely out of the running, however. Roethlisberger said that he believes Wheaton will be the team’s “breakout player of the year.” Also, the Steelers are expected to utilize three and four-receiver formations frequently. For now, Bryant is the more appealing pick, but Wheaton has upside.
With preseason in full bloom, I’ll be looking a players who are trending up and down based on their performance in games and the latest news out of camp.
Hugh Johnson: hjohnson@denverpost.com or twitter.com/HughJohnsonDP
