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2007 Fantasy Football Sleepers, Part II |
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Quarterback
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Player |
Rationale |
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1 |
Alex Smith
San Francisco 49ers |
Alex showed some signs of progression last year and with the addition of veteran receiver in Darrell Jackson as well as having a healthy Vernon Davis to throw to, expect continued improvement from the 49'ers starting QB. |
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2 |
Jay Cutler
Denver Broncos |
In 5 games last season, he nealry had a 2-1 TD to INT ratio (9-5 actually). I expect Cutler to flourish as the Broncos QB this season. He has a great running game to protect him, a top-caliber defense that will provide him with short fields with regularity, and a solid #1 WR to throw to. |
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3 |
JP Losman
Buffalo Bills |
For the fist time in his career (last year), JP Losman looked like belonged in the NFL. With a full year of starting under his belt, I expect JP to get even better. You can probably get him VERY cheap in your draft. |
Running Back
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Player |
Rationale |
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1 |
Ladell Betts
Washington Redskins |
Clinton Portis has been a walking (and sometimes not) injury report in the last few seasons. Last year he was plagued by shoulder and hand injuries and already this pre-season he is having problems with tendenitis in his knee. Betts is a capable backup and can be a solid producer if/when Portis has to sit out games. |
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2 |
Adrian Peterson
Minnesota Vikings |
As long as he is healthy, AP will simply have too much talent to keep off the field. Chester Taylor has been solid but unspectacular in his time in Minnesota so there may quickly come a need for someone to try and spark some life into the Vikings offense. |
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3 |
Jerious Norwood
Atlanta Falcons |
Anybody that averages 6.4 yards per carry (albiet in limited action) deserves some consideration. However, don't expect that kind of lofty average numbers with Vick out of the picture. His biggest upside is that Warrick Dunn in on the downside of his career and the fan base is clamoring for Jerious to get a shot at the starting lineup. |
Wide Receiver
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Player |
Rationale |
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1 |
Mark Clayton
Baltimore Ravens |
With an aging Derrick Mason on the opposite side, he should see increased opportunities this season. Clayton has always been a playmaker and is now poised to be the playmaker for the Ravens. |
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2 |
Calvin Johnson
Detriot Lions |
He has a couple of things going against him in that he has Roy Williams on the other side as well as his rookie status. He is good enough however, that we think Calvin can put together a very solid rookie season with even better things to come in the future. Great keeper potential. |
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3 |
Anthony Gonzalez
Indianapolis Colts |
He is behind Harrison and Wayne, however there are plenty of balls to go around in Indy for Gonzalez to get soem stats this season. If Harrison or Wayne have injuries, Gonzalez could really emerge. He is a VERY solid player and could start on alot of teams. |
Tight End
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Player |
Rationale |
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Vernon Davis
San Francisco 49ers |
Vernon is a true mismatch at the TE position. With a season under his belt and his injuries behind him, Vernon Davis is poised for a breakout season. |
Defense/Special Teams
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Player |
Rationale |
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Denver Broncos |
The secondary is absolutely stacked. Having Champ Baily is great but when you have Dre Bly on the other side and then throw John Lynch and Nick Ferguson in at safety, you then have one of the best secondaries in the NFL. If their D-line can put pressure of the opposing QBs, their Defense should be a monster this year. |
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