FantasyNFL

10 More Fantasy Football Sleepers To Help You Make Sweet Love To Your Draft

by Dan Fogarty | 3:37 pm, August 27th, 2012

NFL kickoff is only nine days away, meaning you’ll soon be drafting your fantasy football team. Make no mistake: Who you pick to be on your pretend football team will be the most important set of decisions you make this year.

To help you choose wisely, we’ve decided to highlight some players that you should keep an eye on in the late rounds. We told you about some sleepers last week (in addition to telling you who to stay away from), but some more late-round gems have emerged over the weekend.

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1.1. Doug Martin

Take him if: He's on the board in Round 6.

The sleeper darling of this year's batch of running backs, Doug Martin has a lot going for him: He's had an outstanding camp and preseason, has secured the starting running back job over LeGarrette Blount, and is getting heaps of praise from his head coach. The only issue with ol' Doug is that he's... the sleeper darling of this year's batch of running backs. That usually guarantees a poor season, but we believe in Doug. A solid RB2, and a fantastic flex play if you can swing it.

2.2. Antonio Brown

Take him: As your WR2 in Round 7.

Brown is quickly outgrowing his sleeper status as his ADP shoots up due to a fantastic preseason. But because we're still seeing people draft Mike Wallace wayyy ahead of him, he's on this list. While Wallace may be the better real-life receiver, Brown has more fantasy potential: Defenses are geared towards stopping Wallace, and it's led to Brown becoming Big Ben's favorite target. In a rout of the Bills on Saturday night, Brown had seven catches for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Expect big things from him.

3.3. Eric Decker

Take him: If he's still around in Round 9, or take him in Round 8 if you're feeling adventurous.

Eric Decker has a hot wife. This has nothing to do with fantasy football, but is worth noting. Also, he's been Peyton Manning's favorite target this preseason, which does have to do with fantasy football. Stash him in case Manning finds some of that old magic and Decker reaps the benefits.

4.4. Torrey Smith

Take him: In Round 8.

Smith is a burner, and has been referred to by ESPN's Matthew Berry as "this year's Jordy Nelson." What that means for fantasy owners? He's projected to have a breakout year. So far in this preseason, he's been Joe Flacco's favorite target, and he racked up 103 yards in just over a half of play Thursday night against Jacksonville. A great option for WR3.

5.5. David Wilson

Take him: In Round 9, and stash him as a possible future flex play.

The Giants' rookie running back's stock is soaring thanks to some strong preseason showings. The worry with him was his trouble with pass blocking, an area that New York head coach Tom Coughlin prizes. But Wilson's shown too much explosiveness (he went for 75 all-purpose yards against the Bears on Friday night) and he'll likely be the main compliment to Ahmad Bradshaw. Take him in 9th and stash 'em.

6.6. Nate Washington

Take him: In Round 10.

Washington already has a solid connection with new Titans starter Jake Locker, catching three of Locker's four touchdown passes last season. That connection has only strengthened this preseason (Washington leads the team in targets) and with the absence of Kenny Britt due to knee issues, Nasty Nate looks like Tennessee's WR1, and is a good late-round pickup.

7.7. Russell Wilson

Take him if: You're looking for a late-round quarterback lotto ticket.

We already went over why you need to add this guy to your team right now, but just to reiterate: He was just named the Seahawks starter, probably would've been a top-10 pick if he was 2 inches taller, has displayed fantastic mobility and arm strength, and is pretty much RGIII-lite if you're looking for a late-round QB lotto ticket. If Griffin's off the board, and you don't have an elite QB, take Wilson a round or two ahead of your defense and kicker.

8.8. Kendall Hunter

Take him: If he's still around in Round 13.

Kendall Hunter has looked fantastic in the preseason. The only issue with him is that he's on the platooniest of platoons: Splitting carries with Frank Gore and Brandon Jacobs and LaMichael James isn't the most ideal fantasy situation. Still, Hunter's had a great camp, and we think he'll find himself firmly entrenched as Gore's #2 by the time the season starts. Take 'em and stash 'em.

9.9. Rashad Jennings

Take him if: Maurice Jones-Drew continues his holdout.

Jennings' value is tied directly to whether or not defending rushing champ (and current Top 5 RB) Maurice Jones-Drew agrees on a new deal with the Jaguars. Right now, MJD and the Jags are at a "critical point" in their contract talks. Follow the updates closely leading up to your draft, because if the holdout continues past this weekend, Jennings will get the start in Week 1. He's worth a Round 13 or 14 pickup.

10.10. Martellus Bennett

Take him: If you're without a tight end in Round 12.

Travis Beckum is still recovering from a torn ACL, meaning Bennett -- a superb athlete who's career in Dallas was marked by a series of brainfarts -- will be Eli Manning's main pass-catching tight end option heading into this season. The now-Patriot Jake Ballard led all TEs in average yards at the catch (10.7) in '11, meaning Martellus will get a chance to shine. Although he very well may brainfart it up in New York like he did in Dallas, there's a lot of upside here.