Sleeper Watch

Looking ahead to the 2004 season? Don’t forget to include Keyshawn Johnson in your plans.

When Tampa Bay deactivated Johnson after week 11, many fantasy owners followed suit, including quite a few keeper and dynasty leaguers unwilling to commit a valuable roster spot to a player who would essentially be dead weight during the stretch run. But in fantasy terms, next year is already right around the corner, and stashing Johnson on your bench now is a good way to gain a head start on the competition.

Johnson’s future remains unclear, but it seems practically certain that the former number one pick will be back in uniform by the time the upcoming season kicks off. So far, speculation on potential suitors has centered on Oakland, where Johnson would replace Jerry Rice, but several teams could use a receiver who has averaged nearly a thousand yards per season since joining the league in 1996. So could most fantasy teams…