Sleeper Watch

Are you a waiver wire junky? Constantly dredging the available players in the hopes of finding a diamond in the rough? Do you sit in your cubical contemplating the pros and cons of picking up backup running back Michael Turner, in the hopes San Diego will continue to dominate teams and rest LaDainian Tomlinson? Or are you popping antacid like tic-tacs because those pesky bye-weeks begin on Sunday and you need a fill-in for your beloved Randy Moss (for which I do pity you because, my friends, that boat has sailed)? Or are you simply always on the lookout for the “sleeper to end all sleepers” which will give your fantasy team that extra edge to bring home the win? If any of the above applies to you, then I have a pickup for you this week.

Enter Marques Colston.

Don’t pretend you know who he is because 90% of you don’t. But you will and not just because I’m writing about him here. Colston is the rookie wide receiver out of teeny, tiny Hofstra who was drafted by New Orleans in the final round of this year’s draft. Built more like a tight end than your average wide receiver at 6’4” and 223, Colston is gleefully surprising opponent’s corners as he blows by them with his 4.5 40-speed.  Colston leads all Saints’ receivers in catches and has two touchdowns in two games — which is two more touchdowns than his fantasy stud teammate, Joe Horn and is, two more than other fantasy wide receiver favorites Randy Moss, Marvin Harrison, and Steve Smith (who’s hurt, I know, but tell me you’re not crying for a fill-in while he heals?). #12 Colston also plays a duel role in the New Orleans’ Saints offense by lining up occasionally in the tight end position, thus making him eligible as a tight end in many fantasy formats and making excellent use of the often lacking TE slot on your roster.

Do I have your attention now? Perfect, because it gets better.

Aside from that fact Colston looked so good in training camp that the Saints were willing to make him the #2 WR, and trade away outstanding wide out Donte Stallworth, and aside from the fact Colston is on pace to be a real contender for the Rookie of the Year honors, this week — Week 3 — is the best possible week to play young Colston. And here is why:

The New Orleans’ Saints are coming home to their revamped Superdome for the first time since Hurricane Katrina to play their division rival Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football. Let’s break that down: 1) this game is the 2-0 Saints home opener; 2) this game is against the 2-0 Atlanta Falcons, and will determine an early supremacy in the division; 3) this game is the first played in the Superdome since the horrors it hosted during, and immediately after, Hurricane Katrina, and; 4) this game is on Monday Night Football. It makes my palms sweat just to type it.

Bottom line, great players play better in great games. Colston has the talent, and this week in particular, he has the motivation. If Marques Colston is ever going to be an impact player, the stage is set for him to show it on September 25. Of course, sleeper picks are always a gamble, and Marques Colston is no different. Playing him (or not) could either leave you crying, or make you feel like a genius, but if you’re looking for a spark or you are in need of a fill-in, you could do worse than Colston this week as he plays in the spotlight on Monday Night. If nothing else, it will be a coming out performance that will be fun to watch.

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