Sleeper Watch

Although this week is about wide receivers, perhaps it should be about fullbacks considering the amazing, yet untapped, sleeper potential of the likes of New Orleans’ Mike Karney and Atlanta’s Justin Griffin, but it is not. If anyone out there in the world of fantasy football saw this coming and started either one of these players last week, contact me. We need to talk. You should be writing these articles or at least feeding me the goods so one of us looks like a genius. Final word on fullbacks as sleepers – feel free to start Cincinnati’s Fullback Jeremi Johnson against Indianapolis. Indy’s run defense is so porous any potential ball carrier lining up against them has a shot at the century mark and a score. Is it just me, or is Indianapolis’ December choke-a-thon becoming about as consistent as Christmas itself?

Moving on. I’m sure you are all aware that Seattle Seahawks’ wide receiver Darrell Jackson went down this week; leaving a large hole in the #1 receiver spot on many fantasy league teams. The timing couldn’t be worse as it is now playoffs pretty much universally. The following are three players who could help ease the pain:

1. Ricky Proehl, Indianapolis Colts. Ah, the ageless one. Seventeen years in the league and still a threat. Not to mention my “Sleeper of the Week” and who I believe has the best overall chance of making an impact for your team this weekend. How have I come to this startling conclusion? Easy. A) Brandon Stokley is out with an injured right Achilles’ tendon and Proehl will take his spot in three receiver sets. B) The Colts are playing at home against Cincinnati – the worst passing defense of all 32 teams. C) Indianapolis must win this game to get back momentum as they march towards the playoffs and to secure a high seed in the conference. According to a highly scientific method called the “KC Sleeper theorem”, A + B + C = Excellent potential for Ricky Proehl. Not to mention Proehl is a veteran who has an uncanny knack for being in the right place at the right time. Cincinnati will have its hands full trying to cover Harrison and Wayne, leaving Proehl open on a lot of routes. He will be the pivotal player in this contest; I can actually feel it (or maybe that’s just the effects of the onions I just had on my veggie burger…).

2. D.J. Hackett, Seattle Seahawks. This will be one of Darrell Jackson’s replacements. Also, aside from being the one most likely to be on your waiver wire, he has real potential to make a statement this week. The Denver game not withstanding, Hackett has put up good numbers over the last three weeks while serving in a third receiver role. Now with both Jackson and Bobby Engram out, Hackett has a chance to see substantial playing time. Facing a struggling San Francisco 49er pass defense, Hackett’s true breakout game could very well be this Thursday.

3. Mike Furrey, Detroit. Even playing on the road, the match up is great against Green Bay. Furrey has been quietly making a name for himself this season, yet not a lot of managers have picked him up. He is only owned in 30% of ESPN.com leagues and 39% of NfL.com leagues, thus I decided to include him to round out my trio.

Good luck to everyone who’s made the playoffs. May your horses keep up the pace!

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