Sleeper Watch

I haven’t recommended a wide receiver as a sleeper since the first week I took over the reigns of the Cafe’s “Sleeper of the Week” party wagon. That was back in Week #3, by the way, when I took a chance on then unknown Marques Colston. Excuse me while I take a moment and pat myself on the back for that recommendation. Can anybody say “Rookie of the Year” for me? Okay, enough of the arm twisting as it makes it too hard to type. Back to business, or else the editors are going to come after me again for having too long of an introductory paragraph before I actually name my sleeper. But then, what’s the hurry? If all you want from me is a name, scan for the guy in bold type. He’s the pick, ignore all the window dressing, and exit back to the forums. It’s okay. I’ll never know.

Now, where were we? Why no wide receiver sleepers? Basically this is because most wide receivers have less impact on a team’s overall win or loss chances than say a running back or a quarterback. There are a few, of course, who are deal breakers — Terrell “Psycho-Ward-in-the-Near-Future” Owens for one and Steve Smith for another — but otherwise, I consider wide receivers as simply roster fodder who can help your team win, but who won’t necessarily make your team win. In case you haven’t guessed, that’s also why I’ve never taken the easy way out and recommended a kicker. Although Kris Brown playing in the dome at home in Houston against Buffalo looks like a pretty good play this weekend.

Oh no! Two paragraphs, still no sleeper. I’m going to get shot. Okay, enough suspense. If you’re still reading, the “Sleeper of the Week” for Week 11 is Reche Caldwell. You have no idea who I’m talking about, do you? Let me guess, you were already thinking ahead that I was going to recommend San Diego’s new wide receiver hotshot Malcolm Floyd or perhaps Mark Bradley who’s suddenly filling in for the injured Berrian in Chicago. Come on now, those are no-brainers. Everyone who is anyone in fantasy football and is in need of a second or third wide receiver this week has gone fishing on the waiver wire for those two (you have, right?). So, we are left with Caldwell to discuss briefly. Why #87 Caldwell? Quite frankly, he is the guy who has been the apple of Tom Brady’s eye for the last few weeks. In the last three games, he’s managed to rack up 17 receptions, 195 yards, and two touchdowns. He leads all New England receivers in receptions and passing yards.

Now, we all know quarterback Tom Brady has been in mourning since Deion Branch left town for Seattle. It has taken him half the season to figure out who his next favorite is going to be and after Gabriel’s critical miscues throughout the season, all signs point to Reche Caldwell. Also in Caldwell’s favor are a few other facts to consider:

• New England is going into Green Bay this weekend and will be facing the worst pass defense in the NFL.
• New England is coming off two ugly losses and will be very intent on winning this weekend to maintain their one game lead in the AFC East.
• Brett Favre and the Packers have been throwing the ball like crazy the last couple weeks (as in 89 attempts in 2 games crazy) and the trend looks to continue leading me to believe the game this weekend will come down to a quarterback shootout.

Does this recommendation mean Reche Caldwell is a better play than Andre Johnson, Chad Johnson, Keyshawn Johnson or any other Johnson you can think of? Not necessarily. Caldwell is a sleeper and is therefore a long shot. He is the dark horse on the betting board. Play him or pass, you control your own team’s destiny. However, when he has 10 receptions, over 100 yards receiving, and at least one touchdown against Green Bay this Sunday, be sure to remember where you heard about him.

 
KC does not take mood enhancing drugs, she simply writes like a crazy person out of the sheer joy of it. She can be found around the Cafe under the name latraffic and she claims feedback is always welcome.

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