An Early Look at 2015 Fantasy Football Top Sleepers
The 2014 Fantasy Football season isn’t even officially in the books, but any fantasy expert would agree that the best time to think about the next pro football season is before the current one even closes shop. For one, coaching changes and major roster moves are already being talked about and we already know the order and most of the team needs heading into May’s NFL Draft. That means we should have a pretty solid idea as to which guys are lined up to once again be studs, as well as which guys could begin a slow or drastic decline.
In addition, we also should have a good idea as to who could be our top fantasy sleepers for the 2015 season. We know there will be your classic Cordarrelle Patterson and Justin Hunter busts, but there are also going to be some awesome rookies or second year players that end up paying off. Anyone who hitched their wagon to the likes of Odell Beckham Jr. or Jeremy Hill in fantasy football drafts last August looked pretty smart, so getting an early look at who could surprise in 2015 might be something worth doing.
A lot can change in the next 6-7 months, but we’re getting an early start on putting together an elite fantasy squad. Join us as we break down the top fantasy football sleepers to monitor in the coming months:
Johnny Manziel, QB, Cleveland Browns
Johnny Football didn’t immediately translate to the NFL, but it’s hardly fair to write Manziel off just yet. The would-be franchise quarterback for the Browns has literally played seven quarters of football in regular season action, and while what we saw wasn’t fantastic, he was still a rookie who was adapting to a completely different type of football. He could still go down in flames, but there is a clear upside with Manziel that any experienced fantasy football owner can’t possibly ignore. If Manziel wins the job in Cleveland next year and is their starter come week one, we all need to act accordingly.
Sam Bradford, QB, St. Louis Rams
Is Bradford a true fantasy sleeper? Perhaps not. He’s been in the league for five years, has posted quality numbers at least twice before and has been a starting quarterback the whole time. He also was a former #1 overall pick. But in the last two years he’s played a total of six games due to two disastrous knee injuries and is fully expected to “face competition” under center in 2015. With his future somewhat in doubt, he’s every bit of a sleeper if he can win the job back. Provided his knees stay intact for the first time in a while, Bradford still has the talent, system and weapons to bounce back and be a factor in fantasy football next year.
Devonta Freeman, RB, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are starting over in 2015 with a new regime, which surely has to mean the end of the aging Steven Jackson. It could also mean completely starting over altogether at running back, but rookie back Freeman arguably showed enough last year to deserve a shot at the starting gig. Freeman didn’t get many chances to prove himself in 2014, as he put together just 473 total yards and two scores on 95 total touches. Regardless, he’s a highly skilled runner with good vision and some upside. It’d be shocking if he didn’t see a drastically increased role next season.
Christine Michael, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Marshawn Lynch has been awesome for the Seahawks, but it’s been said countless times over the course of the 2014 season that this year could very well be his last. If that’s to be the reality for 2015, Seattle could suddenly be looking at that talented Michael as their new starting running back. It’s all about opportunity, and if Michael is thrust into a heavy load in a terrific Seahawks system, he could benefit greatly. Over 1,000 rushing yards and 8-10 scores could be within reach if he’s handed the gig.
Latavius Murray, RB, Oakland Raiders
Murray had been biding his time behind older running backs in Oakland the past two years, but he finally got his chance to show what he could do in 2014. In his first extensive action, he ripped off a long run and totaled 112 rushing yards and two scores, while helping the Raiders to their win of the season. From that point on, he touched the ball at least 10 times per game over the final four weeks and eclipsed 59 yards three times. He probably still has some learning to do and his surroundings could improve, but he’ll enter 2015 as an explosive, young back with plenty of upside. Fantasy owners should take note.
Donte Moncrief, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Moncrief is a legit candidate to bust out in his second season, after a strong rookie season that saw his catch 32 balls for 444 receiving yards and three scores. He was extremely hit or miss due to how many other weapons the Colts have, but he exhibited great big play ability with two 100+ yard outings. It’s gotten to the point where he’s just too good to keep grounded for much longer, so he should be a real candidate to take his game to the next level in his second season. With Hakeem Nicks gone after his one-year deal expires and Reggie Wayne regressing with old age, Moncrief will be in for a much bigger role next year. Naturally, that has him on the radar as a mega sleeper for 2015.
Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers
Adams was a nice surprise for the Packers as a rookie in 2014, as he secured 38 receptions for 446 yards and three touchdowns. He was hit or miss due to the way Green Bay spreads things around so well in their offense, but he stepped up in a huge way in the Packers’ Divisional Round playoff win and has the talent to make a huge jump in his second year. Even better? Randall Cobb is scheduled to hit free agency and if the Pack doesn’t sign him back on to a long-term deal, Adams could suddenly make a jump from the team’s #3 spot to the #2 spot. Should that happen, he’d have a realistic shot at doubling his rookie totals in 2015.
Crockett Gillmore, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Gillmore was a mild sleeper at different points in his rookie season due to so many Baltimore tight ends dealing with injuries. Heading into 2015, he may be fully on the fantasy sleeper radar, once again. He only caught 10 balls as a rookie, but he secured a nice touchdown in the post-season and has aging talent around him at the position. Blessed with terrific size and red-zone ability, Gillmore could be a hot tight end name to monitor going into next season.
Richard Rodgers, TE, Green Bay Packers
The Packers didn’t really find any one tight end to take over for Jermichael Finley (neck), but instead used a platoon of tight ends. Rodgers was a part of that platoon in his rookie season, but finished with just 20 receptions for 225 yards and two scores. He did end the regular season on a high note with seven catches in the final two weeks, and someone is going to have to cut out a bigger role moving forward. He’s the best bet, due to great size and a well-balanced skill-set. He could be a sleeper worth keeping an eye on heading into 2015.
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