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Falcons QB
Michael Vick
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You’re feeling wonderful, almost downright giddy. The reason: You’ve put
together a solid fantasy starting lineup that boasts more big names than the red carpet on
Oscar night. But you’re not done yet. As the draft moves into the late rounds, you
would love nothing more than to surprise your fellow fantasy participants with the
selection of a player who may not be a household name but has the potential to at least
make a name for himself.
What follows is a list of fantasy supersleepers who could emerge from obscurity to
produce when called upon. Names are listed in alphabetical order.
TE Dwayne Carswell / Broncos — The Broncos’ three-headed monster at tight end
last year was led by Carswell with 49 receptions for 495 yards and three touchdowns. The
TE position is always featured prominently in Denver’s West Coast system, and with
Byron Chamberlain now in Minnesota, Carswell could become even more productive in what has
been a very balanced fantasy-friendly offense.
TE Byron Chamberlain / Vikings — Despite coming off a shaky season that saw him
split time in Denver, Chamberlain’s soft hands are a welcome addition in Minnesota.
He doesn’t figure to be the second or perhaps even the third receiving option, but
he’ll see enough passes from a still-improving Daunte Culpepper to make a difference.
RB Doug Chapman / Vikings — With veteran WR Cris Carter’s endorsement as the
sleeper out of the Minnesota RB crop, Chapman could take some carries away from rookie
Michael Bennett. Chapman was very productive at Marshall and is the Vikings’ most
complete back. Also keep an eye on FB Jim Kleinsasser, who’s bruising style could
earn some carries near the goal line.
RB Richard Huntley / Panthers — Panthers starting RB Tshimanga Biakabutuka
hasn’t exactly been the most durable of backs during his career, and that makes
Huntley one to keep an eye on. Huntley averaged 4.7 yards per carry and scored three times
last season in a backup role in Pittsburgh, and he’s eager to show he can do even
more. Huntley undoubtedly will see a fair amount of action even if he doesn’t win the
starting job, and the Panthers have improved their offensive line with several offseason
acquistions, such as OLT Todd Steussie.
RB James Jackson / Browns — Jackson may be only 5-10, but he has shown good
running skills and plays fast. Jackson and second-year RB Jamel White are splitting time
with the first-team offense, while Travis Prentice has continued to disappoint. Much of
the Cleveland staff is quite familiar with what Jackson can do, having coached him at the
Univeristy of Miami (Fla.) under Butch Davis, and the feeling is that the Browns would
like to see Jackson win the job and be a major factor in an offense that will rely heavily
on the pass-catching skills of its backs.
PK Rian Lindell / Seahawks — The Seahawks’ offense has potential written all
over it. A solid offensive line, some young and talented receivers, two starting-caliber
running backs and new QB Matt Hasselbeck should combine to put Lindell in position to
score and score often. Despite playing in only 12 games last year, Lindell made all 25 of
his extra-point attempts and connected on 15-of-17 field-goal attempts, including three
from 50 yards and beyond.
QB Jim Miller / Bears — While Shane Matthews already has been penciled in as the
No. 1 quarterback, Miller will have the chance to unseat him should Matthews slip. Miller
has the strongest arm on the team, and the Bears’ offense has looked its best under
his guidance the past two years. While the Bears won’t be throwing the football
nearly as much as they did under former offensive coordinator Gary Crowton, Miller could
be called upon to ignite the offense — if he stays healthy.
WR Marvin Minnis / Chiefs — Minnis’ fantasy stock went way up when
second-year WR Sylvester Morris was lost for the year to injury this summer. But later it
came back to earth a bit when the Chiefs signed former Seahawk Derrick Mayes prior to
training camp. Regardless, the Chiefs have liked what they’ve seen from Minnis.
Despite being as thin as a rail, he fits the mold of receiver new offensive coordinator Al
Saunders is looking for to a T. Minnis’ ability to get open quickly and make things
happen after the catch should fit the Rams-style offense the Chiefs have implemented.
Minnis has a good chance of starting opposite Derrick Alexander, and with backs who can
catch and TE Tony Gonzalez in the lineup, he won’t see many double-teams, if any.
QB Michael Vick / Falcons — Talk about your supersleeper of the year. Though he
may be left out in the cold on Draft Day, everyone will be keeping a close watch on the
talented one in Atlanta. He could be the No. 1, 2 or 3 quarterback for the Falcons, but if
Chris Chandler’s health history creeps into the equation or the Falcons get off to a
poor start, Vick could be given the reins to the offense. At that point, he’ll likely
be snatched up faster than the last doughnut at police headquarters.
QB Chris Weinke / Panthers — While the Panthers may call Jeff Lewis their No. 1
quarterback, word out of Carolina’s camp is that Weinke has an excellent chance of
overtaking him. Weinke’s demeanor and leadership, as well as his ability to set up
and throw in a pro fashion, could eventually put him over the top. If he gets that chance,
he’ll have some nice weapons to work with in WRs Muhsin Muhammad, Patrick Jeffers and
Donald Hayes and TE Wesley Walls.
If you're looking for the best fantasy football advice available for
your draft and for selecting your lineup during the season, you should check out our
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Also, the current print edition of Pro Football Weekly features a 28-page
fantasy football pullout, the last of three fantasy football pullout sections
before the start of the season. The pullout includes a story on the top 20 fantasy running
backs and the concerns involving each one, an examination of who deserves to be the No.
3-rated wide receiver behind Randy Moss and Marvin Harrison, skill-position value charts
for all 31 teams, a mock draft and draft board for basic-scoring leagues, draft strategy
and a draft board for yardage leagues, as well as a story and suggested price list for
auction leagues. This issue is available at newsstands and bookstores around the country,
or you can subscribe online or by calling 1-800-FOOTBALL. Click here to order a print
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