Late Round Fantasy Gems, Thus Far

The big secret that everyone keeps to themselves come fantasy football season is sleepers or late round picks.  That one player (or two) that no one knows about or doesn’t expect to do well is hiding, but you know, you did your research, and he is going to be your late round gem.  Most of the time, those gems turn out to be early waiver victims.  Although, every once in awhile they pan out and you get that superior feeling that you knew something no one else did. Of course by now everyone in your pool is sick of hearing about it…but you’re still happy.  These gems can be the difference makers that could lead to fantasy glory and have you arriving with bongo drums chanting, “The Champ Is Here, The Champ Is Here” at next years draft.

The following are fantasy sleepers that might not have all been drafted late in pools, but are no doubt exceeding everyones expectations:

Steve Smith NYG

You took Moss, T.O., Fitz, or A. Johnson at the top of the WR fantasy football column, but it’s Steve Smith who’s stealing the show. By now everyone has just about forgotten about the other Steve Smith (Carolina) and turned their head to the little Giant.  Even after people went on the waiver craze for Mario Manningham in week two, Steve Smith was still outshining Mario.  Being Eli’s favorite target, thus far, Smith leads all NFL WRs with 37 receptions, 418 yards, and tied with five others for 4 touchdowns.  Eli’s recovery from plantar fasciitis should not affect Smith’s production.  Eli believes he’ll have a full week of practice without any setbacks.  Smith is a must start against any team unless Eli is not playing, just because of David Carr’s past inconsistency.

Ray Rice

He’s a guy that I had the chance to have, predicated the round I could have gotten him, but said to myself,  “He’ll be there next round.”  Sure enough, he went right after I picked.  Rice is one of many quality backup RBs who gets limited carries only because the guy above him is doing just enough to keep him down. There are many like him: Chester Taylor, Fred Jackson, and Donald Brown are a few examples, but Rice is the lucky one.  Against the Bengals, he had a combined 143 receiving/rushing yards and one touchdown.   McGahee and McClain combined for 3 carries for 4 yards and 4 receptions for 14 yards.  It’s clear (well, almost clear): Rice has moved passed McGahee. Rice has had an amazing start with 5 touchdowns and should start to steal away a few more carries from the seasoned vet.  Ray Rice is the real deal; his low powerful frame and his ability to keep his balance slightly resembles a guy who once played in Detroit. If he is getting the majority of the carries, he’s a must start.

Kyle Orton

Who would have thought Kyle Orton’s fantasy points would resemble Tom Brady or Drew Brees after week 5?  Granted he had two long, some would call lucky, TD passes late in the fourth quarters to help his stats, but points are points.  Orton is having success due to Brandon Marshall coming on board and good coaching (Josh McDaniels).  This was the first week he played without a glove protecting his dislocated finger on his right hand.  Expect him to continue to be a solid fantasy start.

Nate Burleson

In 2007 owners loved him, in 2008 owners hated his guts! Commonly known as one of those receivers who peak in one year, get a big contract, and fantasy owners never see the likes of them again.  Injury (torn ACL) had Nate Burleson’s draft value down this past year.  He has had seventy-four or more yards in three out of five games and has become Hasselbeck’s go to target (avg. 10 targets per game).  Avoiding injury, he could return to the sixteen touchdown form of his 2007 season (he really had 16 TD’s, look it up).  This week’s match-up against a struggling Arizona pass defense could result in another solid fantasy week.