Fantasy Football 2014: Heat Waved Sleeper Picks
By Mario Hicks
Aug 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) calls a play in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Texans defeated the Broncos 18-17. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Analysysts Sleeper Picks for Fantasy Football
Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears
Cutler has his elite receiving target in Brandon Marshall, but this offseason the Chicago Bears added Santonio Holmes. Holmes was brought in to lighten the coverage load for Brandon Marshall. Marshall struggled last season as he was so often double covered. If Jay Cutler can stay healthy the chances of him getting into the 25-30 touchdown range this season increases immensely.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Houston Texans
If having Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins to throw to, and Arian Foster in the backfield, isn’t enough, Fitzpatrick finished 12th among QBs in fantasy points in 2011 and threw at least 23 touchdown passes three straight seasons (2010-12) with the Bills and Titans. Once you have your starting quarterback, we think it’s important to find a backup who has the ability to have a killer week if you need to use him as a bye-week fill-in, rather than one who will simply “not hurt you.” Be confident in Fitzpatrick!
Ladarius Green, TE, San Diego Chargers
Ladarius Green is a 6-foot-6 tight end who possesses 4.53 40 speed, Green has metrics that offensive coordinators only dream about. He’s what we call a “fantasy stud in waiting” whose biggest obstacle might only be how often he’s called upon to block. If Antonio Gates misses any time, you can look for Green to grab the reigns and never look back.