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Part Two of an eight-part series
“Sleeper” is firmly ensconced in the fantasy football lexicon. Your definition of a sleeper may vary slightly from ours, but we can all agree the ideal sleeper (1) outperforms his draft position, (2) is drafted relatively late and (3) becomes a key part of your fantasy team.
With this in mind, here’s a sleeper candidate to watch on each of the AFC North teams:
AFC North
Baltimore — RB Ray Rice
We aren’t saying he’s going to push Willis McGahee out of the lineup this season, but Rice was the second-ever draft pick by this new Ravens regime, and the early reports suggest he is a fantastic fit in Cam Cameron’s offense. If Rice picks up the offense, he’s going to get some work; keeping McGahee fresh is a top priority of the Ravens’ coaching staff. Those who draft McGahee are advised to keep a late-round roster spot for Rice, whose stock is likely to get a boost if he plays to rave reviews in training camp.
Cincinnati — TE Ben Utecht
In recent years, the Bengals’ tight ends have been blockers first and foremost and fantasy football afterthoughts, save for those in the deepest of leagues. This may allow you to wait until the final rounds to snap up Utecht, who caught 31 passes for 364 yards for Indianapolis last season. Look for Utecht to become an important part of the Bengals’ short passing game, and figure him to be more of a red-zone threat than he was with the Colts.
Cleveland — WR Donté Stallworth
By now, we know the book on Stallworth. He has rare speed, but he’s injury-prone and inconsistent. His 2007 numbers (46 catches, 697 yards, three scores) aren’t all that impressive when you consider he played for an offense that threw for 50 touchdowns and lacked a collective sense of mercy. Stallworth’s role in Cleveland will be similar to the one he had in New England: He’ll see single coverage often, and he’ll be asked to beat it with those amazing wheels. If he’s around late, he’s worth a roll of the dice, considering his ability and the might of the Cleveland offense.
Pittsburgh — WR Nate Washington
If Washington can hold off rookie Limas Sweed for Pittsburgh’s No. 3 WR job, he’s worth a look in big leagues, especially those that employ TD-only scoring systems. Five of Washington’s 29 catches went for scores last season. Motivation won’t be a factor for Washington, either; he is a free agent at season’s end.
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