Fantasy Football Sleepers 2012

Good news! I've been claimed off waivers! Yep, the Houston Texans claimed me. And after hard-fought negotiations, this season my articles will be on HoustonTexans.com. 

I'll still post here from time to time, but for the really good stuff,  you'll have to go to my new home, HoustonTexans.com, where I'll post weekly fantasy goodness.

Tomorrow, and every game, you can hear my riveting fantasy advice on SportsRadio 610 during the pre-game show. Please join us!

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Pre-Season Outlook

Oh, fantasy football, how much I’ve missed you! It’s been seven long months for me, even longer for those who missed the playoffs. I have pined, I have yearned and I have given many helpless looks at my empty stat tracker. And now you’re finally here. My sweet precious!

This year is especially sweet as I join the HoustonTexans.com lineup. For the last five years, I served as Erin the Fantasy Girl on SportsRadio 610 as a weekly guest of the morning show and blogger. Three seasons ago, I joined the Texans pre-game radio show, giving last-minute, sit-start-add-drop-laugh-cry advice. I also held the dubious honor of managing Marc Vandermeer’s fantasy team. Countless men are shaking their heads right now, Marc. But wait, before you judge, please note we fared quite well. Three Super Bowl appearances. One championship ring. And one season I want to forget. I blame Chris Johnson.

What can you expect this year? Pure fantasy goodness. I’ll help you prepare for your draft, prime you for Opening Day, and find those hidden gems throughout the season. And if you can’t get enough here, catch me on Houston Texans Radio on SportsRadio 610, both pre-game and during the week. For those who need a little tutoring or prefer the 140-character version, follow me – and send me questions relentlessly – on Twitter @erinskelley.

The Sleepers

As your Texans march into Training Camp, you have your own pre-season preparation to fulfill as a fake general manager. It’s a big job. But relax, I’ve done a little homework for you already.

Anyone can follow a draft cheat sheet. That’s what most GMs do. Sure, that’s a fair start. But the key is locating the secrets, the scratch-and-dents, the steals. That’s how you gain your edge, both in drafting and the day-to-day management. Good news, my friends. I have these secrets. Take a listen as I whisper a few of my favorite sleepers.

Eric Decker – Tim Tebow ruined his 2011 season. In his first five games, Decker caught 22 passes for 217 yards and 4 touchdowns. Post-Kyle Orton, the he caught 22 the rest of the season. The rest of the season! Denver’s extreme quarterback makeover resulted in the one-and-only Peyton Manning who should give the wideout yummy stats. Projecting 900 yards and 7 TDs. Solid sixth round pick.

Isaac Redman – Redman is the favorite fill-in for Rashard Mendenhall, who will start the season on the bench, potentially on the PUP list for six games. This provides prime opportunity for Redman, who has a lot of pieces falling into place. Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley is looking to reinvigorate the sad Steelers offense, which ranked 21^st in the league last year. Pittsburgh is expected to run more, which is why the team invested high draft picks on its O-line. Redman should impress – as he did late last season with 127 yards and two TDs vs. Denver in the playoffs – and maintain at least 10-15 touches when Mendenhall returns. Best case scenario, Redman remains the starter. Currently drafting in the seventh round. Smart pick at seven.

Stevan Ridley – I was hesitant to include Ridley. After all, aren’t all Patriots running backs sleepers? Belichick loves to keep opposing teams – and fantasy owners – guessing. However, Ridley is the early favorite, practicing with the first team. The sophomore from LSU is a good goal-line back to help finish off Tom Brady’s hard work. Ridley would be a nice option to target as your No. 3 or flex as he has the potential to become a very strong No. 2.  Draft with confidence in round 9. Let me rephrase that. Draft with confidence, with the understanding Belichick could change his mind.

Brandon LaFell – The Panthers wideout is expected to win the No.2 position. LaFell reported to camp in good shape and has better grasp of the playbook this year. With Steve Smith’s 2011 renaissance season, LaFell took the table scraps. Cam Newton should spread the looks this year, giving him a good chance at 800 yards, 5 TDs. Good value in the seventh round.

Torrey Smith – Seven touchdowns isn’t bad. Keep in mind, he didn’t play until week three. Smith showed the ability to burn receivers as a dangerous downfield threat. His biggest challenges were Joe Flacco’s ability to get him the ball and his rookie route sense. Plus, Smith played without the polish of most top receivers. But he’s a sophomore now, and experience should go a long way for this budding star. Expect Smith to surpass Anquan Boldin this year as the top Baltimore target, and reach the 900 yard-mark. Currently drafting in the sixth round. Bargain.

Emmanuel Sanders – With Mike Wallace contract talks going sour and the retirement of Hines Ward, Sanders is a solid No. 2 WR in Pittsburgh, perhaps even competing with Antonio Brown for the No. 1 slot. His injury history concerns me, but not enough to overlook him in the ninth round.  

Jake Locker – Call this a super sleeper, as Matt Hasselbeck appears locked in as the starter in Tennessee. But an aging Hasselbeck gives Locker a good chance to take over. And although brief, Locker showed poise, agility and accuracy last year when forced to play (542 yards, 1 TD). He’ll be fantasy relevant; perhaps sooner than expected. Dynasty leagues take note; he’s worth a late-round grab. All others, watch with your hand on the keyboard.

Any New York Jets running back not named Shonn Greene – Another season of average Shonn Greene production. Joe McKnight and Bilal Powell are next in line.

Other notables: Randall Cobb, Denarius Moore, Jacquizz Rodgers, Isaiah Pead, Doug Baldwin, Vincent Brown, Ryan Williams.

Erin Skelley joins Houston Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen.