Most of you have already drafted your fantasy football teams, and have already seen a large number of your picks fall by the wayside; bet you are real happy that you drafted Aaron Brooks and Trent Green. But do not give up hope just yet; I am here to offer you a few of my sleeper picks, who are still available in most leagues, that should help strengthen your team.
1. Ron Dayne (RB — Houston Texans)
With Domanick Davis on the Injured Reserve and some guy named Lundi carrying the ball for 32 yards on 11 carries last week, Dayne could be a viable option for the Texans’ running game. He proved himself to be serviceable for both the Giants and Broncos, and could be an effective backup on your fantasy team. Plus he is huge and has a sick beard.
2. Andrew Walter (QB — Oakland Raiders)
People have to stop drafting Aaron Brooks. He’s never going to be an effective fantasy QB, even if he can tear it up in Madden. He was terrible in the pre-season, and stunk it up big time in week one against the Chargers. Walter is young, and used the pre-season to demonstrate his strong arm. If given the chance to click with ace wideouts Randy Moss and Jerry Porter, assuming Porter actually plays, he can be golden.
3. Troy Williamson (WR — Minnesota Vikings)
With Koren Robinson headed for the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, Williamson could be the number-one receiver on an offense that seems to be efficient. Brad Johnson has been brought back from the dead, and the resurrected gunslinger looked to Williamson often in week one. He is very fast, and on the artificial surface in Minnesota, he can be a deep threat on every play.
4. Brandon Jacobs (RB — New York Giants)
There is a reason Tiki Barber is not considered a safe fantasy choice, despite the fact that he is one of the most dangerous players in the league. The Giants have shown that Jacobs is their big back in the red zone, robbing valuable TD’s from Tiki, but potentially helping any fantasy team that grabs him. Jacobs was very active in week one and if you are looking for some quick points, he could be the perfect answer.
5. Deion Branch (WR — Seattle Seahawks)
He may be the one player on this list not available, so this more of a warning. IF YOU HAVE HIM, DO NOT TRADE HIM. The guy finally got the contract he wanted and landed himself with the Seahawks. He is a pure receiver, and in an offense like Seattle’s he is a threat to score a touchdown every play. Branch, along with Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselbeck, might prove to be one of the top trios in the NFL. One of your opponents may try to tempt you with a trade for a receiver off to a quick start, but don’t take it; this guy is a keeper.
With these five picks, I hope you can better your fantasy football team. These guys may not have the hype of T.O., but, unlike our favorite Cowboy receiver, they might actually produce.