Football season is in full motion for the REAL football fanatics. If you haven’t given your future fantasy football team at least a couple considerations by now; you’re already behind.
Have no fear. I’ve got you.
Sleeper Pick Ups:
Saquon Barkley (RB, New York Giants)
Average Draft Position (ADP): 23–25th overall
A personal principle of mine is, “being too early is the same as being wrong”. This can apply to fantasy football players, stocks, or anything that requires forecasting. Last year, I was bullish on Saquon Barkley. I swore up and down he would return to form. That didn’t happen.
The Giants have added more pieces to their offensive line, and Barkley is getting rave reviews at training camp. If Barkley starts slipping in that third round he could be a serious steal.
Nico Collins (WR, Houston Texans)
ADP: 220–280th
Nico Collins is a second-year wideout with big talent. He’s 6 ft 5 inches with some serious speed, but he lacks the production to match. He had a short career in college, and he put up average rookie numbers. So, Why is he a sleeper?
Although his numbers were average in year 1, he did earn a starting spot immediately. Combine that with his new found connection with Davis Mills, and we have a potential late round steal. Follow the training camp story of Nico Collins and Davis Mills, and you won’t be surprised if he turns into a serviceable Wide Receiver this season.
Risky Pick Ups:
Christian McCaffrey (RB, North Carolina Panthers)
ADP: 2nd or 3rd overall
Some people would call me crazy for putting Christian McCaffrey down as a potential risk, but I’d like to note this is not me calling him a bust (just a risky player at his expected draft position). McCaffrey is one of the most skilled running backs of this generation. He won fantasy leagues single-handedly in 2019, when he absolutely stuffed the stat sheet. With that being said, it’s been nearly 3 years since we’ve seen that McCaffrey.
McCaffrey has battled several injuries for the past couple of years, and he’s entering another season with Quarterback questions. Taking him that high, when there’s Players like Cooper Kupp and Ja’Mar Chase on the board feels like a big risk.
James Conner
ADP: Around 39/40th overall
James Conner was one of my top pick ups last year (James Robinson off the waiver wire was my #1). James Connor carried my fantasy team through some rough weeks, but I’ve gotta put him down as a risky bet to repeat that same success.
James Conner was extremely touchdown dependent last year; a whopping 18 to be exact. He only rushed for 752 yards on the ground. This wouldn’t be that concerning if yards per carry (3.7) wasn’t so bad. Combine all of this with the arrival of Hollywood Brown, and I think James Conner is due for a regression to the mean. He’ll get his goal line touches, but he’s a bit overvalued in fantasy drafts right now.
