Scott Engel returns to Seahawks.com for his eighth season of Fantasy Football coverage. An inaugural member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hall of Fame, he is in his 23rd year as a Fantasy analyst and professional. You can now find more of his work and rankings on RotoBaller.com and hear him every Saturday night and Sunday morning on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio.
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Is there really such a thing as a Fantasy sleeper anymore? So many people are playing now, and there is so much information being shared on a wide variety of platforms, that it is hard to hide those guys who many of us want to grab as unknown gems. But there are still many players that are being undervalued by the Fantasy masses. My Top 12 candidates who are most likely to outperform their Average Draft Positions and expectations are unveiled right here. We dig real deep for these featured picks.
Seahawks.com is maybe the most natural destination to share sleepers, as the organization has been unearthing those types throughout franchise history. You could compile an All-Time Seahawks roster of Fantasy and real-life sleepers. It might look something like this:
Quarterback: Russell Wilson (Dave Krieg as 2nd-Team)
Running Back: Chris Warren (Chris Carson)
Wide Receiver: Steve Largent (Doug Baldwin)
Feel free to drop your own submissions in our new Mailbag Feature linked at the bottom of this page.
Running Backs
Damien Harris, New England Patriots (NFL.com ADP of 149.98)
Sony Michel is a very impressive runner when he is available, and he bolstered his Fantasy appeal by performing well in last season's NFL playoffs. But if he misses any time this season, Harris can instantly step in as a rookie and take over as a lead runner. He also offers versatility as a pass-catcher in an offense that may need him to contribute in that area when he is on the field.
Kalen Ballage, Miami Dolphins (150.33)
The Dolphins' two best offensive players may be their running backs, Ballage and Kenyan Drake. Miami could have to lean heavily on their RBs, and Ballage is a promising package of power and big-play potential. He gave us a glimpse of the latter trait with a 75-yard TD run in Week 15 last season.
Devin Singletary, Buffalo Bills (150.43)
There is a crowded RB picture in Buffalo right now, but this rookie can emerge as the lead Fantasy producer. While Singletary is small, he is stout for his size and he can also catch passes out of the backfield. He could at least be useful as a Fantasy player in a part-time role. He has enough upside to at least emerge as a flex player in his first pro season.
Justin Jackson (150,88), Los Angeles Chargers
If we do not see Melvin Gordon for a while, which seems like a real possibility, Jackson could step forward to take on a significant role. He flashed some potential last year when Gordon was out late in the schedule, rushing for 120 yards on 15 carries in Weeks 12 and 13 combined, and scoring in Weeks 13 and 15.
Wide Receivers
Geronimo Allison, Green Bay Packers (131.46)
He appeared to be emerging as the No. 2 WR in the offense over the first four games of 2018. He had three outings with five or more catches, never less than 64 yards in a game, and two TD catches. But a concussion and a groin issue then curtailed the rest of his season. Now ready to work out of slot as a big target, he could pick up where he left off last year.
Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys (148.28)
The second-year man appears ready to become a quality complement to Amari Cooper. Gallup has big-play potential and showed glimpses of what may be coming late in the regular season and the 2018 playoffs. He scored in the Wild Card Round and caught six passes for 119 yards in the Divisional Round.
Tyrell Williams, Oakland Raiders (148.95)
Williams left Los Angeles looking for an opportunity to start. The Raiders gave it to him, signing Williams to a four-year deal. A coveted combination of size and speed, Williams will benefit from Antonio Brown drawing a lot of defensive attention and working in what should be an improved Raiders offense.
David Moore, Seattle Seahawks (150.78)
There is a lot of excitement about rookie DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett is an established Fantasy starter. But Moore may sneak into the bigger pass-catching picture after showing what he is capable of at times last year and having experience in the current offense. Pete Carroll has made it clear the coaching staff really likes Moore, who had four TDs and a 97-yard outing in a three-game stretch last October.
Quarterbacks
Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers (142.64)
A year ago, he was widely regarded as a possible breakout Fantasy star. Now his appeal has slipped significantly after a knee injury shortened his 2018 season. Garoppolo now comes at a value price, and retains the crisp decision-making and poise that could elevate him into Fantasy QB1 territory. Even if he starts slowly in his return from the injury, he could really come on around mid-year.
Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears (143.15)
The second season in a Matt Nagy offense could mean everyone involved is more comfortable. Trubisky is surrounded by several possible playmakers. In a six-game stretch from Weeks 4 through 10 last year before suffering a shoulder injury, Trubisky threw 17 TD passes, rushed for two more and had three 300-yard passing games. He had 179 rushing yards from Weeks 6 through 8.
Tight Ends
Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (148.47)
Andrews showed he can really challenge defenses at times last year, with a 74-yard catch in Week 11 and a 68-yard catch-and-run for a TD in Week 16. He finished the 2018 season with 137 receiving yards in the final two games. Andrews returns as a familiar target for Lamar Jackson and could see a lot of important looks from the QB on key passing downs and near the goal line. Jackson and Andrews are entering their second season together in Baltimore.
Noah Fant, Denver Broncos (146.46)
It's rare that a rookie makes an instant impact at the TE position, but Fant is a special talent. He is too quick for many LBs and overmatches many defensive backs. He actually looks like a WR on film. Fant has the skills and abilities to be an impact Fantasy player right away.
Seahawks Fantasy Mailbag
Want to be part of our new Mailbag feature where I answer your Fantasy Football questions every week right here? Simply fill out this form with your question about any players, situations or formats. I will answer questions about players from any teams in seasonal, keeper and dynasty leagues.
Vincent Maine from West Seattle asks: Is DK Metcalf a Fantasy Sleeper?
Engel: Great question considering this week's article topic. With an NFL.com ADP of 125.89, he certainly qualifies as a sleeper candidate, Rookie WRs are not being drafted high, as the position is deep and full of experienced and proven performers. But Russell Wilson has never worked with a possible standout WR with Metcalf's blend of size and speed. This may be a new treat for Wilson he can take advantage of quickly. He is one of the best deep passers in the game, and working with Wilson is a great fit for Metcalf. For where he is being drafted, he has a lot of promise as a high-end Fantasy WR4 and he's a nifty Best Ball target.
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For more from Scott Engel, get theRotoBaller.com 2019 Fantasy Football Draft Kit, which includes his rankings and regular weekly columns. Enter code "Seahawks" at checkout for a discount.
