Sleeper Quarterback/Running Back Fantasy Options

Quarterbacks


Matthew Stafford-The Lions will be playing from behind for most of the season which means more opportunities for Stafford to air it out. He averaged over 225 yards per game through the air last season so he should improve in his second season. The Lions added Nate Burleson and Tony Scheffler in the off season to give Stafford more weapons to go along with Calvin Johnson. Getting Stafford as a #2 Quarterback is a great option, especially if your #1 QB isn't a sure thing.

Matt Ryan-An injury plagued second season took Ryan off of the national radar. In year 3, however, Ryan will prove to be an upper echelon QB. If you choose to go heavy on the Running Backs and Wide Receivers in the early rounds then Ryan will be a great option in the fifth/sixth round.


Kevin Kolb-Playing with no proven Running Back and with a coach who loves to pass makes Kolb a very attractive option. He has been able to sit and learn Andy Reid's system, which should make him comfortable behind center from the start. He may throw a lot of interceptions, but Kolb will put up plenty of yards and touchdowns to even it out.


Jay Cutler- Sure he led the league in interceptions last season but he did throw 27 touchdowns to go along with it. Now playing under Mike Martz, Cutler will be slinging it to a group of Wide Receivers who have had a year to get accustomed to his ball. Cutler could approach 30 touchdown passes and 4,000 yards this season. He could be a steal in the 5th round.


Running Backs


Arian Foster- The Texans lost 2nd round draft pick Ben Tate for the entire season. This leaves Foster and Steve Slaton as the only two viable starting options on the team. Slaton has had an awful fumbling problem that will hinder him from receiving the majority of the carries. Foster will be the starter on a great offensive team, which will bolster him stats. He was able to average 4.8 yards per carry last year as a part time player so there seems to be potential there. He will also be available late in fantasy drafts this year.

Ryan Matthews- No more LT means there is plenty of carries up for grabs in San Diego. The Chargers were one of the NFL's worst running teams last year, yet, LT still managed to accumulate 12 touchdowns. Matthews will be the only viable starter at Running Back in a high powered option. Look for Matthews in the 4th/5th round.

Ahmad Bradshaw- Though Jacobs might receive the majority of the carries, Bradshaw will be close behind. Behind a declining offensive line, Bradshaw was able to gain 778 yards and 4.8 yards per carry with 7 touchdowns. Look for Bradshaw in the 8th/9th round as a #3 Running Back.

Clinton Portis- Larry Johnson and Willie Parker are over the hill, finished, done. The Redskins will need to hand someone the ball in Mike Shanahan's new offense and currently Portis is the only viable option. The Redskins have made improvements to their offensive line which should open more holes in the run game this season. Portis in the 7th/8th round would be a steal, either as a poor #2 or a great #3.

Chris Wells- No more Kurt Warner or Anquan Bolding means no more great aerial attack in Arizona. Wells had a very good rookie season and should improve in year 2 with more carries and opportunities. The Cardinals have not even settled on a starting Quarterback so naturally they will be relying more on the running game this season. Russ Grimm and Ken Wisenhunt love the "ground and pound" philosophy so Wells will be natural beneficiary.