There are definitely ways to win your fantasy football league. Of course, most of it is luck, but if you hone in on one specific player and don't draft these busts, your chances will increase exponentially.
All of those tips and tricks are great and there is one more component to add to the mix: Sleepers.
Throughout fantasy football history, there are always players who have breakout seasons that help propel team owners to championships and squander all hopes of winning for others at the same time. These sleepers might even include some household names, but they are the mid-to-late round picks that might be difference in whether or not you hold the bragging rights next offseason.
So without further ado, here are the Fanbuzz Sleeper Picks for 2018:
Quarterback: Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders
Tom Brady is still Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers just got paid, but don't let the big names make you lose out on some premium picks at running back and wide receiver. Quarterbacks such as Derek Carr can lead your team to glory.
The Oakland Raiders starter is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the game right now and he has plenty of weapons to throw it to like Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson and Martavious Bryant, too.
Carr might have been a bust last season, but that makes him a prime candidate to snap out of his funk and prove he is a top-tier quarterback in fantasy football. — Brett Regan
Running Back: Adrian Peterson, Washington Redskins
Suggesting that the 33-year-old eventual Hall of Fame running back is a sleeper sounds like insanity, but the Fantasy Football gods haven't been kind to All Day in recent years.
After bouncing from Minnesota to New Orleans to Arizona, the veteran is on his fourth team in two seasons. This year could be his return to glory, though.
He's currently being drafted as the 37th running back in ESPN Fantasy leagues and has an ADP around the 108th overall pick. That's despite Peterson leading the NFL in total touches, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in 2015.
Derrius Guice is out for the year, Samaje Perine is nursing an injury, and Rob Kelley isn't reliable for anything more than a second helping at dinner. Chris Thompson will handle receiving duties, but it could be Peterson who leads the Redskins in carries, especially when Alex Smith's offense gets down near the goal line. — John Duffley
Wide Receiver: Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys
Dez Bryant is gone. Jason Witten is a TV analyst. Allen Hurns is new to the system. Terrance Williams isn't as talented, and Cole Beasley is a slot receiver. Dak Prescott needs a playmaker, and Michael Gallup fits the mold.
The third-round pick was a collegiate All-American in 2017 and racked up 176 catches, 2,690 yards and 21 receiving touchdowns in two seasons with the Rams.
He's young and needs polished, but Gallup has the raw talent to be a WR1 in the NFL for years. If he clicks with Dak Prescott, Dallas has their next go-to target, especially late in the NFL season.
Take the Colorado State alumni as a late-round flyer. Trust me. — John Duffley
Tight End: George Kittle, San Fransisco 49ers
George Kittle stepped onto the scene last season as a former fifth-round pick and played his way to being the starting tight end in The Bay. Now, with Jimmy Garoppolo there as the full-time starter, things might heat up even more Kittle.
A shoulder injury to start preseason play shouldn't be too much to worry about. Kittle will reportedly be ready to rock, and that means you should keep an eye on him if he is still available on the draft board. — Brett Regan
Brett's Bonus Sleeper: D'Onta Foreman, Houston Texans
Health is obviously a major concern for the former Texas Longhorns star after he ruptured his Achilles' in Week 11 last season, yet there is plenty of reason to believe his a better, more productive running back than Lamar Miller when he's at full speed. This should be a reason to draft Foreman except for being a complete flier really late, but if you are already loaded at running back, there's a chance he might help you as a strong bye week filler late in the season or even make a playoff run. It's a gamble, so beware.
John's Bonus Sleeper: Bilal Powell, New York Jets
What's a rookie quarterback's best friend? The check-down receiver. While Isaiah Crowell figures to get the most touches, Powell is the Jets best pass catcher for another season. He finished as the 30th best fantasy running back last season, which was a far cry from the 1,110 total yards he racked up in 2016. For the second straight year in 2017 though, he finished top ten in receptions among running backs. In deep PPR leagues, Powell could potentially be a great flex play the entire season.
