My 10 Sleepers for 2009

After reading vice2020's sleeper/bust lists...I'm totally inspired to create my own. So without further ado... here is my
Sleepers for 2009!

QB Kyle Orton (Den) - I know, I know...probably just seeing this name has caused you to stop reading my blog, but hang with me here. He accounted for 21 TDs in the Bear's offense last year. Seriously...he isn't a stud QB, but give credit where credit is due...he had no receivers and still managed to put score 21 TDs...which puts him at the same level as Troy Aikman back in the day. Granted, no one drafted Aikman as a starter, either...but we are talking sleepers. Orton will have better all-around weapons at Denver (caveat- this sleeper pick is assuming Marshall stays put, if not-scratch this name) which means he should score more TDs...which means you wont have to pay a heavy price for a decent backup/borderline starter. Grab him late, and you should see a return on your investment.

WR Chad Ochocinco (Cin) - You heard it from me right here, right now...the receiver formerly known as Johnson is top ten, perhaps even top 5 WR material! History shows that the Bengals usually get rid of malcontents a year after they make an example of them (see Pickens, Carl) If "The Ocho" behaves himself, he very well could be sent packing after the season. I say this because if he keeps his nose clean and has a good year, his stock will be back up. All he has ever said is that he wants one more big contract. If he screws up again, that wont happen. He'll be motivated, and his contract will expire after 2010, which means if the Bengals want anything at all for him, they'll have to trade him after the season. Long story short, this could end up being a "contract year" for Chad. Expect good things at a reasonable price.

QB Trent Edwards (Buf) - This is somewhat of a stretch, but I have a feeling that Owens (who is in a contract year) will help Trent's numbers by not only providing a good target, but also by keeping double teams off of Lee Evans. Also, I think the Bills running game will stink. I'm not sold on Fred Jackson, and Marshawn Lynch.... well... is Marshawn Lynch. I see more suspensions in his future.

RB Shonn Greene (NYJ) - Thomas Jones can complain all he wants to...his days of earning a big contract are over... and the Jets seem tired of his garbage. Enter Shonn Greene (isn't he half of the Jets draft? ) who can be gotten relatively cheaply, and should be carrying the rock before the season ends (if not before the season BEGINS). I would draft Greene over Jones in a heartbeat.

WR Anthony Gonzalez (Ind) - If there ever was a year for AG to come out and take the bull by the horns...it is this year. Reggie Wayne didn't really inspire me last year, and Harrison has been put out to pasture. If Gonzalez can't step it up in this situation, I doubt he ever will. I'm betting he makes the most of the opportunity.

WR Nate Washington (Ten) - I believe the vet will have more of an impact that Britt, at least for this year. Granted, no WR on the Titans will get a whole lot of scores with that run first philosophy, and Lendale/Johnson around...but if you are scrounging in the late rounds for a starting WR for your roster, consider Washington.

WR Earl Bennett (Chi) - Okay, whoever hadn't stopped reading my blog before this entry just left. Bennett has history with Cutler, and Cutler has to make good after his tantrum in the offseason. Mix in the fact that Kyle Orton put up 21 total TDs in this offense, Cutler should be able to do as well, if not better, and don't tell me about Hester... I'm rolling some late round dice on Bennett.

WR Miles Austin (Dal) - While double teams take away whats left of Roy William's dignity...Austin should be able to take advantage. Romo is a modern day Danny White, good numbers, but chokes when the chips are down. There will be plenty of TDs to go around, and Austin can be had for a fraction of the cost of one Roy Williams.

RB Jamaal Charles (KC) - Not sure why Larry Johnson is still playing...he is an injury prone diva who is not happy about being in Kansas City. His best days are behind him. KC should see the writing on the wall and give the kid a chance. Stash him at the end of your bench and wait for the requisite Johnson injury and/or implosion.

RB Derrick Ward (TB) - Granted, Graham could make this all moot, but the Bucs didn't sign him for nothing (if Denver had signed him, though....different story) I think Ward will be given every chance to take the starting job. No QB = rely on running game. Welcome to the team, Mr. Ward...