Fantasy Football 2012 Primer, pt. 4: Sleepers

In our second-to-last part of the primer, we're going to take a look at some sleeper picks that I have for this season.  Truth be told, just about anyone past the first few rounds could be considered a sleeper.  Fantasy football is about educated guesses and luck; you never know where the next big sleeper performer will come from.  That said, here's a list of picks that I project to produce this year.  Remember, since we're talking sleepers, I'm gonna avoid talking about guys that will probably be picked in the first 3-4 rounds.

Quarterbacks:

Jay Cutler, CHI - I've never been a big fan of Cutler, but adding a coach and his favorite wide receiver from his golden years in Denver, as well as playing in a division with weak pass defenses, bodes well for him this year.

Josh Freeman, TB - Let's not forget how productive he was two seasons ago.  One bad season won't a bust make.

Mark Sanchez, NYJ - I'm choosing to believe in Sanchez this year.  So far, all I've seen from him is the right attitude about the Tebow situation.  Mental strength is gonna be big for him.

Running backs:

Isaac Redman, PIT - Though the last couple years have looked different, the Steelers are still a team that want to run the ball.  Rashard Mendenhall, the presumed starter, has a poor injury history.  Give me the consistently healthy bruiser.

Peyton Hillis, KC - What we're finding around the league is that many backs actually perform better when splitting carries.  Hillis carried the load for Cleveland last year and got worn down.  He and Jamaal Charles should both be productive this year.

Mike Goodson, OAK - Same idea as the other two.  Darren McFadden is an explosive talent, but has never been consistently healthy.  Goodson performed well in Carolina behind the tandem, and has a chance to contribute for a sleeper Oakland team.

Wide Receivers:

Go Titus!

Torrey Smith, BAL - It's no secret that Joe Flacco likes to throw deep, and this is his primary deep threat.  I'm hoping Flacco has improved his deep accuracy and that Smith will get more chances.

Titus Young, DET - It figures that I'd give my Lions some love, but with all of the extra attention on Calvin Johnson this year (not to mention his presence on the Madden cover... I believe in it!), Young will get more opportunities.  He's one year better; let's hope he shows it.

Stephen Hill, NYJ - This is really reaching deep, but Stephen Hill is another one of those Georgia Tech receivers (Calvin Johnson, Demaryius Thomas) and the Jets have a thin receiving core.  Rookie receivers are always dangerous in fantasy football, but Hill has an opportunity to step in and contribute.

Tight Ends:

Jacob Tamme, DEN - It doesn't matter that Peyton Manning and Tamme have played together in the past.  Whoever Peyton's tight end is has a great chance to be productive.

Kyle Rudolph, MIN - Christian Ponder is entering his second season, after a rookie campaign where he showed some good signs as the quarterback.  Rudolph will be one of his primary targets this year.

Defenses/Kickers:

Nothing to say here.  Both defenses and kickers are often a crapshoot (except for the top few defenses).  Don't pick them til late.

Next week, we close the series with my guidelines for drafting.  Enjoy your weekend!