Fantasy Football Sleepers Week 1

Okay everyone, we realize that this is the time of year in which Fantasy Football gets huge. I personally have money in a league, so I'll check every day to see how to optimize my lineup to maximize my point total. Every week, we'll do a few sleeper players for that week. Obviously, week 1 is approaching rapidly (tomorrow!), so let's get to it so we can all make those final roster changes.

1. Ronnie Brown - RB -  San Diego Chargers

With Ryan Mathews almost definitely out for the opener (collarbone), former star Ronnie Brown should take the bulk of the carries from Philip Rivers usually stellar offense. While Brown has lost a step in the last couple seasons, he's still a great back with good vision and elusiveness. Also, you have to think the Raiders won't be great on D this season....I mean, when was the last time they were, right?

2. Brandon Lafell - WR -  Carolina Panthers

Although Lafell is not a household name, he is a solid wideout in an offense ready to erupt this season, a year out of Cam Newton's unprecedented performance. While (the real) Steve Smith is obviously Cam's number one target, Lafell is sure to get some good chances in a great rushing offense. Smith and TE Greg Olsen will both call for double coverage at some point, leaving a great opportunity for Lafell on play-action passes. You might see a few catches for a lot of yards and a TD.

3. Minnesota Vikings DEF

There are a few reasons the Vikings could have a good week defensively....none of which are Vikings players, except for sack-king Jared Allen. Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert is in his second year, and he's coming off a pretty horrible year as a rookie. Yes, Maurice Jones-Drew is the rushing leader, but he just ended his holdout and is likely not in football condition (let alone condition to get 20 carries and hit 20+ times). The Jags did add WR Justin Blackmon, but he is the only real threat there (Mike Thomas is solid but nothing special). I think the Vikings will get at least 1 or 2 turnovers and possibly a handful of sacks (2, 3, or 4). Even if the score is high, the Vikings could get you more than 10 points here.