It happens every year, and it’s going to happen this season. It’s just a question of “Who?” And better yet, “When?”
Everybody knows about the concept of sleepers, players who fly low under the radar because of their status on NFL depth charts, but are drafted based on overwhelming potential. But the trickier phase of the fantasy game is unearthing the Second-half SuperSleeper.
A word like “SuperSleeper” may conjure up images of Anna Nicole Smith arising from a deep slumber to eat her weight in nachos, but the “Second-half” variety is far more appealing. They can turn bad seasons around or cement playoff runs.
Remember Marc Boerigter of Kansas City. The little-used wide receiver got a taste for touchdowns a couple of times in October and November of 2002, then gourmandized on soft secondaries with five scores in December. When Edgerrin James lost the latter part of 2001 to a torn knee ligament, Dominic Rhodes picked up the running attack and scored eight TDs in November and December.
It seems every season someone steps up because of injury or opportunity. Some tips on getting a Second-halfer of your own:
1) Grab the backups of the injury prone (yes, we mean you Fred Taylor);
2) Track the development of rookies. Some are great talents but are a liability until they learn to run routes or pass block properly; and
3) Find the second, third or even fourth option in high-powered offenses. Teams like the Titans, Colts and Browns like to spread the wealth.
The candidates
Picking Second-half SuperSleepers can be an iffy proposition, but several players are prime. First, we’ll look at the Worst-kept Secrets, players who have at least caught the eye of most owners. Then we’ll examine the Top Secrets, the guys who may break through. And finally, we’ll identify the Keep Secrets, i.e., fool’s gold.
WORST-KEPT SECRETS
Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles
He has scored three weeks in a row in Andy Reid’s backfield-by-committee.
Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals
Kind of hard to hide when you’re leading the league in receiving yardage (592). Wait ’til he starts scoring.
Eric Parker, WR, Chargers
Picks up the slack (3 TDs) when David Boston runs out of formula.
Bobby Shaw, WR, Bills
Josh Reed had the No. 2 job, then lost it to Shaw. But neither has done much lately.
Darnerien McCants, WR, Redskins
He’s a better red-zone option right now than Rod Gardner. Shocking.
TOP SECRETS
Justin Fargas, RB, Raiders
Could be the very definition of the Second-half SuperSleeper. Oakland has been working him in slowly, giving him a couple of carries a game while the rookie learns. But Charlie Garner has been unimpressive this season while Fargas has averaged 6.8 yards per carry. Fargas was bumped up to six touches for 33 yards in Week 6. Fargas could steal a share of the featured role soon.
Cedric Wilson, WR, 49ers
We hypothesize that zere is a correlation between Wilson’s number of looks und zee amount of Terrell Owen’s flapping of zee gums.
Onterrio Smith, RB, Vikings
The hype has waned somewhat, but if Michael Bennett’s recovery doesn’t go smoothly, Smith could be a force.
Justin McCareins, Tyrone Calico, WR, Titans
They’re better against tougher secondaries, which use their best men to lock down Derrick Mason. McCareins is more advanced, but Calico’s a stud-in-waiting.
Domanick Davis, RB, Texans
Texans are thrilled about the one-two punch of Davis and Stacey Mack. In Week 6, Davis rushed for 59 yards and caught for 70.
DeShaun Foster, RB, Panthers
Could be a bane to Stephen Davis owners. When Foster rocked Indy after Davis went out with a bruised forearm, a lightbulb went on in Carolina: Why don’t they share more carries?
Dane Looker, WR, Rams
The long-sought answer to Az Hakim?
Rudi Johnson, RB, Bengals
Are the wheels finally falling off the cart for Corey Dillon?
KEEP SECRETS
Johnnie Morton, WR, Chiefs
He’ll tempt with a few decent games, but he’s the Shane Matthews of wide receivers.
Todd Yoder, TE, Bucs
Remember Joe Jurevicius’ big game? Or Keenan McCardell’s? Jon Gruden, you tease.
Anthony Becht, TE, Jets
Two TDs Sunday were nice, but he hadn’t scored since Nov. 17, 2002.
BANK IT
Week 7 locks
1. Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks vs. Bears
2. Aaron Brooks, QB, Saints at Falcons
3. Trent Green, QB, Chiefs at Raiders
4. Travis Henry, RB, Bills vs. Redskins
– Skins tend to be soft on TEs and pass-catching backs.
5. William Green, RB, Browns vs. Chargers
6. Santana Moss, WR, Jets at Texans
7. Terry Glenn, WR, Cowboys at Lions
8. Jeremy Shockey TE, Giants vs. Eagles
9. John Hall, K, Redskins at Bills
10. Seahawks defense vs. Bears
BUSTED
Week 7 stiffs
1. Jeff Garcia, QB, 49ers vs. Bucs
2. Joey Harrington QB, Lions vs. Cowboys
3. Mike Cloud, RB, Patriots at Dolphins
4. Eddie George, RB, Titans at Panthers
5. Stacey Mack, RB, Texans vs. Jets
6. Olandis Gary, RB, Lions vs. Cowboys
7. James Thrash, WR, Eagles at Giants
8. Jerry Rice, WR, Raiders vs. Chiefs
– Did poorly against Chiefs in ’02 when Raiders were good.
9. Matt Stover, K, Ravens at Bengals
10. 49ers defense vs. Bucs
Walking wounded
Injuries that could affect your lineup:
Daunte Culpepper, QB, Vikings
Will return from back injury.
Stephen Davis, RB, Panthers
Davis will play with bruised forearm.
Jake Plummer, QB, Broncos
Out about four weeks with a broken foot.
Todd Pinkston, WR, Eagles
Hurt knee won’t keep him down, but TD drops might.
Willis McGahee, RB, Bills
Will practice for first time since surgery.
Eric Moulds, WR, Bills
Questionable with groin tear.
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plthompson@tribune.com.
