2015 Fantasy Football: Last Minute Sleepers
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Wide Receivers:
Jordan Matthews, Eagles (17th WR, 4th round) – Not only did Matthews have an impressive rookie season with 67 catches for 872 yards and 8 TDs, but the Eagles let Jeremy Maclin and his 143 targets leave town. Matthews should be the beneficiary of most of that action with only rookie Nelson Agholor brought in to replace Maclin. I expect Matthews to surpass Maclin’s targets from last year and be Sam Bradford’s primary target in the Eagles high-octane offense. I don’t think a 100 / 1200 / 12 fantasy line is out of reach for Matthews if he stays healthy.
Jarvis Landry, Dolphins (33rd WR, 10th round) – Yes, that is three Dolphins on this list and I’m not embarrassed about it in the slightest. They run a Eagles-lite offensive scheme with more explosive weapons than they have in Philly. As a rookie Landry had 84 catches, one of the highest catch rates in the league, and 758 yards. Landry has been unstoppable so far in the preseason and I think this is the year he makes the leap into the top 15 WR tier. You’ll never be able to get him this cheap again so might as well take advantage of it.
Davante Adams, Packers (35th WR, 10th round) – Jordy Nelson has been injured for over a week now, so there is no excuse for Adams to still be going this low. He’s a 2nd round pick from last year’s draft who was dominant in college (233 catches, 38 TDs) and showed flashes with the Packers last season with two 100+ yard receiving games over his last six games. With Nelson out, Adams should be Aaron Rodgers’ #2 target which could lead to huge numbers. Much better numbers than you will get from most receivers drafted in the 10th round at least. Adams is a 5th-6th round pick at the latest in my opinion.
Charles Johnson, Vikings (43rd WR, 12th round) – Was Teddy Bridgewater’s go-to WR down the stretch last year and their rapport has carried over to training camp this season. Johnson has locked up a starting spot opposite deep-threat Mike Wallace and should lead the Vikings in receiving targets. The former 7th round pick from Grand Valley St came out of nowhere last season, but has the size (6’2 | 217), speed (4.38), and athleticism (39.5″ vert, 11.1 broad) to be a legit #1 WR.