Sneaky Scoring Machines – Part IIRBs and TEsThis week we continue to “out” the sneaky men who are ready to wow fantasy owners with their surprising scoring prowess. Last week we filled you in on the sleepers at the quarterback and wide receiver positions. Now it is time to expose the running backs and tight ends who are ready to exceed expectations and give their owners quite a treat. Michael Pittman (RB), Tampa Bay: We chicks believe in the power of Chucky. There is no question Coach Gruden will jump-start the Bucs’ offense and boost a running game that finished 30th in the league last season. Pittman is the perfect back for Gruden’s offense - he is big and durable, yet elusive. Pittman is also a great receiver who has caught 115 passes in the last two seasons. This should be the year Pittman powers his way into the hearts of fantasy owners.
DeShaun Foster (RB), Carolina: Lamar Smith may top the depth chart, but he certainly is not “the man” in Carolina. Smith was a workhorse in Miami, however he only averaged a piddly 3.1 yards per carry. The Panthers will need more production out of their running back if they want to put their 1-15 season behind them. Foster suffered from fumblitis while at UCLA, however he has big-play potential and he also is an excellent receiver. Foster has been bedazzling his coaches in mini-camps and may prove to be the most thrilling of the rookie running backs.
Clinton Portis (RB), Denver: A couple months ago the Broncos backfield appeared very crowded. However, Terrell Davis is hobbling around again and has only played in 17 of the last 49 games for the Broncos. Olandis Gary has spent more time in the infirmary than on the field the last two seasons as well. Meanwhile, Mike Anderson has been excelling in his new fullback position. Rookie Clinton Portis may very well have an opportunity to strut his stuff. The Broncos running game should once again thrive this season. Brian Griese will have stud receiver Ed McCaffrey back and Shannon Sharpe returns after a two-year departure. This should loosen up the rush attack.
Travis Henry (RB), Buffalo: The Bills’ powerful back is ready to shine as one of this year’s Sophomore Sensations. Buffalo has fortified their offensive line with mammoth rookie Mike Williams and free agent acquisition Trey Teague (Denver). They have also added stud power at quarterback by trading for Drew Bledsoe, which will take the pressure off the ground game. Henry is looking healthy after off-season arthroscopic surgery on his knee and has already got his timing down with Bledsoe, which will make him a receiving threat out of the backfield. Watch out, AFC East!
Byron Chamberlain (TE), Minnesota: Somebody has to make up for Cris Carter’s 68 receptions now that the whiny Pro Bowler is gone. We know Randy Moss wishes all those passes would go his way, but he will have to share some of those balls. Last year Byron quietly racked up 54 receptions. This season, the Vikings plan on making Chamberlain a larger part of the passing offense by using him as a slot receiver at times. Sounds like a recipe for increased production!
Freddie Jones (TE), Arizona: The Cardinals are a team on the rise and Freddie Jones will prove to be an integral piece of the puzzle. Jones is one of the best receiving tight ends in the league and he caught 71 passes in 2000. The Cardinals are looking for better red zone production this season and they are devising plays to get Jones the ball inside the 20-yard line. Translation: this boy will be scoring!
Jerremy Stevens (TE), Seattle: We chicks have always been enamored by the bad boys, but we were not planning on jumping on this naughty tight end until Trent Dilfer started gushing about him. “He’s huge!” exclaimed the smitten quarterback. Dilfer also praised Stevens’ running and catching ability. With Dilfer running the show, we trust the passing game will be clicking under Holmgren’s tutelage. Stevens may be a long shot, but in our eyes he is a tempting shot worth taking.
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