DLF’s 2018 IDP Predictions: Fantasy Sleeper of the Year
Every July and August people are looking for sleepers, players on the come up or comeback. They want to know who is going to be the next Alvin Kamara or, on the flip side, who runs the risk of being the next Willie Snead? Whether you’re reading because you’re into dynasty leagues, keeper leagues or just the annual redraft, you’re looking for the value of the hidden gem, the next big thing, and trying to avoid the next big pitfall.
Offensive leagues are infinitely more popular than IDP leagues, I’m not living under a rock, but whether it’s a website, a podcast or a show on SiriusXM, the offensive talents have been discussed over and over to the point every player has been on the breakout and the breakdown lists. You’re here because you like a meatier cut of heavily marbled fantasy beef. You’re here for the 32-ounce tomahawk ribeye with a bone sticking out of it so far it looks like a weapon of war, and you know what? It is.
After having to step away for the off-season, I return for another season of IDP writing for Dynasty League Football and what better way than to reach out to my IDP brethren, from DLF and beyond, and ask them for their picks for the following categories:
IDP Comeback Player of the Year
IDP Sell
IDP Buy
IDP Rookie of the Year
IDP Sleeper of the Year
IDP MVP
Please note I have included the Twitter handles of each person who contributed. If you’re reading this you should be following them. Today’s topic is IDP Sleeper of the Year.
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Jaquiski Tartt S, SF
He impressed in limited time in 2017 before breaking his arm. Going into 2018, he has a firm hold on the starting strong safety “Kam Chancellor” role on this team. I think he can produce right at the top end of safeties in 2018. – Tom Kislingbury @TomDegenerate
Cory Littleton, LB LAR
I really like Cory Littleton and I was quick to swoop in on him once the Rams dealt Alec Ogletree to the Giants. Littleton is entering his third season as a former undrafted player out of Washington and has paid his dues on special teams and as a sub-package player. He’s been wearing the green dot as the defensive signal caller and will be a three-down player this year. I think he could sneak into the top-15 linebackers in 2018. – Eric Olinger @OlingerIDP
Emmanuel Ogbah, DE CLE
He’s been balling out during the preseason and has Myles Garrett getting all the attention on the other side, which should allow him to wreak havoc. Cleveland’s defense is better than you think. – Doug Green @BigBoardIDP
Jaylon Smith, LB DAL
If it wasn’t for a gruesome leg injury in the Fiesta Bowl before Smith declared for the 2016 NFL Draft, he likely would have been a top-ten pick in the draft. Smith was and is a tremendous talent who has spent a good portion of his time in the NFL recovering from that injury. Reports of Cowboys camp say that Smith is flying around the field with the speed and talent that made him such a highly-regarded collegiate player pre-injury. – Pete Lawrence @_PeteLaw
Kentrell Brice, S GB
If Josh Jones can’t take the job from him, maybe we should give him a spot on our teams. – Andy Miley @AndrewMiley of Dynasty Trade Calculator
Quandre Diggs, CB DET
Despite having a cornerback designation according to MyFantasyLeague, Diggs has actually been lining up more at safety for Detroit in the preseason. Filling in for an injured Tavon Wilson last season, Diggs put up top-five defensive back numbers in weeks 13-17. – Walton Spurlin @WaltonSpurlin of PFF
Frank Clark, DE SEA
He has been a favorite of mine since his rookie year. With Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett now gone, it is his time to shine. A top-five finish is in the tea leaves. – Bill Latin @Bill Latin
Vonn Bell, S NO
Her’s not the deepest of sleepers but Bell stepping into a role as a pure strong safety is going to be great for those that have stuck with him. Marcus Williams is an out-of-the-box free safety, Kenny Vacarro (who played a lot of slot anyway) is with the Titans, and Kurt Coleman hasn’t been relevant since before he was in Carolina. I’m expecting Bell to make a huge leap forward this year. – Adam Tzikas @Adamtz aka StickyZ
Christian Kirksey, LB CLE
I’ve been a Kirksey lover since day one and I was a bit early on him (predicted him to be the new Alonso). He may not really be a sleeper since he’s now creeping into the top-ten linebacker range for many experts. Regardless, he’s solid and I feel like he’s flying a little under the radar and is poised for a big year. – Kelly Smelser @PDWonderland
Reggie Ragland, ILB KCC
Remember when so many pundits thought Reggie Ragland was going to be a fantasy stud coming out of Alabama? Yeah, me neither – it’s amazing how easily I can block out the many, many times I’m wrong. However, Ragland should be on the doorstep of easily the best statistical season of his career. It’s not that he’s suddenly become a better player. He remains something of a “throwback” inside linebacker – a thumper-type who’s better against the run than in coverage. But he should play three downs this year for a Chiefs defense that’s going to struggle to get off the field out of necessity. And I expect the Chiefs to try to mask his deficiencies in space by having him attack the line of scrimmage with regularity. – Gary Davenport @IDPSharks of Fantasy Sharks, RotoWorld and Football Diehards
Come find me on Twitter @OlingerIDP
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- Dynasty IDP Waiver Wire: Week Seven - October 24, 2018
- Dynasty IDP Waiver Wire: Week Six - October 16, 2018
- Dynasty IDP Waiver Wire: Week Five - October 10, 2018
