As the NFL season reaches the half-way mark, fantasy football has finally reached a whole new level of intensity. If you happened to draft or pick up one of the following players, you have probably been all smiles so far; if you didn't, you're not really to blame: these sleepers came out of nowhere.
*Stats are based on the standard ESPN scoring system, after Week 7
1. Chiefs D/ST (#1 D/ST, 123 points)- The last remaining undefeated team happens to be the Kansas City Chiefs, basically the same team that went 2-14 last year. If you said that the Chiefs would start the season at 7-0, stop lying. However, Andy Reid's squad has been led by an outstanding defense that seems to score a touchdown almost every game, and Justin Houston (10 sacks) and Tamba Hali (9 sacks) create pressure that leads to turnovers. If for some reason the Kansas City D hasn't been picked up in your fantasy league, hop on that right now. In 2.1% of leagues, the Chiefs are still not owned, despite the fact that they have 35 more points than the next best defense. You're welcome in advance.
2. Jordan Cameron (#3 TE, 84 points)- Another surprise team this season has been the Cleveland Browns, who, after the trade that sent star running back Trent Richardson to the Colts, looked unlikely to win a game the rest of the year. Now, they are 3-4, tied for second in the abnormally weak AFC North, mostly due to the help of Cameron. He has proved to be a consistent target, racking up over 500 yards and 6 touchdowns while helping relative newcomer quarterbacks Brandon Weeden and Brian Hoyer adjust to the competition of the NFL. Cameron is only behind Jimmy Graham of the Saints and Julius Thomas of the Broncos, two veteran fantasy studs, in terms of tight end point totals, and should continue to help out the fantasy teams who were smart enough (or lucky enough) to pick him up.
3. Geno Smith (#18 QB, 93 points)- This pains me to say as a Patriots fan, but Geno Smith has exceeded all expectations thus far. Many NFL fans, and even Jets fans, expected little from Smith and his teammates this season, but oh how wrong they were. Although he has 11 interceptions and only 8 touchdowns, Smith has had some brilliant performances (see 10/20 vs. New England and 10/7 vs. Atlanta) and has the Jets in second place in a division that is usually mercilessly dominated by Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. He can be a useful backup on any fantasy team and can serve as a perfect bye-week replacement, and is owned in only 9.4% of leagues at this point.
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| Cameron celebrates a TD with his teammates (Credit: NY Daily News) |
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