SportsBank: Top 5 Fantasy Bargains

The NFL regular season will soon be upon us.  More importantly, this means fantasy football season is just around the corner.  Once again Sundays will become the day best friends become mortal enemies as they face off on the virtual gridiron.  Everyone knows who to take at the top -- Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, Arian Foster -- but it's the hidden talent, players primed for breakout seasons, that make the difference in the end.  Whether you're devising a trade, or looking for who to take in the late rounds of your upcoming draft, these are the guys that can put you on top.  So without further ado... here are my Top 5 fantasy bargains for the 2011 season.

1. Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit 

Granted, he does look
like he's 15.

Its hardly a secret that Stafford has elite talent, but his short career has been limited due to a string of injuries.  If Stafford manages to make it through the 2011 season unscathed, there is little doubt he will quickly climb the ranks of top-end fantasy quarterbacks.  With no shortage of weapons, including Calvin Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew, Jahvid Best and, more surprisingly, Nate Burleson (who has had a strong preseason) the young QB should easily rack up yards and touchdowns.  Additionally, only two teams threw the ball more than the Lions, who had played backup quarterbacks, last year.  More importantly, if you are willing to take the risk he wont be sidelined by injury this year, you may be able to pass on one of the bigger name quarterbacks, focusing on an elite WR or RB and wait to take Stafford in a later round.


2. Mario Manningham, WR, New York Giants 

Manningham is on the verge of no longer being considered a true 'sleeper' pick.  In fact, last year the wideout hauled in 60 receptions for 944 yards and 9 touchdowns.  Yet Manningham's average ESPN draft position is 68th.  Lining up across from stud Hakeem Nicks, Manningham should see a number of favorable matchups again... and I expect his numbers will increase, just as they have over the first 3 years of his career.  Despite what some will tell you about Eli, expect him to get the ball to Manningham more than enough to make him a viable fantasy starter this year.



3. LaGarrette Blount, RB, Tampa Bay 
Unlike last season, Blount wont be taking people by surprise this year.  After putting up over 1,000 yards and 6 TDs in only 13 games last season, I expect Blount's numbers to increase quite a bit on a young, improving Tampa team.  He's not going until late in the 3rd round in most ESPN leagues, and if he's there for you, you should take him.  Alongside up and coming QB Josh Freeman, Blount has the size, and ability to become a top-10/top-15 RB this season.

4. Jimmy Graham, TE, New Orleans 
Graham became a fantasy darling to owners in the second half of the season.  Now, with Jeremy Shockey out of the picture, Graham will be the starter from week one.  More importantly, he has Drew Brees throwing to him.  Graham will likely become a red zone favorite, and pick up right where he left off, as he scored 4 touchdowns in the final 3 games last year.  Although there appear to be a lot of solid options at tight end this season, Graham isn't going until round 11, or so, in most leagues.  While most tight ends won't make or break your team, Graham has the potential to become a top 5 fantasy starter at his position.

5. Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta
While most fantasy experts will tell you to steer clear of rookies (and that is usually sound advice) Jones is most definitely worth a second look.  In Atlanta's high powered offense, Jones will see favorable matchup opportunities all season long.   While defenses key in on stopping Michael Turner and top corners cover All-Pro wideout Roddy White, quarterback Matt Ryan will have many opportunities to throw to Jones in single coverage.  As anyone who watched him in college knows, Jones has all the tools to become an star NFL wideout.  He's being taken, on average, in the 10th round.  If he's available in the later rounds of your draft, take him.  He might just turn into a solid fantasy starter sooner than most think.