John Morgan of Field Gulls offers some fantasy tips on the Seattle Seahawks.
I don't even know what sleeper means anymore. The guy autodraft ignores? Or the one where your buddy, wonderin' where Shaun Alexander went, never heard of? And is the best fantasy option the one who will score the most points or the one who is more valuable than their projected draft slot? Anyway, I'm tired and curmudgeonly. Don't mind me. How about then we look at Seattle's best and best sleeper with an eye to value over projected round. I can do that.
Seattle's "Best" Fantasy Option: Matt Hasselbeck
Projected Round in a 12 team league: Y! 6-7, ESPN 5
Value: 7-9
I like Hasselbeck, but his stock suffers because of the depth of talent at QB. Though an improved running attack and improved offensive line will help his actual performance, those two factors should also ensure Seattle avoids abandoning the running game. He's not likely to push 4,000 yards again, nor is he likely to improve upon the 28 touchdowns he threw last season. With players like McNabb, Rivers, Cutler and Schaub falling into the mid to late rounds, it's probably not worth it to reach for Hasselbeck.
Seattle's Best Fantasy "Sleeper": Julius Jones
Projected Round: Y! 6, ESPN 4
Value: 3-4
Jones takes a knock in league's that emphasize touchdowns over all other stats. It's hard to be sure Jones will get most of the looks in the red zone. Mike Holmgren is a traditionalist, and with a back like TJ Duckett in the mix, Jones might cede carries within the 10. Jones gets a boost in points per receptions leagues. Holmgren is enamored with his newfound ability to pass to his backs, and after last year's intimate look at his play card, we know he's wanted to "just call" screen passes.
Either way, despite some recent hype and ubiquitous "sleeper" status, Jones is a safe value in almost every league. Seattle's combination of strong D and a good projected record means the Hawks will find themselves protecting a lot of leads. Remember the golden rule: Winning teams produce good fantasy rushers.