Philadelphia
Eagles
Sleeper: LeSean McCoy – Shady has proven himself more than a simple handcuff. Brian Westbrook’s missed time has allowed McCoy the opportunity to impress. This will not be the only time this season that Westbrook will be on the sidelines, but even when he’s healthy, look for the Eagles to utilize both runners. Westbrook has been falling in recent mocks. If you gamble on him in your draft, be sure to select McCoy prior to the competition. He’s currently being drafted towards the end of the seventh round. His impressive preseason performances have drawn attention from fantasy nation. If I’m a Westbrook owner I’d plan on having to use a sixth-round pick to land the talented rook.
Bust: Michael Vick – Vick’s value would get a stock bump if he was categorized as a WR or RB. He won’t see enough snaps to warrant a QB start. I’m sure that the Eagles will get creative in his usage, but his classification as a quarterback will prohibit fantasy GM’s from utilizing him in flex scenarios or at the WR3 spot. I’m sure he’ll piece together a few highlights, but there is better talent available in the later rounds that are more deserving of a flier.
Dallas
Cowboys
Sleeper: Patrick Crayton – Even with Terrell Owens leaving town, Crayton found himself in an all-out dog fight for the starting position opposite Roy Williams. Early camp rumors had Miles Austin as the favorite to win the battle. But Crayton has impressed during camp, staking claim on his spot. Not only did he beat out
Bust: Roy Williams – For whatever reason, Williams is a player that has been over-valued in both fantasy and reality. There is not a wide receiver in the league playing under more pressure. The Cowboys mortgaged the farm to get him. Their return on investment won’t equal out. He has had an entire offseason to get familiar with the system. He’ll bounce back from last season, but will not be worth his current ADP (Round 4.5 – 41st pick overall). I think I’ll pass.
New York
Giants
Sleeper: Ahmad Bradshaw – After spending the entire ‘08 season in the dog house, Bradshaw has been let loose. He’s impressing in preseason action and is due to assume Derrick Ward duties in the Giants powerful ground game. The loss of Plaxico Burress will have the G-Men relying more heavily on the run. Given Brandon Jacobs’ style of running, Bradshaw will get a few starts throughout the season.
Sleeper: Domenik Hixon – Hixon struggled in ‘08 as he was forced into the WR1 spot for the Giants. With a year to become acclimated to the role, Hixon is in a better space heading into ‘09. No solidified positions were identified heading into camp, but Hixon has held on to his spot, outworking rookie Hakeem Nicks. He is still not a legitimate No. 1 threat, but he remains the Giants’ No. 1 option. Current ADP trends suggest you can grab him on the cheap.
Washington
Redskins
Sleeper: Ladell Betts – Clinton Portis came out the gates running. He looked clean in his cuts and displayed the burst he’d been lacking since his
Bust: Jason Campbell – One can come up with numerous reasons why