It’s relatively common knowledge to know that fantasy sports leagues are not won in the first three rounds, but leagues can definitely be lost in those first three.  The key to league domination in fantasy sports is building the best foundation for your team, and that all starts with the fantasy draft.  Drafts are won in the middle-to-late rounds and here are five sleepers (most available on waivers) to keep on your radar heading into the 2017 Fantasy Football Season.

 

 

QB: Eli Manning, New York Giants

Over the years, Eli Manning has been one of the most inconsistent fantasy producers from the quarterback position. There are two factors that will resurrect Eli from fantasy dumpster fire to fantasy sleeper in 2017; an improved offensive line and Brandon Marshall.

 

RB: Jamaal Charles, Denver Broncos

For the better part of a decade, Charles has been a dynamic do-all running back. When healthy, Charles has been one of the most prolific running backs in the NFL. We all know Charles’ knees are held together by gum and toothpicks but incumbent starter, C.J. Anderson is no beacon of health. If anything should happen to Anderson, Charles would find himself in a starting role, once again.

 

RB: Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans

The well-known moniker, “Beast” has been thrown around a lot in today’s NFL to describe a player’s physical nature and stature.  Derrick Henry, physically, is as beastly of a running back as I have seen, since Eddie George. DeMarco Murray is aging and the Tennessee Titans are injecting youth into their roster, setting them up for the future.  I do believe Henry is a big part of that future and I would not be surprised if the future is closer to the present than we may think.  I think Henry will get 200 carries on the ground and believe it or not, 35 receptions.  Let’s face it, Murray isn’t exactly a beacon of health.  Henry’s stock is definitely on the rise.

 

WR: Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals

Size and speed are coveted among NFL General Managers, and Boyd has both.  Listed at 6’3″ and clocked at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, Boyd is an intriguing prospect for fantasy in 2017.  Now, entering his second year, Boyd will look to build off of his 54-catch, 603-yard performance.  The young wideout was limited to just one touchdown reception last season, but with a healthy A.J. Green returning to lead the Bengals’ offense, I am expecting big things from Boyd this year.

 

 

WR: Malcolm Mitchell, New England Patriots

Another second-year player makes this list.  With the loss of Julian Edelman for 2017, I expect Mitchell to earn a larger role in the Patriots’ offense.  Mitchell didn’t see much of the field until the second half of 2016, but in weeks 9-12, his per-game average was 5.5 receptions,  66 yards, and 1 touchdown; good enough to finish each of those four weeks as a top-26 wide receiver.  I expect Mitchell to improve in year two, and the Edelman injury only helps his case to earn more playing time in the dynamic Patriots offense.

 

There it is.  Five Fantasy Football Sleepers heading into 2017.  Visit FantasySportsStudios.com to stay informed on current fantasy analysis and