Top 5 Van Winkles

My top five sleepers for the 2011 fantasy football season are all players with a new team, including one rookie. These players have lowered expectations because of previous mediocre seasons, but a change in scenery could be just what the doctor ordered.

5. Matt Hasselbeck, QB (TEN) This is a guy that has been mediocre the past two seasons with a rebuilding Seattle team. While he is not exactly stepping into a system built to win this year, he is gaining one very valuable asset in his backfield. Chris Johnson will draw eight men into the box on a regular basis, putting the Titans’ receivers in man-to-man coverage. Johnson will also be used as a receiver out of the backfield for Hasselbeck and is dangerous with the ball in the open field. Expect Hasselbeck to go undrafted in most leagues, but he could be worth a late round draft choice.

4. Julio Jones, WR (ATL) I’m not a big fan of drafting rookies early in my fantasy draft, but if there is one to pick, this is the guy. There is a reason Atlanta gave up the farm to trade up in the draft to get this guy. Unlike many early draft choices, Jones joins a team that is built to win this year. After Roddy White’s stellar 2010 season, defenses will be forced to pay him a lot of attention, not to mention the respect that defenses will give Michael Turner. Add Tony Gonzalez to that mix as well. Jones will see a lot of one-on-one matchups, and has the athletic ability to dominate. Temper your expectations early in the season as this rookie adjusts, but don’t be shy about taking him as your second receiver.

3. Todd Heap, TE (ARI) Heap is still a very good tight end in this league. He moves to Arizona this year, which is a pass-first offense (Arizona was last in rushing last year) with a new quarterback. As has been stated by every fantasy analyst and their mother, a young quarterback’s best friend is his tight end. Heap is going to see a lot of passes thrown his way. Heap will go undrafted just about everywhere, and is a bit of a deep sleeper, but he could be looking at a special season in Arizona.

Treat! Treat! Courtesy SI.

2. Chad Ochocinco, WR (NE) Cincinnati was a mess last year. Cincinnati will be a mess this year. Chad Ochocinco no longer plays in Cincinnati. Ochocinco is listed on New England’s depth chart as the number two receiver behind Wes Welker, but Welker will play the slot. Ochocinco may not have the speed he once had, but he will be Tom Brady’s number one deep threat in an offense that likes to run up the score. Does anyone remember the Randy Moss career revival in his first year in New England? Ochocinco may not have that type of a season, but I’m predicting 10 touchdowns for him this year, which would match a career high.

1. Donovan McNabb, QB (MIN) McNabb is my number one sleeper pick for 2011. After the fiasco in Washington, McNabb’s stock is way down. The truth is, Washington can make anyone look bad. McNabb is aging and has more miles on him than a typical 34-year-old quarterback because of the mobile quarterback he was in years gone by, but I’m convinced he can still get it done in this league. With Adrian Peterson to hand off to, McNabb won’t be asked to do it all. He still has enough mobility to gain you a few points rushing the ball as well. McNabb has the starting job firmly in hand for the season, and looks to give it one last hoorah in Minnesota. Hoorah.