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2010 SLEEPERS: K'S & DEF'S
by Scott Mickels
Published: August 25, 2010, 7:32 pm
K's  David Buehler, K, DAL: Buehler… Buehler… Buehler… Sorry, I couldn't resist. After being relegated to kick-off duties last season, Buehler is slated as the Cowboys starting kicker this year. He literally has no competition to worry about. He's looked great this pre-season making 6 of 7 field goal attempts through two pre-season games. Once the Kaeding's and Gostkowski's of the fantasy world are drafted, and likely higher than they should be, Buehler could be a steal in the last round of your draft kicking for such a potent offense. He has the potential to finish the season in the top 10 at the position in scoring.
 Nick Folk, K, NYJ: Since being named a Pro-Bowler in ‘07, Folk has steadily declined. A little over a year ago, he had surgery to repair a torn labrum (the cartilage that surrounds the socket in ball-and-socket joints) in his right hip. He was cut late in the season by the Cowboys last year, tried out this off-season for the Giants, but when it was all said and done wound up landing with the Jets. He's looked a little shaky this pre-season, but apparently has the confidence of his coach Rex Ryan. “I'm officially not worried about our Pro bowl kicker anymore.” Ryan said. It may take you a week or two, if not more, before you give him your full confidence, but Folk is someone to definitely keep in mind as he has nice bounce-back potential.
 Shayne Graham, K, BAL: Graham just couldn't get it done in the clutch last season, so the Bengals sent him packing. He winds up in Baltimore competing with Billy Cundiff for the starting kicker job. He's been as accurate as just about anyone the last decade or so, but just not in the clutch when it counts. I tend to think Graham will win the job in Baltimore. Provided that comes to fruition, he has the potential to return to his '03-'07 form.
Others to note:
Neil Rackers, K, HOU: Rackers is currently competing for the job in Houston with Kris Brown. Brown has been the Texans' kicker since '02 and likely has the inside edge, but kicking for the lowest field goal percentage in his career last year prompted the acquisition of Rackers. Rackers has a booming leg and a slightly better career field goal percentage than Brown. If he's able to steal the job away, he could be a viable option in deeper leagues.
Jason Hanson, K, DET: Hanson is just about as consistent yet unspectacular as they come. The 17-year vet has scored over 100 points 10 times. He's only scored under 80 points in a season once. When the elite kickers are off the board, Hanson could easily be gotten at a value. At best, he could be top 10 at the position. At worst, he could be a good bye-week option.
DEF'S Cleveland Browns, DEF: The front line will be anchored by Shawn Rogers as he gets moved to end in a 3-4. D'Qwell Jackson injured a pectoral muscle this pre-season, but if he's able to recover without needing surgery by Week 1 he'll lead a steady core at linebacker. Eric Wright will likely be paired with Sheldon Brown at the corner, and the secondary will also be impacted by exciting rookies Joe Haden and T. J. Ward. This unit looks to improve on a solid last month of the season in '09 in which they only allowed more than 17 points once in 4 games. They have a lot of promise, but could be hurt by their offense at times.
 Houston Texans, DEF: This unit has a ton of talent on the front 7, but seems to underachieve ever year. They're led by names such as Brian Cushing (who is suspended for the first four games of the season), Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans. When it comes to stopping the run, this squad is as good as any in the league. However, their glaring weakness is their secondary. They didn't re-sign the franchise's career interceptions leader in Dunta Robinson and have inexperienced no-names at corner in second-year player Glover Quin and rookie Kareem Jackson. One of the few bright spots in the secondary, Bernard Pollard, does return at safety. If the Texans can get some solid play out of their pass defense, they could quietly become a formidable and viable unit in fantasy.
 San Diego Chargers, DEF: It seems every time you're high on the Chargers they tend to disappoint and every time you expect nothing from them they surprise you. Well, this year seems to be one of those “expect nothing” years. This unit was gashed on the ground towards the end of the year, and consequently drafted Cam Thomas to help the defensive line. Shawn Merriman (although somewhat ineffective last season), Shaun Phillips and Larry English make up a solid trio at linebacker. In the secondary, Quentin Jammer will get some help from former Bears corner Nathan Vasher, and safety Eric Weddle is about as solid as they come. Of course, playing in the mediocre AFC West helps too. The key to this unit's success is their defensive line. If the front line can learn to stop the run and get some pressure on the quarterback, this squad could be a pleasant surprise this season.
Others to note:
Detroit Lions, DEF: The Lions have made some good moves this off-season to help their defensive line. They signed Kyle Vanden Bosch, traded for Corey Williams and drafted Ndamukong Suh. The trading of Ernie Sims at linebacker hurts, but DeAndre Levy stepped in admirably as a rookie last year and is expected to lead the way at linebacker this season. Louis Delmas is solid and exciting at safety and the return of Dre Bly helps solidify the secondary. This unit has a long way to go before they're fantasy relevant, but they're pointed in the right direction.
Indianapolis Colts, DEF: This is a team that returns all 11 starters on the defensive side of the ball. They're led by Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis up front. They have a solid secondary with good depth and they helped their cause by adding Deshea Townsend and drafting Jerry Hughes. If Bob Sanders could ever stay healthy, he would only help things. Most of us know the unit is typically hurt by their high-flying offense, but this may finally be the year the Colts D makes a name for themselves.
 Scott Mickels, FPM Staff Writer/Editor, Member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association
Support FPM! You can send your questions and comments to Scott at scottmickels@fantasyplaymakers.com
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