PPR Sleepers
RB Jonathan Stewart, CAR (RB - #27)
For about 3 years now saavy owners have snatched up Stewart waiting for either injuries to DeAngelo Williams, or the coaching staff to recognize his "superior" talent (hogwash) and give him a feature roll. It isn't going to happen. What I like: His ADP is around 70-80 right now, and that's a moderate investment for his upside. Targeted 61 times Stewart managed 47 receptions in 2011, and is clearly the only RB in Carolina with a roll in the passing game. Even if nothing changes, Stewart is a reasonable flex play, and adds a nice bit of depth to your running game. What I don't like: The time share isn't going away. As Carolina found their stride at the end of last season, so did Stewart, averaging 6.1 ypc over the final 8 games. Awesome right? Yeah, well so did DeAngelo, who averaged 5.9 and has the big contract. Either runner could be a top 10 back if the other goes down, but the only one I'd own in PPR is J-Stew.
RB Ryan Williams, ARI
WIlliams or Wells? Hah! Both are coming off major injuries, but if I had to take a chance on Wells at an ADP of 69, or Williams 3 rounds later, it's a no brainer. Williams might be a complete back, Wells definitely is not. Wells has had 2 knee surgeries in 3 years, has no role in the passing game, and isn't even considered a particularly good blocker. Really, I'd recommend him to absolutely no one in PPR. What I like: Williams has the talent and opportunity to win this job outright. Even if he doesn't, the potential for him to be a feature back by mid-season is very high. The risk reward here is excellent. What I don't like: Again, the obvious stuff. It's hard enough for me to get excited about rookie RB's, much less ones who are still rehabbing an injury that cost them their first year. Whether Williams is the same player he was in college is anyone's guess, and whether the player he was in college was even good enough to be a relevant fantasy RB, is also only speculation. That said, if we see glimpses of his explosiveness in the pre-season, I'd feel pretty good about him.
Injury Status: Injured Reserve
