Best-Ball Sleepers - Who to Target After Round 10 in MFL10s

Here at RotoBaller, we are aware that many of you have embraced the MFL10 format with overwhelming passion. As a result, we have dedicated our efforts toward ensuring that you have abundant resources to boost your chances for success. Our Best-Ball rankings are included with the extensive ranking options that are available to you regardless of what formats you are participating in. You can also find a large number of articles that have been designed help you formulate a plan before proceeding through your upcoming MFL10 drafts.

While you understandably place great emphasis on determining which players to select during the early and middle rounds of your Best-Ball drafts, your decisions once the draft has progressed beyond Round 10 can also determine whether your team will remain competitive throughout the year. Particularly since you will not have the benefit of a waiver wire.

Here is a list of sleepers that should be available after Round 10. You could be rewarded significantly by targeting them if players that you secured earlier are sidelined by protracted injuries or consistently deliver underwhelming production during the year.

Quarterbacks

Marcus Mariota, QB16, Tennessee, ADP 119

Just one year ago, Mariota was a popular draft target for many owners, and there were legitimate reasons for the optimism that prompted his seventh round ADP. During an encouraging 2016 regular season, he had built an impressive 21:3 touchdown-to- interception ratio from Weeks 5-12, while averaging 259 YPG during that same eight-game stretch. But Mariota did not elevate into a top-tier signal caller during his third season. Instead, nagging injuries, and the debilitating ceiling that Mike Mularkey’s "Exotic Smashmouth" approach placed on his potential for success contributed to a discouraging year in which his passing yardage declined (3,232), and his touchdown-to-interception ratio collapsed to a horrific 13:15. Fortunately, the prospects of a significant statistical rebound are immense, as new offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur will spearhead a more aggressive approach that should maximize Mariota’s duel-threat capabilities. His ADP currently resides anywhere from 119 to 136, which presents owners with an opportunity to be rewarded with low end QB1 production in exchange for a limited investment.

Mitch Trubisky, QB23, Chicago, ADP 150                                                                            

When your draft progresses to Round 13, you should discover that this second-year signal caller is still available. Even though the promise of a rejuvenated Chicago attack comprised of vastly improved weaponry looms for Trubisky, many owners are either immersed in his unimpressive QB28 finish during 2017, or believe that their focus should permanently shift to other positions once there are two quarterbacks on their rosters. However, not only should Trubisky's output rise this season, but having three signal callers in the best-ball format can be advisable - as anyone who drafted Aaron Rodgers and Mariota as their only two quarterbacks last season can attest. That pairing seemed extremely potent entering Week 1, but when Rodgers was sidelined between Weeks 6-14, Mariota struggled to an unsightly 7/11 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a 224 YPG average while serving as the only source of scoring at quarterback on those rosters. But Trubisky is capable of protecting your roster from similar challenges that might result from multiple injuries, or chronically substandard point totals. Head coach Matt Nagy will develop an offense that takes advantage of Trubisky’s multi-threat capabilities, and he will accumulate favorable numbers while operating with an upgraded cluster of weapons that includes Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, and Trey Burton.

Also: Case Keenum, QB22, Denver, ADP 147, Eli Manning, QB26, ADP 164

Running Backs

Devontae Booker, RB46, Denver, ADP 126

I recently secured Booker in the 14^th round of one draft, which underscores the disdain that many owners have held for this third-year back. While his ADP has risen over the past two weeks, others still dismiss him outright as an option. The lack of enthusiasm is somewhat understandable, since Booker’s output as a rusher (3.6 YPC on 253 attempts) has not provided tangible evidence that he can sustain desirable weekly results as a feature back. However, it is premature to dispatch him from the fantasy landscape despite optimism concerning third-round pick Royce Freeman (RB33/ADP 84). Booker has paced Broncos runners in receptions (30.5) and receiving yards (270) during each of his first two seasons, and Freeman would need to make a seamless adjustment to the professional level in order for Booker to lose all viability. That seems unlikely, and it is plausible that Booker can maintain a role as Denver’s primary pass catching back even if Freeman’s transition is fluid. Owners should take advantage of the chance to seize Booker at his current ADP before perception closes ground on the reality of his remaining opportunity.

Latavius Murray, RB54, Minnesota, ADP 161

The current state of Murray’s ADP is predominantly a byproduct of Dalvin Cook’s imminent return. Cook was third overall with 354 rushing yards, and second with a 88.5 YPG average, before the auspicious start to his professional career ended in Week 4. Murray had carried just seven times from Weeks 1-3, but with Cook sidelined, he averaged 17 attempts per game from Weeks 5-17. That expanded workload enabled him to average 74.5 YPG after Week 7, while his eight rushing touchdowns tied for sixth in that category. His opportunities will certainly decline with Cook destined to re-emerge as Minnesota's clear RB1. However, it is unlikely that Murray’s role as the Vikings' second back will leave him completely discarded from the team’s strategic approach. New offensive coordinator John DeFilippo is already familiar with Murray from their time with the Raiders (2013-2014), and he should receive carries as a complementary component to Cook. Game scripts could also orchestrate that Murray's production will boost your scoring during various weeks of the season, which easily justifies the deployment of a 14^th round pick.

Peyton Barber, RB59, Tampa Bay, ADP 177

The 5'11", 225-pound Barber led Tampa Bay with 423 rushing yards last season, while being allotted 15.6 carries during the Buccaneers' last five contests. However, his situation is now similar to Booker's, as he will enter training camp in competition with a high-profile rookie. It is reasonable to anticipate second-round selection Ronald Jones (RB29/ADP 65) eventually carving out a substantial role, and he possesses a combination of skills that should eventually allow him to surpass Barber on the depth chart. But that is partially dependent on how quickly Tampa Bay’s coaching staff reaches an acceptable comfort level with his proficiency in other aspects of being an NFL back beyond running the ball. Barber is also capable of achieving a sustained role even after he is operating as a complement to Jones. This should consist of short yardage situations, including the coveted goal line carries. Barber's ongoing presence might become a disappointment throughout much of the season for anyone who is utilizing a sixth-round pick on Jones, but it elevates Barber's appeal on the threshold of Round 15 in your drafts.

Also: Corey Clement, RB52, Philadelphia, ADP 146, Javorius Allen, RB66, Baltimore, ADP 205  

Wide Receivers

Josh Doctson, WR52, Washington, ADP 138
After a prolonged Achilles issue limited Doctson to just two catches as a rookie in 2016, the combination of his route running ability and his potential to win contested throws made him an increasingly popular roster stash in 2017. His eventual numbers did not create the pathway to unquestioned relevance that many had projected (35 receptions/502 yards). However, he did lead Washington in red zone targets (15), and receiving touchdowns (six), while his 78 targets trailed only Jamison Crowder. But the uncertainty of how Alex Smith will distribute the ball to his collection of receiving weapons causes hesitation in many owners when considering the selection of Doctson. Crowder appears to be his primary competitor for targets, although Paul Richardson and Jordan Reed are also prospective candidates to commandeer opportunities. However, Richardson’s chances of flourishing with Smith as his signal caller are equally debatable, rookie Trey Quinn could siphon Crowder's slot opportunities as the season progresses, and Reed’s ability to achieve season-long health remains elusive. Smith’s willingness to launch 50/50 throws will be a critical factor in determining Doctson’s productivity, but the risk involved with drafting him at his current ADP is minimal.

Rishard Matthews, WR53, Tennessee, ADP 139

Calvin Ridley and Marqise Lee are among the 52 receivers being selected before Matthews departs the board in Round 12, even though Matthews has delivered the more proven track record of achievement. When he was unencumbered by health issues in 2016, Matthews accrued the best numbers of his career (65/945), while tying for sixth among all receivers with nine touchdowns. Some owners are bypassing Matthews due to his disappointing output last season, but that can partially be attributed to the overall degeneration of a Tennessee passing attack that only manufactured 14 touchdowns. He still finished second among all Titans with 87 targets, and there are multiple reasons for optimism heading into this season. Eric Decker is gone, and the 83 targets that he garnered will be redistributed. Matthews also has a legitimate opportunity to approach his 2016 reception and yardage totals while operating in LaFleur's offense. Even if Corey Davis ascends to the degree that many are projecting, Matthews can deliver production that exceeds his 12th round ADP.

Tyrell Williams, WR67, Los Angeles Chargers, ADP 185

Williams is barely contained within the top 200 at his current ADP, as Chris Godwin, Tyler Lockett, Keelan Cole, and teammate Mike Williams, are among the 66 receivers that are being selected before him. It is conceivable that some of the owners who currently eschew Williams also secured him with an eighth-round draft pick just one year ago. That decision would have led to a disappointing return on their investment (43 receptions/728 yards/four touchdowns).  However, anyone who was expecting him to replicate his 2016 output (69 receptions/1,059 yards/7 touchdowns) should have anticipated a statistical decline due to the collection of receiving weapons that were at Philip Rivers' disposal. Even without Hunter Henry in the lineup, the Charger signal caller still benefits from having a multitude of options. This will lead to erratic production from Williams, and many of the team’s other potential targets. But this should not create a massive concern in the best ball format, as he could deliver favorable numbers during multiple games. This will be beneficial toward your overall scoring total, and makes Williams worthy of a 15th round pick.

Also: Danny Amendola, WR71, Miami, ADP 195, Chester Rogers, WR109, Indianapolis, ADP 314

Tight Ends

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE18, Jacksonville, ADP 149

Seferian-Jenkins quietly entered the Jets' lineup following a two-game suspension last September, then proceeded to establish new season highs in receptions (50), and yardage (357). Now, he has been placed in a situation that should enable him to accumulate fantasy points at a position in which consistent scoring is often difficult to attain. Even though Jacksonville's roster seemingly contains an assembly line of wide receivers, Seferian-Jenkins faces minimal competition for the Jaguars TE1 slot. This should provide enough opportunities for him to remain productive, particularly if he capitalizes on chances near the goal line. Marcedes Lewis garnered a team high 10 red zone targets last season and paced the Jaguars with five receiving touchdowns. He also played on 79% of Jacksonville’s offensive snaps, and Seferian-Jenkins has an excellent opportunity to exceed his previous career bests in receiving yards and touchdowns (4) if he is deployed in similar fashion. He is still just 25, and the 2018 version of this once mercurial tight end appears laser-focused toward generating the best numbers of his career. Owners can reap the benefits by simply investing a 13^th round pick.

Ricky Seals-Jones, Arizona, TE26, ADP 191

As the weeks unfold, the lure of this converted wide receiver who is being chosen after 25 other tight ends should escalate. Not only will he have the benefit of operating within an offense that will be saddled with a dearth of dynamic receiving weapons, but Arizona signal callers Sam Bradford and Josh Rosen should be inclined to utilize the 6’5” 240-pound Seals-Jones as a checkdown option regardless of which quarterback is under center. Especially considering the challenges that they will encounter while attempting to guide the offense behind a substandard line. It might be tempting to dismiss Seals-Jones as the result of his miniscule snap count last season (132/11.7%), but his accomplishments amid just 28 targets should embolden more owners to select him at a point that is essentially devoid of risk. Five of his 12 receptions generated 20+ yards, while he accrued 201 yards, averaged 16.8 YPC, and scored three times. Given the distressing numbers that many tight end selections will deliver this season, you should consider embracing the potential of Seals-Jones.

Also: Jared Cook, TE20, Oakland, ADP 157, Vance McDonald, TE22, Pittsburgh, ADP 167

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