Sleeper Report 2010

It is almost July 4th, so that means there is really nothing going on in the NFL these days. The last few years around this time, I have provided my rankings for the potential sleepers for the upcoming NFL season. The formula for the sleeper is pretty simple: At least 10 losses the year before, the loss of big name player, and absolutely no hype heading into the next season. The sleeper rises up and makes a surprising turnaround and qualifies for the playoffs as every expert is saying "How the fuck did that happen?" Last year, Green Bay and Cincinnati both pulled the rabbit out of the hat and made the playoffs- correctly predicted by myself mind you. Here are the list of potential sleepers for the 2010 season: (Remember at least one of these teams will make the playoffs in 2010)

-Buffalo Bills (6-10 in 2009)

-Cleveland Browns (5-11 in 2009)

-Oakland Raiders (5-11 in 2009)

-Kansas City Chiefs (4-12 in 2009)

-Washington Redskins (4-12 in 2009)

-Detroit Lions (2-14 in 2009)

-Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-13 in 2009)

-Seattle Seahawks (5-11 in 2009)

-St. Louis Rams (1-15 in 2009)

9 teams total fit the ultimate sleeper criteria. Over the next few days/weeks, I will countdown the potential sleepers in order to see which team is the best sleeper pick for 2010.

Let's start the countdown.....

9) St. Louis Rams: The Rams have too many holes to fill to fully make a run at 9-7 this year. They are going to start Sam Bradford at QB, and that should give them a little spark, but the Rams are definitely two years away from contending for the playoffs.

8) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Raheem Morris Era might get grouped in with the other following Coaching Eras: The Rich Kotite Era, The Rod Rust Era, The Jim Mora Seattle Era, and the Ray Rhodes Era. All of these eras were monumental failures, and I think the Morris is way in over his head. I'm not sold on Josh Freeman, and I can't see the Bucs making a run in their division.

7) Buffalo Bills: At first glance the Bills look like a good sleeper, but then you realize that Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick are battling for the starting QB position. If the Bills had taken Jimmy Clausen in the second round of the draft, then maybe they would be an awesome sleeper choice. The Bills are like the Royals, and they are not making a run this year.

6) Cleveland Browns: Don't get fooled by the Browns winning four straight to end the season. This is just a one year shot for Eric Mangini and Jake Delhomme. Mike Holmgren is calling the shots, and the Browns will not make a run this year. Expect more of the same losing for the Browns in 2010.

5) Oakland Raiders: The Raiders have been on the cusp the last few years. Look at last year: They beat Philly, Denver, Cincy, and Pittsburgh. Plus, they played the Chargers very tough both times. The key for the Raiders is how much Jason Campbell is an improvement over JaMarcus Russell. Obviously, Campbell is an upgrade, but is Campbell enough of an upgrade to get the Raiders to at least 9-7. They have a shot and are one of the most intriguing sleepers of 2010.

Next time the Final Four Sleepers!