ESPN's John Clayton published his top 5 sleeper teams for 2007. They were selected for their progress in the off-season and their respective schedules.
The teams, in order of selection, are:
- Tamba Bay Buccaneers - The Bucs play one of the weaker schedules this year and likely won't face the same injury issues they encountered in 2006. Cadillac Williams and Jeff Garcia could see a rise in value if this prediction comes to fruition.
- Arizona Cardinals - The Cardinals play an easy schedule and have their signal caller, Matt Leinart, entering his first full season. Add a new coaching staff instituting a new attitude in the valley of the sun, and things are looking up - then again we all thought the same when Dennis Green took over 4 years ago.
- San Francisco 49'ers - The 49'ers had a great off-season filling all their needs and seemingly having things fall into place. They play the 3rd easiest schedule (based on '06 results) in the NFC conference and finished the '06 strong. The expectations are playoff or bust.
- Miami Dolphins - The Dolphins could surprise with Trent Green and a new coaching staff in place. However it likely will take another season or two before they are ready to compete for a playoff spot.
- Detroit Lions - For Matt Millen's sake I hope John Clayton is right on this one. I doubt they'll compete for a playoff spot, but their offense should be dynamic & exciting, leading to shoot outs and hope among the faithful.
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