Dad always told me that getting an early start would prove profitable in work, in life, in fantasy football. OK, he never said that about fantasy football. I don’t think. Frankly, I can’t be sure whether he did or not.

I recall having some trouble hearing him from beneath the covers, which I ritualistically pulled back over my head when he shared his words of wisdom on his lunch break, as he attempted to force me out of bed. Hey, don’t judge. He took an early lunch.

Perhaps he was on to something. Maybe it isn’t too late to learn a lesson here. So, let’s plan early this year; let’s look at a handful of fantasy players at the main skill positions who might not be—but should be—on your proverbial radar as you do some early off-season preparation for the 2014 NFL season.

And, for the record, I’m using the term sleeper here to mean under—or off, in some cases—the standard fantasy footballer’s radar. So, check them out. And let me know if you think I should just pull the covers over my head again.

Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Washington Redskins

How many fantasy footballers, outside the rabid Hog fanbase in the nation’s capital, would you estimate have somewhat forgotten the big-play ability of the fifth best fantasy quarterback in 2012? Yes, that season, he finished only behind Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Cam Newton. And ahead of one Peyton Manning. His unfortunate injuries and whispered involvement with the Redskins front office mess this past season have definitely dimmed the brightness of his rising, dreadlocked star.

Based on many conversations I’ve had of late, he’s so far off many a fantasy player’s radar that he’ll need to come up with some new identity on the field to get noticed again. I don’t know, perhaps he could kneel down or kiss his biceps after a big play? Nah, those would never go over with fans. Really though, a new coaching system and presumed health will only make him prime value for draft position this coming year.

Ben Roethlisberger, Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers

Big Ben also likely falls into that proverbial ‘oh yeah, forgot about him’ file, unless you might be a server at a Georgia bar. Surprisingly, Roethlisberger ended the 2013 season absolutely more than just serviceable, finishing as the 12th ranked fantasy quarterback, ahead of guys named Tom Brady and Matt Ryan. Surprised? I was. The four weeks from Week 11 through Week 14, Ben averaged 23 fantasy points.

A full year of healthy Maurkice Pouncey to stabilize the offensive line and Le'Veon Bell to provide the running game some consistency will only help as well. You’re not using him as your starting quarterback, but he certainly ranks a quality backup and bye week replacement. Be aware, however, if and when the Steelers play the Falcons. In Georgia.

Doug Martin, Running Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I can hear the laughter as you read this, even before I’ve finished typing it. Doug Martin? The guy who everyone touted preseason last year as a top three back? The guy who got hurt, but even before that averaged a full yard less per carry than during his impressive rookie campaign of 2013? I hear you, even above the laughter.

But do remember that Mike Glennon replaced Josh Freeman about when Martin went down to injury, and the offense gradually and consistently—some would say drastically—improved. Martin hopefully comes back fully healthy, is the most talented back on the roster and will be playing for a new coaching staff. Keeping with the radar theme, Martin may have burned so many fake footballers last year, that his draft position will drop him into your lap. For the record, I’m pretty proud that I made it through this whole paragraph without a hamster reference. Until now.

Latavius Murray, Running Back, Oakland Raiders

Looking for a little-known player who has an impressive skill set, with high upside in a deliciously opportune scenario? Look no further for your perfect storm. In case you’re not familiar with this name, no worries. Murray was a 2013 sixth round pick out of University of Central Florida who never got his 6’3”, 220 lb. workhorse frame out of the barn, due to an ankle injury in the preseason.

With Darren McFadden leaving, and Rashad Jennings a free agent potentially walking out of Oakland, the forgotten man Murray will certainly get his shot as the lead back role. What will he do with it? He only 23, and unproven. So there’s that risk. But fantasy footballers know the running back position can prove quite dicey. Raise you hand—wait, raise two—if you predicted another first year, unknown back from a small Florida university, Alfred Morris, would be the fifth highest fantasy back two years back? Uh huh. So put Murray on your list and thank me in nine months.

Kenny Stills, Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints

This just in. Drew Brees is a pretty good quarterback, especially with Sean Peyton in the fold. It now appears that Lance Moore will not be with the team in 2014. Although I don’t yet have my free agent and draft crystal ball fired up, it’s unknown who else the Saints will being in at receiver. But as it stands now, Still has the opportunity to be the second receiver, behind Marques Colston. That’s never a bad thing in that offense. Stills caught 32 balls last year, five of them for touchdowns. He averaged 20 yards per catch. That, my friends, translates to speed. Stills, a very solid college receiver out of Oklahoma, fills two holes the Saints have on the outside. He’s young and he’s fast. And now it looks like he might be an every down guy. Earmark him on your draft lists. Do it fast. See what I did there?

Jarrett Boykin, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers

In roughly 10 games last year, Boykin caught 49 passes and had three touchdowns. He averaged around eight standard fantasy points per game. Yawn, right? Realize that this was predominantly without a Discount Doublecheck guy throwing him passes. Yes, Randall Cobb will be back healthy. But, so will Rodgers. From all indications, James Jones is likely to test the free agent market taking his game outside of Wisconsin, opening the door for Boykin to waltz through. I could have gone with Justin Hunter of the Titans in this spot, but my logic is this. I’ll take my chances on having the third receiver in a Rodgers-led offense in Green Bay over having the second receiver in a Jake Locker-led offense in Nashville. No offense, Titan faithful. 

I hope you enjoyed, or at least were educated or entertained. And thanks for reading. I’m going back to bed. Please don’t tell Dad.