Sleepers. Underrated. Whatever you want to call them, these 10 players are poised for a breakout few are predicting.

10. T.J. Duckett (RB, Detroit Lions) — He might be third in the rotation, but Duckett is the Lions’ goal line back. And with an improving offense, he should see plenty of red zone and short yardage situations. Consider him a reincarnation of Jerome Bettis, circa 2005, someone who will score touchdowns while not putting up a little yardage. The best part is that he’ll be drafted late — think rounds 13-14 — where he’s undervalued.

9. Donovan McNabb (QB, Philadelphia Eagles) — Everyone is nervous McNabb will get hurt. And maybe he will, but until he does he’s easily a number one fantasy quarterback, someone who will average 250 yards and 2 touchdowns each game he starts.

8. Devery Henderson (WR, New Orleans Saints) — While Marques Colston and Reggie Bush steal coverage, Henderson will see his share of single coverage, making the most of it. Add to that the absence of Joe Horn and the emergence of Drew Brees, and Henderson has a lethal combination working in his favor.

7. Tony Scheffler (TE, Denver Broncos) — With loads of talent working in his favor, Scheffler should find himself in the position of being one of Jay Cutler’s top targets. Last season the two built a chemistry and 2007 should see a continuation with more solid performances from the tight end.

6. Cedric Benson (RB, Chicago Bears) — This may be a now-or-never type season for the young Benson who, for the first time in his still infant career, will shoulder the carries of a Bears offense that relies heavily on the run.

5. Matt Leinart (QB, Arizona Cardinals) — Surrounded by talent, Leinart is in a great position to break out in Arizona. With a new coaching regime in place, one that will work to improve the offensive line, expect a solid season out of the young USC alum.

4. Jay Cutler (QB, Denver Broncos) — In an extremely favorable environment for a young quarterback to learn the ropes, Cutler has been surrounded by veterans this offseason. With an improved rushing attack to balance the passing game, Cutler will find his sophomore season to be anything but a slump.

3. Matt Schaub (QB, Houston Texans) — Everyone is doubting the young Schaub, someone who is entering an offense that consistently allows more sacks than most every other team in the NFL. But with a quarterback guru (head coach, Gary Kubiak) on his side and a veteran running back (Ahman Green) to keep defenses honest, Schaub and the Texans should see their best offensive showing in years, possibly in their history.

2. Edgerrin James (RB, Arizona Cardinals) — Fantasy owners were quick to downgrade James for his performance in 2007. On the contrary, James finished out last season strong with three 100-yard showings and three scores in the final five games of the season. He should be able to carry that momentum over into 2007 with a coaching staff that has promised to run the ball 500 times.

1. Brett Favre (QB, Green Bay Packers) — While the rest of your league considers Brett Favre to be the man who threw 29 interceptions in one season, you should be predicting numbers closer to the Favre of old. He’s a lock for 3800 yards passing and I also project 21+ touchdowns and 15 or fewer interceptions in 2007.

Photo: Courtesy Rai sport

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