Fantasy Football Sleeper Tarvaris Jackson

Posted by Greg Brosh on Aug 3, 2010 in Fantasy Football, Fantasy Football Sleepers

In all likelihood, it appears that Brett Favre is leaving the Minnesota Vikings. Tarvaris Jackson is now in play as a potential starter in Minnesota.

In 2008, the year before Favre showed up, Jackson completed 88 of 149 pass attempts for 1,056 yards, 9 touchdowns, and had 2 interceptions. As someone who has watched Jackson play often, I can attest to the fact that he doesn’t have world beating accuracy, but he has a cannon of an arm and after spending a year behind Brett Favre he should be improved.

In limited action last year, Jackson completed 2/3rd of his passing attempts for one touchdown without throwing an interception. Since losing his job as the starting quarterback, much has changed on the Minnesota offense. Percy Harvin broke out with an explosive all-around season, and Sidney Rice finally took a step toward establishing himself as an elite wide receiver.

Bernard Berrian is no longer the go-to guy on offense, and is now the third receiver, which makes his role of being the deep-ball guy even easier as he lines up across the field from the explosive duo of Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin. Even Visanthe Shiancoe has become a dependable option on offense by hauling in 56 catches for 566 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Jackson may not be Favre, but if he does have to step in and quarterback this team, he will be leading a team that has improved significantly since he last was expected to lead it. If given a starting role, Jackson will actually have the supporting cast to live up to Brad Childress’ high expectations for the quarterback, which he should be able to do.

By the numbers:

• The last two seasons Travaris Jackson hasn’t looked horrible at all, posting a QB rating of 95.4 in 08 and 113.4 in limited play time in 09.
• Many longtime Vikings fans may be quick to bash Jackson, but it is important to keep in mind that the Minnesota offense is substantially better than it was when Jackson was last a full-time starting quarterback. Even for a quarterback who can struggle with accuracy and interceptions at times, it would be unlikely for Jackson to step into the starting role with this offense and fail.

Summary: If Brett Favre says retired this time then Traveris Jackson is a huge fantasy sleeper. The entire team is improved and Jackson himself had a year to watch a long time veteran go to work. The sky is the limit for Travaris but don’t expect 09 Favre numbers.