Early fantasy football expectations for Chad Hansen

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 03: Chad Hansen #16 of the New York Jets makes the catch against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 03, 2017 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.The New York Jets defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 38-31. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 03: Chad Hansen #16 of the New York Jets makes the catch against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 03, 2017 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.The New York Jets defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 38-31. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Fantasy football owners should consider taking a chance on New York Jets wide receiver Chad Hansen as he has sleeper written all over him.

New York Jets wide receiver Chad Hansen is a player all fantasy football owners should keep an eye on. The 4th round draft pick out of Cal had a quiet rookie year catching 9 passes for 94 total yards.

He’ll have to fight for playing time as the Jets have a talented core of wide receivers including Roby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa, and Terrelle Pryor. But if Hansen gets regular playing time he could be one of the biggest steals of the fantasy football season.

It’s also important to remember about the upcoming two-game suspension of wide receiver ArDarius Stewart for PEDs. This will bump Hansen up of the depth chart providing him an opportunity to prove his worth as a valuable member of the Jets receiving corps.

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Fantasy football owners should be hesitant to take a risk on Hansen simply because it is unclear the role he will play in the Jets offense this year. He’s a great route runner with strong hands and unlimited potential if he were to get regular playing time.

Although only targeted 16 times the entire season, it should be noted that Hansen had zero drops. One of his biggest strengths is his strong hands so if you’re playing in a PPR league Hansen could score you some valuable points.

Here’s the key to cash in on Hansen: whenever the Jets decide to start Sam Darnold, pick him up. The two California natives have gotten to know each other well as they worked out together before reporting to training camp.

If Hansen becomes a favorite target of Darnold he could have an Adam Thielen type break out year. Never underestimate the power of chemistry between a quarterback and his receivers.

Hansen has had a strong spring turning the heads of everyone watching. Even his teammates think he’s poised for a breakout season. Safety Terrence Brooks told Good Morning Football of the NFL Network that Hansen is his sleeper pick for the 2018 season.

According to Hansen, the thing that’s changed the most for him from Year 1 to Year 2 is his confidence. Hansen told Darryl Slater of NJ Advanced Media about his progress:

“Being here another year and being able to go through the whole offseason program and being able to have a jump on learning the offense [with new coordinator Jeremy Bates], it really helps. I think that the biggest part where I’ve grown is just confidence in my abilities and knowing that I can go out there and play”

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If you’re looking to cash in on a sleeper pick for the 2018 fantasy football season, keep your eye on Hansen because he’s going to surprise many once the reps come his way.