2 rookies to target in dynasty leagues

In celebration of Fantasy Football Week in America Presented by Courtyard Marriott, USA TODAY Sports is providing daily fantasy tips to help make 2013 your championship season.

Unearthing hidden gems in a dynasty league is crucial. After all, owners in these leagues keep their entire roster year after year.

When looking for sleepers, look no further than this year’s rookie class. High draft picks such as Giovani Bernard, Eddie Lacy and Tavon Austin will surely be drafted early, but two other rookies could soon become household names.

Undrafted wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins of the New England Patriots has been turning heads since the first day of training camp. In fact, his preseason ascension up the depth chart has been nothing short of amazing. His eight catch, 116- yard performance in the Patriots’ dress rehearsal against the Detroit Lions likely guaranteed him a starting role.

Tom Brady is poised for another stellar year, although there’s question about where his passing yards will go this season. With Wes Welker on the Denver Broncos roster and Aaron Hernandez no longer on the roster, Thompkins could play an important role in answering that question.

Speaking of great preseason performances, running back Christine Michael is quickly showing the Seattle Seahawks they don’t have to worry about finding Marshawn Lynch’s successor. Michael has flashed breakaway speed and had an electric 43yard touchdown run Aug. 23 on his way to gaining 97 yards on 11 carries against the Green Bay Packers.

It will be challenging for Michael to earn playing time early in his career, but he is showing teams that passed on him in the draft might have made a mistake. Dynasty league owners shouldn’t do the same.

While many dynasty owners will focus on the high- profile rookies, one of these sleepers could end up being this year’s Alfred Morris and become a fantasy difference- maker.