2012 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Denver Broncos Tight End Jacob Tamme

After winning the AFC West in 2011, expectations are even higher for the Denver Broncos heading into the 2012 season now that they have Peyton Manning on board following his release from the Indianapolis Colts. While there’s no telling what to expect from Manning considering he missed all of last year following three neck surgeries, fans hope one of his teammates will emerge as one of the top 2012 fantasy football sleepers for the upcoming season–Jacob Tamme.

Tamme followed Manning to Denver this offseason and the two veterans hope to pick up right where they left off in 2010. When Dallas Clark when down with a season-ending injury back in 2010, it was Tamme who stepped it up at tight end as he became one of Manning’s favorite targets in the passing game–finishing the season with 67 catches for 631 yards and four touchdowns.

What’s even more impressive–Tamme recorded at least seven receptions for the Colts in seven of the final 10 games of the regular season when Clark was out. If these two players can re-develop this chemistry quickly, there’s every reason to believe Tamme will be a strong sleeper pick for the upcoming fantasy football season.

Of course, how successful Tamme is will rely heavily on Manning’s heath considering he only recorded 19 catches during the 2011 season. From a fantasy perspective, Tamme may not even be selected in most leagues, but owners would be wise to at least consider him as a backup tight end if he does become one of Manning’s favorite targets again in the passing game.