Grab these soon-to-be fantasy stars

By Steve Shonder

Are you in a 12-team fantasy football league? Are you a hipster and want to know who the stars are before they totally break out? I’ve got just the players you need.

Of course, it’s hard to know which players are going to break out each week. Sometimes the most competent players turn in a 10-carry, 8-yard performance. C.J. Spiller, I’m looking your way.

Other times the most recognizable fantasy football gods take a hit to an already bum ankle, sending someone like Calvin Johnson to the sidelines with one catch for 7 yards. So, take heed as I predict which no-namers will bust out with big weeks.

Branden Oliver

San Diego Chargers running back Branden Oliver is a no-brainer to start. He tore up a New York Jets run defense that shut down some pretty explosive running backs this year. With Donald Brown out with a concussion, Danny Woodhead gone for the year and Ryan Mathews out for a while, Oliver is the go-to back in the San Diego backfield. He’s caught the ball for big gains, and he’s run the ball for big gains.

Oliver, a former MAC star at Buffalo, is owned in only 17 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Denard Robinson

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Denard Robinson is a sneaky pick-up. He’s owned in only 2 percent of Yahoo leagues. Jacksonville’s starter, Toby Gerhart, hasn’t seen a lot of snaps, and his sprained foot won’t help him get more.

There’s been talk about Storm Johnson seeing a lot of action, but I don’t think so. Robinson presents a middling Jaguars offense with a lot of chances for creativity. Quarterback Blake Bortles has been OK passing the ball, but he’d get a whole lot better with what Robinson can do in space. He’s a risky pick-up, but he’s worth it.

Tim Wright

The Patriots struggled in the first four games, but they exploded Sunday. I promise you it wasn’t any extra motivation; it was tight end Tim Wright.

The Patriots’ offense was great with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, but since then it’s been average. With a solid receiver like Wright the Patriots are back.

This means Wright, who is owned in 10 percent of Yahoo leagues, is going to be a breakout star. He didn’t see a lot of action, but when he was on the field the passing game was solid. He’s likely been learning the playbook the last few weeks, and I think he’ll see the field a lot more in the weeks to come. If you don’t get him now, by Week 7 you’ll be wondering why you didn’t.

Mike Glennon

If you thought Robinson was a stretch, wait for this. Pick up Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon. The Tampa Bay quarterback out-played New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees Sunday. More importantly, Glennon is surrounded with weapons. Doug Martin and Bobby Rainey are solid running backs who should keep the pressure off Glennon, who is throwing to Vincent Jackson and the rest of the Bucs’ motely crew. When Mike Evans finally comes back, Glennon will have a great deep-threat receiver.

Glennon isn’t going to make your team into a championship contender, but he’ll provide consistency for deeper leagues. He’s owned in only 7 percent of Yahoo leagues. Make your move.