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Offensive Sleepers of the Week

A look at players who are generally ranked outside of the starter ranks on a weekly basis. The players listed below are those which you may gamble on depending on conditions such as a favorable matchup or an opportunity created by injury. On the other hand, the player may be considered a normal starter with a bad matchup or high risk which makes him a reach. Generally, each position is covered beginning with those who are better bets and finishing with those who are certifiable reaches or long shots. Your mileage may vary, but the idea is to discuss these players and provide you with some analysis that might help you make those difficult lineup decisions a bit easier.

Quarterbacks

Steve McNair, Ten at MIN
McNair most definitely isn't a sleeper, but it's hard to believe he's not ranked among the top 15 or 20 QBs in most leagues, too. Facing the Vikings this week McNair is prime to perhaps have his best game of the season providing he doesn't take any more bad shots to his sternum. He's still not quite 100%, but he's thrived playing hurt for so long it's like 2nd hand nature. We expect him to go about business as usual and the Vikings are the #1 passing matchup for QBs allowing 294 passing yds and 1.4 TDs per game.

Byron Leftwich, Jac at IND
Leftwich couldn't look any better this week judging by the matchup. He limped away from last week's 4th come-from-behind victory of the season in the fourth quarter. Like McNair, he's also less than 100% coming into this game, but Leftwich should have no problems with the Colts defense. Like a hot knife through butter, expect his hot streak to continue. Leftwich threw for 318 yds and a TD just a few weeks ago at home against Indy, so look for another 300 yard day possibly with a TD or two.

Michael Vick, Atl at KC
For all his athletic prowess, Vick still hasn't become the fantasy stud QB we've come to expect. Until he develops better consistency he's going to blow up some weeks and leave you scratching your head on others. Facing the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium is one of those situations where the matchup suggests the former. The Chiefs are the 5th best matchup in terms of fantasy pts allowed to QB. Opposing QBs are averaging 219 yds and 2 TDs per game (9 passing, 1 rushing) against them. However, crowd noise could become an issue as Arrowhead is among the raucous environments for visiting teams. Fortunately, gambling on Vick isn't a very tough decision and it comes with tremendous scoring upside.

Jake Delhomme, CAR vs SD
Delhomme needs to shake off the 4 INTs he threw last week in time to rebound this week against the visiting Chargers, who enter this game as the 4th best fantasy matchups for QBs. San Diego's opponents are averaging 272 passing yards per game as QBs have thrown for 9 TDs and ran for 2 more in 5 games. Delhomme may need to throw, too. Stephen Davis had setback in Wednesday's practice and looks questionable for the game. That potentially leaves the running game in the hands of FB Brad Hoover, Nick Goings and undrafted free agent Joey Harris, who was recently promoted from the practice squad. Knowing this, Delhomme could be active and stands a decent chance to throw for strong yardage. He's a decent play as long as the turnover margin isn't a negative factor like it was last week. Look for Delhomme to pick on Sammy Davis or Jamar Fletcher's side of the field possibly resulting in Keary Colbert turning in a solid game on the stat sheet.

Jeff Garcia, CLE vs Phi
The Eagles are giving up 246 yds per game through the air (9th most in the league). Garcia stands a good chance to throw for well over 200 yards considering the stats of previous opposing QBs against the Eagles. Case in point, Joey Harrington threw for 199 yds and 2 TDs while Jake Delhomme put up 205 yards with a TD (uh hum, and 4 INTs also). Even Jonathan Quinn produced 215 yards and a TD. Garcia's coming off a huge game, but also could be without his big play WR Andre Davis though he says he'll suit up and play with a turf toe injury. How effective he'll be remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the disgruntled Quincy Morgan is gone bringing Antonio Bryant in return. Bryant might not be of much help this week, so expect Dennis Northcutt to be a decent play and likely Garcia's main target against the Eagles. Garcia is a bit risky, but a potentially rewarding play as long as he can limit the turnovers.

Solid reaches

Kurt Warner, NYG vs Det
I like the matchup Kurt Warner has this week against the visiting Lidowns. Detroit checks in as the 6th best fantasy matchup for QBs allowing 270 passing yards/gm with 6 passing TDs (1 rushing) through 5 games. Having Dre Bly back in the lineup helps the Lions pass defense, but it didn't help them last week as Brett Favre shredded them en route to a rousing victory on the Lion's home turf. The main thing to worry about with Warner is succumbing to the Lions front four. Shaun Rogers is having an All-Pro season and could be a load for the Giants offensive line to handle. Otherwise, if Warner has some time to set up in the pocket this matchup will produce useful numbers and make Warner a decent stop-gap starter this week.

Brian Griese, TB vs Chi
Griese has two straight solid performances behind him and faces a Bears defense that enters this game as the 8th best fantasy matchup for QBs. Chicago is allowing 226 yards/gm with 6 passing TDs (1 rushing TD) allowed to opposing QBs. He may not have Charles Lee in the lineup, but Joe Jurevicius is expected to play giving the Bucs two solid downfield targets for Griese. On the other side, Jerry Azumah returned last week with a bang. He intercepted a pass and returned it for a TD in his first game of the season. Azumah strengthens the Bears secondary a bit giving them another solid cover guy, but they remain vulnerable and the Bucs preference is always to throw the ball - an "endearing" Gruden quality worth exploiting for fantasy purposes.

Vinny Testaverde, Dal at GB
The rumors have begun. Testaverde is on the Tuna's short leash. Considering the Cowboys woes elsewhere, an aging Vinny at QB should be the least of their concerns. Regardless, Vinny hasn't been too bad in reality. From a fantasy perspective he's been reasonably productive - more so than anyone predicted. The Packers defense tightened last week against the Lions, but unless they can do it a few weeks in a row that might turn out to be the exception rather then the rule. They enter this week as the 8th best fantasy matchup for QBs allowing 217 passing yds per game with 12 TDs. On a side note, with Antonio Bryant being dealt for Quincy Morgan look for Dedric Ward to see increased playing time this week. That shouldn't effect Vinny's production much - if at all.

..and finally if you're desperate

Kerry Collins, OAK vs NO
I gotta be honest here.. I was tempted to place Collins in the category above, but couldn't bring myself to do it. He's just been far too erratic and unproductive. That said, he once again faces a defense that looks like a good matchup on paper. The Saints are allowing 276 passing yds/gm along with 9 total TDs (8 passing, 1 rushing) to QBs. That makes them the 7th best fantasy matchup. That's the encouraging side. The realistic or pragmatic side now follows.. Norv Turnover can't be happy. Then again, where else does he turn? Tuiasosopo? Doubt it. Collins simply needs to protect the football better and make better decisions. Two good things going for him this week - 1. He's at home which always helps when dealing with distractions, crowd noise, etc. 2. Jerry Porter is clamoring for the football and Doug Gabriel is in the starting lineup this week. No more Jerry. That's arguably a good thing for the Raiders if not a relief in the locker room. Collins is a gamble - no doubt - but not one without some merit.

Josh McCown, ARI vs Sea
While it might seem hard to believe, McCown has a better than fair chance to produce decent numbers this week. The Seahawks are just the 20th best matchup for opposing QBs allowing 228 yds/gm with 6 TDs total. However, they are also going to be without DE Grant Wistrom and LB Anthony Simmons - arguably the two best players in their front seven. One of the main problems for McCown has been a lack of protection up front. Without Wistrom the Seahawks pass rush likely won't be as effective meaning things could be looking up for McCown and the Cardinals passing attack.

Joey Harrington, Det at NYG
One week Joey looks like a world beater the next he's back in the frying pan.. It's hard to put a finger on what we might expect from the Lions offense moving forward. Due to injuries they're arguably not much better than last year - which was abysmal. Roy Williams will try to play this week, but how effective he'll be is a question mark. Same goes for Kevin Jones. The Giants pass defense is nothing great, but they are solid if not opportunistic with turnovers. I'd personally refrain from using Harrington on the road this week, but if you're options are thin, he could produce in the neighborhood of 200 yds with the TDs/INTs being the real wildcard.

Jay Fiedler, MIA vs StL
I always hesitate when even mentioning Jay Fiedler's name as a possible sleeper, but the matchup can't be ignored here. The Rams are the 10th best fantasy defense for QBs allowing 246 yds/gm with 8 TDs. While the Dolphins pass defense remains one of the better units in the league, the Rams should still be productive. They were against the Bucs on MNF. So, expect the Dolphins to be trailing on the scoreboard which creates the angle for which Fiedler is worth considering. Playing from behind against a defense that has been less than stellar against the pass means Fiedler might possibly be useful in some way, shape or form. That said, if you have to reach this far you have my sincere sympathies. That must hurt.

Running Backs

Top Choice

Reuben Droughns, Den at CIN
No sleep watch here. The thought of Droughns running downhill against the league's worst run defense conjures up thoughts of Corey Dillon's record breaking performance against the Broncos a few years ago. You think Mike Shanahan might remember? This could be the week Droughns goes for 200+ yards - seriously. There's also a good chance the other Broncos backs could clean up in what could be a real house party for the Broncos RBs and running game in general. The Bengals are allowing 160 yds and 1 TD per game on the ground. Brace yourself if you're a Bengals fan.

Mewelde Moore, MIN vs Ten
Like Droughns, he's no sleeper by any stretch. Like a Broncos back, almost anyone who starts for the Vikings that has talent is sure to be a scoring machine. Moore just happens to be talented in more ways than we can count. He really is almost a perfect fit in the Vikings offense and he gets another start this week against the Titans defense allowing 103 rushing yds and 1 TD per game to opposing backs. The best part is he'll probably catch another 5 to 10 passes on top of that making him an all-purpose yardage machine. Whether or not he can find the end zone with C-Pep hogging up the TDs remains to be seen.

Amos Zereoue, OAK vs NO
Zereoue has the best matchup on the board. The Saints are the top ranked fantasy matchup for opposing RBs allowing a staggering 193 combined yards to RBs with a combined 11 TDs in 6 games. Of course, Zereoue will likely share touches with whoever ends up in pads this week. Given the injuries and status of Tyrone Wheatley and Justin Fargas, it's more likely Zereoue will continue to get the majority of the carries while Zack Crockett could get the goal line or short yardage work with J.R. Redmond possibly seeing some spot duty as well. Zereoue could be the sleeper play of the week at this position considering he's produced some big plays already for the Raiders.

Sammy Morris, MIA vs StL
Could Morris be the Dolphins back who finally produces consistently or more than just one week? He sure surprised a lot of us with a solid effort last week against his former team. He was probably available off waivers in many leagues making him perhaps the best pick up and start option for most owners. Whether or not he can actually string something together and break the chain of inconsistency and lack of production the other Dolphins back have given us remains to be seen. The matchup won't hurt though. The Rams are the 8th best defense for opposing RBs to face in terms of fantasy points allowed - 140 combined yds/gm with 8 TDs. If Morris is able to follow up with a 2nd solid effort then he'll be worth holding onto as a solid 2nd/3rd fantasy back in deeper leagues.

Decent options this week

T.J. Duckett, Atl at KC
The Chiefs run defense remains a strong play for opposing RBs, but in Duckett's case not only does it create a good fantasy opportunity, but we also have to be concerned with Warrick Dunn. It looks like Dunn will be good to go this week, but he surprisingly was not used much a week ago opening the door for Duckett to ramble for some yardage. Duckett remains a very risky play, but there's also a decent chance he could get more carries this week if Jim Mora wants to take the safe route with Dunn to keep him healthy and fresh for the full slate.

William Green, CLE vs Phi
Green appears to be settling in as the Browns favored RB for now.. Lee Suggs had a strong game last week but the majority of his production came as a receiver not as a runner. The Eagles are middle of the road in terms of their run defense which makes Green a weak play for the most part. He's a fringe starter but he's obviously capable of making plays and producing if you're in a pinch. The downside is obvious as well. Suggs could once again be the hot back and get the bulk of the carries unknowingly to the fantasy owner who starts Green expecting a solid afternoon. As such, tread lightly, but don't be afraid to take a shot with Green if you're thin at RB this week.

Michael Pittman, TB vs Chi
Pittman hasn't exactly established himself as a starter-quality fantasy back this season. Mostly because the Bucs running game is ineffective and Gruden doesn't stick with it for long if at all.. Pittman does have a good matchup going for him this week, but that also hasn't panned out for him the last few weeks. He's faced two other strong matchups but failed to produce big numbers, so take the matchup angle with a grain of salt. The Bears allow 132 rushing yds and 60 receiving yds per game to opposing RBs, but haven't allowed a TD to them through 5 games. Go figure. The Bucs don't produce many TDs from their RBs either. Pittman is strictly a yardage play, especially in leagues that score points for receptions - though he's not exactly impressed in that department yet either.

Chester Taylor, BAL vs Buf
The Bills are a strong team in terms of their run defense, so make no mistake about it. Considering Taylor a sleeper option is not because of the matchup angle. Rather it has everything to do with opportunity and playing time in lieu of Jamal Lewis's suspension for 2 games. Taylor has been very productive in limited playing time, but he's never been THE MAN for the Ravens until this week. Even now he'll likely split carries on some level with 2nd year back Musa Smith. Taylor is the better 3rd down back of the two and perhaps has more big play ability. Either way, he's one of the better sleeper plays this week despite the Bills ranking as the toughest matchup on the board for opposing RBs. It's all about opportunity.

Richie Anderson, Dal at GB
Eddie George, Dal at GB
Green Bay is the 5th best matchup for opposing backs and Anderson appears to be the best option among the Cowboys committee approach. Anderson gets more opportunities because he's the most versatile and reliable player for Parcells. He knows the system and does precisely what the Tuna expects him to do. As far as the matchup goes.. the Packers D has been trampled by most teams this year. Witness the drubbing Chris Brown and the Titans laid on them in Green Bay under the MNF lights. The Cowboys offensive line and ground attack isn't quite as good as the Titans. And George never gets the bulk of the carries either. Reshard Lee will also get some chances. Still, Eddie can be useful even if it's 3 to 4 yards at a crack. The Packers are hoping DTs Grady Jackson and James Lee will be able to play this week. If both return then their run defense improves significantly - though most of that improvement is directly attributed to Jackson's availability as opposed to Lee.

Kevin Jones, Det at NYG
The Lions running game is nothing to write home about, but the Giants run defense also allows 110 rushing yds/gm to opposing RBs. Starting Jones is obviously very risky. Mooch insists on sticking to his committee plan involving Artose Pinner and Shawn Bryson. The result ends up being a lack of rhythm for any of the backs as they don't have the touches necessary to get into any sort of groove. Yet if anyone is going to do just that it would be Jones, not Pinner or Bryson. Conceivably, we can't help but think Jones is going to start getting the bulk of the carries soon, but he's still not quite 100% which means - even in a good matchup situation - he's a definite reach unless you are in a deeper league with 14 or more teams.

Backup RBs who may be worth a look

Brad Hoover, CAR vs SD
Stephen Davis suffered a setback on Wednesday and looks to be fairly questionable for this week's game against San Diego. In the even he's not able to play or if he's limited, then Brad Hoover figures to pick up the slack. Joey Harris and Nick Goings may very well be in the mix, too. Hoover picked up some extra touches last week and has been a featured back previously for the Panthers a couple years back in sort of the same situation - they were ravaged by injuries and Hoover was at the right place at the right time. Hoover won't win any foot races, but he can slug it out between the tackles for 3-4 yards a pop, catch the rock and put his hat down and get into the end zone.

Steven Jackson, StL at MIA
If you're on the same page as I am.. it seems like it's only a matter of time before Jackson has a coming out party. Judging for myself, he's already the best RB on the Rams roster and that's no slight to the Hall of Fame to be - Marshall Faulk. The Dolphins run defense is not what it used to be. In fact, it's among the worst in the league in yielding rushing yards to opposing RBs - 129 yds/gm.  Only three teams allow more rushing yds to opposing backs in the NFL. That said, look for Jackson to possibly steal more of Faulk's mojo this week and perhaps find the end zone as well.

Lee Suggs, CLE vs Phi
See William Green above. While Green seems to have won or earned the right to retain the starting RB job, Suggs at least forced Butch Davis to keep him in the rotation and utilize him frequently in other ways. Even then it doesn't seem as if Davis has a plan from week to week on what he's going to do with these two backs. If Suggs gets off to a hot start or Green doesn't, then it's entirely possible that Suggs could once again be the more productive of the two. For that reason alone, he's worth a gamble.. but expecting too much is a pitfall you should avoid. He's probably not going to be an every week player unless Green gets hurt.

Musa Smith, BAL vs Buf
See Chester Taylor above. Expect Musa to get around 8 to 12 carries this week with that estimate being on the aggressive side. Taylor hasn't proven he can be a full time back capable of producing with 20+ touches on a weekly basis. Then again, he hasn't shown he CANNOT do it either. I'm personally a believer in the Rouge Rocket, but he's got some limitations. Musa is bigger and more powerful. So it wouldn't be a stretch to expect him to see more goal line opportunities than Chester. As such, both are worth reaching for, but I personally feel Chester is the better bet until proven otherwise. Also keep in mind the matchup isn't particular good either.

Willis McGahee, Buf at BAL
Henry will start this week, but look for McGahee to get more carries than he did earlier in the season. That being said, they are facing the Ravens defense so I wouldn't get carried away and reach this far unless you literally have no other or better solutions. This is a serious reach unless Henry reinjures his foot and leaves the game.

..great matchups, but not enough touches

A few backs who are worth a long look for those of you really grasping for straws. Reshard Lee (Dal at GB) is chief among them along with the Broncos backup RBs - Quentin Griffin & Tatum Bell (Den at CIN). The Broncos look primed for a HUGE game running the football this week. I would not be surprised if Droughns rambles for 200+ yards nor would I be shocked if he goes for 100+ in the first half and Shanahan decides to rest him in order to get Griffin and Bell an extended look in the 2nd half.

Wide Receivers

Not really a sleeper, but Amani Toomer (vs Det) is on the upswing with the first of three strong matchups in a row beginning this week. The Lions are very beatable and from a matchup perspective, Toomer should benefit. He's been pretty quiet through the first half but he's long been a strong finisher in the past and this week it looks like he's on the upswing.

Don't stop them now, they're on a roll...

Terry Glenn, Dal at GB
Glenn was the hot read last week and could be a solid source for big points this week, too. The Packers have allowed 8 TDs to opposing WRs so far and 155 yds/gm. Antonio Bryant is sayonara and I don't expect Quincy Morgan to be an effective part of the game plan this week.

Donald Driver, GB vs Dal
He's leading the Packers in receptions and targets but still hasn't commanded the respect he might deserve because of his abysmal 2003 season limited by a neck injury. But you can put that in the past. It's certainly not effecting him now. Driver is on a roll and has another strong matchup this week especially with Javon Walker nursing a few minor injuries and Robert Ferguson trying to get healthy. Outside of Terrence Newman the Cowboys don't have a lot of options as far as corners that can cover.

Nate Burleson, MIN vs Ten
Whether Randy plays or not, Burleson is a nice play against the 9th best defensive matchup for WRs. Tennessee is allowing 186 yds/gm with 4 TDs to opposing WRs and that number figures to go UP after this week. Both teams leave a lot to be desired in terms of pass defense so there could be plenty of production to spread around. Burleson is right at the top of the list along with Marcus Robinson in terms of players who will benefit if Randy doesn't play. Even if he does play, expect him to be rather limited.

Michael Clayton, TB vs Chi
Clayton seems to do all the little things right. All of the things that make rookie WRs inconsistent don't seem to apply here. He blocks well. He's got ridiculously long arms and he's more than willing to go over the middle and take his lumps. With Charles Lee possibly out this week - Clayton figures to be targeted even more. It's too easy to compare him to Anquan Boldin last year, but the way things are shaping up in Tampa it's not a bad analogy. Tampa throws a lot. Clayton is their best WR at this point.

Solid matchup plays this week

Dennis Northcutt, CLE vs Phi
Andre Davis is nursing a turf toe injury and Antonio Bryant will need a bit longer to digest the playbook and get on the same page as Garcia. Look for Northcutt to pick up the slack this week and potentially put up strong numbers. He's due. Davis says he'll play, but how effective he can be with that injury is something I wouldn't be willing to gamble on.. but I'll take my chances with Northcutt this week. He's a strong play for a guy that was probably available in most leagues as a pick up and play option.

Jerry Porter, OAK vs NO
Ron Curry
and Doug Gabriel are nursing hamstring injuries and Jerry Rice is Audi... as in Audi here. Never mind. The important thing to note here is Porter was vocal this week about not getting the ball. We all know what follows those kinds of public outcries, right? Porter will get more balls thrown his way. In all seriousness, it wouldn't matter if he said nothing. The Raiders need more out of him with Curry questionable and Gabriel less than 100% as well. The Saints are a strong matchup allowing 186 yds/gm to opposing WRs with 4 TDs.

David Patten & David Givens, NE vs NYJ
They've been productive almost all year so far.. so why stop now? The Jets allow 166 yds/gm with 4 TDs to opposing WRs. Deion Branch and Troy Brown are still not ready for primetime and Bethel Johnson - for whatever reason - hasn't stepped up yet. Look for the Davids to keep getting the majority of targets again this week.

Worth a gamble?

Justin McCareins, NYJ at NE
McCareins is killing everyone who drafted him, but something's gotta give here. It's not just him. Santana Moss isn't productive either. The Jets are just running the ball and winning more than in the past. Chalk it up to better defense. This week they'll need to throw a little more against the Patriots. Whether that means McCareins can put together even 60 yds remains to be seen.

Backup or slot WRs that are possible options this week

Jerome Pathon, NO at OAK
If Donte Stallworth can't go on Sunday, move Pathon up the ranks considerably. He's been semi-productive out of the slot but if he moves into a starting position with Philip Buchanan likely working against him - then he'll be a frequent target for Brooks and a solid sleeper this week to produce starter-quality numbers.

Eddie Berlin, Ten at MIN
Berlin is already riding a little wave of increased playing time and production. The Vikings are sure to put points on the board and the Titans are sure to be throwing frequently at some point. Drew Bennett is still having problems with his ribs and assorted injuries and Tyrone Calico, of course, is out for the year. That means the Titans are counting on Berlin to step up and become a formidable part of their WR corps. He should be good for 3-5 catches at least - which means possibly 40 to 70 yards and an outside shot of scoring.

Ernest Wilford, Jac at IND
Just a hunch here.. Wilford is due for one of those 2 catch games with a TD. Leftwich will certainly be slinging away against the Colts and Wilford has developed a nice rapport with him. If the Jags get Leftwich in the shotgun formation playing catch up football, then Wilford's chances of producing or scoring a TD increase substantially. And I do think that's what will materialize sooner or later in this game.

Joe Jurevicius, TB vs Chi
Another hunch.. Charles Lee is questionable to play this week but Joe Jurevicius has reportedly worked out full strength in practice most or all of the week without any setbacks. Jon Gruden said he expects Jurevicius to play but he probably won't be on the field full-time. Still, with his size and hands he could be a nice weapon downfield as defenses begin to pay more attention to the rookie Clayton.

Troy Edwards, Jac at IND
Edwards has been a consistent 3 to 4 catch WR the past several weeks. He's got a niche in the Jags offense and could be utilized more frequently this week considering the Colts dearth of talent at corner. All of the Jags WRs get a bump this week, but Edwards hasn't made his mark or caught a TD yet and this could be the week when he does.

Kelly Campbell, MIN vs Ten
He's been left out of the party lately. If Moss doesn't suit up this week, Campbell's odds go up for hitting pay dirt.

..and finally if you're REALLY desperate

Keenan McCardell, SD at CAR
I wouldn't recommend putting McCardell in the lineup yet, but I'm sure somebody will..

Reggie Williams, Jac at IND
Williams has barely registered a blip on the radar so far. He's been knocking on the door a few times as far as near TDs go, but like Edwards and the other Jags WRs this could be the week to roll the dice on him if you're still holding him for any other reason than a dynasty league owner.

Tight Ends

Jermaine Wiggins, MIN vs Ten
The Titans have allowed 7 TDs in 5 games to opposing TEs. Wiggins scored twice last week. Think he's a good matchup play this week? He's among the top 5 fantasy TEs on a pts score per game basis. In just 3 games, he's got 15 catches with 2 TDs. Put two and two together and Wiggins has a chance to emerge as one of the top scoring TEs in week 7.

Jerramy Stevens, Sea at ARI
He's on a roll and facing the 2nd best defensive matchup for TEs judging by fantasy pts allowed by position. The Cardinals are giving up 60 yds/gm with 3 TDs to the big men. Stevens looks primed to emerge as a top 5 fantasy TE in the 2nd half of the season potentially. There's no doubting his talent, it's just a matter of developing some consistency. When (and if) these two things come together for Stevens he'll be a bon-a-fide fantasy stud TE. For now, let's contain our enthusiasm and keep him on the short list of TEs that are out producing their expectations. 

Dallas Clark, IND vs Jac
Clark caught a TD two weeks ago and should resume his productive ways this week now that he is completely healthy. Then again, Marcus Pollard is expected back, which may or may not hurt Clark's numbers. Having both of these guys healthy and available gives coordinator Tom Moore a lot of options to work with. Moore loves to utilize the double TE formation, but the emergence of Brandon Stokley means the Colts are using more 3 WR sets this year as opposed to the past. The Jags are also the 3rd best fantasy matchup for TEs allowing 49 yds/gm with 4 TDs.

Courtney Anderson, OAK vs NO
The Saints are the 7th best matchup for TEs and Anderson seems to be growing into a nice role within Norv Turner's scheme. The Saints have allowed 42 yds/gm to TEs with 3 TDs. With Jerry Rice out of the picture and Ronald Curry questionable with a hammy, it's not without question that Anderson could see more targets in the passing game. The Raiders should have success running the football which usually bodes well for the TE, too.

..and a few real long shots

Kris Mangum, CAR vs SD
The Chargers are allowing 38 yds/gm to opposing TEs with 3 TDs in 6 games. Mangum isn't the best fantasy option by any means, but he's fairly consistent with 2 to 3 catches per game and with a decent matchup he could be perhaps worth considering.

Kyle Brady, Jac at IND
While George Wrighster isn't close to 100% (but could play this week), Brady could once again have a nice opportunity to produce for the 2nd straight week since returning from injury. Against the Colts, Leftwich will probably need to throw frequently making Brady a decent candidate to produce useful numbers again this week.

Ben Troupe, Ten at MIN
Erron Kinney remains out as is Shad Meier leaving Steve McNair with Ben Troupe as his starting TE this week. Last week Troupe was the lone trooper as well, but he wasn't all that productive. The Titans make frequent use of their TEs typically. And while Troupe is tremendously talented, he's still a rookie and has struggled with the playbook and learning the ropes in the NFL. He's not a great sleeper to be honest, but given his natural talent and opportunity provided this week, he may be worth a look if you're left with few options.

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