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Week 8 Sleeper ReportThis article is a weekly look at players who are generally outside the realm of regular starters in most leagues. The players covered here usually fall into two categories: those with a good matchup or those who have an opportunity to start because of an injury to a teammate. On the other hand, sometimes a player may be considered if they are normal a starter, but have a bad matchup. Each position is covered with in descending order beginning with the players who are better gambles and finishing with those who are certifiable reaches. 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. Good luck and always keep in mind that your feedback and comments are welcome.
Quarterback Prime Cut (Great matchup, strong sleeper)
At first I thought Grossman has played too well this year to include him into an article discussing sleepers this week. Then I looked at this stats and realized he’s ranked 14th amongst QB using FBG scoring (YTD). He’s 12th on a PPG basis. As for the Bears opponent this week, the 49ers are the 3rd best matchup for fantasy points allowed to QBs (63.1% completion rate, 257 yds, 2 TDs and 0.7 INTs per game). Heck, the Raiders were able to throw for 216 yards and 2 TDs (yeh there were those 4 INTs, too) and Philip Rivers threw for 334 yards and 2 TDs against SF in week 6. Grossman owners hope the week of rest will help him rebound from his last two games, which produces less than desired expectations (a combined 29-of-64 for 330 yds, 2 TDs and 4 INTs). Clearly, this isn’t a slam dunk, but we do believe Grossman will rebound playing at home against a soft pass defense and met/exceed expectations.
Quarterbacks are completing 62% of their passes for 250 yards, 1.7 TDs and 0.8 INTs per game against the Seahawks through the first seven weeks of the season. Let’s look at it some interesting matchup stats. Brad Johnson is the only QB to NOT throw for 225+ yards against the Seahawks. Eli Manning was the only QB to throw more than 1 INT. Jon Kitna is the only QB who didn’t throw a TD pass. So, by deduction can we expect Huard to have an 80+% chance to throw for 225+ yards, 1 INT or less and 1 TD or more? Seems reasonably, but that’s why they play the games, because going into last week ALL of the Seahawks opponents threw for 225+ yards against them. For his part, Huard has thrown for 200+ yards and 2 TDs in three of the last four games and against much better defenses like the Chargers.
So Leinart and the Cardinals failed miserably in Oakland last week. We expected much better numbers, but honestly, maybe the Raiders pass defense isn’t putting up great numbers just because teams have been playing with a lead and leaning more on their running games to protect those leads. In other words, maybe it was a tougher matchup for Leinart than most of us expected. The Packers are not a tough matchup, but Leinart will be challenged by the home field factor – potentially cold weather, the Packers crowd and no Larry Fitzgerald. That said, the Packers are the #1 matchup for QBs, who are completing 59.6% of their passes for 313 yds, 1.8 TDs and 1 INT against them. Look for Leinart and company to bounce back this week. After all, Joey Harrington did throw for 414 yards against Green Bay last week.
Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)
Frye has the distinction of leading all QBs in two different categories through seven weeks: interceptions thrown (10) and rushing TDs (4). In three of the Browns’ six games, Frye has thrown more INTs than TDs and he’s failed to throw for 200+ yards in four out of six games. Opponents are completing 57% of their passes for 241 yds, 1.3 TDs and 1.3 INTs per game against the Jets (Frye’s opponent this week). All but one QBs has thrown for 200 or more yards against them (Leftwich, but he threw 2 TDs) and the last two QBs have been intercepted twice each, despite throwing for 266 and 269 yards respectively. Needless to say, Frye has a good chance to rebound at home this week facing a Jets defense that isn’t nearly as tough as the Broncos were this past week.
After his last few outings and recent concussion, Steve McNair is a high risk starter this week. He watched practiced on Monday. While we expected McNair to be recovered for this week’s game (with a bye week in between), it’s possible that we could see Kyle Boller. Regardless, the matchup remains the same and that is the New Orleans Saints. Opponents are averaging 208 yards/gm, 1.7 TDs and 0.7 INTs against the Saints with a 57% completion percentage. Four of the last five QBs have thrown for 2 TDs or more and three of them threw for 225 yards or more. Michael Vick failed to do either, but he threw for 137 yards and rushed for 57 yards – typical for him. Two weeks ago, Bruce Gradkowski completed 20-of-31 for 225 yards and 2 TDs while making his first NFL start in New Orleans. McNair has thrown for 200+ yards or 2+ TDs only once and he’s failed to do both in the same game yet this year. McNair’s ability to rise up this week will depend greatly on how well the Ravens offensive line can keep the Saints pass rush off of him. That won’t be easy either as the Saints have 18 sacks in 6 games. I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but Boller might even be an upgrade over McNair if the protection is poor. Boller was quite productive in relief of McNair two weeks ago throwing for 226 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT and rushing for 27 yards against a good Panthers defense.
Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)
Ben Roethlisberger may be held out of this week’s game due to the concussion he
suffered in last Sunday’s game against the Falcons. He's listed as
questionable. If that’s the case, Charlie Batch may be a decent reach. Batch
is available in most leagues, so if you’re in a pinch you may be looking to
pickup either Batch or Seneca Wallace to fill your short-term needs. As a
veteran QB with starting experience, Charlie Batch has a leg up on Wallace.
He won’t pad his stats with rushing yards like Wallace might, but he’s far
superior as a passer. As far as the matchup, the Raiders showed last week
that they are not a pushover. They hammered Matt Leinart and didn’t allow
much in the way of fantasy stats to the Cardinals pass offense. Granted, the
Raiders are a bad team overall, opponents are still averaging just 152
yards, 1.3 TDs and 1 INT per game with a 58.6% completion rate. Ironically,
Matt Leinart is the only QB to top 200 yards against them in six games.
Philip Rivers, Steve McNair and Jake Plummer didn’t need to throw many
passes, so we could lessen the impact of their stats. Alex Smith and Charlie
Frye threw 3 TDs apiece to make up for their low yardage totals.
The Chiefs defense got off to a strong start against the pass, but in their last three games Matt Leinart, Ben Roethlisberger and Philip Rivers averaged a box score that looks like this: 21-for-33, 254 yards, 2 TDs and 0.7 INT. Granted, Wallace isn’t nearly as talented as these three young, budding stars, but it speaks to a point that the Chiefs defense is not as tough of a matchup as initially perceived after three games. Wallace lacks accuracy and experience, but he does have a talented supporting cast of WRs, so you may be all right rolling with Wallace in lieu of Hasselbeck, but it’s definitely on the risky side of the spectrum. If you're desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)
Bucs opponent this week, the NY Giants, is the 2nd best matchup for QBs. Opponents are completing 60% of their passes for 242 yards, 1.7 TDs and 1.5 INTs per game against the Giants. On Monday, Drew Bledsoe was benched at halftime after a horrible first half, but Tony Romo threw for 227 yards with 2 TDs (and 3 INTs) in the second half. Bledsoe ran for a TD, but only threw for 111 yards with an INT. Mark Brunell had the worst performance in week 5 at New York. He only threw for 109 yards on 12-of-22 passing. Certainly, a road game in New York is not as friendly as a home (warm) game at Tampa Bay. Just as Donovan McNabb. In three starts, Gradkowski is 58-of-101 for 513 yards with 4 TDs and 1 INT. He has rushed for 49 yards on 13 attempts. The Giants are a better defense than what the numbers bear in this situation, so Gradkowski should be used only if you’re truly in dire straits. It’s going to be a hostile road game with potentially cold/bad weather conditions at this time of year. In other words, the downside is more appreciable than the upside in this situation. That said, he’s produced “decent” numbers in two out of three starts, but making his fourth NFL start it’s too early to make a call given the small sample set.
The Texans defense surprised everyone last week by stifling Byron Leftwich and the Jaguars at home. This week, they travel to Tennessee to face the Titans led by rookie QB Vince Young. Opposing QBs have scored the 5th most fantasy points per game against the Texans (66%, 259 yds, 1.8 TDs and 0.2 INTs per game), but tell that to those of you who started Leftwich last week. If you believe in the ying/yang theory, then this game should give it a good test. The Texans are coming off a high following a surprising home win, now they venture out on the road to meet a well-rest Titans team coming off the bye. Of course, Young’s a work in progress and he’s not yet produced enough stats in any one game to be fantasy worthy, but this could be a situation where he exceeds expectations.
Running Back Prime Cut (Great matchup, strong sleeper)
Henry tops the list of sleepers this week, probably because he’s really not much of a sleeper in the classic sense. Henry ranks 26th (YTD) in fantasy points for RBs, but keep in mind he’s only played in four games, too. Just know this: RBs are scoring more fantasy points per game against Houston than any other NFL team through seven weeks. Every starting RB to face them has combined for 100+ yards – except for Dominic Rhodes, but Joseph Addai accomplished the feat, so it’s a wash. Henry is a great bet to be among this week’s top 10 or 12 RBs.
Washington’s stock is on the rise after he’s topped 100 yards in two of the
last three games. Last week he took advantage of the Lions depleted defense
to run for 129 yards and 2 TDs. In the last three games, he has 54 carries
for 288 yards and 2 TDs. This week’s opponent – Cleveland – is a good
matchup for RBs, too. Four of the last five starting RBs have run for 100
yards against them - including the last three. Two of those three scored
TDs, too. Tatum Bell ran for 115 yards and a TD on 24 attempts last week.
LaMont Jordan had his best game of the year against them in week 4 rushing
for 128 yards on 20 carries. Ride Washington while he’s hot, if you can,
this week.
Entering this week’s game, Droughns is 37th among RBs (YTD) in fantasy points scored. Droughns has scored only 1 TD in five games. He topped 100 rushing yards (or 70 yds for that matter) just once. On the other hand, the Jets have allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing RBs. Four of the last five starting RBs have combined for 100+ yards (Joseph Addai had 99 yds and Dominic Rhodes had 75 yds). Four of the last five scored TDs (McGahee didn’t). In the games we excluded from those statements, Travis Henry managed 2 TDs (Chris Brown had 64 yds) while Corey Dillon (80 yds) and Laurence Maroney (65 yds) both scored TDs against the Jets. If you’ve been waiting for Droughns to have a big game, perhaps this is the spot. Don’t expect a huge game, but he should produce better than his usual numbers so far. The Browns OC Maurice Carthon is gone after resigning this week, so with a new play-caller in effect, maybe that will help Droughns. Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)
Last week, Gado started for Houston, but Lundy finished the game and was far more productive prompting many to believe that he’s earned the starting gig back. It’s too early to tell if that’s the case, but Gado will almost certainly still be in the mix whether he starts or serves as Lundy’s primary backup and change-of-pace option. The Titans have allowed two 100-yard rushers in six games, but most of the opposing RBs have been generally productive. Tennessee is the 4th best matchup for RBs in terms of fantasy points allowed. We could compare the Texans running back tandem to a more productive one like the Colts. Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes produced the following numbers against the Titans - Addai ran 13 times for 62 yards and he caught 2 passes for 15 yds, while Rhodes had 20 carries for 84 yds and 5 catches for 26 yds. Other combos were also productive, but again they are on better teams and they are also more talented: Julius Jones ran for 122 yards and a TD while Marion Barber had 55 yards and a TD for the Cowboys. The Chargers’ LaDainian Tomlinson had 122 combined yards and 2 TDs while his backup Michael Turner burned the Titans for 155 combined yards. Again, the Texans running game is not nearly as productive as any of those three, but it’s a starting point for measuring their potential this week. The Jets were struggling on the ground when they played Tennessee in week one. Derrick Blaylock produced 46 combined yards and Kevan Barlow had 35 yards and a TD.
Green was held in check last week until he broke free for a 70 yard TD in the second half. He ended up with 118 yards on 18 carries. The Cardinals are a solid defensive matchup, but they’re not infallible by any means. Last week, the Raiders rag-tag tandem of Zack Crockett and Justin Fargas combined for 110 yds rushing and 20 yds receiving against them. In four of the Cardinals first five games, an opposing RB combined for 100 or more yards. Shaun Alexander narrowly missed with 98 yds and a TD. Thomas Jones is the only back who didn’t fare reasonably well combined for 53 yards against Arizona. Green isn’t a great play this week as much as he is a decent gamble for a RB that is ranked 24th (YTD) with a good, but not great matchup at home.
This year has been a rude awakening for Edgerrin James, aside from all the millions he deposited to go to the desert. The offensive line isn’t opening any holes and he seems to be stoned in the backfield just about every time he touches the ball. Maybe that will change a little this week. We thought he’d break free a bit more against the Raiders, but it didn’t happen. The Packers are mostly a neutral matchup, but they are on the positive side in terms of fantasy points allowed to RBs when compared to the league average. Half of the opponent’s starting RBs have combined for 100 yards against the Packers, but most of the damage has been done on receptions rather than on the ground. Opposing RBs are averaging 22 carries, 81 rush yds, 7.8 receptions, 83 rec yds and 0.7 TDs against the Packers. Edge owners in PPR leagues take notice. He stands a better chance to produce something useful in those scoring formats, then in the standard FBG scoring leagues.
Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)
Keep an eye on Tatum Bell’s status this week. He left the game briefly in the fourth quarter with a turf toe injury but later returned and went over 100 yards for the week. Bell said he would be fine to practice this week, but let’s be sure. If Bell’s listed as questionable, or even probable, then the likelihood that Mike Bell could get 8 to 10 carries increases significantly. The Colts are a great matchup considering how well other backs have fared and because several of their normal starters won’t be available due to injuries. Here’s an interesting stat for you to consider. Opposing backup RBs with at least 6 rushing attempts against the Colts this year are averaging 9.6 carries, 50.1 yards, 1.8 receptions, 11.6 yards and 0.2 TDs per game. Not bad for backups, but obviously not what we look for from a fantasy starter, but Bell could be a decent flex starter if Tatum misses any practice time this week. Then again, trusting Mike Shanahan will give Mike Bell 10 carries might be too risky for most owners to chance.
Shaun Alexander is lobbying to return as early as possible, but it looks like Morris will get the call again this week with Alexander possibly returning in Week 9. The Chiefs are the opponent this week and it’s a road game. To make matters worse for Morris, Matt Hasselbeck is out so the defense can focus more intently on stopping Morris and the Seahawks ground game. It will be tough sledding for Morris this week, but it might not be as bad as it seems. Opposing RBs (starters) are averaging 20 carries for 79 yards, 3 receptions for 22 yards and 0.7 TDs. Amongst that group, Frank Gore and Tatum Bell were the only two not to get 100 yards (total) against the Chiefs. Morris isn’t quite as talented as any of these backs, but he’s capable. Overall, the Chiefs are the 8th best matchup, but given the situation with no Hasselbeck or Alexander, we wouldn’t rely too heavily on the matchup numbers as a barometer. If you're desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)
Barlow is technically still starting at RB for the NY Jets, but he’s clearly not their featured back. Relying on him is a risky proposition at this point with Leon Washington producing two 100 yard efforts in the last three games. Barlow has carried the ball 11+ times in all but one game this year and he did scored a TD last week, so he still holds some value. It just pales in comparison to the upside that Washington brings to the table. This week’s opponent – Cleveland – is a good matchup for RBs, too. Four starters have run for 100 yards against them in six games – including the last three. Two of those three scored TDs, too. If anything, Barlow should be reliable enough to expect 10-to-12 carries, 35-to-45 yards and perhaps a better than 50% chance to score a TD.
Wide Receiver
Prime Cut (Great matchup, strong sleeper)
Johnson has fared reasonably well since Larry Fitzgerald pulled his hamstring three weeks ago. In those three games, Johnson has produced 6-82-0, 2-17-1 and 3-87-0. Useful, but not in the stud WE range like perhaps some owners expected. The opponent this week – Green Bay – is the second best matchup for WRs allowing 11.5 receptions, 178.8 yds and 1.7 TDs per game. Last week, Marty Booker (7-110-1) and Derek Hagan (5-53-1) got over on the Packers corners for solid games. Just don’t mention that to anyone that owns Chris Chambers. In three of the Packers six games, two different WRs caught a TD pass against them. Seven out of twelve starting WRs to face them have produced 50+ yards, eight of them scored TDs. Johnson is a safe play each week as long as Fitz is not playing, but he’s an even better play when the matchup is favorable as it is this week.
Braylon Edwards disappointed his owners last week when he failed to produce more than 2 catches for 6 yards against a tough Broncos defense. Granted, it was a difficult matchup, but from Edwards most of us expected a bit more production and it just didn’t happen. This week, the matchup is a bit more favorable. Case in point, Mike Furrey caught 9 passes for 109 yards and a TD against the Jets last week. Opposing No. 1 WRs are averaging 5.4 receptions, 69.3 yards and 0.4 TDs against the Jets. The last three have scored TDs.
Gabriel is currently the 48th ranked WR going by YTD stats (15 catches, 274 yards, 3 TDs in 5 games). He’s 41st on a PPG basis. Gabriel has settled into the Patriots offense nicely and he’s arguably Tom Brady’s go-to WR now. In the last four games, Gabriel was targeted 28 times. He’s caught TDs in three of those four games and he produced 45 yards or more in the same three games. The Vikings defense, this week’s opponent, is mostly a neutral matchup for WRs. They’ve allowed three 100-yard WRs in six games and only three different WRs have scored TDs. More pointedly, the opposing team’s No. 1 WR is averaging 5.3 catches, 87.7 yards and 0.2 TDs per game.
Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)
Samie Parker has been targeted 18 times in the last three weeks catching 11
passes for 124 yards and a TD. Opposing WRs have scored the third most
points against Seattle, the Chiefs opponent this week. Eddie Kennison and
Parker are both looking better than usual this week. Opposing WRs have
scored six TDs against the Chiefs in the last three games with two-100 yards
games.
Starting WRs are averaging 4.3 catches, 53.4 yards and 0.5 TDs per game against
the Giants this year. Clayton hasn’t been any more reliable this year than
he was in his disappointing sophomore season last year. However, he has
shown signs of improvement with 6-55-1 and 3-30-0 in the last two weeks.
Five out of the twelve starters scored TDs, but only three produced 80 yards
or more.
It’s difficult to predict when the Chargers WRs are a good play or not. Antonio
Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson are such major cogs for the Chargers offense
that often there’s not enough targets to give McCardell or Parker sufficient
value. The matchup against the Rams should help this week. St. Louis has
allowed the most fantasy points to opposing WRs of any team. Starting
wideouts are averaging the following against the Rams through six games: 9.2
targets, 5.3 catches, 83.2 yards and 0.7 TDs. Parker has been targeted 22
times in the last three games catching 14 balls for 213 yards and no TDs.
McCardell, in the same span, was targeted 19 times with 14 catches for 153
yards and no TDs. Flip a coin here. One or both of these guys ought to be
productive games this week.
Rumored to be moving into the WR2 slot in the starting lineup and he’s been playing well for the Falcons in a limited role. The Bengals corners are aggressive, so they’re susceptible to big plays. If the Falcons take a page out of last week, Michael Vick could find Lelie for a long completion or possibly even a TD this week. Of course, first Vick will have to hit someone other than Alge Crumpler, but Lelie’s role is growing and his confidence appears to be growing, too. This is not a matchup play as much as it is about Lelie’s opportunity improving.
Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)
Jones continues to benefit from the injuries around him, as he gets closer to 100% himself. David Givens (questionable) expects to return to the lineup in week 9 and Drew Bennett (ankle) could return this week. Roydell Williams had surgery for a broken finger and could miss up to three weeks. Jones has eight catches for 92 yards and a TD in the last three games (12 targets). This week’s game against Houston is both a good matchup (Texans allowing 6th most fantasy points to WRs) and a good opportunity for Jones to produce as he’ll likely start opposite Drew Bennett.
The Steelers haven’t allowed an opposing WR to go over 100 yards yet this year, but they still rank among the top half of the NFL teams in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing WRs. Opposing starters are averaging 7.6 targets, 4.6 catches, 60.9 yards and 0.3 TDs per game against the Steelers. Curry has been productive in spots, but he also came up empty just two weeks ago against Denver (no catches). In his two other previous games, Curry has produced 4-94-0 (7 targets) and 3-42-0 (5 targets). Curry could be a good option this week if the Raiders focus on shorter routes to offset the Steelers pass rush. Curry’s capable of making plays after the catch, too.
In two of the last three 49ers’ games, the opposing team’s No. 3 receiver caught a TD pass. In week six, it was Vincent Jackson (1-33-1). In week 5, Ronald Curry produced no TDs, but he did catch four balls for 94 yards. In week 4, Dante Hill caught a 13-yard TD. The 49ers have allowed the 7th most fantasy points to WRs overall. Davis has caught a TD in two of his four games played this year.
If you're desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)
The Packers WR corps is ultra-thin coming into this week’s game. They’ve lost Robert Ferguson for the season due to an injured foot. Koren Robinson is suspended for a year and rookie standout Greg Jennings suffered a sprained ankle in the first half of last week’s game. He’s questionable for this week. That leaves Favre with Donald Driver and Ruvell Martin as his primary targets, not to mention more targets are probably in order for their TEs Bubba Franks and David Martin. Ruvell Martin saw his first extensive action last week catching 2 balls for 25 yards on 4 targets. This week, against the Cardinals, Martin figures to be targeted more frequently based on the likelihood that he’ll be featured as the team’s No. 2 WR and the Cardinals will likely roll their coverage to Driver’s side of the field.
Vincent Jackson was questionable for last week’s game after leaving practice last week with an abductor strain. Jackson and Floyd have alternated catching TD passes this year out of the Chargers No. 3 WR spot. This week the Chargers have an excellent matchup at home against the St. Louis Rams. Opposing WRs have scored more fantasy points against the Rams than any other team. Floyd would certainly be a huge reach in most leagues, but he has been used around the red zone enough to consider and opposing No. 3 WRs are averaging the following stats against the Rams: 2.4 catches, 39.4 yards and 0 TDs.
The Falcons are a solid matchup and Henry is coming off a 2-game suspension. That’s the good news. The bad news is HC Marvin Lewis said he’s not sure whether he will activate him or not for this week’s game. He may activate and sit him, too. Kelley Washington has a hamstring injury and he’s out for week 8. Tab Perry was placed on season-ending IR, but Antonio Chatman is probable with a tweaked groin. The Bengals may need to activate him unless Lewis opts to run more double TE sets as he did last week. Henry could be useful if he plays, so monitor his status.
Tight End Prime Cut (Great matchup, strong sleeper)
Smith is a multiple offender in the sleeper column. He’s ranked 15th (YTD) amongst TEs after seven weeks. He had three productive weeks in a row before coming up small last week. He’s also benefited from the Bucs facing several opponents in a row that have not fared well against opposing TEs. Starting TEs that have played against the NY Giants are averaging 4.3 receptions, 59.5 yards and 0.3 TDs against them.
Witten checks in as the 16th best fantasy TE after seven weeks (YTD). This week the Cowboys face the Panthers, who have struggled defending against TEs. Opposing TEs are scoring the 2nd most fantasy points against Carolina – 5.9 receptions, 59.1 yards and 0.6 TDs. Last week, even Reggie Kelly and Tony Stewart got into the act for the Bengals (who typically don’t utilize their TEs at all in the passing game). Ernie Conwell produced 5-37-0 against them and Alex Smith produced 4-72-0 the previous week. Witten should be a solid start this week, finally giving those who drafted him some reason to be optimistic after a slower than expected start. Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)
Anderson has produced two solid games in a row against teams that have fared well against tight ends. This week, Anderson and the Raiders face the Steelers, who are also defending the TE position well, despite statistically being slightly worse than average. That the Steelers have already faced Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, Randy McMichael and Alge Crumpler (6-117-3 last week), and they are still slightly below the norm, speaks well to their ability. Anderson scored a TD three weeks ago and he produced 3-56-0 and 3-55-0 in the last two games, so he’s on a little roll. It’s a flip of the coin where he can sustain the momentum here.
The Chargers depth at linebacker will be severely tested this week with Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman both on the sidelines and DE Igor Olshansky also out due to injury. Last week, the Chiefs Kris Wilson caught a TD among two receptions for 13 yards against the Chargers. Tony Gonzalez also had his first breakout game of the season. The Ravens completed TD passes to both Todd Heap and Daniel Wilcox against SD. Klopfenstein has 23 or more yards in four of the last five games with 1 TD. He could just as easily produce nothing, but if you’re reaching hard for a TE solution this week, consider this rookie. He’s a solid young player and this could be a good situation to use him. Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)
HC Jeff Fisher talked about getting more out of Ben Troupe this week. Fisher talked about Troupe being productive in practices, but it’s not carrying into games and he’s continuing to make mental mistakes that are making him more hesitant on the field. "Ben has to become more consistent in the little things he is doing," Fisher said. "He has made a number of mistakes earlier this year that is somewhat cause for alarm, however he has done a good job and is very, very talented. He has shown the last couple of years that he has the potential to make big plays. Obviously we are going to try to keep him involved as much as we can." The Texans aren’t necessarily being abused by opposing TEs, but we expect the Titans passing game to perform better than usual, so it stands to reason that the Titans TEs would be a part of that. As soon as we expect Troupe to perform better, invariably it means Bo Scaife will step up with a solid game. Either way, the Titans like using their TEs, but they’ve been less productive this season and they’re both a bit risky at this point.
If you're desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)
The Broncos rookie hasn’t sniffed the goal line this year nor has he made any impact in the passing game. Maybe Stephen Alexander is the better call in this case, since the idea of any Bronco TE having value at this point is directly tied to them scoring a TD on one of those cute little play-action waggle plays or bootlegs that Shanny has traditionally loved near the goal line. The Colts, for their part, have allowed TDs to four different tight ends in six games. Take your pick, but call it a gut feeling that Plummer and “pick your TE” connect for an easy score this week.
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