Week 13 Sleeper Report

This article is a weekly look at player generally ranked outside the realm of every week starters. 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

Kurt Warner - ARI - Fresh off his best statistical game of the season last week against the 49ers, Warner has the best statistical matchup going this week. Warner threw for 484 yards, 2 TDs and 2 INTs last week marking his first 300-yard game since week 17 last year. Cleveland, this week's opponent, is allowing 279 passing yards along with 2.3 TDs and 1.1 INTs per game. Not to put any undue pressure on Warner, but the last eight QBs to face Cleveland have thrown for at least 250 yards and 1 TD. As far as sleepers go, this matchup is like fish in a barrel as long as Warner's ankle doesn't present any problems.

Jason Campbell - WAS - On the strength of his last three starts, Campbell has risen to QB11 year to date among fantasy QBs. In that span, Campbell has thrown for an average of 288 yds, 2 TDs and 1 INT per game against the Eagles, Cowboys and Bucs. It's not like Campbell did that damage against the Lions, Browns and Vikings. This week, he faces the Bills, who are allowing the third most fantasy point to the QB position (24-of-37, 264 yds, 1.6 TD and 1.1 INT per game). Even the magic 8-ball is saying, "All signs point to YES", when asked if Campbell will be worthy of your lineup this week.

Matt Schaub - HOU - The last time Matt Schaub faced the Titans, he was forced from the game after completing just 5-of-9 for 23 yards. Sage Rosenfels picked up the slack and finished with 290 yards and 4 TDs, but also 3 INTs. As long as Schaub doesn't get knocked around again, he should also produce some nice stats in this game. In Schaub's eight games that he FINISHED, he has thrown for no less than 225 yards in each of them. In his last two games Schaub has produced 293/2/0 and 256/2/2 against soft matchups like Cleveland and New Orleans. Tennessee is a bit tougher, but Schaub should be fine, especially with Andre Johnson back in the groove again.

Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)

Rex Grossman - CHI - Since returning to the lineup, Grossman is averaging right at 200 yds/gm with 2 TDs and 1 INT overall. That's kind of production won't get anyone excited from a fantasy perspective, but with Bears ground game floundering, Grossman will likely put the ball in the air another 30 to 35 times again this week. For Grossman to be effective he must have time and the Giants secondary can be beaten if Grossman gets time. The Giants are allowing 228 yds, 1.6 TDs and 1.1 INTs per game to opposing QBs which makes them a better than average matchup for fantasy purposes. The caveat with Grossman is obviously the risk of turnovers. If you feel comfortable that he'll be protected reasonably well, then roll your dice with Grossman. Otherwise, go with a less risky option.

Vince Young - TEN - Young missed the Titans/Texans game the first time around this year. As a native Houstonian, Young will always have a little extra something to motivate himself for this game since they opted for Mario Williams with their #1 pick. The Texans are an average matchup, at best, as they've allowed 224 yds, 1.4 TDs and 0.9 INTs per game. Kerry Collins completed 25-of-42 for 280 yards with no TDs and no INTs in their week 7 loss to Houston. Last year, Young beat the Texans mostly with his legs running for a TD in each contest while producing moderate (being kind) passing numbers. In the last three weeks, Young has played better from a passing perspective than in the previous 9 games. He's produced 257/1/2 and 52/0 rushing, 305/1/2 and 74/1 rushing, and then 246/0/1 last week with only 6 yards rushing.

Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)

A.J. Feeley - PHI - Feeley was highly productive last week starting for Donovan McNabb, so he's a logical choice if you are a McNabb owner or not. In the last two games that Feeley has started for the Eagles, he has thrown for over 300 yards and 3 TDs each time. Last year, he completed 22-of-33 for 321 yards and 3 TDs against the Falcons in week 17. Last week, he produced 345 yards, 3 TDs but he also threw three picks against the Patriots. The Seahawks are not a great matchup, but they aren't quite as formidable as the Patriots either, so grab him and start him as long as McNabb sits this one out.

Bruce Gradkowski - TB - Jeff Garcia may not be able to go this weekend due to a sore back. He left last week's game and Gradkowski took over finishing with 106 yards on 9-of-19 passing with 24 yards rushing. Gradkowski started one game against the Saints last year and produced 225/2/0 along with 19 yards rushing. This year, the Saints are a favorable matchup allowing QBs an average stat line of 20-of-32 for 256 yards with 1.6 TDs and 0.8 INTs per game.

If you're desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)

Tarvaris Jackson - MIN - This is the time of year when reality sets in -- you're either well positioned for a title run, fighting for a playoff spot or just playing out a string. If you're looking in this category for a starter, then chances are you're one of the later and not the former. With that disclaimer out of the way, Jackson is someone who might be worth reaching for if you're in a desperate situation. He's not going to throw for 300 yards. Heck, he has yet to top 200 yards this year in any game. That said, he makes up for some of that with around 20-30 rushing yds/gm. With any luck, he might throw for 150 to 200 yards and a TD against the Lions. Detroit is the 2nd best matchup for QBs this year allowing 286 yds, 2 TDs and 1.4 INTs per game. The reality is that Jackson's 166 yds against Detroit in week 2 was the lowest allowed all year by them. Every other QB has thrown for no less than 208 yards with at least 1 TD.

Running Back

Kolby Smith - KC - Heading into the season the Chargers had one of the best run defenses in the league. Around the time that Adrian Peterson ran for 296 yards and 3 TDs that opinion changed quickly. There are many places to point the finger, aside from the shirt, like Ted Cottrell's passive schemes that have taken the teeth out of the Chargers once-feared pass rush or the injuries suffered along the Chargers front seven. Namely, Luis Castillo's injury and NT Jamal Williams set them back the most. The Chiefs got some great production out of Kolby Smith last week when he rolled over the Raiders for 150 yards and a pair of TDs in his first NFL start. He won't get over on San Diego that bad, but he could be productive and combine for around 100 yards. Larry Johnson had his best game against San Diego in week four when he ran for 123 yards and caught 3 balls for another 25 yards.

** Selvin Young - DEN (check status of Young/Henry/Hall first) - The RB situation in Denver, as usual, is a mess. Travis Henry believes he'll be ready to play this week against the woeful Raiders run defense. Of course, that's a risky proposition in that he's missed the last three games with an assortment of injuries. Andre Hall took over last week and played well, but he suffered a high ankle sprain so it would be a surprise to see him on the field this week. That leaves Selvin Young, who missed last week's game with a sprained knee. He's also a risky play, but the reward could be high given how Kolby Smith and Chester Taylor gashed the Raiders in the past two games on the ground. If Henry, Young and Hall are unavailable, then Mike Bell and/or Cecil Sapp are the ones who would likely benefit and get the action. The trick is reading Mike Shanahan. If you're right, the juice is usually worth the squeeze. If you're wrong, it will be painful watching one of the Broncos other backs ramble for 100+ yards and a TD or two.

Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)

Justin Fargas - OAK - Fargas is playing well right now and he's got a great matchup against a Broncos defense this week that is allowing 27/129/0.5 and 4/31/0 per game to opposing RBs. LaMont Jordan ran for 159 yards against Denver in week two. Fargas has produced solid numbers in each of the last four games and he's a good bet to get another 20-25 touches again this week. His last four games look like this: 22/139/1 and 2/18/0 against KC, 22/60/0 and 3/29/0 against Minnesota, 23/81/0 and 5/23/0 against Chicago and 23/104/1 and 2/15/0 against Houston.

Ron Dayne - HOU - Dayne and the Texans will have a difficult time running the football against the Titans this week as long as Albert Haynesworth is on the field. If Haynesworth plays, the Titans run defense is completely different than if he is inactive again (as he was last week). In week 7, Ahman Green started and he ran 11 times for 39 yards and caught 5 balls for 32 yards against the Titans. Dayne has been starting for the injured Green in the last few games producing 122, 105 and 85 total yards in those games and scoring 1 TD. There was some speculation that Green may be able to play this week, but until I see him on the field and not on the inactive list, I won't believe it. Dayne looks like the guy again this week and with Haynesworth a question mark, he should be able to do some damage and produce another 80 to 90 yards.

Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)

Chester Taylor - MIN - Taylor is a risky play this week against the Lions with the expected return of Adrian Peterson. However, if Peterson is inactive come game day be prepared to insert Chester into your lineup. The Lions are allowing the 3rd most fantasy points to RBs this year, but the bulk of that damage has been done in the passing game. RBs are averaging 8/76/0.4 against Detroit as receivers while averaging 22/92/0.6 as runners. Keep an eye on the news out of Minnesota so you're prepared to pounce on Taylor if Peterson plays a limited role or just in case he's declared inactive.

Reuben Droughns - NYG - Droughns got the start last week against a tough Vikings defense and he produced 52 total yards and a TD. Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward were inactive due to injuries and there's a good chance that they could be out again this week allowing Droughns to get the start against a soft Bears run defense that is allowing the 4th most fantasy points to RBs (26/118/1 and 5/39/0.1 per game). Check on the status of Jacobs and Ward later in the week before committing to Droughns.

Chris Brown - TEN - LenDale White had a horrible game last week against the Bengals. He drew a personal foul for kicking/kneeing a Bengals defender at the end of one play and he was sent to the bench for the rest of the game with the Bengals holding a large lead. White will almost certainly return to the lineup this week, but with Chris Henry suspended and Brown healthy again, it's reasonable to think that Brown should get a healthy number of touches this week. Brown ran for 28 yards on 8 carries last week and caught 1 ball for 7 yards. The Texans are a good matchup allowing 26/109/0.8 rushing and 6/44/0 receiving to opposing RBs.

If you're desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)

Fred Jackson - BUF - Anthony Thomas has been scrappy as the replacement for the injured Marshawn Lynch. Last week, Thomas got dinged up, which paved the way for Fred Jackson to get the bulk of the work in the fourth quarter. Jackson showed that he can catch the ball well out of the backfield and he was one of the most surprising players at the Bills training camp back in August. If Thomas is limited, Jackson could very well end up starting for Buffalo this week making him a decent reach even though he's facing a Redskins defense that is, at best, an average matchup for opposing RBs.

Adrian Peterson / Garrett Wolfe - CHI - Cedric Benson was placed on the season-ending injured reserve list this week and he'll miss the rest of the year. Adrian Peterson will start in his place, but Garrett Wolfe will also see some action. The Giants run defense is much better than their pass defense, so Peterson is far from a good start. He's a pretty big reach and he didn't respond with any big runs after Benson left last week's game either. If you're desperate, you may reach for Peterson, but expect Wolfe to get enough carries to cut undermine Peterson's fantasy production. In other words, neither one of the Bears backs may be very useful until we get a chance to see how the distribution of the workload will go.

Patrick Cobbs & Samkon Gado - HOU - The Dolphins are matched up with a Jets run defense that has allowed the 2nd most points to opposing RBs this week. Unfortunately, the Dolphins are running out of bodies. Jesse Chatman was very limited, but played, last week. He may not be able to go this week. Ricky Williams got the start against Pittsburgh but lasted only six carries before leaving with a torn pectoral muscle, which also ended his season as quickly as it started. That leaves Patrick Cobbs as the next back in the pecking order along with Samkon Gado and the Dolphins rookie Lorenzo Booker, who has yet to even see the field this year as a RB. The good news is the matchup is a great one, so someone should be productive for the Dolphins. The bad news is that we can't tell you who it might be at this point in the week. Look for Cobbs to get the call, though Gado could see carries and, if hell freezes over, maybe Booker will be activated for the first time this year and get some action.

Wide Receiver

Bobby Engram - SEA - The Eagles aren't the best matchup for opposing WRs, but Bobby Engram is probably the most under-rated, but consistent performer amongst fantasy receivers this year. He's been remarkably productive in PPR leagues and with the rash of injuries that have stricken the Seahawks this year; Engram is the one guy who has gone unscathed. D.J. Hackett is back on the sidelines for this week's game after reinjuring his sprained ankle. Nate Burleson will likely start in place of Hackett, but Engram will remain as active as he's been all season long working out of the slot and he just might be the most targeted of the Seahawks WRs once again. Burleson is worth a look in deeper leagues if you're reaching for somebody who might be available on waivers.

Joe Jurevicius - CLE - Derek Anderson is still throwing the ball as well as almost any QB in the league, but the majority of his balls go to Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow, Jr. Don't forget about Jurevicius though. He caught 3 TDs in the first four games and he hasn't caught one since, but he's still a quality WR that should be productive in this favorable matchup against the Cardinals. Despite not having a TD on his resume in the last five games, he has produced 5-76, 4-69, 5-44, 4-82 and 5-55 with 5 to 7 targets in each game.

Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)

Shaun McDonald & Calvin Johnson - DET - The Vikings run defense is as strong as they come, so it would make perfect sense for Mike Martz to lean heavily on the passing game this week. Last week, it was almost as if Martz was out to prove a point as the Lions ran the ball aggressively in the first half and targeted Calvin Johnson so much that it was as if they forgot about Roy Williams on the other side. Martz has been heavily criticized in recent weeks for ignoring the run and Calvin Johnson, so whether it was a directive or just Martz being Martz -- Kevin Jones and Calvin Johnson got their just rewards last week. This week, one would expect the Lions to return back to their normal pass, pass and then pass some more mode. Whether Kitna will survive the beating is another matter. Look for both McDonald and Johnson to be busy this week and both make good sleeper picks for your lineup.

Justin Gage - TEN - Gage has the hot hands among the Titans WR corps over the last few games. Brandon Jones came up completely empty last week and Roydell Williams has been inconsistent. Gage has taken advantage of the opportunity by producing 7-90-1 on 9 targets three weeks ago against Jacksonville, then 6-66-0 on 10 targets against Denver and finally 4-98-0 last week against Cincinnati on 7 targets. As a fantasy matchup, the Texans are slightly better than average so if you're going to roll the dice on any of the Titans WRs, Gage is your best bet right now.

Ike Hilliard - TB - Hilliard caught 4 balls for 44 yards last week despite Jeff Garcia leaving the game early (back injury) and the Bucs playing with a healthy lead. Hilliard produced 2-51-0 in week two when these two teams last played. The Saints are an excellent matchup having allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing WRs (12/181/1.4 per game). It's looking like Gradkowski will get the start in place of Garcia this week, so that makes Hilliard a bit of a wild card, but he's worth the gamble given the matchup. He's a quality reach as your WR3/WR4/flex player this week.

Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)

Nate Burleson - SEA - The Eagles aren't the best matchup for opposing WRs, but Bobby Engram is probably the most under-rated, but consistent performer amongst fantasy receivers this year. He's been remarkably productive in PPR leagues and with the rash of injuries that have stricken the Seahawks this year; Engram is the one guy who has gone unscathed. D.J. Hackett is back on the sidelines for this week's game after reinjuring his sprained ankle. Nate Burleson will likely start in place of Hackett, but Engram will remain as active as he's been all season long working out of the slot and he just might be the most targeted of the Seahawks WRs once again. Burleson is worth a look in deeper leagues if you're reaching for somebody who might be available on waivers.

Nate Washington - PIT - Last week, I wrote about Washington as the replacement for Santonio Holmes as one of the top sleepers at the WR position. Unfortunately, the field conditions at Heinz Field undermined any ability for the Steelers or Dolphins to have much of a passing attack, or any offense for that matter. That shouldn't be the case this week when the Bengals come to town. Cincinnati has allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing WRs, so look for Washington to potentially be useful this week. Hines Ward gobbled up almost all of the targets in last week's game and we expect him to be active again, but Washington has potential and he is worth a reach if you're in need -- and as long as Holmes remains sidelined, which it looks like he will be out again.

If you're desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)

Sidney Rice - MIN - Rice has caught a TD in two of the last three games, so he appears to be heating up and getting a few more balls thrown his way. Last week, he beat single coverage and took a pass 60 yards down the sideline for a TD against the Giants. The Lions are definitely vulnerable in their secondary allowing the 7th most fantasy points to opposing WRs (14/171/1.2 per game). The problem is that it's hard to count on the Vikings passing game with Tarvaris Jackson at the wheel. It's a solid matchup, but Rice didn't catch a pass in their last game against Detroit and he was not inactive in that game either.

Koren Robinson - GB - Robinson had a couple of big plays in last week's game against Detroit. He's healthy and he's getting more reps in the game now, too. Plus, Brett Favre is red hot and throwing 2 or 3 TDs each week. In the off chance that Favre throws a TD to someone besides Greg Jennings, Robinson could be a beneficiary. The Packers will almost certainly need to throw the ball to beat Dallas this week and Donald Driver isn't 100% either. Robinson is a huge reach at this point, but it's a solid matchup and it doesn't hurt gambling on any of the Packers WRs with Favre blazing the trail.

Tight End

Vernon Davis - SF - From a talent perspective, Davis is a no-brainer. However, his sophomore season has not exactly gone as expected by most in the fantasy world. That said, since he returned from injuries in week 7 he's been fairly consistent and his production has been particularly good in four of the last five games producing 45+ yards and 4 to 7 catches in those game with 2 TDs. The Panthers are about average or slightly better than average as far as fantasy matchup go. They are allowing 5-43-0.5 per game to the opposing tight ends.

Tony Scheffler - DEN - Scheffler doesn't have a good matchup this week against the Raiders, even though the Raiders defense has enough challenges. He's simply producing at a clip that should warrant serious consideration in your starting lineup each week. Since week 7, Scheffler has strung together many productive games and he's consistently being targeted between 4 and 7 times each game. That means we should have enough confidence in him to use him unless we have a Gates, Witten, Shockey, Gonzo, Winslow or Cooley on our team. Scheffler caught 5 balls for 82 yards and a TD last week and we expect him to continue to produce this week as well.

Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)

Leonard Pope - ARI - For whatever reason, Pope has been more active in the second half of the season this year. It all began in week 7 when he caught 3 balls for 35 yards and a TD against the Redskins. Then, he laid a goose egg against the Bucs, but rebounded the following week with a huge game of 5-52-2 against the Lions. In the last two games, Pope has 1-22-0 and 2-39-0. The Browns are one of the best matchups in the league for anyone in the Cardinals passing game, but specifically for TEs, they are allowing the most fantasy points (5/52/0.8). If you're going to reach for Pope, this would be the week to give him a shot.

Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)

Alex Smith - TB - In the last two games, Smith has really outdone himself. He's produced 3-51-1 on 5 targets against Atlanta two weeks ago and then he had 3-41-0 on 4 targets last week against the Redskins. The Saints are a better-than-average matchup for TEs allowing 4-46-0.4 per game, but Smith is just as likely to disappear this week as he is to produce another 3-4 catches for 40 yards. That said, he is an athletic player with a decent amount of talent, and the matchup isn't bad, so he's probably worth a gamble if you need to reach for a TE this week.

If you're desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)

Randy McMichael - STL - The Falcons have been vulnerable this year to opposing TEs allowing 5-56-0.4 per game. Unfortunately, McMichael, like the rest of the Rams offense this year, has largely underwhelmed fantasy owners this year. There's nothing mystical about this matchup that would cause me or anyone to think that McMichael is all of a sudden going to break out with a big game other than the Falcons ranking 5th in terms of fantasy points allowed. McMichael has been fairly consistent with 2-3 catches each week, but he remains a talented player so if you're going to reach, then do so with a player of his pedigree in a decent matchup.