Week 9 Sleeper Report

  Posted 10/29 by Bob Henry, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

Quarterback

Kyle Orton - CHI - Orton threw for 334 yards and 2 TDs against the Lions at Ford Field back in week five. This time around, the Bears are coming off a bye week and playing at home. Orton should be able to throw for 280+ yards for the fourth game in a row against a Lions defense that makes it a weekly habit for opposing QBs to post their season-best statistics and QB rating. Last week, Jason Campbell took full advantage completing 23-of-28 for 328 yards and a TD. The Lions are allowing an average of 20-of-29 for 272 yards and 1.7 TDs per game. They've intercepted only one pass all season. The only better advice I can give you beyond starting Orton is to check out the new Q-Tip album (The Renaissance) which drops next week. Start Orton with confidence. He should finish among this week's top fantasy QBs.

Trent Edwards - BUF - The Jets secondary is really struggling right now. Opponents are completing 67% of their passes and Tyler freaking Thigpen, of all people, unloaded on them last week to the tune of 25-of-36 passing for 280 yards, 2 TDs and 20 yards rushing. JaMarcus Russell the defunct vertical passing game of the Raiders even came up with a modest 203 yards and a TD. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 152 yards and ran for 23 more, including a TD. Against those three "green" QBs, the Raiders didn't record a single interception and allowed them to complete 61% of their passes. No wonder a sharp shooter, like Kurt Warner, picked them apart by completing 40-of-57 for 472 yards. Trent Edwards is completing 67.9% of his passes this year, so it stands to reason that he's worth a shot this week in your lineup, at home, against this Jets defense.

Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)

Chad Pennington - MIA - Don't look now, but Pennington has chalked up three straight games of 280+ yards with at least a TD. Only Kurt Warner (70.2%) is completing a higher percentage of passes than Pennington's 69.3%. Pennington has five straight games of 225+ yards passing and four straight with 1 TD or more. Meanwhile this week's matchup, Denver, has allowed opponents a league-worst 76% completion percentage along with 245 yards, 1.4 TDs and 0.2 INTs per game. The Broncos are coming off a bye week and they seemed to finally get a little pressure on the QB in their last game, but that didn't stop Matt Cassel from becoming the offensive player of the week against them either.

David Garrard - JAX - The Bengals are allowing opposing QBs to complete 70% of their passes for an average of 220 yards and 2 TDs per game (0.7 INTs). Garrard enters this week as the 15th QB year to date. After a slow start, he's seems to be back in the groove with four straight games of 200+ yards and 1+ TD. His last two games have been especially productive -- 25/42 for 283 yds and 2 TDs and 59 yds rushing against the Browns and 25/34 for 276 yds and 1 TD against the Broncos. This will mark Garrard's first matchup against the Bengals, but with his improved play and the stink factor of the Bengals in play, he's a solid option and actually not much of a reach at all given his high floor (no picks in his last four games) and consistency.

Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)

Marc Bulger - STL - The emergence of Donnie Avery over the past few games has forced opponents to adjust to the Rams newfound speed and ability to beat them deep. Against the Patriots last week, Bulger produced his first 300 yard game of the season and his first since week 10 of last year. This week, Bulger faces a Cardinals defense that has given up big plays this year -- a 65-yard TD to Steve Smith last week - and 14 passing TDs in their last five games. They've actually been victimized more than the Lions from week 3 on this year -- a 71% completion rate, 283 yds, 2.8 TDs and 0.4 INTs per game. Let's keep everything in perspective. Bulger's only useful fantasy game this year was last week. His five other games (and his bigger body of work) is entirely defined by 136 to 184 passing yards and a TD every other game. The matchups he faced during that stretch aren't as inviting as the Cardinals, though so he's probably worth a gamble since Steven Jackson should be back in the lineup this week, too.

JaMarcus Russell - OAK - Russell has faced a series of mostly good matchups in his last four games (SD, NO, NYJ and an injury-riddled Baltimore secondary last week). Against the Ravens, Russell threw for 228 yards with a TD and INT as well as 13 yds rushing. This week, Russell faces another nice matchup. The Falcons are allowing opposing QBs an average of 21-of-36 for 255 yds, 1.4 TDs and 0.8 INTs per game. Four straight QBs (McNabb, Orton, Rodgers, Delhomme), and 5 out of 7 this year, have passed for 250 or more yards against them. The Falcons are going to the left coast for this game, so Russell won't have to deal with the crowd noise that accompanies road games either. Russell doesn't turn the ball over much and with another solid matchup on tap; he's worth a look knowing that Brees, Delhomme and Rivers are all on the bye this week.

Matt Ryan - ATL - Ryan has been a stud this year considering that he's a rookie QB in a league that has been traditionally harsh on players thrown into the fire like he has been this year. A lot of credit goes to the Falcons coaches for their game plans and ability to protect Ryan and simplify the game for their future star. This week, Ryan faces a Raiders defense that just made one his NFL draft classmates look like a playmaking veteran. Joe Flacco seemed to do it all against the Raiders last week. He ran for a fourth quarter TD, caught a 43-yard pass from Troy Smith earlier in the game and threw a TD amongst his 140 passing yards and 23 yards rushing. All in all, Flacco accounted for 25 fantasy points (FBG scoring). Ryan's last two games can't be overlooked either. Against a tough Eagles defense, Ryan stood in there and threw for 277 yards, 2 TDs and 2 INTs. Against the Bears, he topped 300 yards with a TD and no picks. Needless to say, the Falcons have a quick study behind center and he should be worth a reach this week as long as Michael Turner doesn't roll up on the Raiders so much that Ryan's passing attempts become limited due to the game circumstances.

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

Derek Anderson - CLE - Over the last three games, the Ravens defense has been vulnerable due to injuries in their secondary. They've been without Chris McAllister and Samari Rolle, among others. They've allowed an average of 265 yds, 1.7 TDs and 0.7 INTs per game and a 60% completion rate to opposing QBs. Meanwhile, Derek Anderson came out of his season-long funk three weeks ago against the Giants, of all teams, when he threw for 310 yards and 2 TDs on Monday Night Football. Unfortunately, he went back in the tank the following week against a tough Redskins defense with 136 yards and a TD (but no picks). Last week, he rebounded against a Jags defense that is a good matchup for 246/1/0. It's hard to rely on Anderson at this point in the season, but he's been decent in 2 of the last 3 games and his timing could've been worse for a matchup with the rival Ravens. He faced them once earlier this year and fared horribly (125/1/3) but in previous starts against Baltimore over the past two years he's been alright -- 204/2/1, 274/0/1 w/ a rushing TD and 223/2/2.

Ryan Fitzpatrick - CIN - There may not be a single player on the Bengals worthy of fantasy consideration at any position. Fitzpatrick's play has been frenetic and adventurous at times, but if you're brave, he's someone to consider reaching for this week -- especially those of you who struggle week to week starting 2 QBs. Fitzpatrick has started four games and produced consistently poor numbers -- 156/1/3, 152/0/0, 164/1/0 and 155/0/2. The silver lining has been his rushing stats. He is averaging about 30 yards/gm rushing, which improves his bottom line enough to keep him in the conversation as a desperate sleeper. The matchup against Jacksonville this week is a good one. The Jags have allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing QBs -- 21/35 for 254 yards, 2 TDs and 0.8 INTs per game. Derek Anderson didn't look great against them last week, but he threw for 247 yards and a TD. Fitzpatrick should only be used as a last resort, but you never know when a Tyler Thigpen-esque performance awaits you.

Running Back

Earnest Graham & Warrick Dunn - TB - Warrick Dunn may not be 100% and Earnest Graham may have to deal with playing some full back again. Regardless of these limiting factors, the Bucs RB tandem tops this week's list of sleeper RBs by sheer virtue of their ridiculously good matchup against the KC Chiefs, who are allowing almost a TD per game more to RBs than any other NFL defense. They've allowed the most rush attempts, yards and TDs in the league. The best part is that opponents haven't been doing it with just one back. Almost all of them have done it with two backs posting solid numbers. In seven games, 12 of the 14 opposing backs (2 per team) have combined for 80+ yards or scored a TD, eight accomplished both. In the last three games, opposing RBs are averaging 232 yards and 3 TDs per game, almost 12 more fantasy points/gm than any other team. Keep an eye on Dunn's health. He was active last week, but limited due to a pinched nerve in his neck/back.

Edgerrin James & Tim Hightower - ARI - Hightower is already having an amazing rookie year considering that he wasn't drafted until the 5th round. He scored 6 TDs in his first 7 NFL games. His production and energy have been noticeable, enough so that Edgerrin James has finally taken notice as his touches continue to dwindle as his yards per carry do the same. The Rams might be just what the doctor ordered for the Cardinals running game, not that their offense is struggling at all. The Rams have allowed the third most fantasy points in the league to RBs -- 28 carries, 142 yards and 1.6 TDs per game along with 3/24/0.4 receiving per game. Five of the seven starting RBs to face the Rams have run for 90 or more yards; five out of seven scored a TD against them. Eight different RBs have scored double digit fantasy points against them. Hightower's touches have ranged from 7 to 11 each games, but he's solid in almost any league because he catches the ball, scores TDs and produces on average about 40 yds/gm. James, on the other hand, enters this week as the 28th ranked fantasy RB but he's ran the ball less than 10 times in three of the last four games as the Cardinals have opted to throw the ball, ditching the ground game. In two games against the Rams last year, Edge combined for 97 yards in week 5 and 136 yards and a TD in week 17.

Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)

Kevin Faulk - NE - Last week, BenJarvus Green-Ellis started and found the end zone, but it was Kevin Faulk who was more productive. Green-Ellis wound up with 9 carries for 16 yards; Faulk 13 for 60, and he was targeted 7 times for 4-47-1 receiving. Faulk has caught 3 or more passes in 5 of their 6 games this year and he produced 107, 56, 77 and 61 yards in the last four games while scoring 3 TDs. The Colts are allowing 7 receptions per game and 44 yards to opposing RBs, not to mention 32 carries, 137 yards and 1.3 TDs per game. LaMont Jordan was expected to miss another week, but he was able to participate in Wednesday's media-access portion of practice, which means he has a shot to play this week, but he probably won't be a factor until next week while Sammy Morris is out for another week, maybe two. That leaves the backfield to Faulk and Green-Ellis for another game. Both will see carries, but Faulk gets more meaningful touches due to his 3rd down role (PPR value). Green-Ellis is worth a reach, but not any more so than other #2 RBs like Ricky Williams or even Ryan Torain.

Kevin Smith - DET - Just a few weeks after losing the starting job to Rudi Johnson, Smith is on the verge of reclaiming his job. Smith clearly has more hop to his step than Johnson, though the team will continue to utilize both players, thereby rendering them both almost useless in the grand scheme of fantasy RBs. That said, the last time the Bears and Lions played (week 5), Smith ran 8 times for 31 yards, scored and caught 4 balls for 25 yards. Johnson ran 5 times for 23 yards and caught 3 balls for 9 yards. In their next two games, the Bears allowed opposing RBs an average of 30/120/1.5 rushing and 4/32/0 receiving per game. Granted, those games were against running teams (Minnesota and Atlanta). The Lions are not comparable, but Smith should be able to produce 50+ yards and possibly score. Smith produced 60+ yards in five of the Lions seven games, scoring in three and catching an average of 3+ balls per game.

Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)

Jerious Norwood - ATL - Over their last three games, the Raiders have allowed 32 carries, 149 yards and 1 TD per game along with 6/39/0.7 receiving. The way Michael Turner works, he should absolutely clean up this week. It's the classic "great game against bad teams, poor games against good teams" trend. Norwood, meanwhile, has produced 50+ yards in four of the team's seven games with only 1 TD, but 17 receptions. I'm not a betting man, but Norwood should catch 3-4 balls this week and produce 50-75 yards. Ray Rice combined for 101 yards (8-64 and 3-37) last week against the Raiders. Two weeks ago, Leon Washington scored a TD and combined for 40 yards (3-19-1 and 3-21-0).

Ray Rice - BAL - After Rice fumbled in the first game of the season, he fell behind Le'ron McClain in the rotation and barely touched the football again until week six in a blowout loss to the Colts. Over the last three weeks, Rice ran the ball 21 times for 100 yards and caught 12 balls for 147 yards. With an above average matchup this week against the Browns, Rice seems like a good bet for another 10-12 touches, a handful of catches and another 60+ yards. The Browns are allowing opposing RBs an average of 27/125/1.1 and 3/12/0 this year. Rice's yardage in the last three games -- 101, 59 and 87. In the season opener he tallied 83 yards on 25 touches. The Ravens are using him on third downs and he's also taken over kick returns and performing well there.

Ryan Torain - DEN - This week's game against the Dolphins is the much anticipated debut of rookie Ryan Torain. The hype has been building ever since Torain went down in training camp after looking like he could win the starting job over Young, Pittman, Hall and Aldridge. Despite coming off a bye week, Michael Pittman (ribs), Selvin Young (groin) and Andre Hall (wrist) all less than 100%, meaning there's a decent chance that Torain could debut sooner rather than later as the Broncos primary back against the Dolphins. Torain may also be best suited of the Broncos backs for goal-line duty due to his size. Stay tuned on the news coming out of Denver the rest of the week to see if Pittman will be healthy enough to start. Miami is a below average matchup allowing 24/92/0.6 per game rushing to opposing RBs, but teams have been successful running on them.

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

Kevin Jones - CHI - There is nothing like throwing salt on a fresh wound. There's an unwritten rule, almost, when it comes to the Detroit Lions and former players. No matter how good or bad they are, or were, they almost always put up big numbers or do something significant against their former team. Keep in mind, in five of the last six games Jones has touched the ball 3 times or less and he hasn't scored a TD this season. That may change this week though. Week 5 marked the first reunion for Jones and the Lions. In that game, he had 10 carries for 36 yards and 2 catches for 5 yards. Coincidence? Doubtful. Consider that every backup RB that faced the Lions this year has been fairly productive: Ahman Green had 14 carries, 62 yards and a TD with 1 reception for 3 yards, Chester Taylor had 5/21/0 and 3/33/0, Jones had 41 yards, Brandon Jackson broke loose with 61 yards rushing and a TD with one catch for 2 yards and Jerious Norwood had the best game with 14/93/1 and 2/6/0.

Ricky Williams - MIA - As a source for fantasy points, Williams has given us mixed signals this year. He has reached the end zone in two of the last three games, yet after seeing double digit carries in the first five games he has single digit carries in two of the last three games. Williams is normally a huge reach given his inconsistent production and lack of a clear break out game, but he does have a strong matchup against Denver. Opposing RBs have done some big damage against the Broncos this year. They've allowed the 2nd most fantasy points -- 26/152/1.3 per game rushing, 8/58/0.3 per game receiving. In their last three games, the Broncos opponents have run for 202 yards and 2 TDs per game. Ronnie Brown and the Wildcat formation could have a big game this week and Williams may get in on the fun, too. On the cautious side, the Broncos are coming off a bye and they're at home, so this could also be a classic let-down game for the Dolphins.

Wide Receiver

Donnie Avery - STL - There is plenty of room left on the Donnie Avery bandwagon, so come on board. Avery has caught 14 balls for 301 yards and 2 TDs in the last three games. In five games this year, Avery is averaging ~70 yards and 4.2 catches with 3 TDs. He was targeted 5 or more times in each game. This week, Avery and the Rams draw another nice matchup (third in a row) against a Cardinals defense allowing the 4th most fantasy production to opposing WRs -- 10 catches, 140 yards and 1.6 TDs per game. Going back to week 3, an opposing WR has topped 75 yards and scored in every game against Arizona (Steve Smith, Patrick Crayton, Lee Evans, Laveranues Coles and Santana Moss). Avery is not a fluke. He's just a rookie, but his speed has forced defenses to adjust the way they defend the Rams and his route-running and hands are top notch as well.

Steve Breaston - ARI - Despite the fact that Anquan Boldin returned to the lineup and caught 2 TDs last week, Breaston remained relevant and highly productive as the team's inside, or slot, receiver. Breaston was targeted 14 times (his highest total of the season) and produced 9 catches for 91 yards. That marks four straight games of 7+ catches and 75+ yards with 7+ targets for Breaston. Things don't appear to be changing this week either as the Cardinals face a Rams defense that allows an average of 11 catches, 182 yards and 0.7 TDs per game. Breaston is well worth the reach as your WR3/flex option, particularly in PPR leagues, as long as the Cardinals continue to throw the ball around like a backyard pick-up game.

Kevin Curtis - PHI - Curtis returned to the Eagles lineup last week and recorded three catches for 45 yards against the Falcons. This week, Curtis and the Eagles face a Seahawks defense that has allowed the third most fantasy points to opposing WRs -- 13 catches, 178 yards and 1.1 TDs per game. In three of the last four games, the Seahawks allowed an opposing WR to top 80 yards and score a TD (Antonio Bryant, Greg Jennings and Domenik Hixon). Curtis joins rookie DeSean Jackson in the starting lineup this week, while Reggie Brown continues to struggle to get healthy. Expect Jackson and Curtis to be targeted frequently and produce solid numbers this week.

Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)

Rashied Davis & Devin Hester - CHI - Four weeks ago, the Bears played the Lions in Detroit and Rashied David and Devin Hester both came up with solid performances. Brandon Lloyd was inactive due to a sprained knee. Earlier this week, Lloyd talked about not playing until he's 100%, so his status remains in question and may very well go unanswered up until game-time. If Lloyd plays, he's in the conversation for sleepers considering the Lions defense has been nearly helpless against opposing passing attacks. The Lions are the #1 matchup for QBs and WRs allowing 12 catches, 186 yards and 1.1 TDs per game. In each of their last three games an opposing WRs topped 130 yards and scored a TD. In week five, Hester produced 5-66-1 and David 6-97-0. Keep Lloyd in mind, though. He returned to practice on Monday, but it's too early to tell if he'll be active or not.

Mike Walker - JAX - Walker is expected to be healthy and rejoin the Jaguars lineup this week after missing the past few games with a sprained knee. Walker hurt his knee shortly after he emerged as the closest thing the Jags have had to a #1 receiver outside of Matt Jones, who is waiting to hear from the NFL when he will begin a suspension following his cocaine binge and subsequent arrest this summer. Before he got hurt, Walker produced 5-46-0 (6 targets) against Houston and 6-107-0 (9 targets) against Pittsburgh. This week he returns to the lineup against a Bengals secondary that has allowed 12 catches, 172 yards and 1.8 TDs to opposing WRs in the four games (most in the league in that span). Kevin Walter caught 2 TDs last week. Andre Johnson recorded another monster game (11-143-0) and slot WR David Anderson even caught a TD. The previous week, the Steelers WRs all produced solid numbers -- Holmes 5-89-0, Ward 4-60-1 and Washington 2-57-1. Roll with Walker if you're thin due to the bye week or injuries, he should be in line for plenty of targets.

Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)

Shaun McDonald & Mike Furrey - DET - Since the Lions traded Roy Williams, Shaun McDonald and Mike Furrey have taken turns with respect to their fantasy contributions. In week 7, Furrey was active with 8 targets, 6 catches and 89 yards, but then he didn't catch a ball last week despite being targeted 5 times. McDonald was targeted 6 times in week 7 but didn't catch a ball. In week 8, he was targeted 8 times for 5 catches and 68 yards. It's a flip of coin whether one/both will be productive this week against the Bears. Chicago is a good matchup allowing the most catches (17) and yards (192) to opposing WRs in the league along with 0.7 TDs per game. The last time these two teams met only, ironically, Roy Williams was the only worthwhile option (7-96-0) as Calvin Johnson, McDonald and Furrey all caught two passes or less.

Steve Smith - NYG - The way it's looking right now, the Cowboys could be starting a pair of inexperienced rookies at corner this week against the Giants. Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins may be pressed into duty thanks to injuries to Terrance Newman and Anthony Henry and Adam Jones' indefinite suspension leaving them without their top three corners. The absence of safety Roy Williams may actually be a positive for the coverage units. Opposing WRs are averaging 13 catches, 161 yards and 0.9 TDs per game against Dallas. Last week, the Bucs lackluster performance brought down that average a bit. Smith's role has grown considerably this year as he has become more comfortable working in the slot. He still doesn't have a TD catch this year, but his target numbers are consistent enough that he's worth a reach in deeper leagues when the matchup looks good.

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

Reggie Williams - JAX - See Mike Walker. Over the last three games, the Bengals have allowed the most production in the league to opposing WRs -- 15 catches, 201 yards and 1.7 TDs per game. After catching 10 TDs a year ago, Williams caught his first TD of the season last week against the Browns. He's a big-time reach given the emergence of Matt Jones and Mike Walker as starters, but Williams is better as the team's No 3 WR than free agent bust Jerry Porter. The Bengals have allowed the other team's No. 3 WR to score a TD in each of their last two games (David Anderson 2-28-1 and Nate Washington 2-57-1), so Williams might be worth a shot if you're other options are razor thin.

James Hardy - BUF - As a rookie, Hardy hasn't been very productive despite being a regular in the Bills offense from the get-go this season. Outside of Lee Evans, and perhaps TE Robert Royal, no other Bills WR has been consistent or effective, especially since Josh Reed is out indefinitely with an Achilles strain. That said, in the past three weeks, three very bad teams have had success throwing the ball against the Jets secondary. The Chiefs inserted mid-season free agent addition Mark Bradley (who was unceremoniously dumped by the Bears) into the lineup last week and he quickly made an impression against the Jets with 5-42-1. The previous week Javon Walker came out of his season long shell with 5-75-1 against the Jets. Chad Johnson even had a decent day, by his 2008 standards, catching 5 balls for 57 yards. Prior to that, all three of the Cardinals top WRs topped 100 yards and Jerheme Urban added a TD catch on top of that. Needless to say, it's a plus matchup for the Bills. Trent Edwards is playing at a high level and with no Josh Reed in the lineup, look for Hardy or possibly even Roscoe Parrish to make a play or catch a TD pass this week. Neither is a great sleeper, but I'll take a chance and say Hardy could come up with his 2nd NFL TD this week.

Tight End

Greg Olsen - CHI - The last time the Bears played the Lions (in week 5), Olsen produced his season-high in yardage (87 yards on 3 catches). In the last four games, Olsen has caught 16 passes for 237 yards and 2 TDs. The Lions are the 4th best matchup in terms of fantasy points allowed to TEs -- 4 catches, 62 yards and 0.4 TDs per game. Last year, Olsen only got one crack at the Lions due to an early season injury, but he made the most of it with 6-59-1.

John Carlson - SEA - Even though Carlson's production has tapered off lately, he's an excellent reach this week against the Eagles defense. Opposing TEs have produced consistently against Philadelphia this year. The lone exception was Atlanta, last week, and that's mostly because they don't regularly utilize the TE into their passing game. Otherwise, every TE that has faced Philadelphia's defense has produced either 60+ yards or scored a TD; four of them have produced 75+ yards. The Eagles have allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to TEs (only the Chargers have struggled to contain TEs more) -- 6 catches, 74 yards and 0.3 TDs per game. Even though Carlson has caught just 8 balls in the last three games, 2 of them were for TDs. Mike Holmgren knows how to utilize a TE and he will figure out a way to get Carlson some love with this matchup at hand.

Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)

Zach Miller - OAK - The Falcons safeties can be beaten over the top. Teams have had some success against them as they've allowed the 5th most fantasy points, or 5 catches, 55 yards and 0.4 INTs per game. Last week, Lawyer Milloy knocked L.J. Smith out of the game with a concussion but the Eagles TEs still combined for 4 catches and 57 yards. Desmond Clark (5-50-0) and Greg Olsen (3-41-0) were active and productive against them in week 6. Donald Lee (4-25-1) and Tory Humphrey (4-67-0) also had good games against them in week 5. After a slow start, Miller has been consistently productive: 5-95-1 vs SD, 3-46-0 vs NO, 4-57-0 vs NYJ and 2-56-0 vs Baltimore. Look for that trend to continue this week against the Falcons.

Anthony Fasano - MIA - Fasano hasn't been terribly productive of late, but he did catch a TD last week and this week's matchup against Denver is a good one. The Broncos are allowing an average of 4 catches, 59 yards and 0.3 TDs per game to opposing TEs. Players like Ben Watson (3-40-0) and Marcedes Lewis (3-64-1), while talented, haven't been very productive this year overall, but they were better than usual against Denver. Fasano is a good player on a team that likes to use their TEs in the red zone. If the Dolphins can get their running game rolling, as they should, things should open up for Fasano in their play-action passing and he may have his best game in over a month.

Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)

Bo Scaife & Alge Crumpler - TEN - Scaife has caught three or more balls in five straight games and 6 of the Titans' 7 games this year. He has produced 44, 48 and 72 yards in their last three games. This week, Scaife matches up against a Packers defense that has allowed consistent above average production to TEs over the last month. Dallas Clark produced 8-81-0 against them in their last game two weeks ago. Prior to that, John Carlson, Justin Peelle and Alex Smith each caught TDs against them in their three previous games. While we're at it, consider Alge Crumpler, too. Crumpler started awfully slow this year, but his last three games look like this: 2-15-1 (6 targets) vs Bal, 2-38-0 (2 targets) vs KC and 4-35-0 (5 targets) vs Indy.

Donald Lee - GB - Lee has caught a TD in two of the last three games, but he has only caught more than 3 balls twice this year and he produced 30+ yards just once in seven games. Tight ends have been consistently productive against Tennessee, though ironically they hadn't allowed a TD to a TE until last week when Dallas Clark caught his first 2 TDs of the season on Monday night. The past five TEs to play Tennesse have all topped 40 yards and caught 4 or more passes. Lee is a solid reach this week and he has a good chance to improve his bottom line given the matchup.

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

Kevin Boss - NYG - The Cowboys secondary is a mess right now. While Boss is not consistent enough to use in most leagues, he was active last week with 4 catches, 34 yards and a TD. Unfortunately, he barely caught anything in the three previous games, but he had a 3-51-1 game before that against the Bengals. He caught the game-winning TD last week, so maybe he can build on that against the Cowboys injury-riddled secondary playing without three starters.