Fantasy Sports Shack

Sleepers of the Week: Week 17

Posted: December 29, 2009

The final week of the NFL regular season is upon us, and many fantasy football champions have been determined.  However, for those whose fates shall be determined in this final week, it’s best you know a few not-so-household names who will have major impacts in the fantasy world.

Mike Tolbert, RB, San Diego Chargers
Opponent: Washington Redskins
Projection: 24 touches, 108 yards, 1 TD

Chances are, the Chargers, having already clinched a first-round bye, are going to rest LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles on Sunday.  That scenario leaves Tolbert to handle the bulk of the workload.  In Week 16, the hulking 243-pound back rumbled for 60 yards on 11 carries.  With the Redskins having given up on the 2009 season, it should be a walk in the park for the Chargers second-stringers.

Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Opponent: Buffalo Bills
Projection: 21 touches, 98 yards, 1 TD

Like the Chargers, the Colts’ fate (home field advantage throughout) has already been determined, thus Brown and the other back-ups will get a chance to show their stuff in Week 17.  Though Brown’s injury-plagued rookie season has been a severe disappointment — some folks thought he’d supplant Joseph Addai by season’s end — he will be given every opportunity to show his value to his team from this point forward, starting with a terrific match-up with the worst run defense in the NFL in Week 17.

Brandon Jackson, RB, Green Bay Packers
Opponent: Arizona Cardinals
Projection: 14 touches, 56 yards, 1 TD

The Green Bay Packers have already clinched a wild card spot, and likely will rest their starters for much of their Week 17 match-up with the Cardinals.  In Week 16, Jackson scored three touchdowns on just eight touches.  Expect the touches to go up and the scores to go down this week, but he should still see ample opportunity while splitting time with Ahman Green (while Ryan Grant watches from the sidelines in preparation for next week’s playoff game).

Devin Aromashodu, WR, Chicago Bears
Opponent: Detroit Lions
Projection: 9 targets, 5 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD

If you hadn’t noticed, Aromashodu is starting to make a name for himself in Chicago.  Seven catches, 150 yards and a score in Week 16, he’s quickly playing himself into a prominent role for 2010.  Against the lowly Detroit Lions in Week 17, expect him to have another solid outing.  If he’s available in your league — chances are, he is — go get him, and plug him into your starting lineup.  With the likes of Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Marques Colston, Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Chad Ochocinco and Vincent Jackson likely to get some rest on Sunday, Aromashodu is a more-than-capable fill-in.

Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Opponent: St. Louis Rams
Projection: 22-34, 245 yards, 1 TD

Since taking over for Shaun Hill in Week 7, all Smith has done is throw for 2,128 yards and 17 touchdowns (212 ypg, 1.7 TD/game).  Sure, he’s been erratic at times (12 interceptions), but there’s more good than bad here, especially this week as he squares off with the St. Louis Rams.  Expect a similar performance to last week’s 230-yard, one TD effort against Detroit.

Other Great Starts:

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos (vs. Kansas City)
Jason Snelling, RB, Atlanta Falcons (@ Tampa Bay)
Austin Collie, WR, Indianapolis Colts (@ Buffalo)

December 29, 2009 - Posted by joshf28 | Sleepers | Alex Smith, Atlanta Falcons, austin collie, Brandon Jackson, Chicago Bears, defense sleeper, denver broncos, Devin Aromashodu, donald brown, fantasy football, fantasy football sleeper, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Jason Snelling, kicker sleeper, knowshon moreno, Mike Tolbert, quarterback sleeper, running back sleeper, San Diego Chargers, san francisco 49ers, week 17 sleepers, wide receiver sleeper