Sleepers of the Week: Week 12
Posted: November 25, 2009
I’ll take another round turkey, a heaping pile of mashed potatoes and a mound of stuffing. I’ll go for seconds, maybe thirds, on yams and cranberry. I’ll make room for a slice of pie or three, and then it’s on to dessert and a plate full of Sleepers for Week 12:
QUARTERBACK
Alex Smith (San Francisco) vs. Jacksonville – Projection: 21-35, 220 yards, 2 TD
Smith didn’t look great on Sunday against Green Bay, but still threw for 227 yards and 3 TD. Jacksonville ranks 25th versus the pass, so another solid performance is a high probability.
Vince Young (Tennessee) vs. Arizona – Projection: 13-21, 155 yards, 1 TD, 5-35 rushing
Young is not an exciting fantasy option, but it’s surprising how little it takes to get double-digit fantasy points from the guy. With just 116 passing yards in Week 11, Young was still good for 14 fantasy points thanks to 73 rushing yards and a passing TD.
RUNNING BACK
Justin Forsett (Seattle) @ St. Louis – Projection: 13-71 rushing, 5-31 receiving, 1 TD
Even if Julius Jones returns from his bruised lung, Forsett has more than proven his worth in Seattle, and will get his touches. The Rams are 28th in the league against the run, so this will probably be the last week Forsett qualifies as a “Sleeper”.
Jamaal Charles (Kansas City) @ San Diego – Projection: 14-65 rushing, 3-11 receiving, 1 TD
Against a tough Pittsburgh D, Charles still found a way to be a viable fantasy option by catching a 2-yard touchdown pass from Matt Cassel and returning a kickoff for 6. San Diego is 21st against the run, so Charles could have another solid day.
Danny Ware (New York Giants) @ Denver – Projection: 9-51 rushing, 3-24 receiving
When the Giants travel to Denver for a Thanksgiving night showdown with the Broncos, Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle) will not make the trip. With Brandon Jacobs (leg) a bit hobbled, the door could swing open for the Giants’ number three back.
WIDE RECEIVER
Antonio Bryant (Tampa Bay) @ Atlanta – Projection: 5-67 receiving, 1 TD
Bryant had 1248 yards and 7 TD just one season ago. After battling injuries for much of this year, he’s healthy and could start to build a rapport with Tampa Bay rookie gunslinger, Josh Freeman. It doesn’t hurt that Atlanta is 29th against the pass.
Earl Bennett (Chicago) @ Minnesota – Projection: 7-84 receiving
Over the past 3 weeks, Chicago’s leading ypc receiver (12.8) has a modest 15 grabs for 177 yards. Not exactly a trend that would suggest a big game versus Minnesota, but here we go again, putting up the bucks for a guy who always fails to deliver a TD. This could be the week…
Pierre Garcon (Indianapolis) @ Houston – Projection: 5-72 receiving
Over the past 3 weeks, Garcon is tied with Roddy White for 13th in the NFL in WR targets (28). Over that span, he has 14 catches, 218 yards and 1 TD, including 108 yards last week. By the way, he has Peyton Manning throwing him the ball.
TIGHT END
Jermichael Finley (Green Bay) @ Detroit – Projection: 4-39 receiving, 1 TD
How can I not go with Finley (again)? He’s owned in less than 20% of fantasy leagues, yet, per game, is outperforming Jason Witten, Jeremy Shockey and John Carlson, all of whom are owned in more than 75% of leagues! Plus, here comes Detroit.
KICKER
Dan Carpenter (Miami) @ Buffalo – Projection: 2 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 40+)
It’s time to see if Carpenter can be a cold weather kicker. Safe bet, the Montana alum will be fine, and the Dolphins will get him into range at least twice against the Bills. Carpenter has scored 74 (real life) points thus far in 2009, and has a big leg.
DEFENSE
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay – Projection: 17 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovery
The Buccaneers have shown flashes of ability on offense, and there could be some again on Sunday. That said, Atlanta is averaging 2 sacks and nearly 2 takeaways per game, and Tampa will really be no match at home.
Week 11 Sleeper Results: Rising Stock
Posted: November 24, 2009
After some recent ups-and-downs on the Sleeper Market, the Fantasy Sports Shack stocks are, once again, on the rise. Here are the Week 11 Sleeper results:
QUARTERBACK (2 for 2)
Vince Young (Tennessee) – Young used his legs more than anticipated, but still got it done.
Projected: 15-23, 165 passing, 6-26 rushing, 1 rushing TD
Actual: 12-22, 116 passing, 1 passing TD, 11-73 rushing
Matthew Stafford (Detroit) – The stat-line of the week in (surprisingly) the game of the week.
Projected: 22-38, 245 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int
Actual: 26-43, 422 yards, 5 TD, 2 Int
RUNNING BACK (3 for 3)
Jason Snelling (Atlanta) – It wasn’t exactly pretty, but he got the job done, hitting paydirt twice.
Projected: 16-64 rushing, 1-9 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 25-76 rushing, 3-13 receiving, 2 TD
Bernard Scott (Cincinnati) – The touches and yardage far exceeded expectations, making up for the lack of a TD.
Projected: 16-59 rushing, 1 TD
Actual: 21-119 rushing, 3-32 receiving
Justin Forsett (Seattle) – A big day receiving and a short yardage punch-in run made him a viable play.
Projected: 15-57 rushing, 4-26 receiving
Actual: 8-9 rushing, 8-80 receiving, 1 TD
WIDE RECEIVER (1 for 3)
Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) – What could have been a career day became a day to forget.
Projected: 4-65 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 2-47 receiving, 1-5 rushing, 1 fumble lost
Laveranues Coles (Cincinnati) – Nailed the yardage, but without a score, can’t take credit.
Projected: 5-61 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 2-61 receiving
Mohamed Massaquoi (Cleveland) – Scored his first career TD in the shootout with Detroit.
Projected: 4-71 receiving
Actual: 5-115 receiving, 1 TD
TIGHT END (1 for 1)
Jermichael Finley (Green Bay) – There’s plenty to like about this guy in the weeks to come.
Projected: 5-58 receiving
Actual: 7-54 receiving
KICKER (push)
Jeff Reed (Pittsburgh) – Not exactly a bad game, but not really a good game, either.
Projected: 2 FG, 4 PAT
Actual: 1 FG, 3 PAT
DEFENSE (0 for 1)
Detroit Lions – A Lions/Browns shootout! Who’d'a thunk it?
Projected: 16 points allowed, 1 sack, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovery
Actual: 37 points allowed, 1 sack
Scorecard for Week 10: 7 for 10, 1 push
Overall Scorecard for 2009 Season: 44 for 112, 9 pushes (39%)
Name Your Sleepers: Week 11
Posted: November 18, 2009
Each week, the Fantasy Sports Shack spotlights Sleepers (2 QB, 3 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 K and 1 Defense) who could help your team to victory. In the Week 10 “Name Your Sleepers” matchup, the Shack took an “L” to Paul from peoplespigskin.
Think you’ve got what it takes to outplay the Fantasy Sports Shack?
Leave a comment and let me know your Week 10 picks, and we’ll see how you stack up. But remember, a true sleeper is owned in less than a majority of leagues.
Good luck!
Sleepers of the Week: Week 11
Posted: November 18, 2009
Week 10 running back injuries have created some opportunities for some not-so-household-names to get their shot, and this week’s Sleepers reflect as much. Here are the Sleepers for Week 11:
QUARTERBACK
Vince Young (Tennessee) @ Houston – Projection: 15-23, 165 yards, 6-26 rushing, 1 rushing TD
The Texans are at the middle of pack versus both the pass and rush (17th and 14th, respectively), which could bode well for Young. Don’t expect a huge day, but multiple scores are a possibility.
Matthew Stafford (Detroit) vs. Cleveland – Projection: 22-38, 245 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int
The Lions have been chucking the ball, mostly because they’re always playing catch-up. They may not need to throw as much against the lowly Browns — expect a heavy dose of Kevin Smith — but Stafford should still put up a respectable line.
RUNNING BACK
Jason Snelling (Atlanta) @ New York Giants – Projection: 16-64 rushing, 1-9 receiving, 1 TD
With Michael Turner’s availability in question (potentially for an extended period of time), Snelling becomes the RB1 by default. His backfield competition, Jerious Norwood, hasn’t practiced in a month, but could see 8-12 touches… if he plays.
Bernard Scott (Cincinnati) @ Oakland – Projection: 16-59 rushing, 1 TD
2009 fantasy football MVP candidate Cedric Benson has not been ruled out for Sunday, but his prospects don’t look good. Scott ran hard and returned a kick for 6 against Pittsburgh last week, and should be Cinci’s RB1 if Benson is out, despite the addition of Larry Johnson.
Justin Forsett (Seattle) @ Minnesota – Projection: 15-57 rushing, 4-26 receiving
Forsett is a great add for all fantasy leagues, but temper expectations for Week 11 at Minnesota. The Vikings defense ranks 6th in the NFL versus the rush (94.6 ypg) and has surrendered the fewest rushing scores to opposing backs (2).
WIDE RECEIVER
Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) @ Kansas City – Projection: 4-65 receiving, 1 TD
Wallace was on the Sleeper list last week, but with modest projections. This week, against a 24th ranked Chiefs’ pass defense that has surrendered 14 TD, expect the rook to rebound with what could potentially be a career day.
Laveranues Coles (Cincinnati) @ Oakland – Projecion: 5-61 receiving, 1 TD
While Raiders’ corner Nnamdi Asomugha is taking Chad Ochocinco out of the game, the field will open up for Coles and Andre Caldwell. Coles has 11 catches on 18 targets in the last 2 games.
Mohamed Massaquoi (Cleveland) @ Detroit – Projection: 4-71 receiving
The Lions are downright horrific against the pass (last in yards allowed per game (271.7) and 31st in TDs surrendered (20)). That said, Brady Quinn and the Browns’ passing attack is as bad or worse. Massaquoi will be the lone beneficiary.
TIGHT END
Jermichael Finley (Green Bay) vs. San Francisco – Projection: 5-58 receiving
Finley practiced on Wednesday for the first time since a Week 7 knee injury. If he’s able to go for Green Bay on Sunday, he’s a good play against the vulnerable 49ers’ safeties.
KICKER
Jeff Reed (Pittsburgh) @ Kansas City – Projection: 2 FG, 4 PAT
The Steelers’ defense will overwhelm Kansas City’s offense in their first week without Dwayne Bowe, thus creating good field position and giving Reed ample opportunities.
DEFENSE
Detroit Lions vs. Cleveland Browns – Projection: 16 points allowed, 1 sack, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovery
It’s not that the Lions will shut down Cleveland’s attack, it’s that Cleveland’s attack looks like a bad high school team. The Browns have been held to 6 or fewer points 6 times this year, and could be without Josh Cribbs, their most dynamic player.
Week 10 Sleeper Results: Yawn
Posted: November 17, 2009
Week 10 was just a ho-hum week on the Sleeper front. The QB’s came close, and a couple of the RB’s exceeded expectations, but most of the pack yielded meager returns. Here are the Sleeper results for Week 10 (and scroll to the bottom of the post for the Week 10 “Name Your Sleepers Matchup” results):
QUARTERBACK (0 for 1, 1 push)
Mark Sanchez (New York Jets) – Almost dead on with attempts/completions and yards, but off on TD and Int.
Projected: 17-31, 210 yards, 2 TD
Actual: 16-30, 212 yards, 1 TD, 2 Int
Chad Henne (Miami) – One more TD and he would have been exactly on point (fantasy points-wise).
Projected: 16-26, 195 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Actual: 17-31, 175 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int
RUNNING BACK (2 for 3)
Jamaal Charles (Kansas City) – Got 22 touches, and made them count.
Projected: 12-62 rushing, 4-22 receiving, 1 TD
Actual:18-103 rushing, 4-14 receiving, 1 TD
Mike Bell (New Orleans) – The Saints didn’t get out in front as expected, and Bell never really got an opportunity.
Projected: 12-52 rushing, 1 TD
Actual: 8-30 rushing
Ladell Betts (Washington) – Betts took advantage of 27 touches, and carried the Redskins to victory.
Projected: 17-59 rushing, 2-19 receiving
Actual: 26-114 rushing, 1-6 receiving, 1 TD
WIDE RECEIVER (0 for 2, 1 push)
Earl Bennett (Chicago) – Bennett had a 40 yard reception called back, and was otherwise quiet.
Projected: 4-56 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 3-27 receiving
Andre Caldwell (Cincinnati) – Got the expected receptions, but offensive scores were nil in this one.
Projected: 4-45 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 4-23 receiving
Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) – Wasn’t really a fantasy factor.
Projected: 3-55 receiving
Actual: 1-16 receiving
TIGHT END (0 for 1)
Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit) – Pettigrew didn’t get the dump-off looks we expected to see.
Projected: 6-72 receiving
Actual: 2-23 receiving
KICKER (push)
Sebastian Janikowski (Oakland) – Some things you never learn — like never count on an Oakland Raider!
Projected: 2 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 40+)
Actual: 1 FG, 1 PAT (1 FG 50+)
DEFENSE (1 for 1)
Tennessee Titans – The Titans were nearly exact on projections, and returned 2 interceptions for scores.
Projected: 17 points allowed, 3 sacks, 2 Int
Actual: 17 points allowed, 2 sacks, 2 Int, 2 TD
Scorecard for Week 10: 3 for 8, 3 push
Overall Scorecard for 2009 Season: 37 for 102, 8 pushes (36%)
NAME YOUR SLEEPERS MATCHUP: WEEK 10
Paul from peoplespigskin (4-5-2) – Fantasy Sports Shack (3-5-3)
Using the key where coming within 2 projected fantasy points equals a correct pick, and within 4 equals a push, the inaugural week of the Fantasy Sports Shack “Name Your Sleepers Matchup” ended in a victory by the visitor. The FSS results are above, and you can see Paul’s work below. Well played, Paul!
(For future competitors, remember: A Sleeper is owned in less than a majority of leagues.)
QB
Matt Cassel (Kansas City) – Projected 14, Actual 7
Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle) – Projected 14, Actual 14
RB
Fred Jackson (Buffalo) – Projected 15, Actual 11
Jamal Lewis (Cleveland) – Projected 12, Actual 3
Knowshon Moreno (Denver) – Projected 11, Actual 9
WR
Derrick Mason (Baltimore) – Projected 13, Actual 7
Sidney Rice (Minnesota) – Projected 12, Actual 20
Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) – Projected 9, Actual 1
TE
Dustin Keller (New York Jets) – Projected 8, Actual 5
K
Rob Bironas (Tennessee) – Projected 10, Actual 11
D/ST
Atlanta Falcons – Projected 9, Actual -1
Overall Name Your Sleepers Matchup Records: Fantasy Sports Shack 0-1, Visitors 1-0
Name Your Sleepers Matchup: Week 10
Posted: November 14, 2009
In the Week 10 “Name Your Sleepers” matchup, Paul from peoplespigskin will test his skill against the Fantasy Sports Shack. Paul, some of your Sleepers are owned in better than 80 percent of leagues, but we’ll let if fly this week. Thanks for playing, and good luck!
PAUL’S PICKS
QB
Matt Cassel (Kansas City) – 14 points
Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle) – 14 points
RB
Fred Jackson (Buffalo) – 15 points
Jamal Lewis (Cleveland) – 12 points
Knowshon Moreno (Denver) – 11 points
WR
Derrick Mason (Baltimore) – 13 points
Sidney Rice (Minnesota) – 12 points
Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) – 9 points
TE
Dustin Keller (New York Jets) – 8 points
K
Rob Bironas (Tennessee) – 10 points
D/ST
Atlanta Falcons – 9 points
FANTASY SPORTS SHACK PICKS
QB
Mark Sanchez (New York Jets) – 16 points
Chad Henne (Miami) – 13 points
RB
Jamaal Charles (Kansas City) – 14 points
Mike Bell (New Orleans) – 11 points
Ladell Betts (Washington) – 7 points
WR
Earl Bennett (Chicago) – 11 points
Andre Caldwell (Cincinnati) – 10 points
Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) – 5 points+
TE
Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit) – 7 points
K
Sebastian Janikowski (Oakland) – 8 points
D/ST
Tennessee Titans – 9 points
For more detail on Paul’s picks, check out his comments. And click here to read the insight on the Fantasy Sports Shack Sleepers for Week 10.
Name Your Sleepers: Week 10
Posted: November 12, 2009
Who do you think is flying under the radar in Week 10?
Each week, the Fantasy Sports Shack spotlights Sleepers (2 QB, 3 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 K and 1 Defense) who could help your team to a victory. Think you’ve got the keys to a W?
Leave a comment and let me know your Week 10 picks, and we’ll see how you stack up against the Shack. But remember, a true sleeper is owned in less than a majority of leagues.
Good luck!
Sleepers of the Week: Week 10
Posted: November 12, 2009
Week 10. The final bye week of the 2009 season. Next week starts the stretch run toward the fantasy football playoffs. Here are the Sleepers for Week 10 who could help keep you in contention:
QUARTERBACK
Mark Sanchez (New York Jets) vs. Jacksonville – Projection: 17-31, 210 yards, 2 TD
I’ve spotlighted Sanchez in the past, and he’s tended to let me down, but this week, against a 26th ranked Jags’ pass D, I have a hunch Mr. GQ is due. He won’t singlehandedly win you the week, but he’s a viable fill-in for Schaub or Eli Manning.
Chad Henne (Miami) vs. Tampa Bay – Projection: 16-26, 195 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Henne has a good match-up against a Bucs‘ defense that has given up the 3rd most touchdowns in the league to opposing passers (18), but have also snatched 11 picks.
RUNNING BACK
Jamaal Charles (Kansas City) @ Oakland – Projection: 12-62 rushing, 4-22 receiving, 1 TD
The Raiders‘ 27th ranked Swiss cheese defense surrenders 161 ypg to opposing rushers, and has given up a league high 13 rushing touchdowns. Charles could explode on any play, and should have a big day, despite sharing touches with Kolby Smith.
Mike Bell (New Orleans) @ St. Louis – Projection: 12-52 rushing, 1 TD
The Saints‘ RB1 is Pierre Thomas, and he’s a top-notch RB2 in the fantasy world. It’s the match-up that dictates this pick, as the Saints will likely be up big early, and in second half garbage time, Bell could come in for clean-up duty.
Ladell Betts (Washington) vs. Denver – Projection: 17-59 rushing, 2-19 receiving
For the record, I hate this pick. Betts is old, has a mild ankle sprain, averages 3.5 ypc over the past 3 years, has scored 1 TD in each of those seasons and already has his 1 for ’09. Still, he could see 20 touches against a tough Broncos defense.
WIDE RECEIVER
Earl Bennett (Chicago) @ San Francisco – Projection: 4-56 receiving, 1 TD
Coming off his best game of the year (11 targets, 7 catches, 93 yards), Bennett is finally showing signs of why he was considered a preseason sleeper darling. He’s still looking for his first score, and I’m betting it’s in this week’s Thursday night special.
Andre Caldwell (Cincinnati) @ Pittsburgh – Projection: 4-45 receiving, 1 TD
With Chris Henry’s season-ending injury, Caldwell’s targets should increase slightly, and his reception totals should go up accordingly. He has 3 scores on the season; 2 against Baltimore, the other against the Steelers.
Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) vs. Cincinnati – Projection: 3-55 receiving
I don’t know why Wallace is owned in less than 50% of Yahoo! Public Leagues and fewer than 20% of ESPN leagues, especially after his Monday night performance. He’s a lock for at least 50 yards, and could score for the 3rd straight week.
TIGHT END
Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit) @ Minnesota – Projection: 6-72 receiving
The Vikings will be hanging all over whichever Lions QB starts (Matthew Stafford or Daunte Culpepper), and Pettigrew is sure to see several dump-offs. One of those could result in a TD, if the Lions get that deep into Viking territory.
KICKER
Sebastian Janikowski (Oakland) vs. Kansas City – Projection: 2 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 40+)
This is a battle of two terrible defenses and two lowly offenses. The winner? Both teams’ kickers, who could put up very similar lines. I’ll take my chances on Janikowski (for leagues that give bonuses for long distance kicks).
DEFENSE
Tennessee Titans vs. Buffalo – Projection: 17 points allowed, 3 sacks, 2 Int
The entire Tennessee team has newfound life since their bye and the insertion of Vince Young into the starting lineup. Their defense isn’t as bad as the rankings would suggest (32nd pass, 18th rush), and Buffalo’s offense is plain dismal.
Week 9 Sleeper Results: Back in Business
Posted: November 11, 2009
After a few down weeks in Sleepertown, the Shack has pulled out of the projection recession and is back in business. Here are the results for Week 9:
QUARTERBACK (2 for 2)
Alex Smith – From a fantasy points perspective, Smith was nearly in line with his projection.
Projected: 22-34, 235 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Actual: 29-45, 286 yards, 2 TD, 3 Int, 1 fumble lost, 2-11 rushing
Matt Cassel – A 4th quarter rally (that fell short) boosted Cassel’s numbers considerably.
Projected: 19-33, 205 yards, 2 TD
Actual: 23-39, 262 yards, 2 TD
RUNNING BACK (1 for 2, 1 push)
Jamaal Charles – 20 touches seemed a lock, but he ended with just 9 because the Chiefs were forced to throw.
Projected: 18-85 rushing, 4-23 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 6-36 rushing, 3-19 receiving, 2-pt conversion
Ryan Moats – The fantasy numbers were a mere point off, aside from the fumble.
Projected: 12-47 rushing, 2-16 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 16-38 rushing, 3-15 receiving, 1 TD, 1 fumble lost
Donald Brown – Practiced in full when the Sleepers were released, and then had a setback. Push.
Projected: 8-33 rushing, 1-9 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: DNP
WIDE RECEIVER (0 for 3)
Michael Crabtree – Was targeted 8 times, but hauled in far fewer than expected.
Projected: 6-74, TD
Actual: 3-30
Mike Thomas – Not quite the type of game we expected.
Projected: 6-72
Actual: 1-(-)2 receiving, 1-18 rushing
Mark Clayton – See above note for Mike Thomas.
Projected: 4-63
Actual: 1-15
TIGHT END (0 for 1)
Fred Davis – A Redskin TE caught a TD on Sunday, it just wasn’t Davis.
Projected: 4-39, 1 TD
Actual: 2-26
KICKER (1 for 1)
Olindo Mare – Doubled the expected field goal output, and thus, outperformed the projection.
Projected: 2 FG, 3 PAT
Actual: 4 FG, 2 PAT
DEFENSE (1 for 1)
Seattle Seahawks – Gave up more points than expected, but caused turnovers and scored a defensive TD.
Projected: 13 points allowed, 4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery
Actual: 20 points allowed, 2 sacks, 5 Int, 1 TD
Scorecard for Week 9: 5 for 10, 1 push
Overall Scorecard for 2009 Season: 34 for 94, 5 pushes (36%)
Sleepers of the Week: Week 9
Posted: November 5, 2009
Week 9 brings some intriguing story lines to the table: Quarterbacks reviving their careers, backup running backs getting their shots, receivers making their names known and a defense looking to pitch its 3rd home shutout. Not everyone who fits into those categories is mentioned below — sorry, again, Vince Young — but some are solid plays. Here are the Sleepers for Week 9:
QUARTERBACK
Alex Smith vs. Tennessee – Projection: 22-34, 235 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Smith has resurrected his career in just 6 quarters of play, and he has some good weapons around him (Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree). Tennessee shut Jacksonville down last week, but still ranks dead last in the league against the pass.
Matt Cassel @ Jacksonville – Projection: 19-33, 205 yards, 2 TD
The Jags’ pass D played well last week, but it was against Vince Young. Don’t expect a repeat in Week 9. Chris Chambers joins the Chiefs, but may not see many snaps. However, Jamaal Charles gets his first start of the year and should provide a spark.
RUNNING BACK
Jamaal Charles @ Jacksonville – Projection: 18-85 rushing, 4-23 receiving, 1 TD
As mentioned above, Charles is getting his first start of the year and should give the Chiefs’ offense a jolt. He’s averaged 5 ypc, in limited touches, but is extremely explosive and is good for 20+ touches this week.
Ryan Moats @ Indianapolis – Projection: 12-47 rushing, 2-16 receiving, 1 TD
It stands to be seen how the Moats/Slaton split goes from here on, but you can bet after last week’s performance (151 total yards, 3 TD) Moats will get at least half the RB touches in Week 9, and could get even more if Slaton puts the ball on the turf again.
Donald Brown vs. Houston – Projection: 8-33 rushing, 1-9 receiving, 1 TD
Brown practiced on Wednesday, but monitor his status as the week progresses. Addai will get the bulk of the work, but Brown will get his touches, and has shown a propensity for making big plays. Of note: Houston has allowed 11 rushing TD.
WIDE RECEIVER
Michael Crabtree vs. Tennessee – Projection: 6-74, 1 TD
Crabtree runs great routes, has terrific hands and already seems to understand the 49ers’ playbook. The Titans are getting their secondary back together, but they’re the worst in the league in passing yards surrendered per game (282) and passing TD (19).
Mike Thomas vs. Kansas City – Projection: 6-72
It’s hard to explain what happened in the Jacksonville/Tennessee game, as the league’s 2 worst pass defenses shut each other down, but Thomas caught 4 balls for 55 yards. He gets consistent looks (15 in 2 games) and returns kicks, so a TD is possible.
Mark Clayton @ Cincinnati – Projection: 4-63
In Weeks 5 and 6, before the Ravens’ bye, Clayton was targeted 7 and 8 times, respectively, but got only 4 looks last week against Denver. He has the ability to break one, and the Bengals are 30th versus the pass.
TIGHT END
Fred Davis @ Atlanta – Projection: 4-39, 1 TD
Davis has the athleticism to make some great plays, and in that regard, Washington won’t miss Chris Cooley. They will, however, miss Cooley’s blocking ability. Davis’ insufficiency in that category could cost him some snaps.
KICKER
Olindo Mare vs. Detroit – Projection: 2 FG, 3 PAT
Mare and the Seahawks face a Detroit defense that allows the second most ppg in the league (29.3). Last time the Seahawks matched up against a defense this bad (Jacksonville, Week 5) Mare booted 2 FG and 5 PAT.
DEFENSE
Seattle Seahawks vs. Detroit – Projection: 13 points allowed, 4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery
At home this year, Seattle has pitched 2 shutouts (St. Louis, Jacksonville). They don’t force a lot of turnovers (9), but Detroit’s top 3 offensive players (Calvin Johnson, Kevin Smith and Matthew Stafford) are hobbled, so Seattle should dominate.
Who are your sleepers for Week 9? Leave a comment, and see how you match up against the Shack.
Welcome to the Shack!
Fantasy Sports Shack is a place for stats, opinions, information and links to the important stuff that will help you win a fantasy title, with a focus on football and baseball.
We want to know what a player has done for the last few years, their trends and projections for this year. We want to know sleepers who are going to make a difference, rookies who will shine and veterans who will bounce back. We want to know about the impact of the latest injuries, retirements and… well, legal issues. We want to know it before the next guy (or girl – the Shack doesn’t discriminate!), and we want to share it with you!
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