Sleepers of the Week: Week 7
Posted: October 23, 2009
Time to make up for a dismal Week 6. This week, some lesser-owned diamonds in the rough will be viable bye week fill-ins, and a few should even be rostered permanently, as some former graduates from this column have been (Mike Sims-Walker, Rashard Mendenhall, Steve Smith (NYG), etc.). Here are the Sleepers for Week 7:
QUARTERBACK
Chad Henne vs. New Orleans – Projection: 16-24, 220 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
In Week 5, Henne threw for 241 yards and 2 TD’s against the 8th ranked Jets’ pass defense, and he’s had 2 weeks to prepare for a New Orleans D that leads the league with 11 interceptions but can be susceptible to the pass (Kevin Kolb, 391 yards Wk. 2).
Shaun Hill @ Houston – Projection: 17-27, 210 yards, 1 TD
Don’t expect massive numbers, but for a bye week QB, you could do worse, especially seeing as though Frank Gore is back and Michael Crabtree is about to add a new weapon to the offense. And, oh yeah, the Texans only rank 19th against the pass.
RUNNING BACK
Michael Bush vs. New York Jets – Projection: 12-46 rushing, 1-8 receiving, 1 TD
In McFadden’s absence, Bush hasn’t been the go-to-guy, as anticipated. Justin Fargas had 23 carries last week, but much of it was due to the fact Bush got banged up. The Jets are 21st against the run, and Bush has a decent chance to get in for 6.
Mike Bell @ Miami – Projection: 9-33 rushing, 1 TD
Bell had 15 carries in Week 6, but most of it was mop-up duty when the Saints had the game in the bag. Pierre Thomas is the #1 back, but Bell is the goal-line sniper. Another score is likely, despite the Dolphins‘ stout run defense (3rd in NFL).
Kevin Faulk @ Tampa Bay (In London) – Projection: 5-24 rushing, 4-41 receiving
This week, Laurence Maroney and BenJarvus Green-Ellis are 1-2 in the RB pecking order. Faulk’s role will expand slightly, and though he probably won’t explode, if desperate, he is a fair flex option play against the second worst run defense in football.
WIDE RECEIVER
Lance Moore @ Miami – Projection: 5-59, 1 TD
Moore hauled in 79 passes in 2008, and last week, finally worked his way back into the offense. He had 6 catches for 78 yards and a TD, and was targeted 7 times by Drew Brees. The Saints will keep on throwing, and Moore is a safe bet for a decent day.
Mike Wallace vs. Minnesota – Projection: 3-55, 1 TD
Wallace has caught a mere 2 balls in each of his last 3 games, averaging about 50 yards per game. He has the ability to break out (7 catches, 102 yards against Cincinatti Wk. 3), and Minnesota‘s defense has the tendency to give up big yards in the air.
Mohamed Massoquoi vs. Green Bay – Projection: 6-91
Over the past 3 weeks, the unheralded rookie has averaged 9.67 targets, 4.67 receptions and 82 yards per game. Green Bay is sure to jump out to a big lead, meaning Cleveland will be forced to throw. This could be the week Massoquoi finds paydirt.
TIGHT END
Zach Miller vs. New York Jets – Projection: 5-71, 1 TD
Miller was targeted 11 times last week, and has 13 catches for 241 yards and a TD over the last 3 weeks. The Jets‘ D is solid, and the Raiders‘ O is not. Still, Miller seems poised to become the most consistent offensive player on his team.
KICKER
Joe Nedney @ Houston – Projection: 3 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 50+)
Facing the 20th ranked overall defense, the 49ers offense should give their strong-legged kicker ample opportunities in the controlled climate in Houston.
DEFENSE
Carolina Panthers vs. Buffalo – Projection: 17 points allowed, 3 sacks, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovery
This is a bipolar defense (2nd against the pass, 29th against the rush), and though the Bills should run the ball a bunch, their overall lack of a passing game — especially with Ryan Fitzpatrick in there — will allow Carolina to stack the box.
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