Week 14: Sleepers of the Week
If one of your normal starters is injured or facing a tough match-up, here are some players you might consider starting in their place. While these players may not be every week starters, they are good bets to perform well this week. Most of the players that will be listed are on fantasy rosters, but not normally starters.
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, ---
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Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Buffalo Bills travel to San Diego to take on the Chargers in week 14. Fitzpatrick is coming off a solid game against the Tennessee Titans in which he threw for 288 yards and one touchdown. The Bills have thrown the ball at least 39 times in each of the last three games; and with Fred Jackson gone for the year, they will continue to have to throw the ball. Buffalo has been falling behind in games lately, and with their defense unlikely to be able to stop the Chargers offense, Fitzpatrick will probably be forced to put the ball in the air at least 35 times this week. Fantasy owners in a bind at the quarterback position can start Ryan Fitzpatrick this week and can expect at least 250 passing yards and one touchdown.
QB Matt Moore, ---
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Matt Moore and the Miami Dolphins take on the Philadelphia Eagles at home in week 14. Moore is coming off three consecutive good fantasy games, including a week 13 performance that included one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown. Moore has established himself in the Dolphins offense, and has turned an 0-7 team into a team that has won four of their last five games. The impressive running of Reggie Bush has opened up passing lanes for Moore to find Brandon Marshall, Davone Bess, and Anthony Fasano down the field. Moore could have had an even better game last week if the Dolphins had not jumped out to such a big lead, but that should not be a problem against the Eagles this week. The Eagles defense is allowing 230 passing yards per game, and this should be a good estimate for Moore's numbers this week. Fantasy owners can start Matt Moore and can expect 225 passing yards and at least one touchdown.
QB Christian Ponder, ---
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Christian Ponder and the Minnesota Vikings travel to Detroit to take on the Lions in week 14. Ponder is coming off his best game of the season in which he completed 29 of 47 passes for 381 yards and three touchdowns. Despite having a great fantasy game, Ponder did turn the ball over three times -- including an interception in the final minutes that cost the Vikings a chance to beat the Broncos. Percy Harvin has stepped up his game recently, giving Ponder a true number one option in the passing game. The Vikings should be involved in another high scoring game this week against the high powered Lions offense, giving Ponder another opportunity for a good fantasy game. Ponder is owned in only 40 percent of fantasy leagues, so if you are in need of a sleeper quarterback this week, you can pick up Christian Ponder and can expect at least 225 passing yards and one touchdown.
RB Marion Barber, ---
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Marion Barber and the Chicago Bears travel to Denver to take on the Broncos in week 14. Barber will take over as the Bears' starting running back with Matt Forte being ruled out for the next 2-6 weeks with a knee injury. Barber was unimpressive in relief of Forte in week 13, rushing for just 44 yards on 14 carries. While Barber may not be the same back he was in his Cowboys days, he should get the ball enough to be a good fantasy start this week. Barber has a decent match-up against a Broncos' run defense that has allowed 120 yards per game -- 19th in the league. The Bears will look to establish the run game early to take the pressure off Caleb Hanie, making it likely that Barber will touch the ball 20 times. Barber is also locked in as the Bears' goal-line back, and there is a good chance he will score against the Lions this week. Fantasy owners can start Marion Barber this week and can expect at least 85 total yards and a touchdown.
RB Mark Ingram, ---
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Mark Ingram and the New Orleans Saints travel to Tennessee to take on the Titans in week 14. Ingram has been given a bigger role in the Saints offense over the past two games, carrying the ball 29 times for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Ingram has scored touchdowns in consecutive games, and should be a good bet to score again this week against the Titans' 22nd ranked rush defense. The Saints backfield will continue to be shared by Ingram, Darren Sproles, and Pierre Thomas, but Ingram is the favorite to lead the Saints in touches this week and going forward. As of last week, Ingram was being started in only 20 percent of fantasy leagues, but that number should be on the rise this week as fantasy owners can start Ingram as a flex play and can expect 80 total yards and a touchdown from the rookie running back.
