Week 12: 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 due to strong match-ups or injury issues.
QB Kyle Orton, ---
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Kyle Orton and the Chicago Bears travel to St. Louis to face the Rams in week 12. Orton returned from an injury in week 11 and had a bad game against the Packers, throwing for only 133 yards on 26 passing attempts. Orton did not look fully healthy in week 11, but should be closer to 100 percent this week against the Rams. The Rams 'defense has been awful recently, allowing 35 points to the San Fransisco 49ers in the first half of their week 11 game. Shaun Hill was on pace for a record day against the Rams, and if it were not for the 35-3 halftime score, he likely would have thrown for more than 300 yards against the Rams secondary. Orton should be able to lead the Bears to the endzone numerous times this week, making him a good fantasy start. Fantasy owners can start Orton and expect more than 200 yards and 2 touchdowns from the Bears' starting quarterback this week.
QB Brady Quinn, ---
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Brady Quinn and the Cleveland Browns return home to face the Houston Texans in week 12. Quinn is coming off his first win as an NFL starting quarterback, although he did not play well in the win against the Bills on Monday night. Quinn completed only 14 of 36 passing attempts for 185 yards, with zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. One positive from Quinn's poor showing was the fact that he looked down the field more in his second start, and is looking more comfortable throwing the ball to Braylon Edwards. Quinn and Edwards should continue to improve together this week against the Texans. The Texans' defense is shaky, and the Browns should be able to move the ball effectively against their secondary. Fantasy owners can start Brady Quinn and expect more than 200 yards passing and one touchdown from the Browns' starting quarterback.
QB Sage Rosenfels, ---
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Sage Rosenfels and the Houston Texans travel to Cleveland to face the Browns in week 12. Rosenfels threw the ball only 18 times in week 11, completing 13 passes for 192 yards, with zero touchdowns, and one interception in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Rosenfels should have an easier time throwing the ball this week against the Cleveland Browns. While he is likely to turn the ball over a couple times, he should also be able to find Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, and Owen Daniels down the field against the Browns' secondary. Fantasy owners should consider starting Rosenfels and can expect more than 200 passing yards and one touchdown from the Texans' starting quarterback.
RB Warrick Dunn, ---
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Warrick Dunn and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel to Detroit to face the Lions in week 12. Dunn will be taking over as the Buccaneers' starting running back following the potential season ending injury suffered by Earnest Graham. Dunn may face some competition from Cadillac Williams in the coming weeks, but Williams is not yet ready to play, and will not make an impact this week. Dunn was already having a good season as the Buccaneers' backup running back, and should improve on his stats in the coming weeks. The large majority of the Buccaneers' rushing attempts should go to Dunn against the Lions. The Lions have been unable to stop opposing offenses all season, and the Buccaneers should be able to put up points on the ground and through the air this week. Fantasy owners can start Dunn as a RB 2 or Flex play this week and can expect 80 total yards and one touchdown from the new starting running back in Tampa Bay.
RB Peyton Hillis, ---
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Peyton Hillis and the Denver Broncos return home to face the Oakland Raiders in week 12. Hillis started for the Broncos in week 11 and totaled 70 yards and two touchdowns on 13 total touches. Hillis should be in line to get another start this week against a Raiders defense that has struggled to stop the run all season long. While Hillis will probably not receive any more than 15 total touches, he is the best bet to receive the ball at the goal line for the Broncos, making it likely that he finds the endzone at least once in week 12. Hillis is also a good receiver out of the backfield, making it likely that he can contribute on the ground and through the air. Fantasy owners can start Hillis as a flex play and expect 70 total yards and one touchdown from the Broncos' rookie running back this week against the Raiders.
