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 due to strong match-ups or injury issues.
QB Gus Frerotte, ---
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Gus Frerotte and the Minnesota Vikings travel to Detroit to take on the winless Lions in week 14. Frerotte has struggled to put up good fantasy number lately, due to the greatness of Adrian Peterson and the Vikings not needing to throw the ball as much as they had in the past. While the Vikings should continue to run the ball extensively, Frerotte will not need a ton of passing attempts to put up good numbers against the Lions. In his week six match-up against the Lions, Frerotte threw for 296 yards and one touchdown against the Lions secondary. Frerotte should have success throwing the ball downfield to Bernard Berrian this week, making him a good play in two quarterback leagues, or if your starting quarterback is injured. Fantasy owners can expect 200 yards and at least one touchdown from Frerotte this week against the Lions.
QB Chad Pennington, ---
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Chad Pennington and the Miami Dolphins travel to Toronto to take on the Buffalo Bills in week 14. Pennington is coming off a mediocre game against the St. Louis Rams, but should bounce back this week against the Bills. Pennington threw for 314 yards and one touchdown in the Dolphins' week eight victory over the Bills, and he should be able to have success again this week. The elements will not be an issue for the two teams this week, as the game will be played indoors in Toronto. Pennington seemed to shake off the loss of Greg Camarillo by going to undrafted rookie Davone Bess in key situations in week 13. Pennington should put up 200 passing yards and at least one touchdown this week, making him a good play in fantasy leagues.
QB Matt Ryan, ---
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Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons travel to New Orleans for a key divisional match-up against the Saints in week 14. Matt Ryan has been exceptional lately, throwing for at least 200 yards in seven straight games. Ryan is coming off an impressive week 13 showing in which he led the Falcons to a road win over the San Diego Chargers. In the win against the Chargers, Ryan threw for 207 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season total to 13. Ryan should have another good game against the Saints this week. In their previous match-up this season, Ryan threw for 248 yards and two touchdowns in an impressive win over the Saints. Fantasy owners should start Matt Ryan this week and can expect at least 225 passing yards and one touchdown from the Falcons' rookie quarterback.
RB Tim Hightower, ---
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Tim Hightower and the Arizona Cardinals return home to face the St. Louis Rams in week 14. Hightower has been awful over the past four games, rushing for only 85 total yards and two touchdowns. Hightower is a risky play this week, but he should be able to bounce back against the Rams. In his last game against the Rams, Hightower rushed 22 times for 109 yards and one touchdown. The Rams have been unable to stop the run for most of the year, and the Cardinals should come out and establish the run early and often this week. Hightower will be able to get his season back on track this week against the Rams. Fantasy owners can start Tim Hightower and expect more than 85 total yards and one touchdown from the Cardinals' rookie running back.
RB Peyton Hillis, ---
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Peyton Hillis and the Denver Broncos return home to face the Kansas City Chiefs in week 14. Hillis has been putting up good games since taking over as the Broncos' starting running back. Hillis had his most impressive game last week in which he ran for 129 yards and one touchdown against an excellent New York Jets rush defense. Hillis has a much better match-up this week against the 31st ranked rushing defense. The Chiefs have been unable to stop the run all season, and it seems that Mike Shanahan trusts Hillis to carry the full load in Denver. Fantasy owners can start Peyton Hillis this week against the Kansas City Chiefs and expect at least 85 total yards and one touchdown from the Broncos' rookie running back.
