Week 5: 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 David Garrard, NYJ
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David Garrard and the Jacksonville Jaguars travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks in week five. Garrard has gotten off to a pretty good start this season, throwing for 941 yards and five touchdowns with only one interception. Garrard has also chipped in with over 100 yards rushing and a touchdown on the ground. The Jaguars have given Garrard more responsibility in the offense this season, and the passing game has been extremely effective over the first four games. Much of the passing game's effectiveness can be attributed to the connection between Garrard and Mike Sims-Walker (who has emerged as the Jaguars' go to receiver over the last three games). Garrard should continue to put up good numbers over the next few games as the Jaguars face the Seahawks, Rams, Titans, and Chiefs. Fantasy owners should get Garrard into their lineups this week and can expect more than 200 yards passing and at least one touchdown from the Jaguars' starting quarterback.
QB Kyle Orton, ---
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Kyle Orton and the undefeated Denver Broncos face the New England Patriots at home in week five. Orton has been extremely efficient this season, throwing for more than 900 yards and five touchdowns while not turning the ball over at all in four games. Orton's game management is one of the main reasons why the Broncos will enter their week five showdown with the Patriots with an undefeated record. Fantasy owners probably have Orton on their benches, and this could be a good week to get him into your lineup if your normal starter is injured or facing a bye week. The Patriots' defense has not been as good as it has in the past, and Orton could have a game similar to the one Joe Flacco had last week in New England. Fantasy owners can count on Kyle Orton throwing for more than 200 yards and one touchdown against the Patriots in week five.
RB Jerome Harrison, DET
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Jerome Harrison and the Cleveland Browns travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills in week five. Harrison was impressive in his second start of the season, rushing for 121 yards and catching five passes for 31 yards against the Bengals in week four. The Browns' offense has a tremendous streak going of more than 250 rushing attempts without a touchdown run, but Harrison could end the streak this week against the Bills. The Bills allowed more than 250 rushing yards to the Miami Dolphins in week five and will not be able to correct all of their issues this week against the Browns. It is clear that the Browns' offense is better with Jerome Harrison at running back as opposed to Jamal Lewis; even if Lewis does return this week, Harrison should still be a major part of the Browns' offense. If Lewis does not play again this week, Harrison should top 80 total yards and score a touchdown against the Bills. Fantasy owners should pay close attention to the Browns' injury report this week and be prepared to start Harrison if Lewis does miss another game.
RB LeSean McCoy, ---
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LeSean McCoy and the Philadelphia Eagles return from a bye week to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week five. McCoy was very impressive in his week three starting debut against the Chiefs, totaling 93 total yards and one touchdown. The strong performance will work in McCoy's favor as he is now expected to have a larger part in the offense, even with Brian Westbrook returning from injury this week. Westbrook will still get the majority of the touches out of the Eagles' backfield, but McCoy should see 10-12 touches a game, with a higher number in blowouts. This week could be good to get McCoy into fantasy lineups as the Eagles should get out to a healthy lead against the Buccaneers, giving McCoy another opportunity to play when Brian Westbrook is rested in the second half. McCoy should be a good flex play this week and should top 60 total yards with one touchdown in week five.
RB Rashard Mendenhall, ---
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Rashard Mendenhall and the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Detroit to face the Lions in week five. Mendenhall started for the Steelers in week four with Willie Parker sidelined with an injury, and made the most of his opportunity. Mendenhall rushed for 165 yards on 29 carries with two rushing touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 26 yards out of the backfield. The Steelers face the Lions this week and Mendenhall should have another big game. Willie Parker could return to the Steelers' lineup this week, but Mendenhall's week four performance should guarantee him at least 50 percent of Pittsburgh's carries going forward. If Parker does not return this week, Mendenhall is a must start in all fantasy leagues ans should be considered a top ten fantasy back this week. If Parker is able to go, I would still start Mendenhall as a flex option in most fantasy leagues. Fantasy owners should monitor Willie Parker's situation closely and insert Rashard Mendenhall into their lineups accordingly.
