Week 15: 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 Alex Smith, ---
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Alex Smith and the San Francisco 49ers travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in week 15. Smith is coming off a disappointing fantasy game against the Arizona Cardinals in which he threw for just 144 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Smith continued to look for Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis down the field and in the endzone, making all three good plays this week. Smith and the 49ers' passing game have a tough match-up with Asante Samuel and the Philadelphia Eagles this week. The Eagles have been good against the pass for most of the season, but struggled to stop Eli Manning and the Giants in week 14. Smith and the 49ers should be able to find some success passing the ball this week in a key game for both teams. Fantasy owners can start Alex Smith and can expect at least 200 passing yards and one touchdown from the 49ers' starting quarterback.
QB Vince Young, ---
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Vince Young and the Tennessee Titans face off with the Miami Dolphins in week 15. Young was playing well in week 14 against the St. Louis Rams before leaving the game with a hamstring injury. Young will likely be listed as questionable leading up to the game this week, but with so much on the line for both teams, I expect Young to play on Sunday. Fantasy owners who are intent on starting Vince Young should have a backup plan ready to go in case he is unable to play. If Young starts, he should have a good game against a young Dolphins secondary. The Dolphins' secondary has been vulnerable to the big play in recent games. Young should be able to rely on Kenny Britt getting open down the field, making him a strong play in fantasy leagues. Fantasy owners can start Vince Young and can expect at least 200 total yards and one touchdown from the Titans' starting quarterback.
RB Chris Brown, ---
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Chris Brown and the Houston Texans travel to St. Louis to take on the Rams in week 15. Brown carried the ball only three times for seven yards in week 14, but could see more touches this week against the Rams. The Texans' running back situation has been constantly changing this season, with Steve Slaton, Chris Brown, Ryan Moats, and now Arian Foster getting major carries at running back. Steve Slaton is now finished for the season, and Ryan Moats is in the doghouse due to a fumbling problem, leaving Brown and Foster as the Texans' two main running backs. Foster will likely get the start in the Texans' backfield this week, but Brown should be the change of pace back, getting short yardage and goal-line carries. This gives Brown an excellent chance to score a touchdown this week, making him a good play in touchdown heavy leagues. Fantasy owners in desperate need of a flex play can start Brown and can expect 55 yards and one touchdown from the Texans' running back.
RB Jerome Harrison, DET
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Jerome Harrison and the Cleveland Browns travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs in week 15. Harrison was touted as a sleeper last week after a great week 13 performance, but failed to deliver -- running for only nine yards on seven carries against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Harrison was relegated mostly to backup duties during the game as Chris Jennings had the hot hand in the Browns' backfield. Jennings and Harrison will likely share carries early in the game, with Eric Mangini riding the hot hand in the second half. Harrison in also good at catching the ball out of the backfield, making him a good start in point per reception leagues. Fantasy owners in desperate need of a flex play can start Jerome Harrison and can expect 65 total yards and one touchdown from the Browns' running back.
RB Maurice Morris, ---
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Maurice Morris and the Detroit Lions return home to take on the Arizona Cardinals in week 15. Morris will take over as the starting running back for the Lions following a season ending injury to previous starter Kevin Smith. Morris has a decent match-up with an Arizona Cardinals defense that allowed 49ers running back Frank Gore to run wild in week 14. Morris is not an explosive back, but could be consistent enough to warrant a pickup and start this week in Arizona. He will likely have some carries taken away by rookie Aaron Brown, but Morris should be the main ball carrier for the Lions this week. Fantasy owners who are in need of a flex play can pick up Maurice Morris and can expect 65 total yards and one touchdown from the Lions' running back.
