Week 10: Super Sleepers
These guys aren't going to carry your team to the playoffs, but they could come in handy at some point in the season. Whether they're filling in because your starters are injured or on a bye week, these guys could be valuable pick ups. If you're looking for someone then check these guys out. A good number of these players are still available in a majority of leagues.
RB Mike Goodson, ---
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The Panthers started out last week's game against New Orleans down one running back when DeAngelo Williams was unable to play due to a foot injury. Then after just 5 carries, Jonathan Stewart suffers a head injury causing him to miss the remainder of the game. In comes the team's 3rd string back Tyrell Sutton, who played for about two quarters before leaving the game with an ankle injury. That left Carolina with Goodson, the team's 4th string back for the remainder of the game. Goodson finished the game with 9 carries for 29 yards and 3 receptions for 18 yards, making him the second most productive offensive player in a Panthers uniform. That's right, Goodson's 47 yards from scrimmage was only outpaced by Sutton's 56 totals yards. You're probably thinking with numbers like these why in the world do we have Goodson on this list? The answer to that question is simply: availability. Goodson will be available in over 92% of fantasy leagues and if Williams, Stewart and Sutton can't go then simply having a starting back on your roster can't hurt. After all, the Panthers do play the Bucs and their 30th ranked run defense this coming weekend; someone is going to have the run the ball for Carolina. I wouldn't go counting on Goodson to carry your team to the promise land, but if you need a one week fill-in for this coming Sunday then Mike may be a good option.
RB Kevin Smith, ---
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The fact that Smith has been able to return to football as quickly as he did is an accomplishment. After suffering a season ending knee injury in December of last year, it was amazing to see him return to the field week 4. Smith's knee was not 100% at the time of his return and it's unlikely we'll see Kevin at 100% this season. However, as the season moves on, Smith's role in the offense seems to be increasing. Two weeks ago Kevin had 12 carries for 51 yards and 2 receptions for 16 yards. Last week -- against a tough Jets run defense -- he carried the ball 5 times for 10 yards and caught a key first quarter reception for 27 yards. I definitely wouldn't run out and grab Smith as his number are just not there quite yet. That is of course unless you're a Jahvid Best owner. It appears Smith will be the go-to guy should Best break down at all down the stretch. Unless you have better options, Best owners may want to consider picking up Smith.
WR Deon Butler, ---
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When the season began, Butler was the Seahawks' third receiver. When Branch was traded to New England, Butler became a starting receiver for Seattle. As a starter Butler has not played horribly so long as Hasselbeck is under center. Two weeks ago Hasselbeck suffered a concussion against Oakland, which caused him to miss the remainder of that game and last week's game against the Giants. If there is any possible chance Matt can play this week then I believe he will. The Seahawks are tied for the division lead as they head to Arizona. The Cardinals have the 27th ranked pass defense, so Seattle should be able to air it out. If you're looking for someone who could post respectable numbers this week then Butler could be your man.
WR Michael Jenkins, ---
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After missing the first 5 games of the regular season, Jenkins had 5 receptions for 99 yards in week 6 against Philadelphia. He followed up that performance with a 3 reception 25 yard game against the Bengals and a 2 reception 55 yard game last week against the Bucs. Had Jenkins been able to consistently produce as he did in week 6 then adding him to your roster would be a no brainer. The problem fantasy owners have always had with Michael is the sporadic production or lack there of. Jenkins is the Falcons' big play deep threat guy, so every time he takes the field there's a chance he will score. If you're looking for a bye week filler then give Jenkins a look. If the Falcons are going to beat the Ravens this week, they're going to need a couple of big plays.
WR Derrick Mason, ---
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Calling Derrick Mason a super sleeper is not something most people are going to agree with, but hear me out before you leave me a comment. One reason Mason is on this list is because he has 80 or more yards receiving in just 2 games this season. In the remaining 6 games he has fewer than 50 yards receiving in each game. It's this lack of consistent play that has cause fantasy owners to bench Mason. Well this week I'm telling fantasy owners to get him in your lineup. The Ravens are headed to Atlanta this weekend to face a Falcons secondary that is ranked 26th in the league. In addition, the Falcons' secondary has allowed 13 receiving touchdowns this season. Only the Packers (who have played one more game than Atlanta and the Buc)s have allowed more receiving touchdowns. I believe if Mason is going to hit 100-yards again this season it will be this week.
