Injuries to Mark Clayton (STL), Jermichael Finley (GB), and the departure of Devin Thomas (WSH) open the door for some unknown talents to become fantasy relevant players in the coming weeks.
Fantasy Football Deep Sleepers, Week 6: Anthony Armstrong Comes On Strong
With injuries piling up, some no-names find themselves in a position to become big-time fantasy producers.
Danny Amendola, WR, Rams
Did you know that Amendola ranks 7th among WR's for pass targets with 49, ahead of guys like Calvin Johnson and Brandon Marshall? And while Amendola was already a consideration in PPR formats with his 33 grabs, the absence of teammate Mark Clayton (knee) who is gone for the year, even more balls could be headed Danny's way. With Clayton out early last Sunday, Amendola was targeted 19 times, tops in the NFL for the week. This week the Rams will square off against a top pass defense when the Chargers come to town. But Amendola, who always seems to be open, will be roaming the middle of the field where linebackers will be responsible for him. He should easily see 10 looks in a game that QB Sam Bradford is forced to play catchup. Amendola is a WR2 in PPR leagues this week, and an intriguing WR3 in standard formats.
Andrew Quarless, TE, Packers
Quarless in charge? Could be, after TE's Jermichael Finley and Donald Lee went down with injury in Week 5. Quarless stepped into action and appeared to take over Finley's role with ease, racking up 6 targets, converting 4 for 50 yards as Aaron Rodgers continued to use the TE position as his de facto WR2. Quarless is every bit as big, fast, and athletic as Finley so there's reason to believe he can produce in his absence. With Finley now shelved for anywhere from 3-6 weeks, Quarless could make for a nice sleeper based on his chances for production as the top receiving TE threat in Green Bay. In Week 6 the Pack welcome a Dolphin TE defense that ranks in the bottom half of the NFL. Quarless is a nice start if your TE is on a bye or if you are using TE by committee.
After spending most of the season in anonymity, Armstrong was targeted a healthy 7 times, including a clutch 48-yd score that brought the Skins close and another opportunity for a TD that was just out of reach. Armstrong is clearly a better deep threat than WR Joey Galloway, a fact that McNabb seems to realize so he should continue to see his share of opportunities. Anytime you have a big-play speedster in the mold of Greg Jennings or Mike Wallace you are going to get spotty production as the statline suffers when the big play isn't connected. But with Washington's run game struggling right now, the offense will continue to lean on the veteran arm of QB Donovan McNabb. McNabb has always been a good deep passer, good news for Armstrong's stock. He's a fine addition as a bye-week replacement and spot starter. Next week, Armstrong's speed will be plenty useful on a fast track in IND against a mediocre colt secondary. The Skins figure to throw a lot to keep up with Peyton Manning, so Armstrong could have another nice game.
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