For many, this is the last week of the regular season in fantasy leagues and there are some already entering the playoffs. Either way, this will end up being the most important game of the season. If you’re in the playoffs, obviously you need to win and if you’re not in the post season yet, you need to secure your spot.
Fantasy Football Week 13: Sleepers Include Kyle Orton, Roy Helu
Here’s a list of some sleepers that could help your fantasy football team in Week 13 of the 2011 NFL season.
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There are a lot of sleepers out there that could help you win in Week 13. Here are some that you may want to consider.
Quarterbacks:
Kyle Orton has been taking some first-team stats in practice this week and after Tyler Palko's performance in Week 12 against the Steelers, I wouldn't be surprised if he saw plenty of playing time. The Chiefs play in Chicago against a good Bears team but that Bears team has the 30th ranked passing defense. Orton, who has been cast aside by every team he's played for, including the Bears, is looking to prove he belongs in the NFL and he will start proving it today.
Matt Hasselbeck has done well in Nashville and he has his team in a position to make a late-season push to make the playoffs. It seems that CJ2k may be back, after having huge performances in two of his last three games, and that takes a lot of pressure off of the aging quarterback’s shoulders. The Titans play the Bills on Sunday and while Buffalo’s front seven is concerned with stopping Chris Johnson, Hasselbeck could put up quite a few points against their secondary.
Running Backs:
You usually shouldn't start any running back that plays for Mike Shanahan because you never really know who's going to be carrying the ball. However, after Roy Helu carried the ball 23 times for 108 yards and a touchdown against the Seahawks in Week 12, it seems that he's Shanahan's guy. Helu's available in quite a few fantasy leagues and if you're hurting for a running back, go get him.
C.J. Spiller had 22 touches in his first start for Fred Jackson and it seems that he can play both running back and wide receiver. Spiller has the talent to fill in for Jackson and do well. The Bills picked up Tashard Choice as well but unless Spiller gets hurt or completely blows his chance, I expect him to get the starters share of carries. He's available in a lot of fantasy leagues, so again, if you need a running back, even if it's just to fill a spot on your bench, give Spiller a shot.
Wide Receivers:
The Bengals are facing the Steelers in Week 13 which means that the Pittsburgh secondary has to face A.J. Green. The last time they did, Green caught a huge touchdown pass over Troy Polamalu before he left the game with a knee injury. The Steelers may double Green which means that Simpson, who has had huge games against some tough opponents, could be left in one-on-one situations. If you need a flex receiver, look for further.
With Jay Cutler under center, Johnny Knox couldn't find the end zone with both hands and a flashlight. However, now that Caleb Hanie has been taking the snaps, Knox has scored touchdowns two weeks in a row. There's no reason to think that he won't do it against the Chiefs, even if their pass defense in ranked in the top half of the league. Knox is available in about 40 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues, so if you need a good wide receiver, he could be your guy.
Tight Ends:
The Colts are terrible and usually I wouldn't tell you to start anybody that plays in Indy. However, Jacob Tamme is taking over for an injured Dallas Clark and the Colts are facing the Patriots this week. They literally have no chance at winning this game but they may be able to take advantage of the Patriots' lowest ranked pass defense. They'll be playing from behind through the entire game so it's not like they won't throw the ball. Tamme could rack up a pretty decent amount of points.
| Jermaine Gresham TE Cincinnati Bengals |
Jermaine Gresham is available in an amazing 80 percent of ESPN leagues. The guy is one of the most physically talented tight ends in the league and against the Steelers, who may be way to worried about stopping A.J. Green and Jerome Simpson, Gresham has the ability to put up some major points. He’s too big for safeties and cornerbacks to cover and he’s too fast for linebackers. Go pick him up if you need a tight end.
Defenses:
The Patriots' defense is definitely not the strength of their team but they're playing the worst team in the NFL in Week 13. The Colts have been terrible and they're going to be throwing the ball a lot to keep up with Tom Brady and the Pats offense. I expect the Patriots to be able to handle the Colts' offense on Sunday.
The Dolphins defense has scored big points in three of the last four weeks. They host the Raiders, who are traveling all the way across the country, and I'm thinking that they may at least give another playoff hopeful team a scare on Sunday. I expect them to have another big game against Carson Palmer and the Raiders. Go pick them up if your defense is facing a top-ranked offense.
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