The playoffs are here, and with the many injuries that typically come from an NFL season, I'm sure a vast majority of our readers need to find a few sleepers to help advance to the next round of the playoffs.I hope you're not in that group. Ideally, you've been cruising with a core of Aaron Rodgers, Chris Johnson, Ray Rice, Wes Welker, Roddy White, Miles Austin, Sidney Rice, and Vernon Davis (or some similar jackpot).
If you don't fall into that lucky bunch, we have some more sleepers for you, whether you play in shallow, medium-sized, or deep leagues. If you see a player identified that you feel can get you to the next round, grab him. At this point, there are no second chances.
So hopefully you don't need this list, but if you do ...
Power Naps
Featured Sleeper: Jamaal Charles, RB, KC vs. BUF
If you play in a shallow league and Jamaal Charles hasn't been added at this point of the season, shame on you. He's scored TDs in four straight games as the featured back in Kansas City. In those four games, he's averaged almost 20 touches and nearly 100 yards. His last three solid performances have come against Pittsburgh and Denver at home, and in San Diego. Factor in the degree of difficulty, and you may be looking at one of the ten best backs in the league at this point in time. Moving from facing those defense to facing Buffalo is like Charlie Manuel calling in Brad Lidge to relieve Cliff Lee. Enjoy the huge game, Charles owners -- both he and you have
earned it.
Others:
Michael Crabtree, WR, SF vs. ARI. Despite last week, Arizona has a beatable secondary.
Willis McGahee, RB, BAL vs. DET. Back in the gameplan, McGahee should score twice here.
Mark Clayton, WR, BAL vs. DET. Clayton should have plenty of room to work with on Sunday.
Vince Young, QB, TEN vs. STL. Indy was just a speed bump -- Young will shine yet again.
A Good Night's Sleep
Featured Sleeper: Alex Smith, QB, SF vs. ARI
We plugged Smith last week in this section of the article, and all he rewarded us with was a 310-yard, two-touchdown, no-interception performance. Not bad, right? Smith has seven touchdowns and just one interception through his last three contests, which have come in Green Bay, in Seattle, and at home against Jacksonville. Smith will try to keep his streak of starter-level fantasy games going against the Cardinals, a team coming off a big Sunday night win that could suffer a letdown on the road this week. Arizona gives up about 272 yards through the air per game, a number Smith should reach. Toss in a couple TD throws to Vernon Davis and Smith has a great shot at winning a playoff game as a Matt Ryan-replacement.
Others:
Quinton Ganther, RB, WAS vs. OAK. UPDATE: Cartwright is out, Ganther is in. Use him.
Davone Bess, WR, MIA at JAC. Emerging PPR stud has juicy matchup against Jaguars.
Marcedes Lewis, TE, JAC vs. MIA. On the other side, this tight end could dominate.
Buffalo Bills, TM, BUF vs. KC. Multiple turnovers should be available for this group.
Lights Out
Featured Sleeper: Sammy Morris, RB, NE vs. CAR
Last year, Morris really came on during the fantasy playoff stretch, totaling over 50 fantasy points from Week 13 to Week 16. In 2009, the Texas Tech product could reprise the role of useful fantasy playoff entity. He accumulated 65 yards on 11 touches last week in Miami and looks to be recovering from a knee injury. Conversely, supposed starter Laurence Maroney amassed just 49 yards on 14 touches last week. That coach Bill Belichik split the time so evenly while Morris was still in recovery mode should give us a clear indication of how he rates Maroney. I wouldn't consider Maroney done -- not by a long shot -- but shrewd owners will leap on Morris and use him if need be against the pitiful Panther rush defense.
Others:
Kenny Britt, WR, TEN vs. STL. Britt should haul in a few more TDs before 2009 is over.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, BUF at KC. Desperate owners should love the Buffalo matchup here.
Kansas City Chiefs, TM, KC vs. BUF. Great games in two of last three make them usable.
Jay Feely, K, NYJ at TB. Your Sleeper Kicker of the Week has a very favorable matchup.
