Everyone loves fantasy football sleepers, but they change depending on league size and availability. We're here each and every week to give you a look at good plays for all types of leagues.Usually I like to use this space to talk about some of the previous week's sleepers that paid off. And while we did nail some, like Nate Burleson and his 98-yard, two-TD performance, as well as the shutout posted by the Seahawks defense, there was one pick that most certainly did not come through: Derek Anderson.
The Browns showed signs of life in Week 4 -- then traded away Braylon Edwards. Throw in the awful winds in Buffalo on Sunday, and Anderson had as bad a week as possible for a starting QB, completing two passes in the win.
And that's before we get to the Browns' betrayal of fantasy darling Jerome Harrison -- there was plenty to hate about Eric Mangini and the Browns on Sunday. We've learned our lesson this week -- no Browns on this list. Of course, that has nothing to do with the fact they play the Steelers in Week 6, or that Pittsburgh is likely to get heart-and-soul DB Troy Polamalu back.
Time to hit you up with some sleepers in shallow, normal, and deep leagues.
Power Naps
LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI at OAK
Donnie Avery, WR, STL at JAC
Is it coincidence that Avery's first fantasy relevant game came as a result of Kyle Boller's exit from the playing field? Probably not. With normal QB Marc Bulger likely back under in Week 6, Avery gets a considerable boost in value. We all remember what he did in his rookie season with Bulger at the helm. Now look at his matchup against the Jaguars, a team that's allowed more receptions to wide receivers (78) than any other team in the league. Who will catch those balls this week? This guy. If he was dropped in your league and cleared waivers this week, he needs to be in your starting lineup by Sunday.
Leon Washington, RB, NYJ vs. BUF
The Jets go into this game against Buffalo needing to get back on track after losing two straight games. Fortunately, nothing works better as a pick-me-up than a game against the inept Bills offense. Pressure should be easy to come by, and I expect the Jets to be up big early in the game. With WR Jerricho Cotchery hurt and Edwards still learning this offense, expect a run-heavy attack from the Jets in this game. That could lead to a huge game for Washington, who should have no problem running through and away from Bills defenders.
A Good Night's Sleep
Chester Taylor, RB, MIN vs. BALA backup running back against the stout Raven defense? Suicide, you say! Did you know that the Ravens have given up the most receiving yards to running backs in the NFL in 2009? Enter Taylor, long one of the best receiving backs in the league. He's averaging over four catches and 37 receiving yards per game this year, and considering the stat I just revealed we should anticipate a line more like six catches for 50 yards, or even the seven-catch, 70-yard performance he posted against San Francisco. Taylor scored his first TD of the season in Week 5 against the Rams; can he do it in consecutive weeks?
Sidney Rice, WR, MIN vs. BAL
Whoa, another Viking sleeper against the Ravens? Rice is averaging over 60 receiving yards in the last three games, scoring touchdowns in each of his two home games this season, which came against San Francisco and Green Bay. Measuring in at 6-foot-4 and possessing great hands, Rice is a mismatch for most cornerbacks in the red zone. Brett Favre knows this, and in a hotly contested game expect the Minnesota QB to look Rice's way when the receiver is in the end zone. Rice should rack up another 60 yards and a score, making a very solid WR3 for this week.
Marc Bulger, QB, STL at JAC
I spoke of the virtues of Avery earlier; now, let's take a look at his quarterback. Bulger made a dramatic return (to a game that was long decided) in Week 5, throwing a late touchdown to Avery. He's currently expected to start in Week 6, as anyone in a Rams uniform throwing a TD is bound to impress their coaching staff. St. Louis has trouble protecting the QB, but lucky for Bulger, opponent Jacksonville has next-to-no pass rush. Jacksonville allows nearly 280 yards per game through the air, and their defense has given up 11 touchdown passes in five games. Can Bulger become a one-week wonder?
Lights Out
Muhsin Muhammad, WR, CAR at TB
Tampa Bay welcomed safety Tanard Jackson back into the secondary last week -- and then Donovan McNabb proceeded to gash the pass defense anyway, completely ignoring his best receiver in the process. It's safe to say you want your guys squaring off against the Buccaneers. Despite allowing just 38 receptions to receivers this season, Tampa Bay has surrendered 10 TDs to receivers. Remember they had a bye in Week 4, so that's 2.5 TDs per game! Steve Smith is a must-start, and Muhammad should also get into the action on Sunday. Use him as a flex, or a WR3 if need be, as a TD is within grasp.
Jermichael Finley, TE, GB vs. DETIn Week 4, Finley had the breakout we've been expecting from him since the preseason, gaining 128 yards on just six catches and scoring a touchdown. The Lions have allowed six touchdowns on 22 receptions to tight ends this season, so it's not likely that Detroit will slow this emerging star down at all. In very deep leagues, this news might even make Donald Lee usable, as there's no guarantee the Packers won't turn back to Lee if a mismatch presents itself in the passing game. One of the two TEs (or maybe even both) should find the end zone in this game.
Josh Johnson, QB, TB vs. CAR
Sure, the Buccaneers were blown out again, but Johnson actually flashed some potential in his second start, making plays with his arm (240 yards and two TDs) and with his legs (40 yards on five carries). Despite the three interceptions, that's a pretty good line against an Eagles team in Philadelphia coming off a bye. At home against the Panthers this week, things should be much easier. Defensive end Julius Peppers is a penetration blitzer, but not very good as a containment end. Against normal QBs, Peppers can use his speed to close the gap. Against Johnson, that won't happen. I see him breaking a few long runs and putting up great numbers as your QB2 this week. As long as he completes more than two passes ...
Would you like one more random sleeper? How about David Clowney (WR, NYJ), who did an admirable job with Cotchery sidelined, catching four balls for 72 yards in the Monday night game against the Dolphins. While the Bills focus on Edwards, Clowney just might slip by the coverage for a long TD.
