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Mathews, Green have fantasy sleeper appeal in Week 3

Looking for a sleeper to fill out your starting lineup? These 10 under-the-radar players could be on the verge of solid stat lines based on the matchups. For more lineup help, check out Start 'Em & Sit 'Em and our player rankings.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Bills: Fitzpatrick, still owned in less than 65 percent of NFL.com leagues, is a terrific option for owners this week against the Patriots. Their defense has allowed the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, and Fitzpatrick has tossed a combined seven touchdowns in his first two starts. He's a solid option.

Rex Grossman, QB, Redskins: In five games as the starting quarterback under coach Mike Shanahan, Grossman has averaged a stellar 287 yards with a combined 11 touchdowns. He also shredded the Cowboys last season, posting 322 yards and four scores in a 33-30 loss. If you're hurting at signal-caller, Grossman is a legitimate replacement.

Benjarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots: Green-Ellis isn't going to produce the same sort of numbers he did in 2010, but he's still a nice option when the matchup is favorable. That's the case this week, as he'll go up against a Bills defense that's allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to runners. Consider the "Law Firm" an attractive flex starter.

Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers: The Chargers will continue to utilize a backfield committee with Mathews and Mike Tolbert, but the former started to see more burn last week with 19 touches and 126 scrimmage yards. With an attractive matchup against the hapless Kansas City Chiefs on tap, Mathews is a tremendous flex starter across the board.

Ben Tate, RB, Texans:Arian Foster is still recovering from a hamstring injury, and Derrick Ward is dealing with a high ankle sprain. That means a lot of Tate, who has rushed for 100-plus yards in each of his first two games of the year. In what could turn into a shootout at the Superdome, Tate should be active as a No. 2 back.

Eric Decker, WR, Broncos: The Titans have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season, but Decker is still worth a look if you need a third wideout or flex starter in a PPR league. With Brandon Lloyd dealing with a groin injury and Eddie Royal out, Decker will start and should see plenty of targets from Kyle Orton.

A.J. Green, WR, Bengals: Green put up a huge stat line in Week 2, recording an impressive 10 catches for 124 yards with one touchdown in a loss to the Denver Broncos. He should remain active in most leagues once again, as the rookie goes up against a 49ers defense that has surrendered more fantasy points to wideouts than any other team.

David Nelson, WR, Bills: Stevie Johnson (groin) is expected to be active this week, but the Bills have lost Roscoe Parrish and Marcus Easley for the season -- that means more opportunities for Nelson in the pass attack. Nelson has deep-league starting appeal against the Patriots, who have struggled against opposing wideouts.

Ben Watson, TE, Browns: No team has allowed more fantasy points to opposing tight ends than the Dolphins, who have been torched for 20.15 per game. That's good news for Watson and Evan Moore, who both have sleeper appeal. Watson sees more snaps and is be the safer option, but Moore has been a nice red-zone target for Colt McCoy.

Cardinals defense: When a defense is going up against Tarvaris Jackson and the Seahawks, it's going to have some value as a fantasy sleeper. After two weeks, defenses facing this unit have scored the most fantasy points at the position. Enter the Cardinals, who visit the Great Northwest with a chance to put up a nice stat line for owners.

Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question for Michael on anything fantasy football related? Send it to **AskFabiano@nfl.com** or tweet it at _**MichaelFabiano**_!

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