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.
Sam Bradford, QB, Rams
Bradford hasn't been the most consistent fantasy option this season -- few rookie quarterbacks are -- but Bradford is still worth a look based on this week's matchup against the Buccaneers. Their defense has has allowed an average of two touchdown passes per game, so Bradford's prospects for Week 7 are positive. He's a viable bye-week option.
Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs
Cassel had a lot of sleeper value last week, and he thrived against the Texans with 210 yards and three touchdowns. Based on that success, coupled with another favorable matchup, the Chiefs quarterback is well worth a look. Cassel faces a Jaguars defense that has surrendered the second-most fantasy points to opposing signal-callers in 2010.
Justin Forsett, RB, Seahawks
Forsett did lose a lot of his fantasy luster when the Seahawks added Marshawn Lynch, but he still saw 11 touches and scored a touchdown last week against the Bears. If you need a flex starter in a deeper league, the California product is worth considering against the Cardinals. Their defense has allowed the third-most fantasy points to runners.
Chris Ivory, RB, Saints
With the status of Pierre Thomas (ankle) in doubt for the fourth straight game, Ivory could see additional work this week. Coming off his monster performance in a win over the Buccaneers, he has sudden value as a potential flex starter in most leagues. Ivory also has a good matchup, facing a Browns defense that can be vulnerable to the run.
Jason Avant, WR, Eagles
With DeSean Jackson (concussion) out for Week 7, Avant will get the start and see more targets against the Titans. Their defense has surrendered 90 receptions to wideouts in 2010 -- that's the second-most in the league. As a result, fantasy owners in deeper leagues that need a wide receiver should consider adding him off the waiver wire.
Patrick Crayton, WR, Chargers
The Chargers are dealing with a plethora of injuries at the wide receiver position, as Malcom Floyd (hamstring) is out and Legedu Naanee (hamstring) is at less than 100 percent. That leaves Crayton, who had 117 yards last week, to see plenty of targets against a Patriots defense that's been extremely vulnerable against the pass in 2010.
Robert Meachem, WR, Saints
Meachem was non-existent earlier in the season, but he's starting to see more playing time in recent weeks. In fact, he played more snaps than Devery Henderson and Lance Moore for the first time in Week 6. With an increase in targets and a favorable matchup against the Browns next on the schedule, Meachem suddenly has some sleeper appeal.
Todd Heap, TE, Ravens
Heap hasn't been a very reliable option for fantasy owners in 2010, but he's worth a roll of the dice if you're desperate for a tight end in Week 7. The veteran out of Arizona State faces a Bills defense that has surrendered more fantasy points (including five touchdown catches) to opposing tight ends than any other team in the league.
Benjamin Watson, TE, Browns
Watson has quietly put up some very nice fantasy numbers in recent weeks, especially in leagues that reward points for receptions. He's averaged 5.5 catches over his last four games and should continue to see plenty of targets with rookie quarterback Colt McCoy at the helm. Watson also has a positive matchup against the Saints in Week 7.
Chiefs defense
The Jaguars could be without both of their top two quarterbacks, David Garrard (concussion) and Trent Edwards (thumb), due to injuries in Week 7. That leaves the Chiefs to face journeyman Todd Bouman, who hasn't even started an NFL game since 2005. It's the perfect recipe for a great stat line from their defense in this AFC contest.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question for Michael on anything fantasy football related? Leave it in our comments section or send it to **AskFabiano@nfl.com**!
