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.
Josh Freeman, QB, Buccaneers
Freeman has recorded good numbers in his first full year as an NFL starter. In fact, he's 13th in fantasy points among quarterbacks on NFL.com. Freeman is a viable option against the Falcons, who have surrendered an average of over 15 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Freeman also posted two touchdowns against them in Week 9.
Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets
If you're in need of a quarterback this week, Sanchez is well worth a look based on his Monday night matchup in New England. He's thrown for multiple touchdowns in three of his last four starts and posted a trio of scores in his last game against the Patriots. The Pats have also allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing signal-callers in 2010.
Mike Goodson, RB, Panthers
Despite the return to action of Jonathan Stewart, Goodson still started and recorded 136 scrimmage yards and one touchdown last week against the Browns. While he's destined to share part of the workload with his veteran backfield mate this week and down the stretch, Goodson still has flex-starter value against the Seahawks and their dreadful defense.
Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys
The Cowboys will be without Marion Barber this week due to a calf ailment, so Jones should see more than his share of the workload against the Colts. After 11 games, their defense has surrendered an average of over 18 fantasy points per game to running backs. Tashard Choice will also see some work in the game, but Jones should receive more touches overall.
Mike Tolbert, RB, Chargers
Tolbert has been an absolute godsend for owners in recent weeks, rushing for a combined 214 yards and scoring two touchdowns in his last two games. Despite the expected return of Ryan Mathews, he should remain active this week against the Raiders. Their defense has surrendered 13 total touchdowns and the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing runners.
Mario Manningham, WR, Giants
The Giants will once again be without their top wide receivers, Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith, so Manningham will remain the No. 1 option in the offense. That makes the former Michigan standout a great option against the Redskins, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to wideouts. Consider Manningham a solid No. 2 receiver.
Ben Obomanu, WR, Seahawks
With Mike Williams on the sidelines, Obomanu caught five passes for 159 yards and scored one touchdown in last week's loss to the Chiefs. Obomanu hasn't been a one-trick pony, either, as he produced 60 yards in Week 10 and scored a touchdown in Week 9. If Williams is unable to return to action, Obomanu will have value in deeper leagues.
Steve Smith, WR, Panthers
Smith has been a disaster from a fantasy perspective, due in large part to the Panthers' lack of a good quarterback. But if you're in dire need of a No. 3 wideout this week, he's still worth a roll of the dice against the Seahawks. Their defense has allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers, so Smith couldn't have a better matchup.
Kevin Boss, TE, Giants
With Nicks and Smith out of action for at least one more week, Boss, much like Manningham, is well worth starting in most fantasy leagues. He led the Giants in receiving yards last week and scored his third touchdown in the last four games, so the numbers support his increased value. Consider Boss if you lack a prominent tight end.
Visanthe Shiancoe, TE, Vikings
Shiancoe's numbers have been weak over his last three games, and that's putting it lightly. Since Week 10, he has scored a combined 8.9 fantasy points on NFL.com. Still, he's worth a look in larger leagues against the Bills. Their defense has struggled to stop tight ends all season long, allowing the second-most fantasy points to the position in 2010.
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**!
