December 10th, 2009 11:30pm PST
The Fantasy Sports Zone
"Diamonds in the Rough"
(fantasy sleepers)
Players that you may want in your lineup this week!
It's plenty late in the season to be calling some of these gems diamonds, but this could be the week they shine best. With the fantasy playoffs underway in many leagues, starting lineups are critical because no owner wants to leave any points on the bench. When you are setting your game winner for Sunday, make sure you consider these Week 14 jewels...
This Week's Gems....
In Washington....
The Redskins will travel to the bay area on Sunday to meet the Raiders and their 30th ranked run defense. With Clinton Portis shelved for the season, this will be a huge opportunity for running back Rock Cartwright to break out. Cartwright has started the past couple of games, but has yet to really get untracked. He's averaging a mere 3.5 yards per carry and has only racked up 144 yards on the ground, but this Sunday could be very different. The Raiders defense is allowing 4.6 yards a carry, has surrendered 18 rushing touchdowns, and has given up 16 run plays of 20 yards or more this season. Cartwright has remained a steady part of the offense (averaging 18 touches per game over last three weeks) and this Sunday he has a prime matchup, owners should consider this option a strong play for Week 14.
In Jacksonville....
The Jaguars play host the Dolphins on Sunday and although the passing game has not been all that this season (ranked 17th), on Sunday it could get a little healthy. One of the keys for Jacksonville will be wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker, the teams leading receiver with 52 receptions and six touchdowns. In the Dolphins last three games they have been burned by the opposing teams leading receivers for a total of 22 receptions, 350 yards, and two touchdowns. The Dolphins ranked 24th against the pass and have allowed 43 pass plays for 20 yards or more; this could be a very good week to get Sims-Walker in the lineup.
In Buffalo...
The Bills offense has yet to really get off the ground this season, but over the past several weeks it has begun to show some life. One of the biggest reasons for the passing games recent surge has been the utilization of wide receiver Terrell Owens. In his last four games Owens has been targeted 35 times and has caught four passes for 25 yards or more. In his last four games Owens has 20 receptions for 409 yards and two touchdowns. With the Chiefs 28th ranked pass defense next on the slate, fantasy owners could see a big payoff this weekend.
Worth Noting for this week....
The Niners passing game has not been much to speak of, but since rookie wide receiver Michael Crabtree's arrival and Alex Smith's return to the starting role there has been improvement. Crabtree (32 receptions, 406 yards receiving) is slowly, but surely developing into the type of receiver the Niners had hoped they would be getting when they drafted him with the 10th overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft. This week he and the Niners will face the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night. With Smith under center Crabtree has been steady this season. With the Cards 30th ranked pass defense that has allowed 45 pass plays of 20 yards or more coming to town, Monday night could be very productive for the rookie.
Check back every week for more "Diamonds in the Rough"
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