Fantasy Football Sleepers 2012: Unconventional Flex Options for Week 1

Sometimes, you have to think outside of the box. But any fantasy football players struggling to fill out a lineup during the bye weeks of the NFL season could tell you that.

Still, despite the fact that the bye weeks haven't hit just yet, there are enough injuries, question marks and tough matchups in Week 1 to cause fantasy owners to scratch their heads when considering the flex spot. 

But fret not, confused owners, for I've got you covered. Don't start that running back coming off an injury or long holdout. Ignore that wide receiver with a tough matchup this week. Think outside the box with me and consider these players for your flex spot instead.

Titus Young, Detroit Lions

Last season, the St. Louis Rams were 25th in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers, giving up on average 23.5 per week.

While it's possible that Calvin Johnson could get that alone, I expect Young will get off to a fast start this season and make those of us who have been predicting his breakout season look very good right off the bat.

With Johnson liking attracting top corner Cortland Finnegan, Young should see plenty of rookie Janoris Jenkins across from him on Sunday. While Jenkins has impressed this summer, he's a rookie who will be trying to handle the excellent Detroit passing attack.

I'm guessing Young will handle him instead, and have an excellent start to the 2012 season.

Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions

We stay in Detroit (and continue picking on the Rams). St. Louis was 29th in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to running backs a year ago, giving up 22.3 per game.

And guess who will see the Lion's share of the work (sorry, I couldn't resist) at running back for the Lions on Sunday?

Smith may have a hard time staying healthy, but on Sunday he is a fine flex play for your team.

DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers

Normally, I would tell you to avoid Williams, as he remains mired in a Carolina platoon. However, while coach Ron Rivera "remains optimistic" that Jonathan Stewart will play on Sunday, there is the very real possibility that he will miss the game with an ankle sprain.

If that's the case and you own Williams, he must be your flex play, no questions asked. The Bucs gave up the most points to opposing running backs a year ago, sacrificing on average 26.7 per week. While they should be better this season, Williams could be in line for a big day.

This is all for naught if Stewart plays, of course. But if "The Daily Show" doesn't show, Williams should steal the show for your team in Week 1. 

Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers

While Vernon Davis is the likeliest to carve up the Green Bay Packers secondary, don't be surprised if Michael Crabtree reaps the benefits of a questionable Packers defense as well.

Green Bay gave up an average of 26.4 fantasy points per week to opposing tight ends, 29th in the NFL. Even Alex Smith should take advantage of that. And while Randy Moss and Mario Manningham will get their targets, the most likely wide receiver to benefit from this matchup is Crabtree, the clear No. 1 option out wide.

Don't be shocked if this game turns into more of a shootout than you'd expect. And don't be afraid to roll with Crabtree as your flex if your other Week 1 prospects are looking too risky.

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