Fantasy Football Week 5 Sleepers: 11 Sleepers to Watch
Every week there's always one player who comes out of nowhere to ruin or make a fantasy matchup, seemingly appearing out of nowhere to have a huge fantasy day.
Take these tips/sleepers to fantasy greatness in Week 5.
Michael Bush
1 of 11
Many people forgot about Bush after his broken thumb before Week 1 and with Darren "Run DMC" McFadden giving four strong showings to start the season.
But McFadden came up with a strained hamstring and is most likely out this week against San Diego. After missing practice Thursday, it's all but official that Bush will be the starting running back come Sunday.
Remember, it was Bush was the projected starter—not McFadden—coming into the season, and Bush did have a solid game last week against Houston (seven carries, 40 yards, one TD, two catches, 16 yards).
The San Diego D is solid, but the Raiders are going to focus on the run and not leave QB Bruce Gradkowski prone to the blitz-happy Chargers. Plus, the Oakland offensive line has done a good job creating lanes for McFadden.
Bush is a good RB 2 and flex fill-in and definitely worth a pickup if he's still available in your league.
Mike Bell
2 of 11
With QB Mike Vick already declared out and starting RB LeSean McCoy not practicing yet this week with a cracked rib, Mike Bell could have a big game in prime time on Sunday night.
While the 49ers have a strong linebacking corps, Bell's value may best come in PPR leagues, as Kolb loves to check down to his running backs. Last week, McCoy went for 12 catches for 110 yards—mostly with Kolb as QB.
Bell is a good running back, and the Eagles don't really have much RB depth outside of him. He's a good RB 2 and flex option for this week.
Mark Clayton
3 of 11
I'm not sure Clayton is still considered a sleeper with his great start so far (22 catches, 300 yards, two TDs), and he has a chance to improve on those numbers with a great matchup this week.
The Rams have won two in a row, face a very weak Detroit secondary, and Clayton is clearly Sam Bradford's favorite option.
Six catches, 85 yards, and a TD are certainly not out of the question for Clayton, who should put up big numbers this week.
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Ryan Torain
4 of 11
Clinton Portis went out with a groin injury last week and is out the next four to six weeks. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said of Torain, "He's a top back in the National Football League. There's no question about it."
Torain went for 18/70/1 last week against a good Eagles defense.
The Packers defense is also tough on the run, but the Redskins don't have much of a passing game, so Torain will get carries early and often. He's a MUST pickup, as he should be the starter in DC for the foreseeable future—even when Portis is healthy enough to return.
Fred Jackson
5 of 11
With Marshawn Lynch now with the Seahawks, Fred Jackson's value immediately gets a big upgrade. Jackson will still be splitting carries with C.J. Spiller, but he's already been named the starter for this week's game against a porous Jacksonville defense.
Jackson has taken the starting load before, and Spiller hasn't been too impressive so far. Remember, he did have over 1,000 yards last year and is very capable out of the backfield.
With Ryan Fitzpatrick behind center, expect the Bills to run often and Fitzpatrick to check down frequently to Jackson.
Mario Manningham
6 of 11
Manningham was battling an injury last week when he was held without a catch against the Bears, but he seems ready to go this week against a very weak Texans secondary and is always a big play threat.
In his first three games, Manningham had a catch of at least 25 yards in each game and averaged nearly 80 yards a game over the first three contests.
Manningham isn't a big PPR guy, but he should be targeted in a pass-happy Giants offense and has the potential for a couple big plays this week.
Tony Moeaki
7 of 11
Moeaki—a rookie tight end out of Iowa—burst onto the fantasy scene with an amazing catch in the back of the end zone in Week 3 against the 49ers.
At 6'3", 252 pounds, Moeaki is a big target for QB Matt Cassel, as he already has two TDs this season. Going up against a struggling Colts defense, expect Cassel to find Moeaki—especially around the red zone.
The Colts are known to blitz linebackers with great frequency, leading to many dump-off passes and short throws to Moeaki. He's a top 10 TE option this week and has sleeper potential the rest of the season.
Sam Bradford
8 of 11
Two Rams on the Sleeper list?!?! I must be crazy. But Bradford has had back-to-back big games and plays a very weak Lions secondary.
With Steven Jackson still battling a leg injury, the Rams will be throwing a lot. Bradford—who's thrown 78 passes the past two weeks—has begun to look more confident and comfortable in the pocket and should have a big game in Motown.
Shaun Hill
9 of 11
Hill is mistake-prone, so don't expect to escape from this game without him making his share of mistakes. But he's also thrown five TDs in his last three games and has thrown for over 330 yards two of the last three.
While the Rams defense is definitely improving, it's definitely the weakest the Lions have faced so far. If Hill has put up big numbers against the likes of Minnesota, Green Bay, and Philadelphia, you can expect more of the same (and maybe more) against St. Louis, especially at home.
Hill, who ran for over 50 yards last week, should put up big numbers at home.
Steve Johnson
10 of 11
Johnson has scored in back-to-back games and now plays one of the worst fantasy defenses in football. Statistically, the Jaguars are the worst fantasy defense, and Johnson and QB Ryan Fitzpatrick are beginning to find some chemistry.
Johnson only has six catches in the last two games, but the third-year man will get even more looks with Marshawn Lynch no longer patrolling the backfield. Johnson should be in line for another solid game.
Mike Tolbert
11 of 11
The bruising San Diego RB has taken over for rookie Ryan Mathews and gets a great matchup this week against Oakland. The Raiders—who were just thrashed on the ground by Arian Foster and the Texans last week—will have their hands full with Tolbert.
Yes, Tolbert is splitting carries, and Mathews is getting healthier. But any look at the stats shows Tolbert is getting the bulk of the carries so far.
Expect another big game, and then look to trade him when his value is highest.
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