NFL Fantasy Football Week 14 Sleepers: James Starks, Ed Dickson and More

Ryan LesterDec 9, 2010

Sometimes because of matchups you have to roll out less than ideal lineups, especially when your players are nicked up. That’s the nature of the beast. Sometimes you need a fantasy gem to be successful. Here are some under the radar players that could possibly pull out a win for you.

Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Smith is back as the Niners starting quarterback. With Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree at his disposal, the former number one pick should be able to exploit Seattle’s 30th ranked (283.7 yards allowed per game) pass defense. A smaller reach would be to go with Josh Freeman against Washington.

James Starks, RB, Green Bay Packers
Sparks got everybody’s attention with his 73 yard debut. He should get plenty of more work this week against Detroit’s 25th ranked (127.4 YPG) run defense.

Earl Bennett, WR, Chicago Bears
It’s hard to call somebody that followed up a four catch, 56 yard, two touchdown performance with seven catches for 104 yards a sleeper, but Bennett is not exactly on most fantasy radars. He’s on Jay Cutler’s radar though, and that’s what matters, especially when he’s facing New England’s 31st ranked (287.8 YPG) pass defense.

Jordan Shipley, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
The Steelers will bring the heat on Carson Palmer, meaning he will be looking to dump the ball off to Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham. If you have a better alternative, play him, but if you’re desperate, Shipley could be a solid play. Anthony Armstrong is a decent gamble to break a long play against Tampa Bay.

Ed Dickson, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Dickson caught three passes for 21 yards last week, but he's in a good position to take a jump this week. Todd Heap isn’t expected to play and Houston has allowed a league worst 298.3 passing yards and 27 passing touchdowns.

Denver Broncos Defense
It is definitely hard to rely on a defense whose coach was recently fired, but it seems that the teams that have fired their coach have played looser with that pressure gone. Denver’s defense has been less than adequate, but they have a solid matchup against Arizona.