NFL Fantasy Football Week 16 Sleepers: Tim Tebow and More

Ryan LesterDec 23, 2010

Sometimes because of match-ups 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 of the under the radar players that could possibly pull out a win for you.

Tim Tebow, QB, Denver Broncos

I don’t love him as a fantasy quarterback (I have him ranked No. 24 this week), but he is facing the Texans league worst pass defense. However, after having allowed nearly 300 yards per game for a good portion of the season, they are “down” to 275.1 per game. It’s what Tebow can do with his feet that intrigues me more than anything. Miami’s Chad Henne is another decent sleeper option against Detroit.

Lance Ball, RB, Denver Broncos
I hate to come off as a Broncos’ fan, not that there is anything wrong with that, but if Knowshon Moreno is out, limited or aggravates his rib injury, Ball could get the looks. He’d be a desperation move, but sometimes it comes to that. Another desperation move could be rolling with Toby Gerhart if Adrian Peterson sits again.

Michael Bush, RB, Oakland Raiders
Darren McFadden is getting the bulk of the carries and all of the attention, but Michael Bush has racked up 644 total yards (499 rushing, 145 receiving) and seven touchdowns despite missing two games, and only has double-digit carries five times this year. The Raiders could use his physical running to win the time of possession battle, keeping Peyton Manning watching from the sidelines.

Joe Webb, QB/WR, Minnesota Vikings
Webb qualifies at WR in many leagues, and despite a tough match-up against the Eagles, could do enough throwing and running the ball to outscore a good portion of this week’s receivers.

Anthony Armstrong, WR, Washington Redskins
Rex Grossman to Anthony Armstrong is not the connection that anybody envisioned as a key one at the beginning of the year. He’s got a good chance to get deep against a Jaguars team that’s ranked 27th in passing yards allowed (255.6) and tied for 27th in passing touchdowns allowed (26). Armstrong is averaging 76.7 receiving yards during the past three games. Cincinnati’s Andre Caldwell is another sleeper choice with Terrell Owens out and Chad Johnson looking to be on the outs.

Ed Dickson, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Ed Dickson scored his first career touchdown last week, and Todd Heap’s hamstring keeps his playing status in doubt. If Heap can’t go, Dickson might be worth a look as a deep sleeper.

St. Louis Rams Defense
The Niners’ quarterback musical chairs continues with Troy Smith taking the job back. He played remarkably well in their first meeting, but now that they’ve got film on him, look for a much better performance out of the Rams defense.