Fantasy Football Week 9: Tim Tebow and Must-Starts You'd Never Expect

Surprises provide the ever-unpredictable momentum that keeps the pendulum swinging between agony and ecstasy for...fantasy football owners?

Okay, so maybe picking and choosing NFL studs and duds isn't quite that dramatic (unless you've got your life savings riding on your league), but these guys should leave your buddies scratching their heads at the end of Week 9 when they realize how they've lost their way, and to whom.

Tim Tebow, QB, Denver Broncos

It's a good thing style points, accuracy and actual effectiveness don't count in fantasy football. Otherwise, Tim Tebow owners would probably be left in deep, dark contemplation/weeping tears of intense pain rather than "praying" while "Tebowing."

Luckily for you, Tebow has done anything but plank when it comes to racking up fantasy points. Say what you want about 45-10, but 172 yards and a touchdown ain't half bad for what you're looking for.

He should be able to do at least that much damage, if not more, against a Raiders defense that ranks 25th against the pass and is in the top 10 for opposing fantasy quarterbacks as far as friendliness is concerned.

Raiders and friendliness—who knew? Perhaps Tebow really is a miracle worker.

Mike Tolbert, RB, San Diego Chargers

So you're telling me to start Mike Tolbert, even though he didn't play last week due to an injury AND he's clearly Ryan Mathews' backup?!

Maybe not "telling" so much as suggesting, but yes, Tolbert is a good bet to produce on Sunday. Granted, Green Bay's run defense is pretty good, but Tolbert's real value, both to the Chargers and fantasy owners, is in the passing game, where he is among the most frequently targeted backs despite missing a game this season.

With the way Aaron Rodgers and the Packers can score at will, you can bet Philip Rivers will be forced to take to the air early and often, with Tolbert serving as a valuable safety valve when Ryan Mathews and Curtis Brinkley are too banged-up to play every down.

Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets

If I can tell you with a straight face that Tim Tebow is a good fantasy pickup, then you can be sure I'll find a way to sell you on Mark Sanchez, too.

Not that the pitch is that difficult, unless you think the ability to win in the NFL has anything to do with piling up points in the virtual world. Sanchez has done just that this season, picking up at least two touchdowns in just about every game this season.

And, for once, he won't have to worry about being pummeled by an opposing defense, despite what John Beck might have to say about the Bills' secondary and pass rush.