You’ve survived this long; the end is in sight – but suddenly you learn your running back is out this week. Realizing there’s nothing on your bench but slop, you begin to panic! You’ve worked so hard to get to this point and you dreally on’t want to use Trent Richardson. Well, that’s why we’re here.
We’ve done the research, looked at the trends and came up with five unlikely guys that are sure to get you points this weekend. Two are running backs, just for you, mister stressed-out fantasy owner. You can thank us later.
Ed Miller is a contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @PhillyEdMiller or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
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Week 14 Sleepers
Josh McCown QB - Chicago
McCown has been on this list a lot recently and for the most part he’s backed it up. In six weeks, he’s thrown for 1,461 yards, nine touchdowns and just one interception – including 355 yards and two touchdowns last week against Minnesota. This week, he faces a battered Dallas defense that has struggled on the road. Plus, the Cowboys have given up the second most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. If you have McCown , start him!
Julian Edelman WR - New England
For the first few weeks of the season, Edelman was quiet and not worth considering but after the last two weeks, he could prove to be a viable replacement at receiver. He’s got Tom Brady throwing to him and he’s playing against the Cleveland Browns – though, they’re defense is solid against the pass. A repeat of last week, or about 11 fantasy points, seems likely.
Rashard Mendenhall RB - Arizona
This guy isn’t going to light it up, but he’s practically a lock to get eight points every week. So, if you have no better option, consider Mendenhall . The Cardinals play a St. Louis team that’s fifth in fantasy points allowed to running backs and with the birds’ backup continuing to nurse a knee injury, Mendenhall should once again get the bulk of the carries.
Riley Cooper WR - Philadelphia
Nick Foles has been excellent and although he’s been quiet the past couple of weeks, Cooper has proven to be his favorite target. We expect him to bounce back against Detroit, a team that’s allowed the third points fantasy points to receivers this season. But keep an eye on the weather report, they’re calling for a messy day in Philadelphia and who knows how that’ll affect Foles . Nine points sounds about right.
Stephen Jackson RB - Atlanta
Believe it or not, Jackson has been so off the radar this season that expecting him to do well puts him in the “sleeper” category. Last week, he ran all over Buffalo and this week he faces a Green Bay defense – at Lambeau Field – that hasn’t been great against the run this season. We fully expect about a dozen or so out of Jackson, but who knows with this Falcons team.