Week 5: Sleepers of the Week

If one of your normal starters is injured or facing a tough match-up, here are some players you might consider starting in their place. While these players may not be every week starters, they are good bets to perform well this week.

QB Jake Delhomme, CLE

Jake Delhomme and the Carolina Panthers face the Kansas City Chiefs at home in week five. Delhomme played extremely well in week four against the Falcons, throwing for 294 yards and two touchdowns. Delhomme looked to be locked in with Muhsin Muhammad (who caught eight passes for 147 yards and one touchdown), and Steve Smith (who caught five passes for 92 yards and one touchdown). Delhomme should continue to put up good numbers in the coming weeks, especially this week against the Chiefs. The Chiefs are giving up close to 25 points per game so far this season and the Panthers should be able to exploit their weakness on defense. Fantasy owners can start Delhomme and expect at least 200 passing yards and one touchdown from the Panthers quarterback.

QB Kyle Orton, DEN

Kyle Orton and the Chicago Bears travel to Detroit to face the Lions in week five. Orton has been better as of late, throwing for 467 yards and five touchdowns in the past two games against the Buccaneers and Eagles, despite throwing four interceptions. Orton faces an easy match-up this week against an awful Lions defense. In three games so far this season, the Lions have allowed 34, 48, and 31 points in three lopsided defeats. The Bears' offense should be able to move the ball pretty easily on the weak Lions defense, allowing Kyle Orton to have another good week. If your league starts two quarterbacks (or your starter is on a bye week), consider starting Orton. Fantasy owners can expect more than 200 yards passing and at least one touchdown from Orton this week.

RB Warrick Dunn, ---

Warrick Dunn and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel to Denver to face the Broncos in week five. Despite being a backup to Earnest Graham, Dunn has been putting up good numbers, making him a good flex play in most fantasy leagues. Dunn carried the ball 16 times for 63 yards and added two catches for 23 yards in week four against the Green Bay Packers. Dunn and the Buccaneers have a much easier match-up this week against the struggling Denver Broncos defense. The Broncos' defense has been unable to stop teams this season, and allowed 198 yards rushing to Larry Johnson and the Kansas City Chiefs in week four. The Buccaneers should focus on running the ball this week, giving Dunn a good opportunity to be a valuable fantasy flex play this week. Fantasy owners looking for a solid flex or RB3 play this week can start Warrick Dunn and expect close to 80 total yards and one touchdown from the Buccaneers' running back.

RB Mewelde Moore, PIT

Mewelde Moore and the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars in week five. Moore should take over as the Steelers' starting running back in week five following injuries to both Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall. Moore had a tough time running the ball against the Ravens, but with a week of preparation he should be better prepared to start against the Jaguars. The Steelers should give Moore the majority of the carries out of the backfield this week, and is also a very good receiver out of the backfield, making him a better option in point per reception leagues. Fantasy owners should try to pick up Moore if he is still available on your waiver wire and if you are in need of a flex play or bye week fill in, Moore can be a good option. Fantasy owners can expect more than 75 total yards and one touchdown from Mewelde Moore this week.

RB Steve Slaton, HOU

Steve Slaton and the Houston Texans return home to face the Indianapolis Colts in week five. Despite not having a good day rushing the ball (ten carries for 33 yards), Steve Slaton was able to top 100 total yards last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars after catching eight passes for 83 yards and one touchdown. Slaton should have an easier time running the ball this week against the Indianapolis Colts, making him a very good play in fantasy leagues. Slaton is a very interesting fantasy player, because even if he can not get his game going on the ground, he is still very likely to have a good game through his great receiving skills. Fantasy owners, especially owners in point per reception leagues, should get Slaton into their lineups and can expect more than 80 total yards and one touchdown from the rookie running back this week.