Week 12: 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. Most of the players that will be listed are on fantasy rosters, but not normally starters.

QB Matt Hasselbeck, SEA

Matt Hasselbeck and the Seattle Seahawks travel to St. Louis to take on the Rams in week 12. Hasselbeck is coming off a game against the Minnesota Vikings in which he threw for 231 yards, but did not find the endzone while throwing one interception. Hasselbeck should be able to bounce back this week against a poor St. Louis secondary. The Rams' defense has been allowing big plays and a large number of points all season long, and this week should be no different. When the Seahawks and Rams met in week one, Hasselbeck threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns in a Seahawks victory. Fantasy owners should get Hasselbeck into their lineups and can expect at least 200 yards and one touchdown from the Seahawks' starting quarterback.

QB Alex Smith, SF

Alex Smith and the San Francisco 49ers return home to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 12. Smith threw for only five yards in the first half of the 49ers' week 11 loss to the Green Bay Packers, but bounced back in the second half to finish with 227 passing yards and three touchdowns (giving fantasy owners a quality game). Smith has topped 200 total yards in four of his five games this season, and should be able to do it again this week against the Jaguars. The Jaguars' secondary has struggled this season, and should continue to give up big plays against the 49ers this week. Alex Smith has gotten comfortable with Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis, and this trio should have another good game this week. Fantasy owners can start Alex Smith and can expect at least 200 yards and one touchdown from the San Francisco quarterback.

RB Rock Cartwright, OAK

Rock Cartwright and the Washington Redskins travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in week 12. Cartwright did an excellent job filling in for an injured Ladell Betts in week 11, rushing for 67 yards and adding another 73 yards on seven receptions. Cartwright will have another opportunity to carry the load for the Redskins this week as both Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts will not play. Cartwright does not have the greatest match-up this week against the Eagles, but he has almost no competition for carries, and should touch the ball close to 20 times again this week. Cartwright should be picked up if you are in need of a flex play or RB 2 this week. He is an even better option in point per reception leagues, as he is a very good receiver out of the backfield. Fantasy owners can start Rock Cartwright and can expect 80 total yards and one touchdown from the Redskins' running back.

RB Jamaal Charles, KC

Jamaal Charles and the Kansas City Chiefs travel to San Diego to face the Chargers in week 12. Charles has come through with two 10+ point fantasy performances in a row against the Raiders and Steelers, and should put up another good game this week against the Chargers. Charles has established himself as the clear starter in Kansas City since the departure of Larry Johnson, with no other running back a threat to cut into his workload. The Chiefs will continue to lean on Jamaal Charles this week against San Diego as Matt Cassel had a brutal day throwing the ball against the Chargers earlier in the season. Fantasy owners should start Jamaal Charles and can expect 75 total yards and a touchdown this week.

RB LeSean McCoy, PHI

LeSean McCoy and the Philadelphia Eagles return home to take on the Washington Redskins in week 12. McCoy filled in nicely for the injured Brian Westbrook in week 11, rushing for 99 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. McCoy did not catch a pass in the game, but is a good receiver out of the backfield, and should start to catch more passes going forward. McCoy should be able to have a big game against the Redskins, especially if Albert Haynesworth misses another game for Washington. Despite a fumble in week 11, the Eagles will continue to ride McCoy for as long as Brian Westbrook is out, making him an excellent play in most fantasy leagues. McCoy was started in only 34% of fantasy leagues last week, and this number should be much higher based on his play when given the opportunity. Fantasy owners should start LeSean McCoy this week and can expect 90 total yards and one touchdown from the Eagles' rookie running back.