Week 16: Super Sleepers

If you're looking for a guy to fill in some of those open bench slots, then you have come to the right place. Many of these guys are an injury away from a starting role and you might be wise to pick them up. I wouldn't advise starting any of these players unless you are in a deep league or their role within the offense changes.

RB Mike Bell, PHI

For the first time this season, we watched the Saints lose a game last weekend. The Cowboys went into New Orleans and pulled off what many believed would be nearly impossible and beat the Saints to keep their playoff hopes alive. In the loss, New Orleans running back Reggie Bush pulled his hamstring. This could cause Bush to miss this weekend's game against the Bucs. If that happens, then Bell and Thomas will split the carries for the Saints. This makes Bell a prime candidate for a flex start or possibly a #2 RB start. Five weeks ago when the Saints played Tampa Bay, Bush carried the ball 13 times for 75 yards and a pair of touchdowns. We could see a similar performance from Bell this weekend.

RB Larry Johnson, WAS

Johnson's performance this season should not have been a surprise to anyone. When running backs turn 30 their on the field performance begins to slip and fantasy owners need to take notice. This held true for Johnson this season as we watched him carry the ball 165 times for 532 yards and no touchdowns. This week, however, things could change for LJ. The Bengals host Johnson's former team the Kansas City Chiefs. I'm sure LJ would like nothing more than to torch them and that's exactly what could happen. Last week we watched Cleveland's Jerome Harrison run for 286 yards and three touchdowns. Between Johnson and Benson, the Chiefs will have their hands full and by the end of the game we could see two 100-yard rushers for the Bengals. If you're looking for a flex option then LJ could be a good choice this week. There is little reason for anyone to believe the Chiefs' defense will be able to slow down Cincinnati's run game.

RB Marcus Mason, SD

The Redskins' offense looked horrible in Monday night's loss to the Giants. By halftime Washington was behind 24-0 and just when we thought the Fred Davis touchdown to start the second half was going to change the momentum of the game, the Giants came back and scored two touchdowns in a 14 second span. One good thing that we saw for the Redskins last week was the play of Marcus Mason. The second year man out of Youngstown State led the running backs with 25 yards on 4 carries. Mason also caught a pair of passes for another 25 yards. He didn't play much and it's likely he won't play a lot this coming week against the Eagles. However, if something happens to Ganther then it looks like Mason -- not Cartwright -- will be the back who carries the load for Washington.

RB Jerious Norwood, ATL

I'd like to know why Michael Turner was in the lineup last week when the Falcons played the Jets. Turner has been suffering from a high ankle sprain for about a month now. The only thing that could have happened to Turner is exactly what did; Michael was hurt on his first carry of the game and he left the game and did not return. This left Atlanta with Norwood and Snelling to once again carry the load. Jason led the team in rushing yards and Jerious in receiving yards. This week the Falcons will host the league's worst rush defense when Buffalo comes to town. I would expect to see a big dose of Jason and Jerious. Both backs should find the end zone this week and it wouldn't surprise me to see Jerious break a screen pass for a long touchdown. Once again, if you are looking for a flex fill-in then Norwood may be a good choice.

WR Malcom Floyd, SD

After starting the season 2-3, the Chargers have gone on a roll and won 9 straight games. I may be wrong, but I believe this is the second longest active streak now that the Saints have lost. Not only have the Chargers been lights out these past couple of months, but this winning streak has positioned them for a first round bye and at least one home game in the playoffs. If San Diego takes care of business this week in Tennessee they will secure the second seed in the AFC. An important factor in their success this week could be the play of Malcolm Floyd. Last week Floyd was targeted a team high 9 times, pulling down 4 of them for 63 yards. Over the past six games Malcolm has averaged 3 receptions for a little over 50 yards a game. He may not put up big numbers, but he is consistent. This week when the Chargers see the league's second worst pass defense Floyd should have plenty of chances to put up decent numbers. In addition, while I don't like to say a guy is due, it has been 8 games since the last time Floyd scored a touchdown. This week could be the game Floyd finds the end zone again.