Looking for a sleeper to fill out your starting lineup? These 10 under-the-radar players could be on the verge of solid stat lines based on the matchups. For more lineup help, check out Start 'Em & Sit 'Em and our player rankings.
Josh Freeman, QB, Buccaneers
Believe it or not, but Freeman is in the top 10 in fantasy points among quarterbacks on NFL.com. The underrated Kansas State product is a very nice option for fantasy leaguers against the Panthers -- he scored an impressive 19.42 fantasy points against them back in Week 2. In fact, I'd start Freeman over Tom Brady and Carson Palmer this week.
David Garrard, QB, Jaguars
Garrard's last game was a five-touchdown performance against the woeful Dallas Cowboys, and now he gets another favorable matchup in Week 10. The Texans have been smashed by quarterbacks all season, allowing an average of more than 20 fantasy points per game to the position. That makes Garrard an extremely nice option and well worth a start.
Shaun Hill, QB, Lions
Hill is back on the fantasy radar in the absence of Matt Stafford, who suffered yet another shoulder ailment. When he was the starter earlier in the season, Hill actually put up some impressive fantasy totals in a talented offense. He's a viable bye-week replacement against the Bills, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Donald Brown, RB, Colts
The Colts backfield is littered with injuries, as Joseph Addai (shoulder) and Mike Hart (ankle) are both at less than 100 percent. That leaves Brown to see most of the work this week against the Bengals. Their defense has allowed an average of over 17 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, so Brown has some starting appeal in Week 10.
Mike Goodson, RB, Panthers
Owners looking for a deep sleeper at the running back or flex positions should consider Goodson, who will start and see most of the carries with DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Tyrell Sutton all injured. Goodson has a favorable matchup against the Buccaneers, who have allowed an average of 21 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs.
Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals
If Beanie Wells is out this week due to his problematic knee, fantasy owners should consider Hightower a viable No. 2 back or flex starter based on a very favorable matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Their defense has been brutal against the run this season, allowing an average of more than 20 fantasy points per game to opposing backs.
Mario Manningham, WR, Giants
At this point, anyone facing the Cowboys is a nice option for fantasy owners. Enter Manningham, who caught three passes for 40 yards and scored a touchdown against them just three weeks ago. The Boys from Big D have surrendered the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers, so Manningham has value as a No. 3 fantasy wideout this weekend.
Mike Thomas, WR, Jaguars
Thomas certainly isn't the most consistent wideout in fantasy football, but he has shown some flashes of potential as a starter. Based on this week's matchup against the Texans, he's well worth a look as a third fantasy wideout in deep leagues. Their defense has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season.
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Lions
Pettigrew has scored a touchdown in three of his last four games and is quietly on pace to finish the season with close to 80 receptions based on his current totals. He's a solid option for owners against the Bills, who have allowed more fantasy points to tight ends than any team in the league. Pettigrew is a top-10 option at his position.
Buccaneers defense
This isn't the same stout Buccaneers defense that once featured current NFL Network analyst Warren Sapp, but it can still be a useful option against rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen and the Panthers. Opposing defenses have found a ton of fantasy success against them this season, so the Bucs are worth adding as a one-week defense in all leagues.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question for Michael on anything fantasy football related? Leave it in our comments section or send it to **AskFabiano@nfl.com**!
