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.
Rex Grossman, QB, Redskins: Don't look now, but Grossman is emerging into a legitimate fantasy option. He threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns last week, and he's now averaged 286 passing yards and thrown for a combined nine touchdowns in his last four starts dating back to 2010. This week he faces a Cardinals defense that made Cam Newton look like Randall Cunningham in his NFL debut, so the matchup is attractive.
Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets: Most of us don't get fantasy points for starting a player who's on the cover of GQ, but Sanchez can still make our lineups look good when he faces a weaker opponent. That was the scenario last week against the Cowboys (26/44, 335 yards, two TDs), and he has another great matchup against the Jaguars -- their defense surrendered 17.42 fantasy points to Matt Hasselbeck in their opener.
Tim Hightower, RB, Redskins: Hightower showed flashes of brilliance in Week 1, rushing for 72 yards and one touchdown in a win over the Giants. I'd keep him active this weekend against the Cardinals, who traded him right after the lockout ended. Hightower should be motivated to produce a nice stat line against his former mates, and the Cards defense is vulnerable at best -- just as the Carolina Panthers offense found out.
James Starks, RB, Packers: The Packers have two solid options in their backfield, but it was apparent in Week 1 that Starks was the main man ahead of Ryan Grant. In fact, he saw more snaps, more carries and scored far more fantasy points in the opener than his veteran teammate. With a favorable matchup against the Panthers next on the schedule, Starks is well worth a look as a potential flex starter in most leagues.
Cadillac Williams, RB, Rams: With the status of Steven Jackson in major doubt, Williams could turn into a valuable flex starter in most leagues. The veteran out of Auburn University looked good in Jackson's absence last week, posting five receptions and a total of 140 scrimmage yards against the Eagles. With a matchup against the injury-riddled Giants defense next on the schedule, Williams suddenly has some starting appeal.
Robert Meachem, WR, Saints: Meachem had a promising start to the season, posting five catches for 71 yards and one touchdown against the Packers. With Marques Colston out and Lance Moore also ailing, the veteran out of Tennessee will see a more prominent role in the pass attack for coach Sean Payton. Consider Meachem an attractive No. 3 fantasy option in what could be a high-scoring game against the Chicago Bears.
Mario Manningham, WR, Giants:Fantasy leaguers were a bit disappointed with Manningham's Week 1 production, as he caught just four passes and scored a meager 4.9 fantasy points in a loss to the Redskins. He should be in for a bounce-back week, however, as Manningham faces a Rams defense that can be vulnerable against the pass. If Hakeem Nicks is out or limited, he becomes and even better option on Monday night.
Jacoby Jones, WR, Texans: If you're in desperate need of a wide receiver this week, give Jones a look off the waiver wire -- he's still a free agent in 98.5 percent of NFL.com leagues. With Kevin Walter expected to miss this week's game with a bum shoulder, Jones will start and see an increase in targets from Matt Schaub. He also faces a Dolphins pass defense that was absolutely dreadful in last Monday's loss.
Ed Dickson, TE, Ravens: Quietly, Dickson put up 59 yards and one touchdown in last week's blowout win over the Steelers. With Todd Heap out of the mix and Lee Evans injured, the second-year tight end out the University of Oregon should continue to see his share of targets from Joe Flacco against the Titans. So if you need some help at the tight end spot this week, Dickson is well worth a look off the fantasy waiver wire.
Greg Olsen, TE, Panthers: Olsen opened the season with a nice stat line, catching four passes for 78 yards while seeing six targets from Cam Newton. He'll continue to be invovled in the pass attack in Week 2, as Steve Smith will have a tougher time getting open against the likes of CBs Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams. The Packers also struggle to stop tight ends, so Olsen has some starting value.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question for Michael on anything fantasy football related? Send it to **AskFabiano@nfl.com** or tweet it at _**MichaelFabiano**_!
