One of the discussions I had with my editor this week is if Colin Kaepernick is really a sleeper or not. I've known about him since his days at Nevada, but then again, I watch Western Athletic Conference football.
But there seems to be no debate that Kaepernick has been the most debated quarterback in the NFL over the last couple of weeks. There is no doubt he's already been scooped up off your waiver wire. And he's not a bad start this week, either. In fact, I added him in my league of record. Not sure I would start him over Andrew Luck (check back with me in the "Like/Dislike" later this week), but at least nobody else in my league has him.
So here's the compromise, I just wrote 150 words on Kaepernick, but I'll sneak in a bonus, sleeper quarterback in Chad Henne. Like Matt Moore last year, who came out of nowhere to win some fantasy leagues for people, Henne has some tremendous matchups upcoming. And the Jags seem content to throw the ball a ton.
Beanie Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals: I wasn't high on Wells when he returned from injury because he wasn't that great before he went down. Wells had a pair of touchdowns against St. Louis and the matchup is really good this week against the Jets, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs this season. The Jets have allowed eight rushing touchdowns in six home games this year. This will be a new low if the Birds can't beat the Jets.
Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Atlanta Falcons: The Quiz had a season-high 13.90 fantasy points in Week 12 against the Buccaneers. It was the second-time this year he reached double digits. Now he's got the Saints, who have allowed the most fantasy points to running backs this season.
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos: Boy, this sent the Internet into a tizzy when the Broncos announced Moreno was going to start in Week 12. Everybody had assumed Ronnie Hillman was going to be the guy. But you know what they say about fantasy enthusiasts who assume, right? You end up with .9 fantasy points. Moreno is a nice guy to have on your bench, but the matchup this week is going to be really tough.
Pierre Garcon, WR, Washington Redskins: We've waited for Garcon and he finally made his re-emergence against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. It's about time, right? With RG3 throwing bombs all over the field, this is a nice option this week against the Giants, who have allowed the sixth-most points to receivers in 2012. In fact, the Giants have allowed 16 receiving touchdowns, the most in the NFL.
Mohamed Sanu, WR, Cincinnati Bengals: Well, we thought A.J. Green was the one-man band in Cincinnati, but Sanu has come on strong in recent weeks. Sanu has scored four touchdowns, including two against the Raiders. And yes, scoring against the Raiders is so easy it probably shouldn't count, but it still does. The Bengals are in San Diego this week, which is going to be really interesting.
Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland Browns: Flash Gordon was a nice pickup just a few weeks ago, but has since gone touchdown-less in his last four. But if you struggle, the Raiders can quickly bring you out of the funk. The Raiders have allowed 15 touchdown receptions to receivers this week and nine in their last three games. The game plan for the Raiders should be to throw the ball, so look for Gordon to get a chance.
Ryan Broyles, WR, Detroit Lions: Well, the guy who lines up opposite Calvin Johnson has an advantage and now it's up to Broyles with Nate Burleson out and Titus Young having trouble not getting suspended. Broyles has a solid matchup against the Colts, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to receivers on the road this year.
T.Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis Colts: Hilton has really turned it on over the past couple of weeks with four touchdown receptions in the last four games. And if you get rewarded for return points, he's a must-start for you this week. The Lions have allowed five touchdown passes in their last three home games, so Hilton should have his chances.
Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars: Of course, Cecil Shorts and Justin Blackmon have excelled since Henne became the starter. But Lewis has benefited, too. Lewis had a pair of touchdowns against the Texans in Week 11 and four receptions for 56 yards in Week 12. Again, we are going to look for a tight end who is going to get his chances.
Cleveland Browns Defense: All right, if you picked up these guys last week (kudos!), then you might as well roll with them this week against the Raiders. I can't promise you eight turnovers, but the Raiders have gagged up the ball from time to time. And boy, if they decide to put Terrelle Pryor in there, you really have a chance for some turnovers with a guy who will get some of his first real game experience. And if you want to look ahead, the Browns play host to the Chiefs in Week 14.
