Quarterback is the biggest source of consternation among fantasy football enthusiasts, mostly from the people who wasted a first-round pick on a QB. Like me, with Cam Newton.
Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Michael Vick are not top 10 fantasy quarterbacks. Joe Flacco, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Andy Dalton are.
And let's start with Red Dalton, who kicks off Rank's 11 this week. Dalton currently ranks seventh among fantasy quarterbacks right now, and his opponent this week, the Miami Dolphins, are right in the middle when it comes to fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. I'd feel safe starting Dalton ahead of Vick, Ben Roethlisberger and Andy Luck.
Don't get too cute, though. Don't tweet me and ask if Dalton should play over Drew Brees. He shouldn't. And heck, I can't even start him in front of Newton just yet.
But if you have a quarterback sitting out with a bye, and just hate having a backup, then Dalton is your sleeper of the week.
Ready for the rest of Rank's 11?
Without further ado ...
UPDATE: Two of Rank's 11 played on Thursday. You're welcome for the St. Louis defense, and let's not talk about Ryan Williams. My bad on Williams, time to move away from Cardinals receivers.
Breer: The men behind the rivalry
Tom Brady-Peyton Manning is the NFL's version of Magic-Bird. Albert Breer spoke with the fathers of both quarterbacks. **More ...**
Here are your two additions.
Dom Hixon, WR, New York Giants: The Giants are rather thin at receiver this week with Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden already ruled out. This makes Hixon a great start this week against an equally weakened Cleveland Browns' secondary. Eli Manning is poised for another monster game, so feel comfortable putting Hixon into your lineup.
T.Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis Colts: Hilton had a monster game just before the Colts' bye week, but he was not picked up in a ton of leagues because of that. Add him to your roster this week, as the Colts will throw the ball a lot this season. Hilton can be a nice start if you're missing Nicks or the PackersGreg Jennings.
Christian Ponder, QB, Minnesota Vikings: Ponder seemingly makes this list every week, but he's still not being started in a lot of leagues. The Vikings play the very worst fantasy defense this week in the Tennessee Titans, who have allowed the second-most points to fantasy quarterbacks and 10 touchdowns this season. And did you know Ponder is the only fantasy quarterback to start four games and not have an interception? If Dalton is the No. 1 sleeper, count Ponder as No. 1A.
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Miami Dolphins: Tannehill had a nice game against the Cardinals in Week 4 in what should have been a tough matchup. The Bengals have allowed the eighth-most points to fantasy quarterbacks this season, so RT1 could be used in a pinch.
James Jones, WR, Green Bay Packers: If you're in need of a receiver, why not look for one of the complementary players on one of the more prolific passing offenses in the NFL? Jones is a great option as Greg Jennings battles an injury. The Colts have allowed four touchdown passes in three games this season.
Malcom Floyd, WR, San Diego Chargers: Floyd isn't your traditional sleeper because a lot of you own him in your fantasy leagues. But his name is constantly brought up on Twitter, so it makes sense to mention him here. This is the week you definitely start Floyd in what should be a shootout between the Chargers and the host New Orleans Saints.
Andrew Hawkins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals: The Dolphins have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to receivers this season, and receivers have been targeted 107 times vs. the Dolphins (fourth in the NFL). I don't really know what the last stat means, but stat guru Bill "Sudsy" Sudell included it in the packet, so you know it must be important.
Jacob Tamme, TE, Denver Broncos: Let's be honest, Tamme hasn't been the fantasy standout we thought he was going to be this season in Denver. But this is a great week to play him. The Patriots give up tons of points to tight ends and Scott Chandler roasted New England for two scores last week.
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Minnesota Vikings: Yes, start all of your Vikings. The Titans (this should come as a shock) have allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends this season. I know, hard to believe, right? Rudolph has scored three touchdowns in his last three games and should have a great game against the Titans.
Minnesota Vikings DST: The Vikings are very good against the run, and with Percy Harvin returning kicks, you've always got a great start for return touchdowns. Plus, it's Matt Hasselbeck, too. So there are opportunities for picks and the like.
For the record, you can submit your fantasy questions to NFL Fantasy Live, Michael Fabiano or me on Twitter. But realize, NFL Fantasy Live has 70,000 followers, and Fabiano has 60,000. Me? Just 13. See, the odds are better I will answer your question, so hit me up both via Twitter or via Facebook (oh wait, I told you to stop going to Facebook). Go instead to Google+. Also be sure to catch the latest "Dave Dameshek Football Program."
