Fantasy Football Sneaky Starts: Week 5
John Paulsen, Contributing Editor
As injuries pile up and the bye weeks begin, all but the luckiest fantasy owners will at some point need to find the proverbial diamond in the rough -- a waiver wire or bench player who is capable of putting up some points in a pinch. This weekly feature is dedicated to that part of fantasy football. It's not pretty, but it's part of the game.
Last week we discussed Jason Campbell, James Starks, Mike Tolbert, Kendall Hunter, Eric Decker, Greg Olsen and Jared Cook. There were a few clunkers as well, but we won't mention those. (I'm looking at you, Jay Cutler.)
QUARTERBACKS
Mark Sanchez, Jets
Given his pitiful Week 4 performance against the Ravens (11/35, 119 yards, INT), Sanchez needs a confidence boost, and the Patriots spotty secondary is just what the doctor ordered. New England has given up the most adjusted fantasy points to QBs this season, so I expect the Jets' offense to get back on track.
Donovan McNabb, Vikings
Yes, he was brutal against the Chargers. But over the last two games, he has thrown for 413 yards and three TDs, and has completed 60.6% of his passes. But what makes McNabb a sneaky start is his matchup with the Cardinals, who have struggled mightily against the pass this season.
Alex Smith, 49ers
Smith has thrown for 492 yards in his last two games, and has four TD passes in his last three games. He faces a Bucs defense that gave up 281 yards and two TDs to Curtis Painter and Co. in Week 4.
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