Sleeper Watch

A lot of fantasy owners have been reluctant to pick up Doug Flutie. After all, one great day – and with two touchdown passes, 248 passing yards, and two carries into the endzone, Flutie’s effort last week was great indeed – does not a fantasy stud make, particularly when it comes against the Vikings’ suspect defense. Besides, the Chargers QB is 41 years old, older than the Super Bowl, yellow penalty flags or the Hall of Fame.

Nonetheless, Flutie Magic is alive and well two decades after he became a legend at Boston College. No quarterback currently playing has been written off more often, and yet Flutie still manages to find ways to defy time and prove all critics wrong.

At this point, Flutie is a far cry from a sure thing. We’ll have to wait and see whether he can keep playing at a high level, but don’t wait too long. If Flutie has a solid game in Denver, owners won’t hesitate any longer, and the scramble to pick him up will be on. Should he still be available and you have room on your roster, stashing him away before this week’s kickoff might be a wise investment, particularly if your starting QB faces tough defenses in December.

In week 14, when many fantasy playoffs begin, San Diego faces Detroit (ranked 21st in total defense and against the pass). The following week looks even better with a home game against Green Bay (27th total, 28th vs. the pass). After a less favorable matchup in Pittsburgh, Flutie closes the season with a home game against Oakland, ranked 28th in total defense. Not a bad schedule for the month when fantasy games count most.