Sleeper Watch

The last time Charlie Batch was even worth considering as a fantasy option, the Ravens were the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Enron bubble hadn’t burst yet, and Harry Potter was hitting the big screen for the first time. The year was 2001, and Batch tossed 12 touchdown passes and as many interceptions in ten games for a Lions team that would finish the year with just two wins. He wasn’t an elite quarterback by any means, but he found his way onto quite a few fantasy squads as a backup, and into starting lineups when the matchup was right.

Fast-forward to 2005. Three New England titles, one big financial brouhaha, and three Harry Potter movies later, Batch is back on the fantasy radar, despite having thrown only eight passes since the 2001 season. With Ben Roethlisberger on the shelf following arthroscopic surgery, Batch steps in as Pittsburgh’s starting QB this weekend when the Steelers head to Green Bay to face the Packers.

Playing at Lambeau Field is always a daunting challenge, yet the Packers are a team in disarray after stumbling out of the gate to a disappointing 1-6 record. Green Bay’s defense is allowing 2.1 passing TDs per game this season, tied with Philadelphia for the highest mark in the league.

Batch certainly will have plenty of weapons at his disposal on Sunday, with Hines Ward leading the wide receiver corps, an emerging Heath Miller at tight end, and a strong running game to take the pressure off the air attack. Whether Batch can capitalize on what looks like a juicy matchup remains to be seen, considering his lack of recent playing time, but if you’re forced to replace Roethlisberger or need a bye-week fill-in, he might be worth a look as a high-risk, high-reward option.