Sleeper Watch

Thinking through this week’s Christmas sleeper, I found that there were many viable options this week. For many of you, this is championship weekend, and you would want nothing more for Christmas than to win your league (and show that good-for-nothing trash talker who’s boss). Well, I’ve found that sometimes Santa Claus chooses the best of presents, and surprises us every once in a while. This week I want to be Santa Claus, and show you a few surprises that may help you holiday wishes come true.

Let me be the very first to tell you that this article is purely informational. (I always have to add this disclaimer to a sleeper) You make the decisions who starts on your team, and although I am doing my best to give you good advice, you ultimately are responsible for the choices you make. Therefore, take everything I say with a grain of salt. Think through these sleepers and do your own homework.

So without further ado, here are a few players that could add a little magic to your lineup this week:

1. This week I really like the idea of Tennessee running back LenDale White. His comrade in arms for the Titans, Travis Henry, is questionable for Sunday’s game, and he did not practice Wednesday. This means that even if Travis plays, I have a feeling they will limit the amount of touches the former Bills running back gets. But the real reason I like LenDale is because he is facing a very weak Buffalo rush defense. They are giving up almost five yards a carry, while LenDale already averages four yards an attempt. I think he will get nearly 80 yards and maybe a shot at the endzone. I would play this guy this week if I were struggling at the running back position.

2. After LenDale White, I see Houston’s running core as top notch starts this week. Virtually anybody can run against Indianapolis’ front seven and be successful, and that’s why I’m giving the sleeper nod to Ron Dayne, Samkon Gado, and their fullback Jameel Cook. Now I know you may be wondering why I chose to include Cook in the lineup, and here’s why: The idea of fullbacks powering their way into the endzone is growing on nearly every coach in the NFL. I think that Cook may have a good chance to score six on Sunday, whether that be on a screen pass or a power run. Look for all of the Houston backfield to do well against this sketchy defense. Let us just face it: just as Pippin was drawn to the mysterious power of the Palantír, so running backs are drawn to endless streams of yardage and scores against the Colts.

3. The third and final sleeper is Tim Rattay. Now, I’m not really sold on the idea of Rattay being able to lead his weak team downfield and score yet, but by all indications Tim should have a good weekend. He is playing against a moderately weak Cleveland pass defense, and if he plays like last weekend he should pass all over them. The key statistic I see in this matchup is the almost non-existant run attack of the Bucs against an equally non-existant rush defense of the Browns. If Carnell Williams can break out of his shell and have some success running the ball this weekend, I think it could set up the pass nicely. So although I’m not very confident about this pick, he will probably be a fairly rewarding player if his running back can get off the ground (quite literally)

So there you have it, this week’s Christmas sleepers. I wish you all the best of luck! May your Christmas be filled with cheers of victory and cries of defeat, but above all: remember the reason for the season and the preciousness of the family. Now, I’m off to go watch my Eagles reclaim the NFC East as their own…

 
Daniel Gilford is a Jesus Freak and a Communications major at St. Petersburg College in Florida, with a knack for writing and an interest in Meteorology. On Christmas Day, Daniel can be found spending time with his family and then rooting for the Eagles on Monday Night Football. In the forums you can find him posting under the alias danleroi22.
 

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