Sleeper Watch

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Wow, what an amazing opening kickoff weekend! We saw some huge names go down to injury including Tom Brady, Marques Colston, and Nate Burleson, but we also saw some huge offensive performances from the Steelers, Falcons, Eagles, and Broncos. Now that the dust has settled, let’s get down to business and go over some sleeper plays for the second week of NFL action.

Quarterback

Damon Huard – Chiefs: Let me tell you about a quarterback that I absolutely love this week. Huard is filling in for the injured Brodie Croyle for the foreseeable future. He knows the Chiefs’ offense, and he knows how to get their weapons involved. When Croyle went down last week, he came in and threw a strike into the end zone to Dwayne Bowe. Look for Huard to consistently target both Bowe and Gonzalez against a Raiders secondary that was absolutely abused last week. I’m expecting around 225 yards and 2 touchdowns from Huard this weekend and he makes a great plug and play QB for those of you searching for answers after losing Tom Brady.

Kerry Collins – Titans: Since Brady just went down, I felt it appropriate to spotlight another QB. Collins has the arm made for this Titans offense. He has a big arm, and throws an accurate ball. He’ll be able to take advantage of his two big tight end targets in Bo Scaife and Alge Crumpler, and should find Justin Gage for a few deep ones. Going up against the Bengals’ vulnerable secondary, Collins should easily eclipse the 200 yard mark while throwing for 2 touchdowns.

Running Back

Sammy Morris – Patriots: Do you need help at running back? Are you still reading this column if you do? What are you waiting for? Go out and pick up Sammy Morris if he is still available in your league. Before Morris went down with an injury last year, he was a top 20 back. He looks to be in the same situation he was in last year, a touchdown vulture to Laurence Maroney. The only difference this year is Matt Cassel is now the starting quarterback for the Patriots. New England figures to run the ball more, and Morris is the perfect beneficiary. In a game where the Pats will certainly look to establish the ground game and set the tempo, I expect Morris to rumble to the tune of 75 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Steve Slaton – Texans: What did I tell you? Ahman Green will get injured and Steve Slaton will start. The question is who knew it would be in week 2! Green is in a boot, and that means Slaton will get his first start of his NFL career this Sunday. He looked good splitting carries last week, and I expect at least 20 touches for the rookie back out of West Virginia. Sure he has a tough match up, but the Texans have something to prove after last week’s embarrassing loss to the Steelers. I feel Slaton has 80 yards on the ground and another 30 through the air, while finding his way into the end zone at least once.

Wide Receiver

Ronald Curry – Raiders: I know the Raiders looked horrible on Monday night, but the silver lining was found in the emergence of Ronald Curry. Expected to be an afterthought with the signing of Javon Walker, he found the end zone late in the 4th quarter and appeared to be a reliable target for JaMarcus Russell. Going up against what could be the worst team in the NFL, Curry should be able to get open for a couple long ones and a touchdown. I’m expecting 90 yards and a score from Curry this weekend.

Antonio Bryant – Buccaneers: Joey Galloway is banged up and getting up there in age, and the Lions were at least able to move the ball against the Falcons through the air. Brian Griese is starting this weekend, and I fully expect his favorite target to be Antonio Bryant. He showed flashes of potential while in San Francisco a couple of seasons ago, and now finds himself starting in Tampa Bay. I feel with his match up 6 catches for 70 yards and a score are highly likely for him this weekend.

Devard Darling – Chiefs: Looking for a really sneaky play at wide receiver? How about Darling? He nearly scored last week, and this week he gets DeAngelo Hall, who was embarrassed last week. With all the focus on Dwayne Bowe, Darling should see sub-par single coverage all game. I’m going out on a limb here but I’m saying over 100 yards and a score from Darling. This is more of a prediction based on how bad Hall is than Darling’s skill. I have a feeling he’ll be able to break a couple long ones and take one to the house.

Tight End

John Carlson – Seahawks: With a rash of injuries to the Seattle wide outs this season, Carlson makes the perfect fill in for those owners awaiting the fate of Dallas Clark. I’m not crazy about either wide receiver in Seattle because they aren’t very good. Carlson is a superb receiver who runs good routes and has excellent hands. I feel he’s the number one target in this offense by default, and he draws the 49ers this weekend. If you stream tight ends or need that last minute sub, roll the dice with Carlson. Seventy yards and a score are entirely possible this weekend.

Defense

Buffalo Bills: We saw last weekend what a Bills team did to a depleted offense last week. What about this week? We get to see it again. Jacksonville is banged up, and the Bills are suddenly being looked at as the team in the driver’s seat in the AFC East. A special teams score along with a defensive score is entirely possible in this game. I also like multiple sacks and maybe an interception. The Bills make a great play for all you streamers out there.

That’s all I’ve got for week 2. Good luck in your games this weekend!

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