Week 7: Super Sleepers
WR Domenik Hixon, CAR
Hixon had 4 receptions on 6 targets for 78 yards to lead all Giants receivers in their win over the 49ers last Sunday. Even with Hakeem Nicks on the field, Hixon was a key contributor. Nicks' return will limit Hixon's playing time in future games, but don't let that scare you off. Domenik's time on the field helped him gain some respect from both the coaches and Eli Manning. With Nicks and Victor Cruz on the field, Hixon will return to his role in the slot. This is the same position which allowed Cruz to become one of the league's top receivers last season. We're not going to go so far as to say we'll see 1,400 yards, but respectable fantasy numbers are well within range. This week the Giants face the Redskins (whose pass defense is the worst in the league). Washington is allowing a league high 328 passing yards per game to go with a league high 15 touchdowns allowed. When the matchup is right, this is one of those weeks, you have to give Hixon some consideration for a bye week fill in or flex start.
TE Jared Cook, STL
The Titans will once again turn to veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck this Sunday when they head to Buffalo. Through the first six weeks Buffalo's defense has allowed 13 passing touchdowns -- second most in the league. For fantasy owners looking to fill a bye this week, that's music to their ears. With some luck Tennessee will continue Buffalo's secondary woes and throw for a couple more this weekend. Being the team's second leading receiver makes Cook a prime target to pull down one of those touchdowns. From week to week Jared is pulling in 3-5 receptions averaging nearly 50 yards per game. While these aren't great fantasy numbers, they're definitely serviceable for owners looking for a bye week fill in.
Injury Status: Injured ReserveTE Lance Kendricks, STL
With 6 teams on a bye this week, fantasy owners will be scrambling to find players to fill the gaps in their rosters. One such player who could help fantasy owners this weekend is Lance Kendricks. In the Rams' first five games Kendricks has done little to help fantasy owners. In fact last week's 4 receptions for 40 yards were season highs in both categories. This weekend the Rams host the Packers and we have a hard time believing St. Louis will keep it close for long. That being the case we believe Bradford will once again be forced to air it our early and often. We don't believe Kendricks is going to light it up, but another 4-5 receptions for 40-50 yards is not out of the questions. With some luck Kendricks may even pull in his second touchdown of the season.
Remember to read all our columns for this week and use our Who To Start Rankings
