As always, these “sleeper” players are intentionally off-the-wall and under the radar.  Please do not take these recommendations to mean that these players merit a start in all leagues and all formats. They do not. This is simply a list of players that for some identified reason should outperform their usual level of production.

Jake Locker  Quarterback, Tennessee Titans

With another six teams on bye this week, chances are many fantasy owners will be in need of a fill-in quarterback for Week 9. I put Locker as the clear-cut best of that bunch. In Week 7, his first start back from a hip injury since Week 4, Locker threw for 326 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against a very formidable 49ers defense. Locker has scored more than 25 fantasy points (ESPN standard scoring) in three of the five games he has played this year. His added ability to amass rushing yards and touchdowns only furthers his value. This week Locker faces a less daunting, but still tough task against the St. Louis Rams defense. The Rams, however, are allowing just less than two passing touching per game and are allowing the second highest completion percentage by opposing quarterbacks (67.7). Start Locker with confidence this week and then stash him on your bench for later weeks. His schedule is very easy coming down the stretch.

Projected Stats: 275 yards, two touchdowns, one interception

James Starks  Running Back, Green Bay Packers

Starks made his first appearance last week since he suffered a torn MCL in Week 3, rushing the ball seven times for 57 yards and one touchdown. Starks is the clear back-up to Eddie Lacy, so do not count on him getting lead back touches. But with a number of injuries to the wide receiving corp, the Packers have made a concerted effort to run the ball more. The Packers currently stand third in the NFL in rushing yards per game (141.4). This week Starks and the Packers take on a horrible Chicago Bears defense. In their last game before their bye, the Bears allowed 45 points, over 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns to a complimentary back (Roy Helu). Look for Lacy to have a huge game, but there should be plenty to go around, making Starks a very viable flex option.

Projected Stats: 75 yards, one touchdown

Vincent Brown  Wide Receiver, San Diego Chargers

The oft-injured, talented Brown has not taken advantage of his opportunity in San Diego like many thought he would. With the resurgence of Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates, and the emergence of Keenan Allen and Danny Woodhead, Brown has had limited looks in this new and improved San Diego offense. But he is a very skilled receiver. In Week 5, he totaled seven receptions for 117 yards. And there should be plenty of production to go around this week against a poor Washington Redskins pass defense.  Washington allows the fifth most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers (26.9), the fifth most passing yards per game (273.7) and the fifth most passing touchdowns (15). Look for Brown to find the end zone.

Projected Stats: Five receptions, 80 yards, one touchdown