Fantasy Football Sleeper Picks Week 5

NEW YORK– By Jason Greenfield

QB- Christian Ponder, Vikings- Ponder, who suffered a knee injury last week and was not very impressive in his team’s victory over the Detroit Lions, should have a bounce back week against the Tennessee Titans. Ponder’s injury appears to be fine, and the Titans have given up the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. They also have given up the third most points to running backs (which should open up the pass game for Ponder). Before last week, Ponder put up good numbers against the Colts and the great 49ers defense. Ponder can fill in nicely this week if you have Matt Stafford or Tony Romo, who have byes this weekend.

RB- Jackie Battle, Chargers- As of now, the former Kansas City Chief running back, now San Diego Chargers running back is a good pick up. With Ryan Mathews coming back from injuries, and having problems with blocking and holding on to the ball, Battle’s role is increasing more than anyone thought at the start of the year (considering he was third on the depth chart). After Mathews returned in week three from injury, he had a costly fumble in the red zone. Battle has played well, but if Mathews can return to his normal productive self and can stay healthy, Battle’s fantasy worth will decrease. At that point the role he can play is similar to Mike Tolbert’s role last year, which is playing when the team is near the goal line.

WR- Brian Hartline, Dolphins- Last week I didn’t expect much from Hartline when I started him on my fantasy team. But me and the other four percent of league owners who started him were very happy with his performance. Hartline should be picked up in any league, after having probably the most impressive day at wide receiver last week bringing in 12 receptions for 253 yards with a TD. Hartline has been the main target for rookie Ryan Tannehill and has benefited tremendously. Hartline has the most receiving yards in the NFL, the third most targets and the 8th most yards per catch.

K-Blair Walsh, Vikings- The rookie from Georgia has been a nice selection for the Vikings special teams. Walsh has been very impressive making nine out of 10 field goals making all of his PAT’s and making all kicks over 50 yards (he is 3-3).