FANTASY PLAYS: Don't ignore tight ends, kickers, D
Most fantasy players spend the bulk of their focus on their roster's glory spots: running back, wide receiver and quarterback. But points are points, meaning you need to put some effort into your defense, tight end and kicker.
Seeing that effort pay off has been tough this year. Especially for owners who don't like making a lot of transactions.
Through the first five weeks, 35 tight ends, 30 defenses and 32 kickers have put up start-worthy performances at least one week in a 12-team league.
Translation? It's tough to figure out who's going to get you maximum points each week, and the results are showing it's truly a week to week decision.
The need is magnified when you're starting only one player at each position.
Here are some players among the less heralded fantasy positions who could help you in Week 6, or perhaps longer:
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MATT PRATER, KICKER, DETROIT LIONS
Fantasy experts are skeptical about Prater because he has been away from football during a four-game suspension to start this season.
He's also switching teams after being released by the Denver Broncos and signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions.
But last year's numbers are too good to ignore. The Pro Bowler made 25 of 26 field goals, including one that set a record: 64 yards.
Still, Prater is owned in only 6 percent of ESPN leagues and about 31 percent of Yahoo leagues, though he's rising in Yahoo leagues.
And the Lions have a good offense that plays indoors.
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TIM WRIGHT, TIGHT END, NEW ENGLAND
Wright has been attempting to grow into his role in the Patriots' offense. After the way New England broke out against Cincinnati, it's reasonable to bet on quarterback Tom Brady and a weapon that the team clearly considers valuable.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said Wednesday that Wright, especially when on the field with fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski, has to excel at blocking as well as catching passes, otherwise opposing defenses will know why he's on the field.
More success - Wright had 14 fantasy points in standard leagues in Week 5, catching all five of his passes - would help Wright see more snaps.
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PHILADELPHIA EAGLES DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
It's easy to see why fantasy players should be cautious with Philadelphia's defense, but seven touchdowns is a wave worth riding until it crashes.
The unit is owned in about one-fifth of ESPN leagues even though it's the top scoring defense in the game right now. Owners in 72 percent of leagues own the Saints - one of only two teams to not put up a start-worthy performance this year in 12 team leagues (surprise, the Oakland Raiders are the other team).
That shows that when it comes to defenses, owners in many leagues just aren't paying attention. That gives you a chance to take advantage.
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Oskar Garcia can be reached on Twitter at http://twitter.com/oskargarcia
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AP sports writers Noah Trister, Howard Ulman and Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.
