Rising to the top

Anyone can draft Tom Brady and reap the rewards of his hot start. 940 yards and seven touchdowns in two weeks are unexpected, but no one out there thought they wouldn't get production if they drafted Tom Brady.

Cam Newton, on the other hand, was a late-round pick in your league if he was even drafted at all. He's thrown for 854 yards, thrown three touchdowns and ran for two. The rushing touchdowns were expected, but no one thought he'd do what he's been doing thus far. Yes, he has four interceptions, but back-to-back 400-yard games have made those who did draft him likely hate themselves for not putting him in the lineup.

Here are some other names who have come out of relative obscurity to become a force in fantasy leagues. Many are on rosters, but if you see their name on the free agent pile, pick it off and enjoy.

Kenny Britt, WR, Tennessee
Britt had off-the-field issues and is in an offense not many expected from - especially with Matt Hasslebeck under center and uncertainty of Chris Johnson's contract. But Britt has rewarded those who took a chance on him with 14 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns in two weeks. It's hard to imagine him staying at that pace, but he's certainly a starting option each week.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Buffalo
Here's another signal caller who either went undrafted or went late as a team's QB2 or QB3. All he's done is throw for 472 yards and seven touchdowns in two weeks. Roscoe Parrish's injury may be of concern, but many people's sleeper pick has looked brilliant thus far.

Mike Tolbert, RB, San Diego
No one was quite sure what to do with the Chargers' backfield. Ryan Matthews and Tolbert's roles were undefined, but Tolbert is proving to be the better option at this point. He's only run for 45 yards in two games, but he's been a PPR beast with 17 catches for 131 yards. His three total TDs (two rush, one receiving) have made him a great RB2 or flex option. Note: Matthews has been no slouch, rushing for 109 yards, catching 10 passes for 135 and scoring once.

Rex Grossman, QB, Washington
Yes, it's that Rex Grossman. But the Skins' signal caller has nearly 600 yards and four touchdowns. He does have two picks, but if used the right way he can be an adequate fill-in for injury or byes. Or, use him in a timeshare, playing the matchups.

Fred Davis, TE, Washington
He's been the biggest beneficiary to Grossman's play, catching 11 passes for 191 yards and a score. His numbers look a lot better than Antonio Gates 0 catches for 0 yards in Week 2.

Darren Sproles, RB, New Orleans
If you're in a standard-scoring league, chances are Sproles is a bye-week fill-in at best. If you're in a PPR league, Sproles' 15 receptions has made him almost a must-start for those getting a point per catch.

Don't believe the hype:

Chad Henne, QB, Miami
Henne's 586 passing yards and four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) look impressive. But he already has two picks and his numbers are unimpressive when you take out his 400-yard Week 1 showing.