As the Fantasy playoffs rapidly approach, staying on top of the available free agents can make all the difference between qualifying for the post-season, or falling just one game short. Let’s take a look at some unheralded players who could help you get a crucial win in Week 10.

Chad Pennington (QB) Miami- The Dolphins struggles in the red-zone, mainly Chad Henne’s interceptions, have quickly and surprisingly led Tony Sparano to name Chad Pennington as Miami’s new starting quarterback for Week 10. Pennington has excelled in this role in the past. He is the only player in NFL history to win the Comeback Player of the Year award twice. He did that in 2006 for the Jets, and again in 2008 with this Dolphins team. His first start will come this week at home against the Titans 23^rd ranked pass defense.

Shaun Hill (QB) Detroit- Matthew Stafford’s latest injury means that Shaun Hill should return to the starting line-up for the Lions. Hill has played very well for the Lions already in 2010. He started five games this year, and tossed nine touchdowns before leaving the fifth start with a fractured forearm. That injury is not expected to keep him from starting in Week 10, and he has a choice match-up against the Buffalo Bills, who have given up the third most touchdown passes (17) in the NFL.

Tim Hightower (RB) Arizona- Just when Beanie Wells was supposed to take over the Cardinals featured back role last week, he gets three snaps before leaving the game with swelling in his knee. That same knee injury is also keeping Wells out of practice this week, so Hightower is looking increasingly likely to get the start against the Seahawks.

Mike Goodson (RB) Carolina- With multiple injuries, the Panthers must now turn to Mike Goodson at tailback. With Jimmy Clausen back under center, expect the Panthers to keep the offense as conservative as possible by feeding the ball to Goodson. The Buccaneers have the third worst rush defense in the NFL, so if Carolina has any success in this game, it is likely be on the legs of their fourth string runner.

Javarris James (RB) Indianapolis- The Colts seem to have no confidence at all in Donald Brown. Last week, the Colts pulled Brown near the goal line and allowed James to punch in two touchdowns. As long as Joseph Addai and Mike Hart and hurt, you can expect a similar situation. With an offense like the Colts capable of getting into the red zone multiple times per week against any team, James has value as their preferred short yardage runner.

Sydney Rice (WR) Minnesota- Rice was the Vikings best receiver last year, but has yet to play in 2010 while recovering from surgery. It is thought that when he is ready to return the Vikings will slowly work Rice back into the line up. But with the Vikings struggling, and Brad Childress’s job on the line, caution might not be a luxury the Vikings can afford to use. Rice was Brett Favre’s favorite target last year, and his return to the line-up would open up the entire Minnesota offense. Since he’s missed the entire season so far, check your free agent list to see if he’s still available.

Mike Thomas (WR) Jacksonville- Mike Sims-Walker gets most of the headlines, but it’s Mike Thomas who is leading the suddenly potent Jaguars passing offense in receptions. While MSW does lead the Jags receivers in touchdowns, with four, Thomas is coming off of his first scoring game of the year against a hapless Cowboys team. In Week 10, the Jaguars host the NFL’s worst pass defense, the Houston Texans. Thomas should have a great chance to get that second TD reception, especially if he’s matched up opposite of the Texans overwhelmed rookie cornerback Kareem Jackson.

Blair White (WR) Indianapolis- Just when Austin Collie was back in his slot role for the Colts he took a blow to the head and is back on the shelf for a minimum of this week. Blair White will assume Collie’s spot in his absence. In his previous start at this position, in Week 3, White caught three passes for 27 yards and touchdown. Last week, after Collie left the game, White was targeted five times by Peyton Manning. As a full time player in Week 10, Blair White could post some significant fantasy numbers against the Bengals. As an added bonus, new tight end Jacob Tamme missed practice Wednesday with a back injury. Any limitations to Tamme will further boost White’s value.

Brandon Pettigrew (TE) Detroit- Nobody gives up touchdowns to the tight end position quite like the Buffalo Bills. They have surrendered seven touchdowns to the position in the last five games, and Pettigrew himself has scored in three of the Lions last four games. The return of Shaun Hill to the line-up will only help Pettigrew, as Hill seems to target the young tight end about twice as much per game as Matthew Stafford did.

Connor Barth (PK) Tampa Bay- With some pretty potent teams on bye this week, a lot of fantasy football owners will be looking to add a place kicker. Look no further than Connor Barth. The Panthers could be down to their fourth string running back, and will be quarterbacked by a turnover prone rookie. They will struggle to move the ball , so the Bucs offense could be on the field all day giving Barth plenty of chances to chip in some quality points.