Feel like you’re sleep walking through your season? Did a massive bye week just sneak up on you? Is half of your team on the IR (me) or do you have 6 guys that are questionable (Paul) this week? Well, maybe it’s time to think like intelligent humans and start looking for alternative sources of energy to power your team. Below you will find my five favorite week 8 fantasy football sleepers.
Seth Roberts, Wide Receiver, Oakland Raider
Derek Carr doesn’t discriminate, he always looks for the open man, whoever it may be. If you’re his fantasy owner (me), you might hate this fact. But, Roberts saw 9 targets last week, which was the second most on the team. He is also a major red zone threat. This week, Carr is going to be slinging the ball up and down the field against a sub-par (at best) Tampa Bay defense. The game in generally is going to be an absolute shootout, which benefits Roberts. Defenses have been keying on Cooper, which has left Michael Crabtree open. After Crabtree’s last few explosive weeks, I’d expect the Bucs have be prepared for him as well, leaving the door open for a big Seth Roberts week.
Homer Disclaimer: I LOVE the Raiders offense.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Quarterback, New York Jets
What? Positive talk pointed in the direction of Ryan Fitzpatrick?
“I thought you said ‘sleepers,’ not ‘only if you were fucking high’ plays.”
That’s right, Ryan Fitzpatrick. This may be a “hot take, you-heard-it-hear-first moment.” But, I actually like Fitz’s chances this week. Why? Because, the only thing worst than Fitzpatrick’s quarterback play so far, is the collective play of the Cleveland Browns. Even Marcus Mariotta looked like a fantasy football stud against the Browns. This is a one week play. I repeat, ONE WEEK ONLY. For one week, Ryan Fitzpatrick will climb back into fantasy relevance. Just don’t fall in love, this is a hit-it-and-quit-it situation. A pick-up with benefits play, if you will. Stay friends with Fitz, just don’t get attached.
Homer Disclaimer: I went to Harvard. Ok, that’s a lie.
CJ Fiedorowicz, Tight End, Houston Texans
Much like the Browns, Detroit can draw the “borderline awful” title. Especially on defense. Especially against tight ends. They’ve allowed 7 touchdowns to tight ends this season. This week, I’m playing any reasonable Houston Texan that I can get my hands on. Over the past few weeks, through his ups and downs, Osweiler has gone to Fiedorowicz more and more. CJ is becoming the blue blanket to Osweiler’s Linus (that was a security blanket reference, for all of you under age 25). If you’re looking for a Tight End with high upside this week, roll the dice on Fiedorowicz.
Adam Thielen, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings
Again, I’m going to push my philosophy of taking advantage of one-sided match-ups this weekend. The Bears are in a general state of disarray. They’ve been doing a decent job of shutting down #1 receivers, but they seem to forget about the other guys on the field. Over the last few games WR 2s and 3s have been able to inflict critical damage on Da Bears. Theilen should see a lot of one-on-one looks this week, which favors his skill set as a receiver. Sam Bradford also seems to be developing a good relationship with Thielen, even though he favors Stefon Diggs, he keeps Thielen around as his side piece.
Brandon LeFell, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
The injury report for the Redskins’ secondary is looking worse than the walking dead’s cast this week. (Disclaimer: I’ve never seen the show, but everyone I know is crying about all the characters getting killed off). In response to the disarray that I expect defense, Brandon LeFell could be the biggest benefactor of the forcasted Washington shit-storm. LeFell had a touchdown last week against the Browns, a touchdown the week before against the Patriots and two touchdowns against Dallas. I’m still going to label him a sleeper, while those of you in deeper leagues might want to start labeling him a starting option.