If you’ve followed the NFL before, you already know the significance of Week 5: from now until mid-December, all teams will enjoy one bye week. While the pros get some much-needed rest and relaxation, fantasy managers only get more stress and aggravation. Rosters have already been decimated by injuries; a healthy star or two sitting on the bench only makes matters worse.
With so much in flux, finding a quality contributor off the waiver wire might feel overwhelming. Not to worry! Here are some sleepers that could help you win a DraftKings DFS matchup, a season-long matchup, or even a fantasy championship.
Top Fantasy Football Sleepers
WR Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers ($5,100)
The Panthers haven’t become world-beaters under Andy Dalton ($5,400), but they finally look like an NFL offense with the veteran under center. That’s had a positive effect on the production of Diontae Johnson ($6,100), Chuba Hubbard ($6,100), and Legette.
With the passing game’s improvement (539 yards in two games), it’s time to reassess Panthers pass catchers. Taken by Carolina in the first round of last year’s draft, Legette’s poor offensive environment had him off most fantasy rosters entering the season. Last week’s game against the Bengals saw the rookie put together six catches for 66 yards, capped off by an eight-yard touchdown.
As of now, Legette can safely be penciled in as second on Carolina’s WR depth chart, with the potential to grow. For an offense that suddenly looks passable, that’s certainly roster-worthy in most leagues. Sunday’s matchup against the Bears isn’t a walk in the park, but this is someone that, at the very least, you want on your bench.
RB Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots ($5,100)
On paper, Rhamondre Stevenson’s ($6,000) numbers look fine; he’s currently the fantasy RB25. Unfortunately, that doesn’t tell the whole story. The fourth-year back has had major fumbling issues so far, coughing the ball up four times in four games. For an offensively-limited Patriots team, those mistakes are almost impossible to come back from.
New head coach Jerrod Mayo knows this, which is why he told the media that a change to the running back room could come soon:
Gibson has been solid in three outings this season, rushing for 155 yards on 5.3 YPC. Should New England start the former Commander, stellar receiving skills could make him a low-end RB2 for desperate teams. We’ve seen him put up fantasy-worthy numbers on bad offenses before, so there’s some real upside here. Since just about everyone could use a running back, there’s no reason to leave Gibson on the waiver wire in leagues of 12 teams or more.
WR Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders ($4,100)
News of Davante Adams’ injury last Friday has now spiraled into a full-blown trade saga, with NFL Network’s Ian Rappoport and Mike Garaffalo reporting that the former All-Pro wants out of Las Vegas.
The Raiders offense is clearly a mess right now, but that’s not a reason to write them off completely. Jakobi Myers ($5,500) should handle no. 1 receiver duties, but the next man up is tough to pin down. Although Gardner Minshew ($5,100) only threw for 130 yards against the Browns, Tucker was second on the team in receptions (five), receiving yards (41), and targets (six) without Adams.
A speedster out of the University of Cincinnati, Tucker’s skill and high draft pedigree (2023 third-round pick) point to a player who could thrive with an expanded role. An AFC West showdown with the Broncos this week isn’t a recipe for success; Denver is allowing the third-fewest DK fantasy points to opposing wideouts. Still, there’s a good chance the defense focuses on rookie phenom Brock Bowers ($5,500), forcing Minshew to look Tucker’s way.
WR Justin Watson, Kansas City Chiefs ($3,700)
Rashee Rice’s status is up in the air after he suffered an ACL injury against the Chargers last week. Although there is some optimism that the Chiefs‘ star could return late in the season, his value in season-long fantasy leagues is virtually non-existent.
Without their best wide receiver, Kansas City will need to look elsewhere for offensive production. Future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce ($5,800) is still around, but the tight end has been a shell of his former self for most of the season. A trade could be on the horizon, but it’s more likely the team will seek out an improvement internally.
Currently in his third year with the Chiefs, Watson has been a solid contributor; over the past two seasons, he’s compiled 775 receiving yards and five touchdowns. In 2024, he’s third among KC wide receivers in targets (8) behind Rice and rookie Xavier Worthy ($6,200). Don’t be shocked if Watson gets an increased amount of looks from Patrick Mahomes ($7,000) against the Saints on Monday night.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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