Has your 3-0 start become a thing of the past? Was your roster able to climb out of an early hole? No matter what situation your fantasy team is in, we’re now six weeks into the NFL season. Unless you’re one of the lucky few sitting at 6-0, your playoff dreams are still up in the air.
Whether you’re thinking long-term or hoping to pick up a much-needed win, Week 7 is crucial for any team. 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
RB Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers ($6,600)
Jordan Mason ($7,600) has done an admirable job filling in for Christian McCaffrey, but his status for this week is in doubt after suffering a shoulder injury against the Seahawks last Thursday. Luckily for the 49ers, their third-string running back appears more than capable. Not only did Isaac Guerendo put up 99 yards on just ten carries in Seattle, but he could have had a touchdown. Instead, he opted to slide at the goal line, and clinch a victory for San Francisco.
That level of production will be tough to replicate should Guerendo get the starting nod on Sunday. The Chiefs’ defensive line is one of the NFL’s best, as they are currently allowing just 88 rushing yards per game (fifth-best in the NFL). Still, on an offense as loaded as this, expect Kyle Shanahan to get any of his healthy backs involved early and often. Mason still has a shot to play, as he was a limited participant in practice this week. However, should he sit, Guerendo is a must-start in most leagues.
WR Ray-Ray McCloud, Atlanta Falcons ($4,400)
Despite a clunky start to the season, Kirk Cousins ($6,300) and the Falcons’ offense are now firing on all cylinders. Over the past two weeks, Atlanta has put up an average of 486.5 total yards and 37 points per game. A date with the Seahawks’ defense should keep the good times rolling; they’ve allowed a league-worst 7.1 yards per play since Week 4.
McCloud has bounced around the NFL, playing for five different franchises during his seven-year career. He seems to have found a home in 2024 with the Falcons, putting up a career-best 43.2 yards per game. Previously, he had never averaged more than 17.3 YPG in a season. The production hasn’t always been consistent, but it’s clear that Ray-Ray is a top-four option in a potent passing attack. He’s a solid flex play this week and a potential handcuff for owners of Drake London ($6,900) and Darnell Mooney ($5,600).
TE Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($3,600)
Tight ends have been a disaster this year, so we have to reset our expectations. Although Cade Otton’s two-catch, 15-yard day last Sunday against the Saints isn’t anything to write home about, he did manage to snag a touchdown and command six targets. Since Week 3, the third-year man is the fantasy TE9, commanding the third-most targets (27) at the position during that time. On the season, Otton has received the second-most red zone targets on the team with six, just one behind Mike Evans ($7,200).
Is this level of involvement in the Buccaneers’ offense sustainable? It’s difficult to say right now, but there’s clearly some chemistry between Baker Mayfield ($6,600) and Otton. Evans and Chris Godwin ($7,100) will always be the focal point in Tampa Bay, but there’s room for one more fantasy contributor. Given the dearth of quality options available, TE-needy managers should look no further.
WR Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots ($3,600)
The deepest sleeper on the list is always saved for last, and Kayshon Boutte is about as deep as they come. The former sixth-round pick has put up just 106 receiving yards so far, but last Sunday offered some signs of hope. With Jacoby Brissett replaced at quarterback, Drake Maye ($5,300) was able to connect with Boutte for 59 yards vs. the Texans, with the biggest play coming on a 40-yard touchdown.
Although Demario Douglas ($4,900) appears to be the team’s top target, there might be room for multiple Patriots to step up going forward. Maye is still learning how to play in the NFL, but he did put up an impressive 230-yard, three-touchdown statline on Sunday. We’ve seen rookie signal callers galvanize an offense before, so it would be short-sighted to ignore the possibility here. If you have enough room on your bench, it makes sense to stash Boutte as he continues to gel with New England’s franchise QB.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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