So you’ve survived the first week of the fantasy football playoffs. Now what? Injured or underperforming starters are in abundance, while quality contributors are scarce. We’ve reached the point in the season where it’s go big or go home, which makes finding hidden gems a necessity. Here are some sleepers that could help get you a DraftKings DFS matchup or season-long fantasy win in Week 16.
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Top Fantasy Football Sleepers
WR Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($4,100)
Since losing Chris Godwin, the Buccaneers have been forced to get creative on offense. Whether it’s targeting tight ends or running the ball more, Tampa Bay has managed to get the job done. However, it appears that the team has found a new option at wide receiver alongside Mike Evans ($7,600). Rookie Jalen McMillan has come on strong over the past two weeks, hauling in 134 yards and three touchdowns (13 targets) to finish as the fantasy WR11 during that time.
It’s clear that Baker Mayfield ($6,600) has found a new weapon to throw to, but that isn’t reflected in McMillan’s price tag and rostership. That might change in Week 16 against a Cowboys defense giving up the tenth-most DK fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. For those in need of a flex-caliber pass catcher, this talented 23-year-old is a savvy pickup ahead of a potential Sunday night breakout in Dallas.
RB Patrick Taylor Jr., San Francisco 49ers ($5,200)
Fate is not on the 49ers’ side this season. After losing both Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason earlier in the month, San Francisco’s third string running back Isaac Guerendo suffered a hamstring injury last Thursday against the Rams. Now, head coach Kyle Shanahan will have to turn to a ragtag group of backs ahead of this weekend’s matchup in Miami.
While Israel Abanikanda ($4,700) and Ke’shawn Vaughn ($4,400) might garner a few touches, this should be Patrick Taylor Jr.’s job to lose. The former Packers running back hasn’t had many carries this season, but he was responsible for seven carries for 25 yards and a rushing touchdown vs. the Bears in Week 14. The Dolphins are a solid run defense, so this isn’t a slam-dunk matchup by any means. Still, for teams in desperate need of an RB2/flex option, there are worse plays than a likely starter on a run-friendly offense.
RB Craig Reynolds, Detroit Lions ($4,000)
Speaking of run-friendly offenses, the Lions are not shy about their affinity for pounding the rock; Detroit ranks fourth in the NFL in total rush attempts this season (438). However, the team might not be as likely to rush the ball without David Montgomery, who suffered a regular season-ending MCL injury last Sunday. Without one half of their two-headed backfield, expect Jahmyr Gibbs ($7,500) to command most of the carries against the Bears this week.
Still, these are the Lions, and it wouldn’t make much sense for a team with Super Bowl aspirations to overwork their most talented running back. To help fill in for Montgomery, the team will likely turn to third-stringer Craig Reynolds. The sixth-year pro has only received nine carries this season, but he’s familiar with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s scheme, having been on the roster since 2021. There’s a decent chance this game turns into a blowout late, with Detroit entering the contest as seven-point favorites. For those in deeper leagues, Reynolds might only need a handful of carries behind a terrific offensive line to deliver fantasy value.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $600K Play-Action [20 Entry Max]
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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