Don’t look now, but we’re approaching the halfway point of the NFL regular season. Even after six weeks, most fantasy football managers are scrambling to find a winning lineup. As injuries and bye weeks wreak havoc on your rosters, finding under the radar contributors has never been more important.
Which lesser-known players should you be targeting in Week 7? Here are three sleepers that could help you win a DraftKings DFS or season-long fantasy matchup.
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Week 7 Fantasy Football Sleepers
RB Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns ($4,400)
Things might get ugly this weekend in Cleveland. Wind gusts could reach up to 60 miles per hour, with rain a near-certainty. That could spell trouble for Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel ($4,400), making his third career start. Head coach Kevin Stefanski will likely opt for a run-heavy approach on Sunday. Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins ($6,000) will be first in line for touches. Still, in a game that has slugfest potential, there’s room for multiple rushers to contribute.
If anyone other than Judkins gets some burn out of the backfield, it’ll be Jerome Ford. The fourth-year pro is one of the league’s better backup running backs. Through six games this season, he’s only gained 73 rushing yards. However, the veteran has also chipped in with 18 catches, fourth-most on the team. On the rare occasion that Cleveland actually throws the ball, Ford could get plenty of work on screens and other short passes. It’s also worth noting that this weekend’s opponent, the Dolphins, has allowed the second-most rushing yards and eighth-most catches to opposing running backs.
WR Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans ($4,200)
Calvin Ridley (hamstring) has already been ruled out this weekend. That leaves the Titans without their best receiver, a significant blow for quarterback Cam Ward ($4,600). If anyone can emerge as Tennessee’s WR1 this weekend, it’s Elic Ayomanor. The rookie has had a few standout moments already this season. However, his season-long numbers are lacking: 17 catches for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Granted, that’s partially due for playing in one of the NFL’s worst offenses.
It’s not as if Ayomanor hasn’t had chances to produce this season. The Stanford alum has garnered 34 targets, just one behind Ridley for the team lead. That level of chemistry with Ward could pay dividends this weekend. Facing the Patriots is no easy task; Christian Gonzalez is one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks. Still, someone has to catch passes for Tennessee. In addition, New England has allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. At just $4,200, Ayomanor won’t need much to deliver value in this one.
TE Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders ($3,500)
Brock Bowers (knee) is doubtful to play this weekend. That means another start is on tap for backup Michael Mayer. The Notre Dame alum has proven to be a reliable pass-catcher when given the opportunity. Last Sunday vs. the Titans, he hauled in five catches for 50 yards and a touchdown. Granted, this Raiders offense hasn’t been the most consistent under quarterback Geno Smith ($4,700). Still, Las Vegas may need to throw the ball more than usual to keep up with the Chiefs.
Another factor to consider is the potential absence of Jakobi Meyers ($5,500). Whether it’s due to injury or contract demands, the wide receiver is currently listed as questionable. If he’s held out, an already-depleted Raiders offense would become even thinner. Kansas City has done well against opposing tight ends, holding the position to the fifth-fewest fantasy points this season. Still, that’s not enough reason to dismiss Mayer, arguably the second option in this Las Vegas offense. For those looking to save money at TE, it’s hard to think of a better pick.
