The fantasy football playoffs are here, heightening the importance of every snap going forward. Bye weeks are officially over, but injuries are still creating chaos for most rosters. It’s not ideal, but desperate managers may need to get creative on Sunday. Fortunately, there are a slew of lesser-known names that are worth a closer look this weekend.
Which players are flying under the radar in Week 15? Here are three value plays to consider in all DFS contests before Sunday’s 13-game featured slate.
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QB Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns at CHI ($4,700)
For the first time all season, there’s a glimmer of hope in Cleveland. Granted, the team has put together a dismal 3-10 record, en route to another losing campaign. However, quarterback Shedeur Sanders has flashed some potential under center. Through three games as a starter, the rookie has thrown for 722 yards and five touchdowns while coughing up two interceptions. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but it’s not too shabby for a 23-year-old on a roster devoid of play makers. Last week was his best performance yet, 364 passing yards and three TDs vs. the Titans (37.5 FPTS).
On Sunday, the Browns will face a tough test in the Windy City. Still, it’s not as if Chicago has shut down opposing passers. The Bears have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. In addition, they’ve given up the league’s fifth-most yards per pass attempt (7.3). On the flip side, Sanders is averaging 7.5 yards on each of his throws. Paying up for a QB isn’t a recommended strategy in most situations. For managers that would rather go big at other positions, Cleveland’s rookie makes plenty of sense.
WR Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers at DEN ($4,500)
Green Bay’s 9-3-1 record is even more impressive when considering the team’s injuries at wide receiver. Both Christian Watson ($5,500) and Jayden Reed have missed multiple games this season. For the latter, last week’s contest in Chicago was his first appearance since September. All things considered, it was a stellar return for the 25-year-old. He snagged four catches for 31 yards while handling two carries for 22 more (9.3 FPTS). Given Reed’s history with quarterback Jordan Love ($5,400), more involvement on offense is a near-guarantee going forward.
With that being said, Sunday’s contest could prove difficult. Denver wields one of the NFL’s premier defenses, holding opponents to just over 18 points per game. To make matters worse, Green Bay running back Josh Jacobs (knee) is questionable to play. Should the Pro Bowler sit, it may force the Packers to throw the ball more than usual. The Broncos have a formidable secondary, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be beat. Denver has given up 156 catches to opposing wide receivers, tied for 12th-most in football. In addition, a potent pass rush could force the ball out of Love’s hand quickly. That bodes well for Reed, who is at his best out of the slot. A solid stat line is more than likely for this talented young wideout.
RB Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens at CIN ($4,300)
Derrick Henry ($7,300) remains the clear-cut lead back in Baltimore, and for good reason. Still, the veteran needs some rest over the course of four quarters. For most of the season, Justice Hill has served as his backup. However, he’s currently dealing with a neck injury. That leaves Keaton Mitchell as RB2 for the Ravens. The oft-injured speedster is a big play machine, when healthy. Through nine games, he’s gained 229 rushing yards and a touchdown on 31 attempts. That’s good enough for an efficient 7.4 yards per carry.
For the sub-.500 Ravens, every week matters. Head coach John Harbaugh is in no position not to ride the hot hand, so expect more Mitchell going forward. Last Sunday vs. Pittsburgh, the third-year pro handled six touches for 76 rushing yards. In the game prior, he found the end zone vs. Cincinnati en route to 11.1 fantasy points. Mitchell will face the Bengals yet again this week, one of football’s friendliest defenses to running backs. Opponents are gaining 5.2 yards per rush attempt against them, the NFL’s second-worst mark. It won’t take much for Baltimore’s backup to make his presence felt in this one.
