In any (proper) fantasy football league, this weekend is the Final Four. Just one game stands between you and a trip to the title game. However, injuries and inconsistent performers could throw a wrench into those plans. That makes finding some hidden gems, whether its off the bench or the waiver wire, imperative.
Which under the radar players should you be targeting this weekend? Here are three sleepers that could help you win a DraftKings DFS or season-long fantasy matchup.
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Week 16 Fantasy Football Sleepers
QB Gardner Minshew, Kansas City Chiefs ($4,500)
Patrick Mahomes’ season is over, as is Kansas City’s postseason hopes. In the MVP’s absence, it’ll be journeyman Gardner Minshew under center. The seventh-year pro has hung around the NFL for a reason, albeit on some lackluster squads. The Chiefs, even with their injuries, represent a significant step up in talent. With pass catchers such as Travis Kelce ($4,500) and Xavier Worthy ($4,400), the veteran QB should find a way to put up points.
Against most defenses, Minshew would offer value at $4,500. That’s especially true against Sunday’s opponent, Tennessee. The Titans have surrendered the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. In addition, they’ve allowed the third-most yards per pass attempt this season (7.6). It’s never a bad idea to go cheap under center while spending more at positions of need. That makes Minshew the perfect target for a stars and studs roster build.
WR Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers ($4,400)
Despite a mid-week injury scare, Tetairoa McMillan ($5,800) will suit up this weekend. Still, Carolina’s passing game doesn’t funnel entirely through the first-round pick. In fact, the next man up at wide receiver is undrafted free agent Jalen Coker. The second-year pro has rocketed up the depth chart, emerging as a consistent target for quarterback Bryce Young ($5,100). Through eight games this season, the slot specialist has recorded 22 catches for 284 yards and two touchdowns.
Coker has been a reliable option as of late. The 24-year-old has notched at least 15 fantasy points in each of his previous two outings. Those performances came against solid pass defenses in New Orleans and Los Angeles, as well. This Sunday, he’ll take on a more vulnerable Buccaneers secondary. Tampa Bay has allowed the eighth-most receptions to opposing wide receivers this season. If the Panthers are going to dink-and-dunk downfield, Coker should play a sizeable role. Young’s safety blanket is more than capable of hauling in a handful of passes in this one.
TE Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars ($3,900)
Jacksonville’s rise to the top of the AFC South has flown somewhat under the radar. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence ($5,900) isn’t perfect, but the former Pro Bowler has been exceptional over the past month. He’ll need to be at his best this weekend when the Jaguars travel to Denver. The Broncos are holding opposing quarterbacks to the NFL’s tenth-fewest passing yards per game (196.9). They are especially formidable at home in high altitude.
A lethal pass rush means Lawrence needs to get the ball out quickly on Sunday. With that being said, Denver does have a few weaknesses. The Broncos have allowed the tenth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. That means Brenton Strange should have some room to work over the middle. Over his last four games, the 24-year-old is averaging nearly 48 receiving yards. That isn’t an exceptional total, but it’s nothing to sneeze at, either. Given the lack of quality TEs available, Strange offers value at less than $4,000.
