It doesn’t feel like it, but we’re rapidly approaching the home stretch of the fantasy football season. Whether you’re hunting for a playoff spot or looking to secure a bye, this week is of the utmost importance. For DFS managers, injuries and ever-changing roles are creating opportunity across the league. Still, finding players to target at a reduced cost is easier said than done.
Which under the radar players are worth targeting? Here are three sleepers that could help you win a DraftKings DFS or season-long fantasy matchup.
Set your fantasy football lineups here: NFL $2.5M Fantasy Football Millionaire [$1M to 1st, $50K Crown Cash Throne Eligible]
Fantasy Football Week 8 Sleepers: Best Players to Start
WR Ryan Flournoy, Dallas Cowboys vs ARI ($4,600)
It’s no secret that the Cowboys are a pass-first offense. Any team with Dak Prescott ($6,300) and CeeDee Lamb ($8,100) at its disposal would do the same. With that being said, Dallas could be without a major weapon in George Pickens ($6,600). The Pro Bowler is dealing with shoulder and hamstring injuries, making him a limited participant at practice this week. Even if Pickens suits up for Sunday’s game vs. Arizona, he probably won’t be at 100%. That should create added opportunity for Dallas’ other pass catchers.
If anyone on this roster is poised for a larger role, it’s Ryan Flournoy. Granted, the 27-year-old has already had his fair share of usage. Over seven games this season, the wide receiver has snagged 27 catches for 304 yards and a touchdown. Just as important, he’s been improving as of late. Flournoy has posted at least 11.0 fantasy points in each of his previous three outings. In all of those games, he’s been on the field for at least 68% of Dallas’ offensive snaps. It helps that the Cardinals are allowing the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts. In a showdown that should see its fair share of scoring, Flournoy is an ideal pickup for opportunistic managers.
RB Jonah Coleman, Denver Broncos vs. KC ($4,300)
Denver’s backfield has been chaos all season for fantasy managers. Coming into the season, the consensus was that J.K. Dobbins ($5,300) and RJ Harvey ($5,200) would split touches for head coach Sean Payton. That’s been how things have played out for the most part, with limited success. The Broncos are averaging 3.8 yards per rush attempt, tied for seventh-worst in the NFL. Given those numbers, it’s no coincidence that the team decided to make a change.
Jonah Coleman suffered an ankle sprain back in Week 2, sidelining him for over a month. During the rookie’s return last Sunday vs. Arizona, he immediately commanded a 49% snap share. In comparison, Dobbins (23%) and Harvey (26%) suffered a drop-off in usage. Just as important, Coleman made the most of his opportunity. The Washington alum gained 54 yards on nine rush attempts in addition to two receptions, notching 8.9 fantasy points. Kansas City’s stellar run defense presents a bigger challenge this weekend. However, opportunity always trumps ability in fantasy football. If Coleman logs a similar, or even greater, snap share, he should come through at this modest price.
TE Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. IND ($4,000)
The Jaguars wield one of the league’s most dangerous offenses, led by standout quarterback Trevor Lawrence ($6,200). However, opportunities have varied for most pass catchers, other than WR1 Parker Washington ($6,500). On any given week, someone else on this roster is capable of stepping up. That includes Brenton Strange. one of the NFL’s more underrated tight ends. Over six games this season, he’s hauled in 26 receptions for 279 yards and a touchdown. As Lawrence’s safety blanket, Strange is a frequent target on crucial third down plays.
Jacksonville’s tight end doesn’t possess elite upside compared to several other options at the position. With that being said, he’s surpassed 9.0 fantasy points in each of his last three contests. On paper, Sunday’s matchup should be advantageous. The rebuilding Colts are a mess on defense, especially over the middle of the field. They’re giving up the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Strange has surpassed 8.0 fantasy points in four of his previous five meetings with Indianapolis, giving him a decent floor. There’s no reason to think he can’t deliver once again in this spot.
