Fantasy football deep sleepers: Who can jump start your playoff run?
It’s the first week of fantasy football playoffs. Hopefully, you have plenty of depth on your roster to get through the week with a win. But if you are looking for a special play or need roster help, here are some under the radar players who could help your team.
This week, two games have the deepest sleeper potential. So let's get to our Week 14 deep sleepers from The Fantasy Greek.
QB Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams
The rookie No. 1 pick has had his struggles through three games, but against the New Orleans Saints in Week 12, he threw for 214 yards and three touchdowns. This week, Goff plays an even worse Atlanta Falcons pass defense allowing the most passing yards and the second-most passing touchdowns in the league. A solid play in two-quarterback leagues, Goff has the upside to be relevant in deeper standard leagues.
RB Bilal Powell, New York Jets
The Jets play a San Francisco 49ers team allowing the most yards and touchdowns to running backs. No. 2 running backs Tim Hightower and Mike Gillislee have had field days against the 49ers, even when their team’s starting running back thrived. Powell is set to post RB2 numbers this week.
RB Charles Sims, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sims is set to make his return this week after suffering a knee injury in Week 4. As the team’s pass-catching back, he should immediately be in line for touches in a game that should feature the pass. Six receptions for 70 yards and a score isn’t too much to ask for.
RB Justin Forsett, Denver Broncos
The Broncos claimed Forsett off waivers this week and have indicated he will split carries with the underperforming Devontae Booker. Forsett is familiar with the Broncos offense having worked under Gary Kubiak when he was the Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator.
Forsett had his best season then, posting over 1,500 all-purpose yards and 44 receptions. The Broncos play the Tennessee Titans, who will blitz on most plays. Look for Forsett to work out of the backfield getting roughly 10 to 15 touches. He should even get a score in his first game out for the Broncos.
WR Will Fuller, Houston Texans
Fuller has been on the mend the last two games, increasing his production slowly. The Texans must turn to the pass against a pass happy Indianapolis Colts team that should run up the score playing a depleted and banged up secondary. It’s time for Fuller to break out one of his big plays for a score. He’s a great flex play in deeper non-PPR leagues.
WR Robby Anderson, New York Jets
The undrafted free agent became known after QB Bryce Petty targeted him 12 times last week against the Colts. This is typical of a young quarterback and wide receiver who likely spend time together after practice working out.
Anderson caught four of Petty’s passes (he could have caught more) for 61 yards and a score. While the number of targets should decrease this week, don’t be surprised if Petty hits Anderson for a couple more big plays including a score against a 49ers pass defense allowing the most touchdowns to the position.
WR Tavon Austin, Los Angeles Rams
With Goff likely to take shots downfield, Tavon Austin should also benefit in the favorable matchup against the Falcons. Against the Saints, Austin caught one of Goff’s three touchdown passes, finishing with four receptions for 45 yards in one of his best games of the season. Austin is boom or bust, but the chances are fair he has another good game including a score.
TE Lance Kendricks, Los Angeles Rams
The third touchdown Goff threw in the Saints game went to Kendricks. The Falcons allow the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends, so Kendricks should be good for six receptions for 65 yards with a score a good possibility.
Carolina Panthers defense/special teams
If Luke Kuechly returns from his concussion to game action, consider the Panthers against the San Diego Chargers. Before Kuechly’s injury, the Panthers defense emerged from the bye week to go on a four-game tear posting 18 sacks, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and a defensive touchdown. In those four games, the Panthers didn’t allow a single team to score over 20 points.
For more, get “Your Second Opinion for Your Fantasy Football Instinct” at TheFantasyGreek.com .