Fantasy football deep sleepers: Time for a Marlon Mack attack?
As we approach the midpoint of the NFL season, the waiver wire is lean, but sleepers are alive and well. With six teams on bye this week, many fantasy owners may need to dig deep to round out their starting lineup.
If you're looking for an under-the-radar player with upside or an inexpensive daily fantasy pick, here are some deep sleepers for Week 8 from Ourlads.com.
Week 8 rankings: How the players stack up at each position
RB Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts
There’s been speculation since the beginning of the season Mack would eventually become the primary back for the Colts, decreasing veteran Frank Gore’s role. That still hasn’t officially happened, but Mack seems to be getting closer to that end.
Last week, thanks mostly to four receptions for 40 yards, Mack outgained Gore in total yards 66-34. The Colts have talked a good game about getting Mack more touches since his breakout in Week 5 and the time seems ripe for that to come to fruition.
RB Matt Forte, New York Jets
Forte has resurfaced as a decent fantasy option since returning from a turf toe injury two weeks ago. He ran for 41 yards on seven carries to go along with five receptions for 41 yards at Miami last weekend.
Forte's work as a receiver out of the backfield has been notable, totaling 13 receptions for 100 yards over the last two weeks. He is basically splitting duties with Bilal Powell, but with the Jets’ limited passing attack, there is plenty of work to go around. This week's opponent, the Atlanta Falcons, have given up the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs this season.
RB Dion Lewis, New England Patriots
Playing anyone in the Patriots backfield is always tricky and risky, but the Pats have increased Lewis’s workload in each of the last three weeks. He ran for 76 yards on 13 carries Sunday night vs. Atlanta, after posting 52 yards and a touchdown the previous week.
Lewis leads New England in carries over the last two weeks and the San Diego Chargers are ranked 31st in the league against the run.
TE O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It was always just a matter of time before the 6-5, 250-pound rookie out of Alabama became a major factor in the Tampa Bay offense. After being brought along slowly, Howard exploded in Week 7, connecting with Jameis Winston for six catches, 98 yards and two touchdowns. While the Bucs’ other tight end – Cameron Brate – will remain a factor, expect Howard’s role to continue to increase.
RBs Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington, Oakland Raiders
These backups become viable fantasy options this week thanks to the one-game suspension of starter Marshawn Lynch. Richard had nine rushes for 31 yards and four receptions for 45 yards after Lynch was ejected in Week 7.
Washington rushed for 33 yards and a touchdown on nine carries, to go along with three short receptions. It is anyone’s guess who will get more reps, but last week's usage suggests both will have opportunities to produce.
Washington may capitalize on a goal-line opportunity like he did last week.
For more fantasy football coverage go to Ourlads.com.