Darren Sproles tops this week's deep fantasy football sleepers
Every week, there is a group of fantasy players flying under the radar, the so-called "deep sleepers." Yet, they have the essential skills and the ability to be in the right place at the right time to have huge games. We’re talking about a small number here, made up of maybe 30% of the players available in fantasy.
Here are some deep sleepers for Week 3 from The Fantasy Greek.
RB Darren Sproles, Philadelphia Eagles
Sproles has been quiet so far as the Eagles have completed five passes to their running backs all season. This should change this week against a Steelers team which has allowed running backs to catch 15 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown -- compared to the 86 yards they have allowed on the ground through two games. Sproles is in line for a bigger role and is a solid PPR option.
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RB Dexter McCluster, San Diego Chargers
After losing Danny Woodhead to a season-ending knee injury last week, the Chargers immediately signed McCluster, a scatback speedster who most recently played for the Ken Whisenhunt-coached Tennessee Titans.
With Whisenhunt now the Chargers offensive coordinator, McCluster is fully familiar with his scheme. Mind you, McCluster will not be the next Woodhead, but he will contribute. The Indianapolis Colts have allowed 15 receptions for 155 yards and two TDs to running backs, so look for McCluster to be plugged into the offense this week and get a handful of touches, maybe more.
WR Tavon Austin, Los Angeles Rams
Austin has been targeted a team-high 22 times, but has just nine receptions for 63 yards. He is most effective catching short passes, much like a running back, and then exploding for the big gain.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have struggled to defend these plays and have allowed 230 yards on 14 receptions through two weeks of play. With RB Todd Gurley (three targets) a non-factor in the passing game, Austin is in line for more of these receptions. It wouldn't be a surprise for him to post 100 yards and a TD if the Rams take advantage of the matchup.
TE Jared Cook, Green Bay Packers
Cook hasn’t been the boon many thought he would be. This week, however, the Packers play a Detroit Lions team which has given up the most fantasy points to tight ends with 15 receptions for 179 yards and four touchdowns.
If Cook gets four catches, he’s in line for 40 yards and a TD. Those are solid numbers for a low-end TE1 these days, and solid numbers for fantasy owners needing a plug-and-play at the position.
TE Gary Barnidge, Cleveland Browns
Rookie quarterback Cody Kessler will make his first NFL start this week. With Corey Coleman out with a broken hand and Terrelle Pryor a secondary option, Barnidge emerges as the Browns best receiving threat. The Miami Dolphins will force the Browns to try to beat them in the passing game, so 50 to 100 yards receiving and a score isn’t out of the question for Barnidge.
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QB Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
Smith has an uncanny way of having a fantasy-relevant game when you least expect it. The Chiefs play a New York Jets team this week whose defense has looked both good (seven sacks in Week 1) and bad (31 points allowed in Week 2). For the Chiefs to keep up with the Jets' explosive offense, Smith will have to rally the way he did in Week 1, when he threw for 363 yards and two touchdowns.
Dallas Cowboys defense/special teams
It’s amazing no one is talking about the Cowboys' matchup against the injury-riddled Chicago Bears. With Jay Cutler out, Brian Hoyer takes over an underwhelming Bears offense that's averaging just 14 points (third worst in the league) and 271 yards per game (second worst).
Last season in an up-tempo Houston Texans offense, Hoyer averaged 229 yards and 1.6 passing TDs as a starter. He also gave up 2.7 sacks per game. The Cowboys defense is a middle of the road unit that should see its numbers propped up this week as the Bears try to find a rhythm.
For more, get “Your Second Opinion for Your Fantasy Football Instinct” atTheFantasyGreek.com.