10 WR sleepers to target for fantasy football Week 7
If you’re spending this Sunday morning searching for fantasy football receiver help, get these WR sleepers in your week 7 lineup.
Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) is one of my WR sleepers to target in Week 7.. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Get ready for another wild ride this NFL Sunday of Week 7! There will be football for almost 12 straight hours today thanks to the early game in London getting us going at 9:30 AM EST. If you’re looking to lock in your lineup for the day and need some receiver help, check out my top 10 last-minute WR sleepers. In general, WR tends to be one of the deepest fantasy football positions, but it can also be one of the most volatile on a week to week basis. There are some players who I think are primed to step up this week, though, so check out my WR sleepers on the following slides.
Receivers production can vary greatly from week-to-week based on QB play, matchup, opposing team’s gameplan, and game situation. Despite all the volatility inherent with the position, the WR sleepers on the following pages should be set up for good usage in tasty matchups this week. Getting the right WR sleepers can power you to a win in any format, and having a monster game from a receiver or two will almost always be the difference in fantasy matchups.
FanSided has assembled some great tools to help you the right lineup in place for fantasy football each week. You can find all our coverage by checking out (and bookmarking) the fantasy football hub where you’ll find the top 10 Week 7 matchups to attack for the week as well as full Week 7 rankings. Also make sure to check out my top 10 RB sleepers for this week. You can also get any specific lineup question answered by checking out the new start/sit tool.
Just so we’re clear on who we’re talking about in this post on “WR sleepers,” here’s a quick reminder. My goal is to find options who will out-perform their overall expectations. They may be mid-range starters who I think will be among the top performers, or they could be players toward the bottom of the rankings who have serious potential to step up and give you startable production. These options can be used as DFS plays for the week or given a bump into your lineup this week. The last few options are actually available in many season-long formats on the waiver wire.
By definition, these WR sleepers do come with more risk than the top options. However, I expect each of them to exceed expectations in week 7. My picks are listed in general order from most well-know to deepest sleeper.
With those pregame festivities out of the way, let’s dive right in to my top ten last-minute Week 7 WR sleepers.
Sep 25, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) runs the ball after a catch in the first quarter as Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Dwayne Gratz (27) defends at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Wallace-Baltimore Ravens
My top option in my WR sleepers for the second week in a row is Ravens receiver Mike Wallace. Wallace and the Ravens are in New York for the second week in a row. Last week, they lost to the Giants and this week they’ll take on the Jets. The Jets rank third in most fantasy points per game allowed to opposing WR and have allowed the second-most receiving yards to opposing WR.
Mike Wallace should be set up for a big game in this favorable matchup as he continues to gel well with Joe Flacco. Flacco missed some practice this week, but he was able o return on friday and should start today. Wallace is expected to be Flacco’s top target again this week since Steve Smith Sr. is sidelined with his ankle injury.
Wallace has been targeted a massive 29 times over his last three games and had four catches for 97 yards last week. He was wide open and could have scored the game-winning touchdown for Baltimore, but Flacco badly overthrew him. Against the struggling Jets, Wallace is a definite WR2 or flex consideration this week.
Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) catches a touchdown pass in front of Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) in the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Tyrell Williams-San Diego Chargers
Williams was quiet last week as expected against the Broncos on Thursday Night Football, but I think he’s set up to bounce back in a big way this week as the Chargers come east to take on the Falcons.
Williams did haul in all three passes thrown his way in Week 6 but only totaled 28 yards. Back in Week 5, though, he finished with 117 yards and a touchdown on five catches against the Raiders. Like when he played the Raiders, Williams will get a great matchup in Atlanta today where he’ll face the Falcons who have been beatable through the air when playing good passing offenses this season.
The Chargers will be trying to keep up with the red-hot Matt Ryan and Julio Jones, so look for plenty of points in the Georgia Dome. Williams should be able to be involved heavily as a deep threat in Phillip Rivers pass-heavy attack.
Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Kenny Britt (18) runs for a touchdown while being pressured by Detroit Lions free safety Glover Quin (27) during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Kenny Britt-Los Angeles Rams
Kenny Britt’s athletic upside has long been a tease to fantasy football owners dating back to when he flashed with a few big games in his time with the Titans. The first-round pick out of Rutgers is finally healthy (so far this season) and having a quiet breakout season with the LA Rams.
Last week, Britt scored his first two touchdowns of the season as part of his seven-catch, 136-yard performance against a porous Lions’ secondary. He was one of the most productive WR of the week thanks to his big numbers, and he has clearly emerged as the Rams’ no. 1 target in the passing game. He’s a solid option from our WR sleepers this week as he and the Rams travel all the way to London to face the Giants.
Britt has at least 75 receiving yards in four of his last five games and is a low-risk play since he is so involved in the attack led by Case Keenum. He has a pretty high floor and can be a WR3 or flex option this week before going on his bye in Week 8.
Oct 16, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) gestures after a touchdown catch in the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Thomas-New Orleans Saints
The Saints got a big win last week against Carolina as their offensive firepower was on display agains the Superdome. While they always seem to put up big numbers at home, this week they’ll head out on the road as they take on the Chiefs at Arrowhead. They should still be able to put up some points, though, since KC is allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to opposing WR.
The Saints speed the ball around very evenly, but one of the better emerging options in Drew Brees’ attack is rookie Michael Thomas who is fitting right into the NFL passing attack after being taken in the second round out of Ohio State.
Last week, Thomas had five catches on five targets for 78 yards and a touchdown. He has at least four catches in all five games he has played this season and has gotten into the end zone in each of his last three.
He’ll be a WR3 option today as he faces the Chiefs, and he could continue to grow into an every-week starter if Drew Brees starts to lock in on him. Brees spreads the ball around, though, which makes Thomas a solid play even though his upside isn’t sky high based on workload.
Oct 16, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mohamad Sanu-Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons offense has been flying high all season with Matt Ryan and Julio Jones catching fire lately. On the other side of the field, though, there’s another option who is getting enough attention to be in our WR sleepers this week.
Mohamad Sanu hasn’t gotten back to his Week 1 totals of 80 yards and a touchdown, but he did get back into the end zone last week while being targeted ten times. He finished with five catches for 47 yards against a tough Seattle secondary, and he should be able to produce again today in a much more fantasy-friendly matchup.
Sanu is officially questionable with a groin injury, but he is expected take the field against the Chargers. San Diego’s secondary is banged up and beatable having allowed a WR touchdown every week of the season except Week 2. Sanu is a big possession-type target and has seem definite appeal as a streaming start or DFS play today.
Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Jamison Crowder (80) catches a touchdown pass as Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) defends in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jamison Crowder-Washington
Crowder has been living on this list for most of the season. He continues to fly under the radar despite being one of Kirk Cousins’ favorite options in the Washington offense. With Jordan Reed still sidelined and DeSean Jackson hurting, Crowder is a solid play especially in PPR leagues this week.
Last week, Crowder had 52 yards on three catches and found the end zone for the third time int he last five weeks. He wasn’t involved late in the game, but his 16-yard TD early in the game was enough for his fantasy owners to still be happy with the totals.
Washington’s offense should be in a place to succeed today as they face the struggling Lions in Detroit. The Lions secondary is allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing WR and has allowed a WR score every game this season. Since Crowder is so involved in the red zone and on short passes, look for him to drive again this week.
Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills fans celebrate as wide receiver Justin Hunter (17) scores a touchdown during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Hunter-Buffalo Bills
After losing Sammy Watkins, the Bills took a flier on Justin Hunter who was a second-round pick who disappointed in Tennessee. Hunter is set up to be a big part of Buffalo’s attack today in Miami since he’ll slide into the starting role for Robert Woods who is out this week.
Hunter and the Bills are in Miami this week to take on the Dolphins who are allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing WR. Miami was torched by A.J. Green in Week 4, and even struggled with Pittsburgh last week with a one-kneed quarterback.
Since joining Buffalo, Hunter has played two games. He only has two catches in those two contests, but both of them ended up in touchdowns. Last week’s 30-yard touchdown strike was a pretty play from him and Tyrod Taylor. If the two of them continue to develop chemistry, Hunter could be a flier who pays off this week as he steps up as the team’s top WR threat.
Hunter is still risky since he hasn’t drawn a ton of targets, but he has enough upside to be a plug-and-play pickup against Miami. He’s one of the WR sleepers who could be the difference in DFS if he goes off and you spend the money you save wisely in other spots.
Sep 25, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Marqise Lee (11) runs after a catch in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at EverBank Field. Baltimore Ravens won 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Marqise Lee-Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars haven’t been able to put up the fantasy points that they were last season as Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns have both been disappointments so far this season after big totals last year. One of the Jaguars receiver who has been able to deliver though is their third receiver Marqise Lee.
Lee is on our WR sleepers this week, but that doesn’t mean you should start him over Hurns or Robinson. However, Lee makes sense if you’re scourging he wavier wire for a plug-and-play option or need a minimal DFS investment.
Last week, Lee had his best week of the year with six catches for 61 yards against the Bears. He catches a lot of check down options and can make some plays after the catch. While he doesn’t have the upside of Justin Hunter, he does have a higher floor and makes sense in PPR leagues based on the amount of throws coming his way.
Lee is also in a great matchup this week as he and the Jaguars take on the Raiders who have been great for opposing receivers all season. Oakland has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing receivers this year, so Lee is on the radar if you’re desperate.
Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) celebrates with running back Carlos Hyde (28) after touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at Levi
Quinton Patton-San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers made the move to Colin Kaepernick last week which ultimately gives their offense more potential to produce especially in down-the-field throws. Blain Gabbert was a checkdown factory, but Kaep should at least try to get the ball deep from time to time.
That newfound ability could set up well for 49ers receiver Quinton Patton who is starting for San Francisco every week. He showed a nice connection with Kaep when he was first drafted out of Louisiana Tech although injuries have derailed a firm connection from forming between the tandem. Patton had four catches for 52 yards last week in Kaepernick’s return, and he was targeted seven times.
He could be in for even more work this week since the 49ers won’t have starting RB Carlos Hyde and No. 1 receiver Torrey Smith is dealing with a back injury. Patton is a boom-or-bust play against Tampa, but the Bucs have been generous to opposing WR and he could blow up if he and Kaepernick get things going by the Bay this afternoon.
Oct 16, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Ricardo Louis (80) is forced out of bounds by Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) after a reception in the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Ricardo Louis-Cleveland Browns
One of the ultra-deep options in my WR sleepers this week is Browns’ WR Ricardo Louis. Louis was a fourth-round pick out of Auburn, and he has been thrust into a growing role in the Browns attack due to injuries to the other receivers in Cleveland.
Terrelle Pryor has been the team’s go-to option since Corey Coleman was injured, but this week Pryor is dealing with an injury of his own. Pryor is expected to play this week against the Bengals, but he could be on a snap count leaving more targets for Louis.
Louis is coming off his best game of the season when he caught five passes for 65 yards last week agains the Titans. He’s a longshot flier, but if you’re desperate in a deep league he has enough potential to be worth a look. He’s also a cheap DFS consideration flying under the radar as the deepest option on my WR sleepers list for Week 7.
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