Fantasy Sleepers for Week 8

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Almost half-way through the NFL regular season, we’re are already most of the way through the fantasy regular season. If you’ve been struggling so far this season, now is the point where it is your last chance to make that playoff push. At this point in the season the waiver wire is seemingly dead and offers very little but, I beg to differ. There are always new opportunities for underappreciated players that pop-up throughout the season. The following players are recommended for a 12+ person 0.5 PPR league with less available on the waiver wire. All statistics used in this article can be found on our website at https://www.lineups.com/nfl.

WR Kenny Stills (HOU) vs. OAK – 15.2% Rostered

Stills took advantage of the Will Fuller injury, catching 4 of 5 targets for 105 yards against the Indianapolis Colts. After missing the past 2 weeks, Stills came back and played 94% of snaps for the Texans during week 7. With Fuller out, you can expect this high snap percentage to continue until Fuller is back. Stills saw a 15% target share against the Colts. Normally that would not be as promising as it is but, with Hopkins seeing a massing 35% target share, Stills had the 2nd most targets. Kenny Stills is a talented player who can step into the number 2 receiver role for this Texans offense and be a fantasy viable flex option.

WR Alex Erickson (CIN) vs. LAR – 0.4% Rostered

Erickson caught 8 of the 14 targets for 137 yards and 2 carries but missed the end-zone this week. Seeing just 7% of snaps during week 4, Erickson has been increasing in snaps ever since. He saw 94% of snaps this past Sunday against the Jaguars. The Bengals had designed plays to get him the ball, screens, jet sweeps, and play-action passes over the middle of the field. Erickson was the only bright spot during this Jaguars game. Nearing the end of his rookie contract before the season began, the Bengals signed him to an extension. Don’t expect another 14-target game against the Rams but, the Bengals clearly see something they like in Erickson and will continue to get him the ball.

WR Jaron Brown (SEA) vs. ATL – 3.7% Rostered

Against Baltimore Jaron Brown was able to haul in 3 of his 6 targets, which ties his season high for targets, for 60 yards. Brown was on the field for 60% of snaps, 3rd on the team for receivers. Going against this Falcons defense in week 8 who has allowed the 2nd most passing yards per game and the 2nd most points per game so far this season. Brown is an explosive athlete, standing at 6’3 205lbs with 4.4 40-yard speed. Averaging 14.6 yards per reception, Brown has the opportunity to explode against this weakened Falcons secondary.

WR Anthony Miller (CHI) vs. LAC – 13.3% Rostered

During week 7 the Bears threw 54 times, running the ball just 5 times. Miller saw 9 targets against New Orleans, catching 5 for 64 yards and 1 rush for -1 yards. If the Bears continue to throw the ball at such a high-volume Miller can become a solid fantasy option to pick up off the waiver wire especially in full PPR formats. Miller works mostly out of the slot for this Bears defense, with Trubisky struggling so far this season Miller is the best check-down option in that offense.

QB Kirk Cousins (MIN) vs. WSH – 38.8% Rostered

Historically Kirk Cousins is notoriously bad during prime-time games. However, this prime-time game is a home game for him who has been playing very well recently. Throwing for over 300 yards, at least 2 touchdowns and completing at least 70% of passes for the past 3 games in a row. Scoring a season high of 29.2 fantasy points against the Detroit Lions last week. Washington’s defense is a far-cry from elite, being a middle of the pack defense overall. The re-emergence of receivers Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielan, and tight-end Kyle Rudolph have helped Kirk Cousins get back into his groove.

RB Ty Johnson (DET) vs. NYG – 1.2% Rostered

Filling in for Kerryon Johnson after he was injured during the Minnesota Vikings game last week. Ty Johnson was the clear backup, ending the game with 64% of snaps. Johnson carried the ball 10 times for 29 yards and 4 receptions for 28 yards. The matchup in week 8 is a favorable one, going up against the New York Giants. The Giants have allowed 6th most yards to opposing running-backs throughout the season, averaging 131 yards per game. They have also allowed the most rushing touchdowns so far this season, allowing 10 touchdowns so far. Johnson is expected to miss “some time” with this injury. Ty Johnson should be your top waiver wire pickup if you are in need of a running-back.

TE Kyle Rudolph (MIN) vs. WSH – 17.9% Rostered

Reaching his highest targets so far this season, Rudolph saw 6 targets against the Detroit Lions. Rudolph caught 5 of 6 targets for 58 yards and scores his first touchdown of the season. Averaging Totaling his highest fantasy performance so far this season at 14.3 fantasy points in 0.5 PPR formats. Rudolph will see the Washington Redskins in week 8 during primetime. Washington ranks 18th this season against opposing tight-ends. Rudolph has averaged 92.7% of the teams snaps so far this season. The passing offense of the Minnesota Vikings has improved dramatically since the beginning of the season. Rudolph seems to be a part of this new and improved Vikings passing offense.