Being able to pull premium free agents out of your fantasy football league’s pool of available players is what usually separates those at the top of the league from those at the bottom.
The key to finding players who fit the bill as sleepers is to look around the league for players on teams who fit their roles well. An example of this would be finding a running back who belongs to a good team because they are more likely to score points faster and have a lead to protect. On the other hand, wide receivers on a team that gets into a hole early can be helpful since that team is going to need to pass more instead of run.
That said, make sure you have the best internet provider because here are five players to keep in mind when making trades or picking up players for your team:
Justin Blackmon – WR – Jacksonville Jaguars
Justin Blackmon had to sit out the first four games of the season, but he comes back just in time to face a Rams defense that is iffy at best in the secondary. Jacksonville needs a spark in their step since they are legitimately looking at an 0-16 season if they don’t get some kind of help. Expect Blackmon to receive a large share of the passes thrown by a Jaguars team that gets behind early and often.
Matt Cassel – QB – Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have had QB problems all year, and with a victory in London, Matt Cassel is probably one start away from becoming a must-play in two QB leagues, and a great backup choice for QBs on a bye week. With a strong running game already present in Adrian Peterson, Vikings receivers can expect a decent amount of separation, which should be great for Cassel’s numbers.
Nate Washington – WR – Tennessee Titans
Weeks 3 and 4 have been great for Nate Washington. Picking up over 230 yards and two TDs, he was a versatile wide receiver before the season started and people are starting to wake up to the type of player he can be. If he is still available in your free agent pool, it would be smart to pick him up.
Robert Woods – WR – Buffalo Bills
Woods is a player similar to Nate Washington; some potential at the start of the season but has recently broken out to be an every down player. E.J. Manuel seems to have started targeting Woods more in weeks 3 and 4 and his fantasy value could skyrocket if any other Bills receiver goes down with an injury. He presents a strong second option to Stevie Johnson with the ability to possibly become the #1 receiver in Buffalo.
Rashad Jennings – RB – Oakland Raiders
Though the Raiders tend to get behind early in games, Rashad Jennings is a value pickup for those in flex leagues since both the other Oakland running backs are injured. It’s hard to tell when McFadden will be back, but in the mean time, the Raiders need to develop a running game, which could mean that Jennings will breakout in the next couple of weeks to give fantasy owners a pretty good bang for their buck.
5 Fantasy Football Sleepers to Keep an Eye On
