We’re pushing towards the fantasy football playoffs but even if you’re not in contention, make sure to keep managing to the end. We wait so long for the NFL season every year so play that spoiler role, and don’t give up! Who knows, maybe my five sleeper picks below can help your team scoop up a “W”.
As always, hit me up with any questions on Twitter @AndyMc81 using #AskAndy.
Josh Reynolds, WR, Rams
Yahoo! League ownership = 9%
Draft Kings salary = $3,900
All the wide receiver attention in Los Angeles is focused around Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, but don’t forget about Reynolds. The 2017 fourth-round draft pick has been targeted eight, nine, and 10 times over the past three outings. Also since Oct. 18, he’s hauled in two touchdowns and averaged 13.38-fantasy points. That type of attention from Jared Goff cannot be ignored.
The Rams head into Tampa Bay where the Buccaneers' defence is formidable. However, their strength is against the run (first) and they are ninth in passing yards allowed per game. That’s still very good, but there should be opportunities for the versatile Reynolds.
Logan Thomas, TE, Washington
Yahoo! League ownership = 52%
Draft Kings salary = $3,300
We know that the tight end group is a wasteland in fantasy and that’s why focusing on plus matchups are key. The Bengals are ranked 31st versus tight ends, and Thomas is available in 48 per cent of most leagues right now. This former collegiate quarterback averaged a solid 13.27-FPTs in three of his past four, as well as a pair of touchdowns.
He’s currently a TE-16, ahead of names like Mike Gesicki, Jared Cook and Tyler Higbee. During the last month, Thomas has also out-produced Mark Andrews who’s delivered a nauseating 5.27-FPTs per game during that stretch.
Salvon Ahmed, RB, Dolphins
Yahoo! League ownership = 62%
Draft Kings salary = $4,800
What a season of twists and turns it's been in the Miami backfield. Veterans Jordan Howard and Matt Breida were brought in to solidify the position. Fast forward to Howard being released, Myles Gaskin on I.R., and Breida serving a backup role to new toy Ahmed.
The undrafted rookie burst onto the fantasy scene in the Nov. 15 victory over the Chargers with 21-carries for 85-yards, a touchdown and a catch. Denver is middle of the pack when it comes to defending the run and it sounds like Ahmed should get the bulk of the Dolphins' workload. We’ll have to wait and see if his impressive performance was a fluke or becomes a trend.
Andy Dalton, QB, Cowboys
Yahoo! League ownership = 8%
Draft Kings salary = $5,300
Dalton makes his triumphant return under centre for the Cowboys after recovering first from a concussion and then a stint on the COVID/Reserve list. The longtime Bengal certainly didn’t rescue Dallas’s offence in his one full start after Dak Prescott’s gruesome injury... can he do it now?
At the very least, Dalton provides an experienced presence compared to the no-name fill-ins and is facing a beatable Vikings unit. Minnesota’s ranked 27th in defending the pass and the fifth most fantasy points to quarterbacks. The “Red Rocket” surely will have rust to shake off, but he at least gives hope to the Cowboys plethora of receiving weapons. If you’re in QB trouble then Dalton makes sense as a streaming option or contrarian play in DFS contests.
Brandin Cooks, WR, Texans
Yahoo! League ownership = 86%
Draft Kings salary = $5,200
I love the upside for Cooks this Sunday as the Patriots roll into Houston. The well traveled speedster should see plenty of action from Deshaun Watson if Stephon Gilmore is able to suit up and focus on neutralizing Will Fuller.
Don’t let the Week 10 stat line dissuade you as the swirling winds and whipping rain in Cleveland made throwing the ball effectively nearly impossible. Back in the comfy confines of NRG Stadium, Cooks has averaged 15.2-FPTs at home and is a WR-8 since Oct. 11. Start him with confidence.
