Identifying fantasy football sleepers can provide a significant edge in a matchup, particularly for teams projected as heavy underdogs. Unlikely players often become necessary starters due to injuries, bye weeks or the depth of a league.
Determining if a spot is suitable for a sleeper involves considering the matchup and situation. How is this player being used within the offense? Have they shown flashes of brilliance on the field? Factors like these can set certain sleepers apart. With that in mind, here are our top fantasy sleepers for Week 13, all of whom are available in most leagues.
Chris Rodriguez, RB, Washington Commanders (vs DEN)
Chris Rodriguez carried the load for the Commanders’ committee backfield in Week 11 against the Dolphins before the Week 12 bye.
We saw Rodriguez get a few red-zone carries, coming close to finding the end zone in that matchup.
Up next is a tough spot against the Broncos, but it’s a game where the Commanders should try to go run-heavy since Denver is much tougher against the pass.
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If you’re in dire need of a FLEX spot for Week 13, it makes sense to give Rodriguez a shot. There’s a legit chance that we see close to 15 carries in this one.
Jayden Higgins, WR, Houston Texans (at IND)
Jayden Higgins is a talented rookie wideout who has come on strong lately, racking up at least seven targets in three consecutive games.
This includes one touchdown in two of those matchups.
Up next is an indoor game against the Colts, in what could turn into a favorable environment for Higgins to get you 5+ catches and 50+ yards.
Given the big-bodied wideout’s proficiency in the red zone, you have to like his chances of finding the end zone as well.
Adonai Mitchell, WR, New York Jets (vs ATL)
Adonai Mitchell is a community favorite, especially among those who put a lot of stock in separation metrics, as the former Colt thrives in that regard.
While the results haven’t been there yet, we have seen Mitchell rack up 13 targets in his last two games.
There’s a wide-open opportunity for Mitchell on the Jets, especially with Garrett Wilson on injured reserve. It feels like it’s only a matter of time before he gets loose downfield.
Why not against the Falcons? We saw this defense give up solid production to both Tetairoa McMillan and Chris Olave in the last two weeks. Take a shot on Mitchell in deeper leagues or in DFS tournaments.
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Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans (vs JAC)
Cam Ward is coming off his best fantasy game of the season, where he put up 23.9 points against a tough Seahawks defense.
We saw Ward rush for 30+ yards in back-to-back games, including a touchdown vs. Seattle.
Up next is an exploitable matchup at home against a Jaguars defense that just allowed 317 passing yards.
With the Jaguars locking down opposing running games, there’s a good chance that we see a lot of Ward dropbacks here. This means more opportunities to air it out and rack up yards on the ground.
Chimere Dike, WR, Tennessee Titans (vs JAC)
Chimere Dike has shown flashes of brilliance this year, whether as a returner or receiver. The rookie wideout has sneaky fantasy value against the Jaguars.
We’ve seen Dike show nice upside at times this year, including two games with over 70 yards. The rookie wideout found the end zone last week, so perhaps he can build on that performance against the Jaguars.
The Jags gave up 118 yards against Michael Wilson last week. There’s a good chance this will be a pass-heavy game script, so we’ll take a shot on Dike getting peppered with targets.
