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 because of injuries, bye weeks, or league depth.
Determining whether a spot is suitable for a sleeper involves considering the matchup and situation. How is the 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 16, all of whom are available in most leagues.
Jalen Coker, WR, Carolina Panthers (vs TB)
Jalen Coker has been making an impact for the Panthers lately. Just take a look at his recent game log:
- 4 receptions, 70 yards, 1 touchdown
- 4 receptions, 74 yards, 1 touchdown
Tetairoa McMillan is currently banged up with foot and ankle injuries, which have kept him out of practice early in the week.
Up next is an exploitable matchup against the Buccaneers. While Tampa Bay ranks 16th in fantasy points per game allowed to wide receivers, it has been more vulnerable through the air this season, ranking 19th in EPA.
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Even if McMillan is able to play, there is a legitimate risk he will be limited because of injury. If McMillan is out, that would leave Coker as the top target for the Panthers.
That makes this a good spot for Coker to keep it rolling. Perhaps he can find the end zone for the third week in a row.
The best formats to play Coker are deeper leagues or DFS tournaments when building Panthers stacks.
Audric Estime, RB, New Orleans Saints (vs NYJ)
Devin Neal has been ruled out for the Saints this week, placing Audric Estime in a committee with Evan Hull.
While both running backs have been underwhelming throughout their careers, I am putting my chips on Estime when betting on the Saints’ backfield.
In Week 14 against the Panthers, Estime had only three carries, which was one fewer than Hull. What was more intriguing, however, was that Estime caught 3 of 5 targets for 39 yards.
If Estime is going to be used more in the passing game, that gives him more upside than Hull in this backfield.
It is also worth noting that at 5-foot-11 and 227 pounds, Estime has the body type to handle a red-zone role. Meanwhile, Hull is 5-foot-10 and 209 pounds.
That makes it more likely that Estime finds the end zone in this matchup.
With the Saints favored against the Jets, Estime looks like a viable FLEX option for Week 16.
Kevin Austin, WR, New Orleans Saints (vs NYJ)
You may look at this practice-squad wide receiver and wonder what fantasy appeal exists here. For one, Devaughn Vele is out for this game. That leaves Kevin Austin as the Saints’ No. 2 wide receiver behind Chris Olave.
In a matchup against a Jets defense that was torched by Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars, Austin becomes an intriguing option.
Austin caught three of five targets for 33 yards last week. Facing an exploitable defense could result in a 5-50-1 stat line.
That said, this is a deep sleeper who is viable only in leagues that require several starters.
My favorite spot to use Austin is in DFS tournaments, where he is likely to be rostered by fewer than 0.5% of players.
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Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints (vs NYJ)
Tyler Shough continues to perform well in fantasy football. Since taking over as the Saints’ starter, the rookie is averaging 16.1 fantasy points per game, ranking as QB16 during that stretch.
Shough has posted at least 18 fantasy points in three consecutive games, including 22.3 in Week 14.
One appealing aspect of Shough’s game is his willingness to run. The first-year player has recorded at least seven rushing attempts in three of his last four games.
Shough rushed for two touchdowns against the Buccaneers in Week 14, illustrating the type of upside he brings.
With the Jets’ defense struggling, Shough looks like one of the top streaming options available this week.
Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers (vs TB)
Bryce Young has flashed a high ceiling at times, scoring more than 22 fantasy points on three occasions, including 31.8 points in Week 11. That gives him sleeper fantasy value as a potential streaming option, even in shallower formats.
With the Panthers facing the Buccaneers in a matchup with NFC South implications, there could be strong fantasy production on both sides. In a game of this magnitude, Young may be more inclined to run, increasing his chances of scoring on the ground.
Given the game environment and high-stakes setting, Young is a viable option if you need to stream a quarterback or are seeking salary relief in DFS formats.
