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 14, all of whom are available in most leagues.
Devaughn Vele, WR, New Orleans Saints (at TB)
Devaughn Vele is coming off a productive game against the Dolphins, where he hauled in all eight of his targets for 93 yards and a touchdown.
In the last two games, Vele has combined for 15 targets, so he’s getting a lot of volume in this Saints offense.
Up next is an exploitable matchup against the Buccaneers, who rank 22nd in fantasy points per game allowed to wide receivers.
MORE: Free Fantasy Waiver Wire Tool
Essentially, what we’re doing here is betting on volume. The hope is that the Saints are forced to play from behind, allowing Tyler Shough to air it out, potentially finding Vele.
The best spot to fire up Vele is in deeper formats with full-PPR scoring, since he’s not a big-play threat. He’s more of a possession receiver.
Pat Bryant, WR, Denver Broncos (at LV)
Pat Bryant is a talented rookie wideout coming off a rock-solid game against the Commanders, where he caught three of seven targets for 42 yards.
This comes after he racked up five catches for 82 yards against the Chiefs in Week 12. In fact, Bryant has now put up 40 or more yards in three consecutive games and four of his last five.
This has the look of a first-year player with an ascending role.
You have to like the matchup against the Raiders, who rank 29th in fantasy points per game allowed to opposing wideouts.
Blake Corum, RB, Los Angeles Rams (at LAR)
Blake Corum is coming off a huge game against the Panthers, where he rushed seven times for 81 yards and a touchdown.
The second-year back has at least seven carries in six consecutive games, including three games with 12 or more attempts.
The Rams are reportedly trying to keep Kyren Williams fresh for the playoffs, so we could see more usage from Corum going forward.
Week 14 sets up as a projected positive game script for Corum, as the Rams are eight-point road favorites against the Cardinals.
Arizona ranks 25th in fantasy points per game allowed to running backs.
MORE: Free Fantasy Start/Sit Lineup Optimizer
Samaje Perine, RB, Cincinnati Bengals (at BUF)
Here we have a sneaky sleeper in Samaje Perine, who returned to action against the Ravens last week, rushing 14 times for 39 yards while adding two receptions for 15 yards.
While Chase Brown gets the headlines, Perine still has a decent role in this offense.
You have to love the matchup against the Bills, who rank 30th in fantasy points per game allowed to running backs.
If you’re in a deep, full-PPR format that starts more players than traditional leagues, Perine makes sense as a desperation FLEX, where you’re throwing a dart and hoping he finds the end zone.
Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears (at GB)
Luther Burden III is a fixture in this column because he’s a talented rookie who you just know is close to fully breaking out for more fantasy value, perhaps this week against the Packers.
Both Rome Odunze and Kyle Monangai are banged up right now. While their status isn’t fully in question yet, it could at the very least mean they aren’t 100% come Sunday.
That would potentially allow Burden to get more targets than usual.
The Bears need to fix their passing game, which Ben Johnson spoke about this week, so a good way to do so would be to get Burden more involved. Simply put, he has more upside than DJ Moore at this stage of his career.
