Finding fantasy football sleepers can be a great way to give your team an edge in a matchup, especially if you’re projected to be a heavy underdog. Often, we’re forced to start unlikely players, usually due to injuries, bye weeks, or simply being in a deep league.
Determining if a spot is good 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, find out our top fantasy Sleepers for Week 6. Each player is widely available across all formats.
All sleepers are rostered in fewer than 25% of Yahoo leagues.
Kimani Vidal, RB, Los Angeles Chargers (at MIA)
With starter Omarion Hampton placed on injured reserve, most fantasy players are targeting Hassan Haskins, since he’s a power back who played with Jim Harbaugh at Michigan.
However, I’m betting that Kimani Vidal is the better bet during Hampton’s absence.
Simply put, this is the superior pass catcher in an offense that should remain among the most pass-heavy in the NFL.
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With the Chargers dealing with injuries on the offensive line, they’ll want to get the ball out of Justin Herbert’s hands quickly. Vidal can act as the safety valve in this offense, racking up checkdowns from Herbert.
While Vidal is too risky to start in a good matchup against the Dolphins, this is more of a Week 6 sleeper pickup than someone you’re putting in your lineup.
Xavier Legette, WR, Carolina Panthers (vs. DAL)
Xavier Legette has failed to capitalize on the increased opportunity with Jalen Coker injured. However, the former first-round pick scored a touchdown last game, so perhaps he’s getting into a rhythm.
It’s the perfect time to do so against a vulnerable Cowboys defense. This group has given up big production to Garrett Wilson, Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, Romeo Doubs, and Luther Burden III this year. If you’re riddled with injuries or have a lot of players on a bye, you can throw a dart on Legette this week.
Kyle Monangai, RB, Chicago Bears (at WAS)
Kyle Monangai has been used sparingly as the backup to D’Andre Swift, but perhaps the Bears come out of their Week 5 bye with intentions to get their rookies more involved. It’s not like Swift has done anything noteworthy so far, averaging only 3.3 yards per carry.
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Perhaps we can see Monangai form more of a committee here. There’s an outside chance that the rookie running back can carve out a role in the red zone, since he’s more of a power back than Swift. That makes Monangai look appealing as a Week 6 sleeper.
Gunnar Helm, TE, Tennessee Titans (at LV)
Gunnar Helm is a talented rookie tight end who saw an increased role last week, catching a career-high four catches for 34 yards. This came after there were reports that Helm would be more involved in the offense, so it was nice to see that come to fruition.
Who knows? Maybe that wild comeback win against the Cardinals in Week 5 was exactly what the Titans needed to ignite their offense.
Up next is a matchup against the Raiders, where the Titans are live dogs to pull off an upset in what could be a low-scoring game. Given the barren state of the tight end position, it’s not a bad idea to take a shot on Helm in deeper leagues. Make sure he’s not on your waiver wire in dynasty leagues, though.
Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears (at WAS)
My last Week 6 sleeper is another Bears rookie coming off a bye. Luther Burden has shown flashes this year, putting up 100-plus yards against the Cowboys in Week 4. With WR DJ Moore not making much of an impact in Ben Johnson’s offense, perhaps the former Lions playcaller gets Burden more involved coming out of the bye.
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The talent is there for Burden to make an impact, especially against a Commanders defense that has been torched in the passing game all year long, aside from last week’s win over the Chargers.
If you’re a believer in Burden, you want to pick him up as a stash now, since his value is still at a low price. Perhaps there can be some late-season impact here, so it’s worth the shot to add him.
