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 7. Each player is widely available across all formats.
All sleepers are rostered in fewer than 25% of Yahoo leagues.
Jayden Higgins, WR, Houston Texans (at SEA)
Jayden Higgins came into the season as a highly touted rookie wideout with the upside to emerge as the No. 2 target for C.J. Stroud. Playing alongside an alpha WR1 like Nico Collins made Higgins quite appealing.
While the results haven’t been there just yet, we’re starting to see Higgins get more playing time. The second-round pick hauled in all four of his targets for 32 yards against the Ravens in Week 5.
Now coming off the bye in Week 6, perhaps the Texans used their time off to figure out how to get their talented rookie more involved.
MORE: Free Fantasy Waiver Wire Tool
With the Seahawks dealing with injuries in the secondary, this could be the spot where Higgins provides a spike week.
That said, I prefer Higgins as more of a season-long stash — one who could have late-season value.
Jordan Whittington, WR, Los Angeles Rams (at JAC)
Jordan Whittington caught 3 of 4 targets for 23 yards against the Ravens last week. With Puka Nacua likely to miss Week 7, Whittington could see a significantly increased role against the Jaguars in London.
Matthew Stafford is playing at an extremely high level this season, so having the upside to become the No. 2 target in Puka’s absence makes Whittington look appealing.
We saw Whittington put up two spike weeks of 80-plus yards last season, so it’s not out of the question to see something similar with Puka sidelined.
Tez Johnson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at DET)
Tez Johnson is a wideout with opportunity in an injury-depleted Buccaneers offense with Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin out of the lineup. While there’s a chance that Mike Evans is able to return, that still leaves an opening for Johnson to carve out a role.
The seventh-round rookie has posted 59 and 45 yards in the last two games. With Baker Mayfield playing at an MVP level, Johnson has a chance to make an impact given the Bucs’ injuries.
MORE: Free Fantasy Start/Sit Lineup Optimizer
We’ve got a potential shootout on tap vs. the Lions, so we may see Baker have another big game, one where Johnson can reap the rewards.
Kameron Johnson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at DET)
Don’t sleep on the other Bucs wideout thrust into an increased role — Kameron Johnson. He caught all four of his targets and scored a touchdown against the 49ers.
Mayfield has shown the ability to keep the offense afloat despite so many injuries, so we can’t rule out Johnson carving out WR3 value.
The game script sets up well for Johnson to have another strong game. When Egbuka left the game, Johnson immediately stepped into his role. If Evans returns, that could hurt Tez and allow Kameron to maintain similar usage to what he saw against the 49ers.
Needless to say, the Bucs’ wide receiver position is a hot-button topic for Week 6, with a strong chance of yielding plenty of fantasy value.
Oronde Gadsden, TE, Los Angeles Chargers (vs IND)
Oronde Gadsden is coming off a breakout game against the Dolphins, catching 7 of 8 targets for 68 yards. Even though that came with Quentin Johnston out of the lineup (he’s likely to return this week), it’s still noteworthy for a rookie tight end to put up that kind of performance.
MORE: Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer
With tight end being such a barren position, it makes sense to take a shot on Gadsden — especially if you’re in a deeper league.
He’s also a solid option for salary relief if you play daily fantasy.
Bottom line: this is a talented player at a scarce position, making him worth a stash if you have room, even if you don’t plan on using him against the Colts.