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 8. Each player is widely available across all formats.
All sleepers are rostered in fewer than 25% of Yahoo leagues.
Troy Franklin, WR, Denver Broncos (vs DAL)
Troy Franklin got off to a good start to his sophomore season, highlighted by an eight-catch, 89-yard game against the Colts in Week 2.
However, he’s slowed down considerably of late, combining for 15 catches for 136 yards in his last five games.
With that said, this feels like a good spot for Franklin to get back on track. It’s a great matchup against the Cowboys, who have allowed the most fantasy points per game to wideouts this season.
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Additionally, it’s worth noting that Franklin had 10 targets last week, so he could have had a much more productive day than 19 yards.
With that in mind, it’s not a bad idea to take a shot on Franklin in a projected shootout against the Cowboys.
I’m firing up Franklin as a FLEX in one of my leagues where I have several players on the bye.
Jalen Coker, WR, Carolina Panthers (vs BUF)
Up next is Jalen Coker, who returned to action against the Jets last week but was held to only two targets with zero catches.
However, we should have expected the second-year wideout to get off to a slow start following such a lengthy absence.
With Andy Dalton under center, we can bump up each of the Panthers’ pass-catchers because he’s the more effective passer than Bryce Young at this stage.
Even though Coker is risky to start against the Bills, he’s worth picking up as a sleeper. Think of this as more of a stash with the chance to fire him up if you’re desperate.
Jaylin Noel, WR, Houston Texans (vs SF)
My next pick is a Texans rookie wideout coming off a rock-solid game against the Seahawks. Jaylin Noel hauled in 4-of-7 targets for 77 yards on Monday Night Football.
With Nico Collins’ status in doubt for Week 8, there’s a legitimate chance that Noel can emerge as the top wideout in this offense, especially since Christian Kirk is questionable as well.
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Fellow rookie Jayden Higgins is another option, but he didn’t do anything last week (three targets, 0 yards), which makes me favor Noel.
Someone has to catch the ball in this offense. Hopefully, the coaching staff smartens up and plays their rookies instead of journeyman veterans like Braxton Berrios.
Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears (at BAL)
Next up is a hyped tight end who went 10th overall in the draft. It could be time for Colston Loveland to have his breakout week.
The former Michigan star had a season-high four targets last week, catching three of them for 24 yards.
What I like about Loveland’s spot is that we could see enhanced fantasy value because Cole Kmet is questionable with an injury.
That would force Loveland into more snaps, where he could finally have his opportunity to make an impact in this offense.
Lamar Jackson is likely to return this week, so it could be a shootout against the Ravens. Don’t sleep on Loveland in this spot.
Noah Fant, TE, Cincinnati Bengals (vs NYJ)
My final pick is Noah Fant, who put up solid production against the Steelers last week, catching all four of his targets for 44 yards and a touchdown.
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With the Bengals continuing to deal with injuries at tight end (Mike Gesicki), Fant can maintain his role.
Joe Flacco has been a major upgrade under center for Cincinnati, so everyone in this offense gets a boost in fantasy value.
In a bye-heavy week, it makes sense to take a shot on Fant if you’re in desperate need of a tight end.
