RotoBaller is scouring the wavier wire for waiver wire sleepers all week long. Today, David Hume gives you his take on fantasy football sleepers for Week 14 and the fantasy playoffs, since most of you are in leagues where the playoffs are starting this week. If you are in a tight spot, have an injury to deal with, or have a bench spot to stash a potential sleeper, then you should consider the below players. Good luck with your matchups in Week 14 and throughout the playoffs!
More Waiver Wire Sleepers for the Fantasy Playoffs
RB Sleepers
Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis Colts - at Cincinnati, owned in 48% of Yahoo leagues
Sleeper Rating (1-10): 9.0
Analysis: Donald Brown has emerged as the go-to back for the Colts. Brown had 14 carries Sunday, compared to just five for Richardson. While Brown faces a tough Bengals D in Week 14, he should still be a viable RB2 just based on workload and his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Not only should Brown be a top 20 RB this week, but his Week 15 matchup against the Texans could be exactly what you need to win your Fantasy Super Bowl. Houston has given up an average of 25 fantasy points to RBs over the past three weeks, which could mean a huge day for Brown at home.
WR Sleepers
Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots - vs. Cleveland, owned in 53% of Yahoo leagues
Sleeper Rating (1-10): 9.5
Analysis: Edelman is peaking at the perfect time for fantasy owners. In the last two games, Edelman is fifth out of all WR with 23 targets, second with 18 receptions for 211 yards and two scores. Those numbers are very Wes Welker-esque, and Brady seems to have found his go-to WR. If you don’t feel the need to add Edelman, you should be nervous if the team you’re playing does.
TE Sleepers
Ladarius Green, TE, San Diego Chargers - at New York Giants, owned in 21% of Yahoo leagues
Sleeper Rating (1-10): 8.0
Analysis: Green has scored at least eight points in three straight weeks and has found the endzone in both of his past two contests. Heseems to get more snaps each week, ultimately resulting in bigger performances. His targets have increased each week as well, and I don’t see that stopping this week against the Giants-- they are 24th in points allowed to tight ends and have surrendered three TDs in the past two weeks. In Week 15, the Chargers travel to Denver to face the 30th-ranked defense against tight ends this year. Don’t be surprised if green is a top-5 TE in each of the next two weeks.
Jared Cook, TE, St Louis Rams - at Arizona, owned in 61% of Yahoo leagues
Sleeper Rating (1-10): 8.5
Analysis: Cook faces the Cardinals, who surrender the most fantasy points to tight ends of any NFL defense. This week will be no different, and Cook should outperform the likes of Gates, Olsen, Witten, and Vernon Davis. Cook burned the Cardinals in Week 1 for seven catches, 141 yards and two TDs, and although his QB has changed, the output should be similar. Clemons should look to find Cook early and often.
DEF Sleepers
Buffalo Bills, DEF - at Tampa Bay, owned in 33% of Yahoo leagues
Sleeper Rating (1-10): 8.0
Analysis: The Bills are another high-upside defense that is worth a start this week at Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay has allowed 11 sacks in the past three games, and Buffalo has notched 14 sacks in the same timeframe. Tampa Bay’s running game has been horrid the past two weeks, so look for Buffalo to get a lot of pressure resulting in turnovers. Looking ahead, Buffalo gets the Jaguars in Week 16, and although Jacksonville has been a little better of late, I would still roll the dice on any defense playing the Jaguars.
Oakland Raiders, DEF - at New York Jets, Owned in 26% of Yahoo leagues
Sleeper Rating (1-10): 8.5
Analysis: Oakland’s D could become a fantasy football favorite this weekend for owners who scoop them up and start them. Whether it is Geno Smith or Matt Simms, the Raiders D should feast this week. Defenses against the Jets this year have scored 10.0+ points eight times and 15.0+ points six times, including each of the last three weeks. Oakland’s defense isn’t great by any means, but this matchup is too good to resist. In a week where defenses such as Seattle, Carolina, San Fran and Tennessee have very tough matchups, pick up this high-upside D for one week and march your way to fantasy gold.