As always, these “sleeper” players are intentionally off-the-wall and under the radar. Please do not take these recommendations to mean that these players merit a start in all leagues and all formats. They do not. This is simply a list of players that for some identified reason should outperform their usual level of production.
Terrelle Pryor Quarterback, Oakland Raiders
Pryor has been an interesting player this year. It has been four weeks since his last touchdown pass (he was on bye one of those weeks, so we will give him a bit of a pass), yet his ability to run ensures he remains fantasy relevant. Pryor has rushed for 485 yards on 63 attempts this season. Good enough to be 15th in rushing yards in the NFL. This added dimension is why he can throw for 88 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions and still score over 16 points in Week 8 (93-yard touchdown run helps). This week he gets a very beatable Giants defense. The Giants allow the fifth most points per game (27.9) and allow an average of over 18 fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Look for Pryor to find success through the air, as well as on the ground.
Prediction: 200 yards, one touchdown, one interception, 65 rushing yards
Mike James Running Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
James exploded onto the scene last week, totaling 158 yards on 28 rushes. This feat becomes even more impressive when you factor in that he was on the road against a really solid Seattle defense. Since taking over for the injured Doug Martin, James has fared pretty well against two of the tougher defensive units in the league.
He may be the real deal. This week James gets a good match-up against the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have allowed nine rushing touchdowns this season and the second most fantasy points to opposing running backs (23.08). James is a must start this week in most formats.
Prediction: 110 yards and one touchdown
Emmanuel Sanders Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers passing game has figured something out in last couple weeks. Finally, Ben Roethlisberger and company have started to move the ball. Sanders has been a big part of this production. In the past two weeks, he has 22 targets for 186 yards and one touchdown. And as far as match-ups go, it doesn’t get much better than facing the Bills secondary. Buffalo has given up the most touchdowns to wide receivers this year (15) and the second most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers (31). Sanders should put up solid WR2 numbers this week.
Prediction: Six receptions, 85 yards, one touchdown