Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart is coming off two productive games. (Getty)
Week 8 of the NFL season is nearly upon, so it’s time to get those DraftKings lineups set.
And as you know, finding bargains and sleepers are imperative to the success of your team. You’ll need at least one or two lower-priced diamonds in the rough in your lineup. It’s just the way the salary cap is structured — you’re not going to be able load your squad with pricey studs.
I’ve identified a few of the best sleeper and bargain picks of the week. Those who are affordable, have favorable matchups and likely won’t be widely-used.
But before we get to them, don’t forget to bookmark our fantasy football rankings 2015 page to keep up-to-date on the latest projections and rankings so you know you who to start and who to sit each week.
Here are the top sleepers and bargains for DraftKings NFL Week 8:
Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford, Lions, at Chiefs, $5,800 (17.5 Fantasy Points Per Contest)
Stafford is coming off two of his best games and the immediate future is bright as the Chiefs (the game is in London, by the way) have one of the more generous pass defenses in the league. And with Stafford, there is always that possibility of a 300-yard game, which is an extra 3 points in DraftKings. The Dolphins’ Ryan Tannehill ($5,600 at Patriots) makes some sense here, too.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets, at Raiders, $5,200 (18.7 FPPC)
That 3-point bonus for hitting 300 yards? Probably not in the cards for Fitzpatrick. But he has thrown for 2 touchdowns in 5 of 6 games and the Raiders are ranked just 24th in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. While he’s no Russell Wilson, Fitzy has run for nearly 100 yards and another score over the past 3.
Running Backs
Jonathan Stewart, Panthers, vs. Colts, $4,100 (11.1 FPPC)
Stewart probably won’t be widely-owned, despite his attractive price and the Colts inability to tackle opposing running backs. He’s averaging 22 carries, 101.5 yards and a TD over the past 2 games. Stewie will be fed the rock in Week 8 and could certainly pay off.
Antonio Andrews, Titans, at Texans, $3,300 (9.2 FPPC)
Andrews is certainly a risk (that can be said of all the elements of the Titans’ backfield), but he is clearly the No. 1 early-down back, supplanting Bishop Sankey. Andrews would be the goal line back, too, IF THE TITANS EVER GOT TO THE GOAL LINE! The Texans allow 129 rush yards per game and have ceded 7 TDs, so this could be the week Andrews breaks out.
Wide Receivers
Rishard Matthews, Dolphins, at Patriots, $4,300 (16.6 FPPC)
Matthews has seen only 35 targets, but he’s turned them into 26 receptions and 4 TDs. The Dolphins’ offense seems to have taken off once Dan Campbell took over as head coach. Miami is at New England Thursday night, so the Dolphins might be forced to play catch-up. And that means the affordable Matthews could be very busy.
Stevie Johnson, Chargers, at Ravens, $3,200 (11.9 FPPC)
On paper, this looks like a matchup made in Heaven. All Chargers QB Philip Rivers does is throw the ball and all the Ravens’ secondary does is give up passing yards. Johnson returned to the lineup in Week 7 to catch 4 passes for 50 yards and should be in store for a bigger game Sunday.
Tight Ends
Crockett Gillmore, Ravens, vs. Chargers, $2,500 (10.7 FPPC)
Not many outside of die-hard football fans know who Crockett Gillmore is. But you should. Joe Flacco looks his way often, especially near the end zone. The Chargers are just so-so vs. opposing tight ends. Couple that with Gillmore’s basement price and he could be the sleeper play you’re looking for.
