It’s Week 16 of the fantasy football season the final day of the season for those in fantasy football championship games. If you are looking for an unexpected roster replacement or an inexpensive starter for your daily fantasy lineup, here are players who could help.
These deep sleepers are players flying under the radar whose matchups suggest they could have a big game in Week 16. Just remember, they are risky fantasy plays given the other options likely available.
QB Drew Lock, Denver Broncos
Despite last week’s struggles, Lock has been solid in his previous two starts completing 40 passes on 55 attempts for 443 yards and 5 touchdowns. This week, Lock plays a Detroit Lions pass defense allowing 301 passing yards (second most) and 2.1 touchdowns (fourth most) per game. The rookie Lock should finish with top ten numbers. Expect near 300 yards and multiple touchdowns.
RB Tarik Cohen, Chicago Bears
The Bears are much better team when they get Cohen the football in games. The Bears play a Chiefs rush defense which allows a 57 receiving yards per game and the third most receiving touchdowns to running backs. As the Bears could struggle passing the football to their wide receivers, expect Cohen to have a larger role than usual. He’s in line for a total of 60 to 80 all-purpose yards and a score on 5 to 7 receptions. He’s a solid RB2 or flex-play in PPR leagues.
WR Greg Ward, Philadelphia Eagles
In back-to-back weeks, Ward has been targeted 9 times and last week scored his first career touchdown. Ward will continue being highly targeted as the Eagles number one with both Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor out. Ward is generally ranked outside the top forty by most prognosticators. This week, the Eagles passing attack takes on a Dallas Cowboys pass defense, allowing 136 yards and near one touchdown per game to wide receivers. The Eagles will play much better this time around with an NFC South divisional championship on the line. Ward should has his best game as a pro with 80 to 100 yards and a score. He’s a great play in PPR leagues.
TE Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles
Goedert’s role has increased with the injuries to Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor. Over three games he’s collected 14 of 19 passes for 162 yards but zero touchdowns. This week Goedert should get into the end zone and score his fifth touchdown of the season. It’s just time.
Redskins defense/special teams
Before playing the Eagles last week, the Redskins defense totaled 17 sacks, 3 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries, and one defensive touchdown while allowing an average of 19 points per game. Still, the unit, who is playing at home, is ranked just outside the top 16 of most rankings even playing against a Giants offense which has struggled most of the season. The Redskins defense / special teams are in line for a top ten finish.
Jim Saranteas, aka "The Fantasy Greek," is a contributing writer for Ourlads.com, part of the USA TODAY Network.