Yahoo Sports Week 7 fantasy deep sleepers and DFS bargains: Five discounted options with upside
It’s time for a weekend edition of Deep Sleepers and DFS Bargains. Some last-minute active (Isaiah Crowell) and inactive (Nick Vannett) announcements put a wrench in my picks, but two players still panned out. Chester Rogers and Mohamed Sanu found the end zone, providing fantasy owners with top-30 finishes). Let’s see if we can get some production out of other positions this go-around.
To review … all of these players are owned in less than 60 percent of Yahoo leagues (at time of writing) and/or are a significant value in our daily game. They’re not the obvious picks, and they’re not without their risks, but that’s why they’re so cheap and available! I’d never advocate taking all of these guys, but rather utilizing them if a manager were in a pinch at a position or aiming to build a “stars and scrubs” sort of DFS lineup.
Jermaine Kearse, WR, New York Jets ($12)
Immediately stepping in (and up) after Quincy Enunwa (ankle) exited Week 6 vs. the Colts, Kearse absorbed 9 of 10 targets for 94 yards. Enunwa – who has averaged seven looks per game and nearly 25 percent of the Jets’ target share – is expected to sit this Sunday. Terrelle Pryor (groin) – who has scored in back-to-back outings – is additionally doubtful to play, which further boosts Kearse’s potential volume.
While a matchup against the Vikings secondary isn’t ideal, it is worth noting that Minnesota’s slot corner, Mike Hughes, will be sidelined due to an ACL tear. This means that Kearse is likely to see a lot of Mackensie Alexander, who has given up the ninth-most receptions (13) and seventh-most receiving yards (144) on the season. Considering the matchup and the volume, Kearse offers WR3 appeal in PPR friendly formats. Expect to see more out of Bilal Powell as well.
Marlon Mack, RB, Indianapolis Colts ($17)
After missing four of his last six games, the Mack is officially back. Returning from a hamstring injury in Week 6, the second-year player led Indy’s backfield with 13 touches for 93 total yards. With Robert Turbin (shoulder) out and Jordan Wilkins relegated to the bench, Mack figures to feast on early downs and goal-line carries. Squaring off against the Bills’ eighth-ranked rushing defense won’t be easy, but the Bills have been notably more generous to opposing RBs on the road. Given the scarcity of the position, Mack should be considered a top-28 play come Sunday.
Frank Gore, RB, Miami Dolphins ($18)
Father Time may be undefeated, but Gore isn’t ready to give up the fight just yet. With 20 evaded tackles on the season (RB14) and a juke rate of over 30 percent (RB8), the 35-year-old continues to troll ageist fantasy footballers. Over the past three weeks Gore’s carries have steadily increased, culminating in a season-high 15 totes for 101 rushing yards in the team’s Week 6 victory over Chicago.
While Kenyan Drake may be Miami’s preferred weapon on passing downs, Gore leads the team in rushing attempts and yards. He’s also been successful in his attempts, averaging nearly 80 scrimmage yards over his past three outings, which ranks him inside the top-20 producers at the position. This Sunday, the Ageless Wonder will take on a Detroit Lions run defense that’s allowing 5.3 YPC and the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing RBs. Gore is the Yahoo Fantasy consensus RB30 heading into Week 7.
C.J. Uzomah, TE, Cinncinati Bengals ($15)
With Tyler Eifert (ankle) and Tyler Kroft (foot) missing significant time, Uzomah’s usage has seen a massive uptick. On the field for over 90 percent of the team’s snaps since Week 5, Uzomah has cleared 40 yards in back-to-back weeks. Reeling in 6 of 7 balls for 54 yards in Week 6, the Auburn product was tied with Joe Mixon for third in team targets, behind A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd (so many Tylers in Cincy).
In Week 7, he’ll travel to Arrowhead to take on a Chiefs defense that’s allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Given the matchup’s high-flying potential – the over/under for total points is currently set at 58.5 – Uzomah figures to get plenty of opportunities. He’s a top-12 play (ahead of Greg Olsen, but behind Kyle Rudolph) heading into this weekend’s action.
Gerald Everett, TE, Los Angeles Rams ($10)
With Cooper Kupp in and out of the Rams’ last two contests, Everett has seen his opportunities increase. While he’s only managed 24 yards in two straight games, it’s worth noting that his targets have steadily gone up. More interesting is the fact that Kupp’s absence has coincided with a bump in red zone looks for the second-year tight end, as Everett has drawn a total of three over the last two weeks. In Week 7, he’ll face a 49ers squad that’s coming off a short week in which they gave up 104 yards to Jimmy Graham.
Dig Deep with Liz on Twitter @LizLoza_FF.
