RADIO
We have somehow managed to escape Week 7 without any significant injuries to top fantasy contributors. Yes, Carson Palmer and Jay Cutler were knocked out, but speaking purely from a fantasy perspective, this was as tame of a week as we could hope for.
With that in mind, you'll notice some more repeat names than usual this week. A lack of movers and shakers means it's time to revisit some players who may have slipped through the cracks in your league. As always, each player listed is owned in 20% or less in Yahoo leagues.
Here are some deeper PPR-league sleepers for Week 8. All ownership percentages are from Yahoo leagues.
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Deeper PPR Sleepers For Week 8
Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington - RBs, Oakland Raiders (12% and 4% Owned)
Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington are going to be on every waiver wire article you read this week. With this being a list geared toward deeper leagues, there's a decent chance either or both of these backs are already owned. I list them here as a reminder that the most obvious names are worth repeating. With Marshawn Lynch suspended for a game, both Richard and Washington have flex appeal in week eight. It may be a one week rental, but you never know how much more work they could earn in the event either of them puts up monster numbers.
Bennie Fowler - WR, Denver Broncos (13% Owned)
Speaking of potential one week rentals, Bennie Fowler will continue to see increased usage if Emmanuel Sanders misses a second straight game. Fowler caught all five of his targets for 45 yards in Sunday's shutout loss to Denver. The Charger offense predictably struggled but a week eight matchup with a burnable Chiefs secondary is on deck. Fowler has the potential to blow up on Monday night football so he's worth a flier for those looking for immediate help at receiver.
Benjamin Watson - TE, Baltimore Ravens (13% Owned)
For those of you who like to stream tight end, Benjamin Watson is the top add of the week. Watson has quietly racked up mid-level TE2 numbers, a respectable feat for a 36-year old veteran on a weak offense. In fact, the weakness of this offense actually benefits Watson. The Ravens are losing weapons like crazy with Mike Wallace the latest to succumb to the injury bug. Jeremy Maclin, Breshard Perriman, and Terrance West are all still dealing with some ailments so there's room for Watson's role to grow. With at least 8.8 points in PPR scoring in five out of the last six games, Watson should have no issue taking advantage of a Miami defense that's surrendered the seventh most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.
Josh Doctson - WR, Washington Redskins (14% Owned)
It's clear that the Redskins are willing to spread the ball around with only Chris Thompson and Jordan Reed in line for guaranteed targets. Having said that, Josh Doctson may be the team's answer at wide receiver. Coach Jay Gruden said he wanted to get Doctson more involved so it's no surprise his target total went up to five on Monday night. More important than his production, however, is that Doctson played more snaps (54) than Terrelle Pryor (30.) There may be a changing of the guard here and WR needy owners would be wise to consider stashing Doctson on the bench.
JuJu Smith-Schuster - WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (15% Owned)
Between all the noise surrounding Martavis Bryant and JuJu Smith-Schuster slowly improving, this is a name worth repeating. The target share still favors Bryant but it's JuJu who has a clearer path to maintaining the No. 2 role. Every narrative you can conjure up favors Smith-Schuster. Bryant is now a struggling receiver in a diminished role with off the field issues that wants to be traded. What else do you need to hear to convince you that these two have traded places? Even if Bryant isn't traded or suspended, JuJu Smith-Schuster is the second Steelers receiver you want right now.
