In this article KFFL breaks down the fantasy football sleepers of the week. We will avoid marquee names because players of that caliber are rarely benched, regardless of their matchup. Instead, we will focus on the players that make your fantasy lineup decisions stressful each week. Read on to learn which midrange to low-end players you wouldn't necessarily consider that you need to get into your lineup.
Note: All statistics are from Week 3 to Week 6, unless otherwise stated.
Fantasy football sleepers: Wide receivers
Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Bowe knows end zone?
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Fantasy value: Midrange No. 1
- An object of fantasy and reality criticism, Bowe exploded against the Houston Texans for 108 yards and two scores on six catches. He had 17 targets in his last two games.
- Bowe has the chance to exploit another shaky defensive backfield in Week 7 against the Jags, who have allowed 13.75 catches, 198.8 yards and 2.00 touchdowns per game against this position. The 14.5 yards-per-catch average is among the 10 highest.
- In his Week 9 fight with the Jags in '09, Bowe caught four passes for 74 yards.
Patrick Crayton, San Diego Chargers vs. New England Patriots
Fantasy value: Low-end No. 2
- Malcom Floyd (hamstring) looks like he'll miss Week 7. Legedu Naanee (hamstring) and tight end Antonio Gates (toe) are hobbled. This could be another Crayton-filled week for San Diego. The wideout was looked at eight times last week with the aforementioned receiving options sidelined. Crayton looks to be more comfortable with the offense he joined as the season began.
- The Patriots' secondary - especially young cornerbacks Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington - has yielded 14.67 receptions, 189.7 yards and 1.00 touchdowns per game to the position.
- Crayton's matchup and target opportunity deserves a one-week play if you're looking for a rental. With a solid contribution, he could stick on more offensive reps even after Floyd returns.
Jason Avant, Philadelphia Eagles at Tennessee Titans
Fantasy value: Low-end No. 3
- DeSean Jackson (concussion) looks like a
no-go for Week 7. Avant had five catches for 62 yards on five targets in Week
6. He's already a reliable third-down, chain-moving option in this offense
but doesn't typically gain enough reps for fantasy consideration.
- With likely increased reps, Avant should fly this week. The Titans
have allowed 19.50 receptions, 231.5 yards and 0.75 touchdowns per game to
wideouts.
- If you need to fill a spot in Week 7, Avant has quickie value. Why not take
a chance on someone in this offense that seems to fly regardless of who's
under center?
NEW - Danario Alexander,
St. Louis Rams at Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
Fantasy value: Low-end No. 3
- Injuries both helped and hurt Alexander. He wasn't ready to fully contribute
until last week, but it's probably only because of injuries to so many St.
Louis wideouts that he was on the field. He caught four passes for 72 yards
and a score in his NFL debut.
- Tampa Bay is yielding only 9.33 receptions to this position per game (ninth
fewest), but opposing wideouts have stretched that for 150.3 yards (13th most).
They're averaging 16.1 yards per reception, which is the fifth most in the
league.
- The Bucs are tied for second with seven pass plays of 40-plus yards given
up. Until Laurent Robinson earns more PT,
Alexander could be the best deep threat for St. Louis. He hooked up with Sam
Bradford on a 38-yard score last week.
- If you need to build some depth at wide receiver, look to acquire Alexander.
He is available in around 87 percent of leagues polled.
About Tim Heaney

Tim's work has been featured by USA Today/Sports Weekly, among numerous publications, and recognized as a finalist in FSWA's awards. The Boston University alum competes in Tout Wars and LABR and has won numerous industry leagues in both baseball and football.
During baseball and football season, he's on The Reality Check with Glenn Clark every Wednesday on 1570 AM WNST in Baltimore. He hits the airwaves every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. ET on Sirius XM Fantasy Sports Radio, where he often crashes other shows, as well.
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