Streaming Sleepers: Week 6

Each week, Streaming Sleepers will highlight at least five non-QB skill-position players and one team defense that currently have start or roster rates of 20% or less in season-long leagues but may be prudent options this week due to matchups and other circumstances, particularly in deeper formats. 

Additionally, the plays suggested here could be viable DFS large-field tournament options for the coming slate and are likely to carry modest ownership rates in that format as well.

Mason Taylor, NYJ vs. DEN - 8% start rate 

Taylor’s gradual but undeniable ascension in the Jets’ offense continued in the Week 5 loss to the Cowboys, as the talented tight end set new career bests in receptions, receiving yards and targets for the second consecutive contest. Taylor’s 9-67-0 line on 12 targets pushed his totals over the last two games to 14 receptions for 132 yards (19 targets). 

With the Broncos’ cornerbacks typically presenting prohibitive matchups on the perimeter and Justin Fields not exactly the most reliable quarterback for tight-window throws, would it be surprising in the least to see Taylor have another busy afternoon in this London matchup? Denver has allowed a 20-213-1 receiving line to TEs over the first five games, and Taylor could well help bloat those numbers further Sunday.

Troy Franklin, DEN vs. NYJ - 8% start rate

Turning our attention to the other side of the overseas matchup, Franklin is also an intriguing option for those needing some help at receiver in Week 6. Bo Nix’s former college teammate hasn’t hit for a true breakout effort yet, but he does sport an 8-89-1 line already this season against the Colts and has at least five targets in all but one game.

Franklin has 13 targets overall in the last pair of contests, and Sauce Gardner figures to devote almost all his attention to Courtland Sutton, in much the same manner as he did with George Pickens in Week 5. That helped lead to a 108-yard day for Ryan Flournoy, and it could also result in a productive showing for Franklin in a game where Denver is already projected for 25.5 points and rising.

Michael Carter, ARI at IND - 16% start rate

Any question about whether Carter would take on the full James Conner/Trey Benson lead role in the Cardinals’ ground attack was answered in Week 5, when the veteran handled 23 touches. Those netted 73 total yards and a rushing touchdown, and Carter encouragingly drew five targets in a role reminiscent of the one he often filled during his first two years with the Jets.

Even when factoring out the soul-crushing fumble Emari Demercado was guilty of at the goal line in Week 5 that earned the wrath of head coach Jonathan Gannon, the speedy change-of-pace back appeared destined for a complementary role while Benson was out. That appears to be even more cemented now, and Carter’s expected opportunity against a Colts defense allowing 4.5 RB yards per carry and the sixth-most open-field yards per attempt (1.40) puts him in play.

Romeo Doubs, GB vs. CIN - 16% start rate

It’s a tough call here between Doubs and Matthew Golden, and the latter, who’s also sporting a 16% start rate as of Wednesday, is likewise worthy of consideration against a Bengals defense that’s surrendered 262.3 passing yards per road game. I’ll break toward Doubs, who’s certainly coming out of the Packers’ Week 5 bye in the good graces of fantasy managers after a three-touchdown effort against the Cowboys in the Week 4 OT tie.

The three trips to the end zone are naturally an outlier, but his inclusion here isn’t based on the expectation of multiple touchdowns. Rather, Doubs naturally has proven chemistry with Jordan Love beyond that of his rookie teammate, and while Golden has more of a downfield profile, Doubs is more adept in the short-to-intermediate passing windows where he sees higher-percentage throws that have helped lead to a career-best 68.4% catch rate.

Tyquan Thornton, KC vs. DET - 3% start rate 

Thornton’s start rate remains very low considering he’s coming off having posted a season-best 90 receiving yards in Week 5 against the Jaguars. The speedy fourth-year pro remains involved despite Xavier Worthy’s availability the last two games, a development that arguably even helps Thornton on most weeks considering the defensive attention he draws.

The opponent in this primetime showdown – not to mention the Chiefs’ 2-3 record – should certainly require KC’s air attack to remain aggressive, which naturally puts Thornton, who has three games with 59 receiving yards or more, on our radar. Additionally, Detroit is surrendering 10.4 yards per completion per road game, along with 14.5 yards per reception to WRs overall. The Lions are also now down Terrion Arnold (shoulder) in the secondary in addition to Khalil Dorsey (concussion), forcing them to dig deep into their defensive-back pool.

New England Patriots Defense at New Orleans Saints- 18% start rate

The Patriots defense has started to get healthier, and the combination of that and Mike Vrabel’s influence is starting to pay some dividends. That certainly was evident in the signature Week 5 win over the Bills in Buffalo, a game where New England netted three turnovers and a sack while limiting Josh Allen and co. to 20 points. The Pats now face a Saints squad ranked No. 27 in points per game (18.4) and No. 24 in yards per game (307.2).

The Pats have held opponents to 21 points or fewer in all but one game thus far, and New England has four interceptions to go along with 11 sacks. The Pats are also doing a standout job against the run (3.2 RB yards per carry allowed, No. 1 ranking in stuffed rate), helping to tilt teams toward the pass (61.1% pass play percentage faced on road). When that happens with Spencer Rattler, the chances of sacks and turnovers certainly go up. 

ALSO CONSIDER ::

Evan Engram, DEN vs. NYJ - 19% start rate

Scored his first TD as a Bronco in Week 5 and Jets have conceded a 71% catch rate and league-high five TDs to TEs. 

Tre Tucker, LVR vs. TEN - 14% start rate

Tucker posted a 4-62 line in Week 5, has three games with at least six targets, and now faces a Titans squad allowing 12.8 yards per grab to WRs.

Josh Downs, IND vs. ARI - 12% start rate

Downs has between five and eight targets in three of the last four games – including 13 over the last two contests specifically – posting a 10-78-0 line in the latter span. Arizona is also tied for third-most receptions (68) and seventh-most receiving yards (798) surrendered to WRs. 

Jake Tonges, SF at TB- 4% roster rate

Tonges posted a season-best 7-41-1 line in the Week 5 win over the Rams, and with George Kittle (hamstring) still expected out this week, the former is a consideration vs. Tampa Bay’s TE-friendly defense (81.8% catch rate and four TDs, including two in Week 5, allowed to the position).

Harold Fannin Jr., CLE at PIT - 12% start rate

Good rapport with Dillon Gabriel in first game together and has between four and nine targets in every game while filling a versatile role.