Streaming Sleepers: Week 7

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.

Jordan Addison, MIN vs. PHI - 14% start rate 

Addison has had an interesting season to say the least, opening the campaign on a three-game suspension and then receiving a brief benching just two games in. However, the third-year wideout has been effective when on the field, producing a 9-155-1 line on 14 targets.

Those numbers have come with Carson Wentz under center, and it’s possible this matchup against the defending champs sees Addison play his first regular-season snaps with J.J. McCarthy (ankle) as his QB. However, irrespective of who’s throwing him the ball, Addison should retain a solid level of involvement in a potential wire-to-wire battle against an Eagles defense surrendering the third-most receiving yards per game to WR2s (70.1).

Kendrick Bourne, SF vs. ATL - 17% start rate

Bourne’s start rate following back-to-back 142-yard efforts certainly jumps off the screen, and despite the fact it’s a tough Falcons defense on the docket for the veteran receiver, it’s difficult not to give him consideration in what should be another week where he fills an elevated role. As of late Tuesday, the status of Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall and even George Kittle is still up in the air, not to mention Brock Purdy’s as well. 

Much like Addison and Wentz have been in sync, Bourne has shown excellent chemistry with Mac Jones, so he may actually benefit if the latter gets at least one more start. Bourne has drawn 20 total targets in the last two games, taking three of his 15 catches in that span for 20+ yards, including two for 40+. The Falcons just did a number on Josh Allen and co., but Bourne could well be one of the main targets once again for whoever is at the controls of the Niners offense.

Harold Fannin Jr., CLE vs. MIA - 16% start rate

Fannin has already had several solid performances and multiple appearances in this column, including last week. The rookie tight end most recently produced a 7-81-0 line on 10 targets against the Steelers in Week 6, with David Njoku’s early exit due to a knee injury playing a role in Fannin’s best all-around effort yet. 

The Bowling Green product has displayed strong rapport with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, and he may operate as the No. 1 tight end against a Dolphins defense that’s been a fantasy target all season. Miami has surrendered a 36-410-3 receiving line and 80% catch rate to TEs, and Fannin could therefore be set for a second straight productive afternoon.

Kimani Vidal, LAC vs. IND - 18% start rate

Vidal has been an extremely popular waiver-wire add this week and is destined to enjoy a high roster rate in Week 7 DFS tournaments as well, making him the quintessential candidate for this hybrid column. The 2024 sixth-round pick’s 18-carry, 124-yard performance against the Dolphins – which also included a 3-14-1 receiving line – seemingly came out of nowhere, but it bears noting Vidal was a 1,661-yard, 14-TD rusher at Troy in 2023, his final college season.

The second-year pro seemingly took full control of the lead-back role with his performance versus Miami, and he should therefore be a central figure again in what could be one of the most competitive games of the Week 7 slate. The opposing Colts have allowed 4.27 RB yards per carry and are ranked 24th in second-level yards per carry surrendered (1.35), while the compact Vidal (5-foot-8, 215 pounds) is averaging an impressive 3.0 yards after contact per carry.

Cade Otton, TB at DET - 8% start rate 

Otton has gone from forgotten man in Tampa Bay’s offense to start the season to a key component as fellow pass catchers have gone down around him. The veteran tight end boasts a combined a 9-132-0 line on 11 targets over the last two games, despite running a modest 22 routes during that span. Monday night’s visit to Detroit is undoubtedly going to require Tampa Bay to be aggressive on offense with whatever personnel is available, and Otton figures to be in the middle of that action. 

The Lions have given up a 29-316-3 receiving line to tight ends through six games, and safety Brian Branch’s one-game suspension, if it holds on appeal, represents yet another absence for Detroit’s secondary. Consequently, Otton could find some room to operate over the middle as one of Baker Mayfield’s primary targets in Ford Field’s offense-friendly environment. Finally, it bears noting another reason the Bucs may well lean into a pass-centric approach despite the shortages at receiver is the fact Detroit defense is surrendering just 3.99 RB yards per carry.

Chicago Bears Defense vs. New Orleans Saints- 8% roster rate

The Browns defense (vs. Dolphins) is also an intriguing candidate this week yet checks in with a 29% start rate, but Chicago is a very good pivot in a home game against the Saints, who we targeted in Week 6 with the Patriots defense. New Orleans does have talent at the skill positions and Spencer Rattler has been very good about ball security with just one INT so far, but the Bears have been disruptive all season and are getting healthier.

T.J. Edwards returned to action Monday night against the Commanders and was instantly a force against Washington’s run game with nine tackles. Kyler Gordon also made his season debut in that game after dealing with a hamstring injury to this point, and even with those talented performers playing all of one total game (Edwards) prior to Week 6, the Bears have accumulated an NFC-high eight INTs while collecting eight sacks, four fumble recoveries and one defensive TD. 

ALSO CONSIDER ::

Oronde Gadsden II, LAC vs. IND - 1% start rate

Already has seven- and eight-target games – the latter in Week 6 – and appears to have taken the TE1 role from Will Dissly ahead of a matchup against a Colts squad that’s allowed a 37-339-2 line to the position.  

Luther Burden III, CHI vs. NO- 2% start rate

Posted a career-high four catches and four targets in Week 6 vs. Commanders and could bump up depth chart if DJ Moore (groin) is sidelined against a Saints defense that’s surrendered 13.5 yards per reception and eight TDs to WRs.

Josh Downs, IND at LAC - 15% start rate

Downs has between five and eight targets in four of the last five games – 15 over the last two contests specifically – posting a 12-96-1 line in the latter span. The Chargers have given up 12.1 yards per catch to WRs, while Downs is up to a career-best 76.5% catch rate.

Michael Mayer, LVR at KC - 1% start rate

Likely looking at another start in place of Brock Bowers (knee) after posting a 5-50-1 line on seven targets in his stead vs. Tennessee, and he now faces a Chiefs defense surrendering an 85.1% catch rate to TEs.

Kayshon Boutte, NE at TEN - 3% start rate

Reemerged in offense vs. Saints in Week 6 with a 5-93-2 line; now faces a Titans defense allowing a 72.0% catch rate to WRs and the second-highest yards per completion per home game (12.6).