In most fantasy football leagues, Week 13 is the final week of the regular season. You might be desperate for a win and need one sleeper to put you over the top.
Or you might already be well set for the playoffs. Even if you are, you should be looking to add as much depth as possible for the postseason.
Either way, Touchdown Wire presents nine fantasy football sleepers for Week 13.
9. Russell Gage, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Gage could be a good player to start in the Thanksgiving night game with the Saints. He gradually has taken on a bigger role in the offense because so much defensive attention goes to Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. Gage had eight catches for 76 yards in Sunday’s loss to Tampa Bay. He should play a bigger role going forward.
8. David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns
Njoku is off the injured-reserve list and could return this week against the Steelers. Even if Njoku isn’t ready to play this week, he could be a factor in the fantasy playoffs.
7. Jack Doyle, TE, Indianapolis Colts
Erib Ebron (ankle) is out for the rest of the season. Doyle isn’t explosive, but he’s got dependable hands and could be a red-zone target. Plus, Doyle has favorable matchups coming up. He faces the Titans this week, followed by the Buccaneers.
6. N’Keal Harry, WR, New England Patriots
Keep a close eye on the status of Mohammed Sanu (ankle) and Phillip Dorsett (concussion). If either or both is out, Harry could be a good choice to play against a Houston defense that’s played the pass poorly recently. Harry had a touchdown against Dallas last week and should play a bigger role going forward.
5. Mecole Hardman, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
A popular sleeper target when Tyreek Hill was out early in the season, Hardman has been quiet lately. He has only six catches in the last five games. But Hill is dealing with a hamstring injury. Keep a close eye on Hill’s status. If Hill is out or limited, Hardman becomes a very good play.
4. Darius Slayton, WR, New York Giants
Golden Tate is in concussion protocol. Keep a close eye on his status. Slayton could be a good starter against the Eagles this week against Green Bay. Plus, the Giants have upcoming games against the Eagles, Dolphins and Redskins.
3. LeSean McCoy, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
McCoy is hit or miss, depending on Damien Williams’ status against Oakland this week. Williams has a rib injury. If he can’t play, McCoy could be the main ball carrier or he could split carries with Darrel Williams. McCoy is a risky play. But, if he does get the bulk of the carries, he could put up big numbers.
2. Benny Snell Jr., RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
It appears as though James Conner (shoulder) will miss Sunday’s game against Cleveland. That means Snell will be the feature back. Snell was in that role last week against the Bengals and ran for 98 yards. If Conner remains out, Snell is a good back for the playoffs because the Steelers face the Cardinals, Bills and Jets after the Browns.
1. Sam Darnold, QB, New York Jets
Darnold may still be a marginal starter in real life, but he’s a legitimate fantasy starter this week against the Bengals. Darnold has thrown seven touchdown passes with just one interception in his last three outings.
Pat Yasinskas has covered the NFL since 1993. He has worked for The Tampa Tribune, The Charlotte Observer and ESPN.com and writes for numerous national magazines and websites. He also has served as a voter for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
