Bryan Armetta shares his favorite fantasy football sleeper picks before Week 9 of the NFL season continues on Sunday.
Congrats, you survived last weekend’s bye-mageddon. Here’s the bad news: injuries (and more bye weeks) are still wreaking havoc across the NFL. For most fantasy managers, that means getting creative when setting your lineups. Which lesser-known players could make an impact on Sunday?
Here are three sleepers that could help you win a DraftKings DFS or season-long fantasy matchup.
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RB Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears at CIN ($4,600)
At this point, Kyle Monangai isn’t much of a sleeper. Regardless, the running back is poised for a potential breakout performance on Sunday. Bears starter D’Andre Swift (groin) has been ruled out this weekend. That means Chicago will turn to their seventh-round rookie out of the backfield. Through seven games this season, Monangai has gained 247 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.
Over Chicago’s previous two games, Monangai has garnered 20 total rush attempts en route to 105 rushing yards. That was while playing second-fiddle to Swift. Now, with limited competition, 15+ touches feels like the minimum. It helps that this week’s opponents, the Bengals, are atrocious on defense. Cincinnati has coughed up the most fantasy points in football to opposing running backs. Monangai is the 30th-most expensive RB1 available on Sunday. $4,600 is simply too low given this promising matchup.
WR Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts at PIT ($4,400)
Indianapolis is the talk of the AFC, and for good reason. The one-loss Colts are an offensive juggernaut, thanks in large part to running back Jonathan Taylor ($9,800). With that being said, this group can sling the ball as well. Outside of Michael Pittman Jr. ($5,900), Indy wields a talented group of pass-catchers. Josh Downs hasn’t been lighting the world on fire thus far. Still, he’s delivered a respectable 29-catch, 256-yard campaign.
Downs has found the end zone in each of his previous two outings. There’s a chance he does so again this weekend on the road. Pittsburgh’s secondary has been atrocious for most of the season, allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers. However, the Steelers have been noticeably better at defending the run. If the Colts are forced to throw it more often, there should be extra work for Downs. Whether he scores another touchdown or not, the slot specialist is someone to consider on Sunday.
TE Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears at CIN ($3,300)
Let’s head back to Cincinnati, where the Bears are looking to bounce back on offense. Quarterback Caleb Williams ($5,700) has looked much better in Year 2, utilizing several talented receivers. That hasn’t applied to tight end, a position the Bears have invested heavily in. First-round pick Colston Loveland has only hauled in 11 catches for 116 yards so far. Still, the Illinois alum isn’t lacking in talent. It’s only a matter of time until production matches talent.
Perhaps Loveland’s big breakout comes on Sunday. As previously mentioned, the Bengals are an embarrassment on defense. In addition to their struggles up front, the team has also allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends. Cincinnati has allowed ten touchdowns to the position so far; the next-closest teams have only given up six. Loveland has seen nine combined targets over his previous two appearances. If Williams continues looking his way, this dirt-cheap price tag will be a steal.