Bryan Armetta shares his favorite fantasy football sleeper picks before Week 15 of the NFL season continues on Sunday.
We’ve finally made it: the fantasy football playoffs. For a shot at the championship, that means perfection from here on out. Still, bad luck can strike at any given moment. Injuries are running rampant across the NFL, putting managers in a difficult spot. While nobody wants to utilize the waiver wire this late, there may not be any other choice.
Which under the radar players should you be targeting this weekend? Here are three sleepers that could help you win a DraftKings DFS or season-long fantasy matchup.
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RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders ($4,400)
Jayden Daniels (elbow) is out this weekend, leaving an already banged-up Washington offense in a precarious position. Backup Marcus Mariota ($5,000) will be tasked with leading the Commanders to their fourth win of the season on Sunday. To make matters worse, Pro Bowl wideout Deebo Samuel (illness) is questionable to play. Still, points may not be too hard to come by against the last-place Giants, one of the NFL’s worst defensive units. New York has surrendered 5.8 yards per rush attempt to opponents, last in all of football.
In recent weeks, Chris Rodriguez Jr. ($4,900) has emerged as Washington’s top option out of the backfield. However, he’s currently listed as questionable due to a groin injury. Even if Rodriguez does suit up, a limited workload is likely. That may lead to more usage for Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The rookie has failed to live up to a massive preseason hype campaign. Still, he’s flashed potential on several occasions. Last week vs. Minnesota, the 24-year-old gained 32 yards on seven carries (4.6 YPC). Mariota’s return under center means more rush attempts should be in store for the Commanders, as well. Given how hard it is to find quality running backs, JCM makes sense at his current price tag.
WR Andrei Iosivas, Cincinnati Bengals ($4,100)
Tee Higgins (concussion) is sidelined yet again, hampering Cincinnati’s offense. However, Joe Burrow ($6,600) is in at quarterback, elevating the fantasy floor for all Bengals pass catchers. Other than JaMarr Chase ($8,100), there aren’t many proven wideouts in the Queen City. That means more production should be in store for WR3 Andrei Iosivas. This season, the Princeton alum has snagged 26 catches for 363 yards and two touchdowns. No other Cincinnati receiver, other than Higgins and Chase, has accounted for more than seven receptions.
Iosivas has already proven he can contribute in a larger role. In three of his previous five games, the 26-year-old has tallied at least ten fantasy points. That included a 29-yard touchdown on Thanksgiving against this week’s opponent, the Ravens. Baltimore has surrendered the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. With all eyes on Chase, Cincinnati’s ‘other’ option should have ample opportunity to contribute on Sunday.
TE Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens ($3,400)
We’ll stick around in Cincy for the final pick on this list. Mark Andrews ($3,900) has been a mainstay in Baltimore, but his offensive output has been lacking recently. As a result, backup tight end Isaiah Likely has seen his workload gradually increase. Through ten games, the Coastal Carolina alum has recorded 22 catches for 248 yards and a touchdown. That may not sound too impressive, but the Ravens haven’t been at 100% this season. MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson ($6,400) has only taken the field ten times so far.
Likely has never been the most consistent player, but he’s always good for a few blow-up games. Over Baltimore’s previous two outings, the four-year pro has notched nine catches for 120 yards and a touchdown (26 FPTS). That includes a five-catch, 95-yard performance against the Bengals in Week 12. This season, Cincinnati has coughed up the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Last Sunday, Likely garnered 60% of the Ravens’s offensive snaps. That bodes well for his chances at a terrific showing in Week 15.