We looked at Week 13 as a time to play the hits, not the sleepers — every NFL team had a game last week. And predictably, the sleeper page had modest returns. At least we can say players like Colston Loveland, Devin Neal and Brenton Strange continued to show they belong on fantasy teams. Keep making your roster stronger.
Let’s see what unpolished gems could be waiting for us in Week 14.
WR Isaac TeSlaa vs. Cowboys (9%)
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s status is the key here — if he can somehow play Thursday, TeSlaa loses fantasy juice. But when TeSlaa has been asked to play, he’s popped — he has 100 yards and three touchdowns on just 11 targets. He was a star during the preseason, too.
WR Adonai Mitchell vs. Dolphins (21%)
Mitchell’s game is getting downfield and gobbling up air yards, so he’ll always be a high-volatility player. But the Jets probably got a steal when they traded for Mitchell, a second-round pick who is just 23. Coming off a 12-target game and a lovely 8-102-1 return, Mitchell needs to be rescued off the waiver wire, even if you’re just blocking him from your opponents.
RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. at Vikings (34%)
He’s not a ceiling play, as Rodriguez is basically a zero in the passing game and he’s tied to an ordinary offense. But he does have touchdowns in 4-of-6 starts and he’s collected 44 carries in four weeks. Anyone with this consistent a role is going to hold fantasy value. Minnesota presents an average matchup.
TE Darren Waller at Jets (35%)
His return was useful for a fantasy TE (2-47-0) and even if you don’t need Waller in this spot, consider the upcoming schedule. Pittsburgh (Week 15) and Cincinnati (Week 16) have been horrible with seam coverage all year, and Waller has turned his 12 catches into four touchdowns — he’s still dynamic in the red zone.
WR Devaughn Vele at Buccaneers (7%)
He’s worked into the mix in New Orleans, earning 15 targets over two weeks and posting an 8-93-1 line at Miami. The Saints use a concentrated target tree and play at a faster pace than most offenses, so there might be more juice here than immediately meets the eye. Tampa Bay is also a pass-funnel defense, which pushes Vele into sleeper consideration.
QB Marcus Mariota at Vikings (10%)
Here’s another injury-contingent pick, as it’s possible Jayden Daniels will return this week. But if he doesn’t, we should be mindful that Mariota has been effective for three straight weeks (QB3, QB9, QB13) and he’s now working with Terry McLaurin. Mariota might be someone’s starting QB next year.
TE Colby Parkinson at Cardinals (2%)
Touchdown equity is usually the selling point for a tight end sleeper, and Parkinson checks that box — he’s spiked three times in four games, and secured 14 catches in four weeks. With Tyler Higbee (ankle) unavailable, Parkinson has become the third pitch in the L.A. passing game. Arizona also presents a plus matchup.
