Five Week 7 Sleepers to Watch Out For

As we gear up for the bulk of Week 7 action, it’s quite apparent that injuries and poor performances have had a huge impact on most fantasy rosters this year. With a ton of top fantasy producers going down with injuries recently, owners spent the week combing the waiver wire for some new faces, hoping to fill the void in their roster. Here’s a look at five under-the-radar guys who could have big games this week.

Josh Freeman - Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings

Freeman taking over the starting job for the Vikings couldn’t have come at a better time for him. He's lucky enough to take on the New York Giants on Monday Night Football this week, who have the sixth-worst efficiency score this season defensively and are allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks (22.0 per game). They're also giving up an average of 268 passing yards per game.

With Adrian Peterson hampered by hamstring issues, Freeman could be in line for a big day - especially with his talented targets like Greg Jennings, Kyle Rudolph and Cordarrelle Patterson.

Joseph Randle - Running Back, Dallas Cowboys

With DeMarco Murray listed as doubtful and highly unlikely to play this week, Randle will get the start. Randle is a quality runner with good vision and also possesses great hands out of the backfield. The Cowboys have shown they aren’t afraid to feed Murray the ball, so if they can do the same this week with Randle, he could crack RB2 territory against the Washington Redskins’ 19th-ranked defense. Washington is allowing 21.2 fantasy points-per-game to opposing running backs this season, too, which is good news for Murray owners looking to patch their lineup with Randle. The numberFire projections currently have Randle as a the 27th-best running back option this week.

Jarrett Boykin - Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers

Boykin saw more meaningful playing time last week than he has ever in his career and he struggled, missing three easy catches because of poor route running. He did redeem himself slightly with a huge 43-yard reception (his only of the day) to set up a Packers score. This week, Boykin will likely be the team’s number two receiver behind Jordy Nelson, as James Jones may be seriously limited, if he even plays. The sheer number of targets Boykin is likely to receive from Aaron Rodgers in this position gives him the potential for a big day.

Brandon LaFell - Wide Receiver, Carolina Panthers

LaFell has seen an increased role in the Panthers offense recently, which has benefited the team and helped balance things out opposite Steve Smith. The Panthers return home after walking all over the Vikings last week, and play host to the St. Louis Rams and their 30th-ranked defense in terms of numberFire's efficiency scores. The Rams are allowing opposing running backs 23.8 fantasy points this season and giving up nearly 260 passing yards per game. With Cortland Finnegan struggling heavily this year, there isn’t enough talent in St. Louis’ secondary to shutdown the Panthers receivers - look for LaFell to have a sneaky-good day.

Greg Jennings - Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings

If Freeman is going to have a good day, his receivers are obviously going to benefit. Jennings is one of the best in the league at racking up yards after the catch and is a sure-handed, veteran target Freeman would be smart to lean on. The Giants are allowing 24.5 fantasy points to receivers this year, so expect Freeman to prosper Monday night.