What's up RotoBallers. Welcome to my deeper standard fantasy football sleepers column for Week 3 of the NFL season. In this weekly article we are going to take a look at some deeper waiver wire sleepers who could help out your team in this upcoming week.
For reference's sake, we are looking at standard scoring leagues and will be using ownership percentage data from Fleaflicker. In order to qualify as a deep sleeper, a player must be 20% owned or less. Let's get to the picks!
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Quarterback
Trevor Siemian (QB, DEN) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
(Ownership: 16%)
Siemian, mostly unheard of before the season began, has done an admirable job quarterbacking the Denver offense. Head coach Gary Kubiak has been smart enough to put him in situations where he can find success and the reinvigorated C.J. Anderson has taken a good deal of pressure off of the second-year quarterback. A matchup against Cincinnati isn't ideal, but the pickings are slim at the quarterback position once you drop below the 20% ownership threshold.
While the Bengals do have a solid defense, they can be exploited through the air as they have allowed five passing scores through the first two weeks of the season. Siemian still has two great receivers to target in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, along with the aforementioned C.J. Anderson.
Running Back
Dwayne Washington (RB, DET) @ Green Bay Packers
(Ownership: 5%)
Washington, a rookie, is due for a sizable role increase with Ameer Abdullah expected to miss at least next week and probably longer with a foot injury. Washington will have to split time with Theo Riddick, who is expected to start, but he is looking at a nice opportunity in front of him. With that being said, Riddick checks in at 5'9" and 201 pounds and is more of a pass-catching specialist. Washington weighs 223 pounds and could immediately slide in as Detroit's goal line back, giving him instant value especially in standard formats.
Lions head coach Jim Caldwell has already told the Detroit Free Press that he expects Washington to see an increased role with Abdullah out. While the Packers have a tough run defense, Washington makes for an excellent standard league sleeper in deeper leagues. If Detroit finds themselves in a running situation on the goal line, expect Washington to get a few cracks at the end zone.
Wide Receiver
Quincy Enunwa (NYJ) @ Kansas City Chiefs
(Ownership: 12%)
Enunwa has certainly carved out a nice role for himself in the Jets' passing game. The third-year receiver has already seen 14 targets through the first two weeks of the season, turning those into 13 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown. In just two weeks, Enunwa has already become Ryan Fitzpatrick's third option in the passing game behind Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. The Jets run enough spread formations for Enunwa to see the field often. So far through two weeks he's been in on 75% of offensive snaps.
Star receiver Brandon Marshall is expected to play in Week 3, but he did suffer a twisted knee in Week 2. If he were to leave the game or play at a less effective level than normal, Enunwa would stand to see a larger role. I also looked at Cole Beasley for the receiver position, but he's more of a PPR option.
Tight End
Dennis Pitta (BAL) @ Jacksonville Jaguars
(Ownership: 8%)
Pitta and Joe Flacco rekindled their bromance in Week 2 as the big tight end was targeted 12 times, coming away with nine catches for 102 yards against the Browns. Pitta, once upon a time, was one of Joe Flacco's favorite targets before two hip injuries sidetracked his career for a few years. Now back and fully healthy, Pitta should thrive in the pass-happy Marc Trestman offense in Baltimore.
He draws a favorable opponent in Week 3 when he will take on a Jaguars defense that was one of the worst in the league against tight ends in 2015. According to Football Outsiders, Jacksonville ranked 28th in DVOA against tight ends in 2015.
Defense/Special Teams
Miami Dolphins (MIA) vs. Cleveland Browns
(Ownership: 15%)
Another week, another opportunity to target the Browns with a fantasy defense. The matchup is even tastier than it was last week as reports are that the Browns plan to start untested rookie Cody Kessler. It is doubtful that Kessler is ready to make this start, but the team doesn't have another choice as he's the only quarterback on the roster. Miami has a lot of talent on the defensive line, and the combination of a bad Cleveland offensive line and a rookie quarterback starting in his first game on the road could be fantasy gold for anyone who starts the Dolphins this week.
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