Wide receiver is usually a very deep position, but that depth is sure to be tested this week with injuries mounting and six teams on byes. If you find yourself in a position where you need a starter this week, here are five options that are great sleeper plays for week 8:
1. Jarrett Boykin-Green Bay Packers
Boykin is still available in way too many leagues (over 50% of ESPN leagues). Not only should he be owned in every league, he should start in every league especially if James Jones is out again this week. Boykin had a monster week last week catching eight passes on a team-high ten targets and scoring a touchdown and going for 103 yards. Boykin is a solid WR2, so if there’s a way you can get him you can plug him in your lineup with confidence.
2. Terrance Williams-Dallas Cowboys
Williams is also widely available, but shouldn’t be on waiver wires this week. He has stayed involved in the Cowboys offense even with Miles Austin healthy and is a good play this week against the Lions in a game that could quickly turn into a point-fest. Williams has found the end zone in each of the last three weeks and continues to be both a big play and red zone threat.
3. Denarius Moore-Oakland Raiders
Moore doesn’t have the best matchups as he and the Raiders host the Steelers who have been pretty solid against opposing wide outs. Don’t be afraid to play Moore, though, since he’s clearly devolping into more and more of a weapon for Terrelle Pryor and his targets remain high. He’s scored a touchdown in three of his last four games and has been targeted eight or more times in three of those games. I don’t expect the Raiders-Steelers game to be high-scoring, but Moore is a big enough part of the Raiders attack that he is a solid WR3 or flex play this week.
4. Jeremy Kerley-New York Jets
If you need to take a risk, Kerley is an option to consider in the Jets injury-riddled receiving corps. With Santonio Holmes still doubtful, Kerley should get plenty of action like he did last week as he was targeted 10 times agains the Patriots finishing with eight catches, 97 yards, and a touchdown. Keep an eye on his hamstring issue, but he’s expected to play against Cincinnati.
5. Lance Moore-New Orleans Saints
If you’re looking for a high-risk, high-reward play, Moore is expected to make his return from a hand injury that kept him out since week 3. If Jimmy Graham is unable to play, Moore is an even better option since more targets will be available for him and the other Saints WR. Buffalo has struggled against opposing WR this season, so roll the dice with Moore if you’re short on other options.
If you have any questions about who I’d start/sit for week 8, you can find me on twitter @ZT_Sports or drop the question in the comments at the bottom of the page. For information on other positions, starter rankings, waiver wire pickups, and plenty of fantasy football insight, check out our Fansided fantasy football page.