Fabs’ Five Sleepers is your weekly look at players who aren’t considered must-starts in fantasy football lineups but could exceed expectations based on a plus matchup or simple volume. For all of your final fantasy lineup decisions, be sure to check out Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em and my weekly player rankings, which are updated daily throughout the season.
Geno Smith vs. Bears (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Smith was a garbage time king last week, as he threw for three touchdowns and scored 26.1 fantasy points in a loss to Washington. He is a nice sleeper/streamer against the Bears, who have allowed 22-plus points to two of the three quarterbacks they’ve faced. Only Dak Prescott had a bad line against them, and he lost CeeDee Lamb seven snaps into the game.
Cam Skattebo vs. Chargers (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Skattebo has become the top back for Big Blue, seeing 29 touches and scoring 38 fantasy points in his last two games. He’s also guaranteed to keep that role in the foreseeable future, as Tyrone Tracy Jr. is dealing with an injured shoulder. So, while this week’s matchup against the Bolts isn’t great on paper, I’m still starting Skattebo as a RB2/flex option.
Quinshon Judkins at Lions (1 p.m. ET, Fox): I have Judkins listed in this column because he’s only started in 44% of Sleeper leagues. He also has a bad matchup against the Lions, who have been tough on running backs dating back to last season. Still, the rookie has looked great in his limited work over the last two weeks, and he’s already taken over as the top back in Cleveland. I’d start him in Week 4.
Troy Franklin vs. Bengals (Mon. 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC): Franklin crashed back down to earth last week after a huge Week 2 performance, but he still has sleeper appeal this week. He’ll have deep-league flex value against the Bengals, whose defense has given up 11-plus points to five wide receivers, including two who have gone over 16 points. Franklin is a sneaky play and could have pretty solid stat line.
Romeo Doubs at Cowboys (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Doubs hasn’t done much so far this season, but that makes him a sleeper, right? With Jayden Reed out, he’ll be in the deep-league flex conversation against Dallas on Sunday night. Their defense has been awful this season, allowing the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Even if CB DaRon Bland returns, I’d still roll the dice on Doubs.
