We’re nearly half way through the NFL season, which means more and more players are being sidelined due to injury. Not everyone can be Tom Brady (who took Drew Bledsoe’s job over a decade ago), but some of these ‘role’ players who are stepping in are sure to be stars very soon.
Here are the top three most-likely candidates heading into Week 8.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.
Photo Credit: Getty
All percentages via Yahoo! Sports as of Wednesday, October 22 at 5:00 PM PST.
Week 8 Fantasy Football Sleepers
-
Bryce Brown RB - Buffalo Bills
Wow, how things have changed with the running corps in Buffalo. Fred Jackson is out with an injury and we've lost all hope for C.J. Spiller, leaving us with Brown and Anthony Dixon to share the load. However, all signs point to the former Eagles running back to run away with the job -- pun intended.
Brown has elite speed and teammate, Jackson, admitted he is an "every down" back.
Grab him now as a flex, but temper expectations until at least week 10 against the Chiefs.
Ownership: 39%
-
Denard Robinson RB/WR - Jacksonville Jaguars
I'm amazed this guy is only owned in 50 percent of leagues. As described last week, the Jags have totally given up on Toby Gerhart and have committed to Robinson now that they know he's better than Storm Johnson. The RB/WR had 18 fantasy points last week alone against the Browns, making him a must-start this week against Miami. ESPN's Michael DiRocco said, "It may be the Denard Robinson show going forward."
Ownership: 50%
-
Tre Mason RB - St. Louis Rams
Another guy only owned in half of leagues is Mason, who appears to be the lead back in St. Louis now that we -- along with the Rams -- have officially learned that Zac Stacy and Benny Cunningham are anything but special.
Don't drop the farm for him yet, as head coach Jeff Fisher told the media this week there will be a running back by committee approach this week against the Chiefs. But all beat writers report the first looks will go to Mason, who's been the best back the Rams have had all year.
Ownership: 51%
