Each week, Juan Carlos Blanco spotlights 4–5 under-the-radar plays who combine DFS tournament upside with season-long streaming value. These matchup-driven picks are usually available in most leagues.
Each week, Streaming Sleepers will highlight at least five non-QB skill-position players and one team defense that currently have start or roster rates of 20% or less in season-long leagues but may be prudent options this week due to matchups and other circumstances, particularly in deeper formats.
Additionally, the plays suggested here could be viable DFS large-field tournament options for the coming slate and are likely to carry modest ownership rates in that format as well.
Dike graduates from our “Also Consider” section in Week 8 to a main suggestion in Week 9, as the rookie continues to flash improving chemistry with fellow draft class mate Cam Ward. Dike posted a career-best 7-93-0 line on eight targets against the Colts last Sunday, playing a career-high 59 snaps on offense in the process.
Dike had just posted a then-career-high 4-70-1 tally against the Patriots in Week 7, so the Florida product is certainly on an upward trajectory. Calvin Ridley (hamstring) could miss another game this week as well, but irrespective of his veteran teammate’s availability, Dike is an intriguing option against a talented Chargers defense that’s nevertheless yielded just under 12.0 yards per reception to WRs.
Monangai is another first-year player that’s shown some signs of ascending within his offense, having contributed 105 rushing yards and a TD on 20 carries over the last pair of games while logging his two highest snap counts of the season in that span.
The seventh-round pick has also been productive during his few opportunities as a receiver, generating a 6-61 line on nine targets while already taking one of those catches for 20+ yards.
While it’s undeniable that Monangai is best suited as a deep-league start if you’re trying to cover a bye week or as a larger-field tournament option in DFS, the matchup against the Bengals does offer reason for optimism – Cincinnati has allowed a league-high 5.4 adjusted line yards and AFC-high 5.3 RB yards per carry.
