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.
We lead off with a TNF player this week, as the quality of Gadsden’s Week 7 isn’t in any way reflected in his paltry start rate. The rookie therefore makes the move up from our “Also Consider” section in Week 6 after posting a 7-164-1 line on nine targets against the Colts, Gadsden’s second straight seven-catch tally.
There’s no question the 2025 fifth-round pick – who often seems to channel his wide-receiver lineage in his fluidity, routes and usage – has taken the No. 1 tight-end job from Will Dissly. Thursday, he’ll face a Vikings defense that is going to undoubtedly permeate the Chargers’ makeshift offensive line frequently and force Justin Herbert to frequently get the ball out quickly. Minnesota has also conceded a 34-262-3 line on 45 targets to tight ends, furthering Gadsden’s already strong case.
Kincaid is another athletic tight end in our sights this week, assuming the third-year pro is healthy enough to play through the oblique injury that sidelined him in Week 6. Kincaid had the Week 7 bye to heal up, and if he’s available for a normal workload, he’ll have a good chance to thrive as the Bills’ offense looks to send a message and get itself right with a date with the Chiefs looming in Week 9.
The Panthers’ defense has been playing much better in recent weeks after a rough start to the season, but Carolina has allowed a 40-475-4 receiving line to tight ends and 80% catch rate to the position. When Kincaid was last on the field in Week 5 against the Patriots, he brought in all six targets for 108 yards and now boasts a career-high 83.3% catch rate, 9.2-yard aDOT and 2.76 yards per route run.
