Fantasy Football Week 14: Deep Sleepers Who Will Save Your Season

Week 14 marks the official start of the fantasy postseason; even though some leagues started last weekend, this is the week where everyone is definitively in do-or-die mode.

Although there's a natural inclination to stick with the players who got you to the playoffs, sometimes it's the unknown guys––the diamonds in the rough––who make the ultimate difference.

Remember that season Billy Volek and Drew Bennett won fantasy leagues around the country? Yeah, me too.

Let's take a look at three deep sleepers who are viable plays in Week 14. There's some inherent risk, but if you give them a chance, they might very well reward you with a victory.

Jake Locker, QB, Tennessee Titans

The Titans' new offense has breathed life into Locker's dormant fantasy stock. Once predicated around establishing the run, the Tennessee offense has dialed up 85 pass attempts in the last two games.

The interceptions are a no-no, but Locker has made the most of his new-found opportunity; he's thrown for 570 yards in his past two games.

And against the Colts this week, he'll have all the opportunity in the world. Indianapolis ranks 30th in the league defending the pass, and in the dome (on the league's best turn, no less), the conditions will be ripe for big numbers.

Don't start him over someone such as Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers, but if you don't have a top-tier guy, Locker could be a deft play.

Alex Green, RB, Green Bay Packers

With James Starks (knee) out of the lineup, Green should be in line for the majority of touches against the Lions this week. That's good news for fantasy owners since...well, they're playing the Lions this week.

Detroit ranks 22nd in the league defending the run, which should help Green find ample running room on Sunday. Also helping him: the lead Green Bay could be sporting in this game.

If the Packers go up a big or even modest amount, they will probably try to salt the game around on the ground. Green has averaged 4.8 yards per carry twice in his past three games, so the increased opportunity could give him a nice total on the day.

Green Bay is hardly a powerhouse running the football, but if you need an RB2 this week, you could do way worse than this guy.

Chris Givens, WR, St. Louis Rams

With Danny Amendola hobbled, Given has stepped up in a big way for the Rams. He's developed an impressive rapport with Sam Bradford during that span, and could do more of the same in Buffalo this weekend.

The rookie from Wake Forest has racked up 16 catches, 207 yards and two touchdowns the past two weeks. The Bills are nothing special against the pass, either. They're 28th in the league defending the opposing team's No. 1 receiver (a position Givens has assumed as of late).

As with Locker, you shouldn't start Givens over more established players at the position—especially in Buffalo, where the weather conditions might be less than ideal.

But if you need a high-upside WR2 or WR3, Givens is a viable play.