2013 Fantasy Football: NFL Week 3 Sleepers

Sometimes you need a fantasy gem to be successful. Here is a list of LestersLegends’ under-the-radar players that could possibly pull out a win for you this week.


Alex Smith, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

Alex Smith has thrown for a modest 396 yards, but he has four touchdowns, 82 rushing yards and, most importantly, no turnovers. He’ll have to dial it up against the Philadelphia Eagles due to their high-powered offense. Fortunately, they have yielded 721 yards and five touchdowns through the air.


Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Rashard Mendenhall has 158 total yards and a touchdown through two games. He’s averaging a decent 4.1 yards per carry. Mendenhall is facing the New Orleans Saints, who have allowed 248 yards on the ground. He’s not an every week starter, but this week looks favorable on paper.


Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland Browns

Josh Gordon returns to action following a two-game suspension for a drug policy violation. He caught 50 passes last year in his rookie season for 805 yards and five touchdowns. The 6'3", 225-pound Gordon will be a difficult cover for the Minnesota Vikings. They contained Calvin Johnson in Week 1, but struggled with Brandon Marshall last week.

Gordon's numbers should fall somewhere in the middle of those other two big receivers. The Cleveland Browns will have no running game to speak of after trading Trent Richardson, so Gordon should be busy.

Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals are going with a lot of two-tight end sets to utilize the talents of Tyler Eifert and Jermaine Gresham. Eifert has eight receptions through two games for 113 yards. He’s facing the Green Bay Packers, who have allowed 157 yards and three touchdowns to opposing tight ends.


Minnesota Vikings Defense/Special Teams

The Minnesota Vikings have been burned for 440 yards and 30 points per game by the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears, respectively. Things should improve this week, though, as they take on the Cleveland Browns at home following two road games. The Browns rank 28th in total offense with 275 yards per game and 31st in scoring offense eight points per game. They just traded away their best player, running back Trent Richardson. They are also using Brian Hoyer at quarterback this week. I don't know how they will move the ball. The Browns have been sacked a league-high 11 times, which should spell trouble going up against Jared Allen and company. Cordarrelle Patterson returned a kickoff for a touchdown last week, which gives them an added dimension on special teams.


Josh Brown, K, New York Giants

Josh Brown has four field goals and six extra points. He’s facing the Carolina Panthers, who have allowed five field goals and one extra point.



Also check out Lester's Legends Week 3 Fantasy Football Rankings.