Daily Fantasy Football Week 8: DraftKings Sleepers and Top Value Plays

While big-money guys are undoubtedly crucial in a DraftKings NFL lineup, they mean nothing without the right sleepers and high-value picks surrounding them. 

That's the case again in Week 8, as another jam-packed slate flush with 14 contests features plenty of players at below-average price tags to choose from. The only way to properly afford those consistent stars is to take a gamble on lower-salaried guys, but that doesn't mean you have to give up point production.

Take a hard look at these DraftKings sleepers for Week 8.

Top Sleepers and Value Plays

Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans ($5,400)

Weston Kenney/Associated Press

The Titans rookie didn't play in Week 7, and his Tennessee offense struggled in the process, putting up just seven points against the Atlanta Falcons. ESPN's Paul Kuharsky reported Mariota is set to resume practice Wednesday, and if he plays, he's well worth the start. 

That's because the Titans face the Houston Texans in Week 8—you know, the team that's getting lit up by everyone in the league. The Texans have allowed 16 touchdowns (most in the league) through the air, and Mariota should only up that number if he's active.

Chris Johnson, RB, Arizona Cardinals ($4,600)

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Somehow, Cardinals running back Chris Johnson is still among the most valuable players in daily fantasy. It's hard to believe considering he's second in the league in rushing and fresh off a 21.2-point outing Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens.

More open running lanes will be on Johnson's plate in Week 8, as Arizona travels to face the Cleveland Browns, who rank 30th against running backs and give up almost 20 more rushing yards per game than any other team in the league.

Charles Sims, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($3,600)

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

As far as running backs near the minimum salary go, Buccaneers rusher Charles Sims is among the best options. 

He's still the backup to Doug Martin, but Sims is putting up serviceable fantasy numbers due to his pass-catching proficiency (16 receptions) and his two receiving touchdowns. The Atlanta Falcons are hot to start the season but give up the second-most DFS points to running backs.

Stevie Johnson, WR, San Diego Chargers ($3,200)

John Grieshop/Getty Images

Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers' top-rated passing attack are relying heavily upon receiver Keenan Allen, but a favorable Week 8 matchup should allow for secondary threat Stevie Johnson to break out.

Johnson has gone three straight games without touching the double-digit plateau, but his 35.7 points through the first two weeks are hard to ignore. He's still caught 11 balls in his last three games, including four catches for 50 yards in Week 7—his return from a hamstring injury.

Against the terrible Ravens secondary that ranks 31st against opposing wideouts, Johnson should have a strong outing.

Stefon Diggs, WR, Minnesota Vikings ($4,800)

Minnesota rookie wideout Stefon Diggs' DraftKings salary has skyrocketed after a couple of dominant performances, but it's still way lower than it should be.

Diggs has been active for just three games this season, and he's torn it up in all of them. He has topped the century mark in two straight, caught his first touchdown of the season last week at Detroit and faces a Chicago Bears defense ranking 23rd against wideouts in Week 8.

St. Louis Rams Defense/Special Teams ($3,200)

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

The Rams' defense and special teams unit was one of the top-grossing DK scorers in Week 7 compared to salary, putting up 25 points on a $2,400 salary—good for $96 per point.

The salary for the Rams defense has risen heading into Week 8, but it's still well worth taking. St. Louis hosts the San Francisco 49ers, who punted nine times against the Seattle Seahawks last week and are completely lost on offense.

Follow Steven Cook on Twitter for DFS tips, analysis and questions.

---

Enter the DraftKings $1.25M Play-Action Contest this week. Use Promo Code BLEACHER REPORT when you sign up.