Mike Thomas and Greg Lewis: Week 14 Sleeper Studs?

The Minnesota Vikings get set to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, and they will do it without Percy Harvin.

Harvin has been dealing with migraines all week long, so severe that it has not only prevented him from practicing but also prevented him from getting a solid grasp on the game plan, which is a clear indication of not starting.

In his place, the Vikings will almost surely go with Greg Lewis in an attempt to preserve their three wide receiver attack.

Lewis can be played either at wide out or in the slot, and although the Vikings could dish a heavy run first attack—considering the absence of Cincinnati’s Domata Peko—they will still need their air attack to even the playing field.

There are two things Brett Favre loves in the passing game:

1. The slant route from the outside receiver.

2. The effectiveness of the slot position, as seen with Harvin all year.

The Bengals are very good at covering the outside receivers but are not very good at covering the slot; something that makes Lewis’ value intriguing, even if it’s for a single game play.

Lewis could wind up being a huge sleeper pick this week inside the red zone, and he could be good for multiple targets if the Vikings find some difficulty in the run game.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are entering into a matchup with the Miami Dolphins amidst the playoff fight of their lives.

They may have to do this without their top receiver Mike Sims-Walker.

The Jaguars rely heavily on their passing game, and considering the Dolphins’ ineptitude to cover anything—or anyone—Mike Thomas could be an even bigger sleeper pick this week as he will surely fill in.

Thomas already sees minimal playing time, and when he has been asked to put in more work he has produced every time.

The Jaguars absolutely need this win to stay alive in the post season hunt, and Thomas will be a huge focal point in the passing game  making him a great pickup for PPR leagues.

For more on wide receiver starts and sits, visit my column here.

Good luck everyone!