Fantasy Sleepers NFL Week 5: Zac Stacy, Jonathan Franklin, Cecil Shorts, Vernon Davis and Ryan Mathews Best Surprise Options

Oct 06, 2013 11:10 AM EDT
San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis
San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) celebrates his touchdown against the St. Louis Rams during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The 49ers defeated the Rams 35-11 on September 26, 2013."

The NFL schedule is now into Week 5 and with a number of interesting matchups coming this weekend, some fantasy football owners will be looking for value on their teams and some options include sleepers in matchups with players like Zac Stacy, Jonathan Franklin, Cecil Shorts Vernon Davis and Ryan Mathews.

The Rams are playing the Jacksonville Jaguars this week and while the team is not guaranteed a victory, some players should get the chance to shine and one could be Zac Stacy. He appears to be the top sleeper this week despite not having any production, as the Rams running game has been one of the worst units in all of football on the offensive side of the ball and after Daryl Richardson was injured and ineffective, Stacy could get the chance to get some starting touches in Week 5.

Check here for more on fantasy football for Week 5.

Stacy had only one carry in two games against the Niners and Cardinals, but the way the Rams offense is playing, they need a shot from somewhere and coach Jeff Fisher is ready to give Stacy a chance. The team has a starting job that is up for grabs, making Stacy a solid sleeper start for Sunday's game. In that same game, wideout Cecil Shorts for the Jaguars could be solid if he gets the start, as he has been dealing with a groin injury and could be held out, although coach Gus Bradley said he thinks that he will play.

The Jaguars have the worst offense in the league, but Shorts has still been very good, making 26 catches on 51 targets for over 330 yards and he ranks in the top 10 in catches and could have a good day against a Rams defense that is struggling very hard. Shorts had seven catches last week on 12 targets and two weeks ago he went for 143 yards on eight catches against Seattle and he could have another solid game in Week 5.

Jonathan Franklin had done nothing for the Packers heading into their last game, but with James Starks and Eddie Lacy injured, the team went to the rookie and came through with over 100 yards rushing and he could have another solid game against the Lions on Sunday. Franklin will be the top option for Aaron Rodgers if Lacy is dealing with more concussion issues and another player to watch is Ryan Mathews, who has made it through the season healthy so far with 226 rushing yards and the team will be playing against the Raiders.

Vernon Davis is a player to watch and he is a sleeper because he is dealing with an injury. If he starts he could have a nice game, but so far this season he has been frustrated by injuries and he only has 11 catches for 136 yards, but he has three touchdowns. The 49ers are playing a big game against the Texans and if he starts he could have a good game.

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