Jalen Coker is a fantasy football sleeper to start in NFL Week 8

The Panthers haven’t exactly been a fountain of fantasy goodness this season, but there is some potential for a fantasy bargain to break through this week against the Broncos. Jalen Coker ($3,100) is barely over the minimum salary, but the undrafted free agent should play a signficant role for the team this week with Diontae Johnson (ribs) and Adam Thielen (hamstring) ruled out.

The background

Coker led the Panthers in receiving in Week 5, finishing with 68 receiving yards on four catches. He has only gotten four targets in the two games since then but did catch all four or them for 40 more yards. On the season he has caught 8 of his nine targets for 108 yards but is still looking for his first touchdown.

Coker was an undrafted free agent out of Holy Cross, and I highlighted him as a stash pickup last week and highlighted his potential if he stepped into a larger role. Last week against the Commanders, I hoped he would get more work, but he only had one target. He still played over 50% of snaps, which is a good sign, and his 22 snaps were significantly more than the workload of Jonathan Mingo ($3,400), who played 11 snaps and David Moore ($3,000), who played 14.

The two big differences this week are that Diontae Johnson is out and Bryce Young ($4,900) is replacing Andy Dalton ($4,900; thumb, doubtful) at quarterback. Young struggled badly earlier this season, but he may look to the young Coker as a frequent target in Week 8 to help turn things around. The former No. 1 pick has a chance at redemption, but he’ll have to connect with Coker to help both earn more work going forward.

Even if the offense bogs down, Young has to throw to someone, and Coker has proven he can make the most of his opportunities.

The Bottom Line

With no teams on bye weeks and 26 teams on the main slate on DraftKings this week, there are plenty of options to consider. Coker is still not a “lock” or must-add, but he’s still a strong stash option since a big performance could earn him a big role the rest of the season.

I wouldn’t rank Coker in my top 30 wide receivers (check out my top 25 here), but I do think he can be used as a desperation flex or WR3 play if injuries have beset your team or you are in a deep or dynasty league.

In DFS contests like the NFL $2.75M Fantasy Football Millionaire [$1M to 1st], Coker is barely over the minimum salary and wouldn’t have to do much to be an elite bargain. The other values like the Bucs’ receivers will get way more attention, but Coker could end up being a nice leverage pivot to consider since he should be starting across from Xavier Legette ($5,000) and could lead the team in targets. Patrick Surtain II may focus on locking up Legette, which would open up more space for Coker to potentially go off.

Coker is +450 to score a touchdown and +450 to get 50+ yards receiving. With enough volume, though, he could be on his way to a breakout performance, or at least one that makes him a strong value play. He’s been waiting for an opportunity and with Johnson and Thielen out, he’ll get a shot this Sunday vs. the Broncos.

The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!

All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is z.thompson) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.