In the fast-paced world of fantasy football, every edge matters. While star players are often the first to be drafted, success in fantasy football can hinge on finding hidden gems—often referred to as “sleepers.” These under-the-radar players offer tremendous value and can outperform their draft position, giving fantasy managers a significant advantage. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of fantasy football sleepers, examining who they are, why they matter, and how to identify them.
Table of Contents
What is a Fantasy Football Sleeper?
Why Sleepers are Key to Fantasy Football Success
How to Identify Potential Fantasy Football Sleepers
Best Fantasy Football Sleepers for 2024
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Defense and Special Teams
Strategies for Drafting Sleepers
Common Pitfalls When Choosing Sleepers
The Importance of Monitoring the Waiver Wire
Conclusion: Trust Your Research and Gut
What is a Fantasy Football Sleeper?
A fantasy football sleeper is a player who is undervalued in drafts but has the potential to outperform their draft position. Sleepers typically come from various backgrounds, including players coming off injury, rookies, players in new offensive systems, or even those who were overshadowed by teammates the previous season. The key with sleepers is that they offer upside and can be obtained in later rounds, often providing substantial returns on a low-risk investment.
Sleepers are the players that make other managers say, “How did you get them in the 10th round?” or, “I can’t believe I passed on that guy.” By recognizing a sleeper’s potential before others do, you can capitalize on their hidden value and give your fantasy team a competitive edge.
Why Sleepers are Key to Fantasy Football Success
Fantasy football sleepers are often the difference between a good team and a championship-winning team. In early rounds, managers focus on drafting stars and high-floor players who are expected to perform consistently. However, as the draft progresses, opportunities to find high-upside players increase.
Here are a few reasons why targeting sleepers is crucial:
Depth Building: Sleepers can add depth to your roster, allowing you to rotate players based on matchups, bye weeks, or injuries to star players.
Low Risk, High Reward: Since sleepers are typically selected in later rounds, their selection comes at minimal risk, yet they possess the potential for high rewards if they hit.
Competitive Edge: Sleepers give you an advantage over opponents who rely solely on star players. When a sleeper emerges as a weekly starter, you’ve found value that others didn’t anticipate.
Injury Insurance: The NFL is notoriously unpredictable, with injuries derailing players’ seasons. Sleepers often end up filling in for injured players, providing starting-caliber production at a discounted draft price.
How to Identify Potential Fantasy Football Sleepers
Finding sleepers requires research, intuition, and an understanding trends in the NFL. Here are some key factors to consider when identifying potential fantasy football sleepers:
Change in Opportunity: Players who have new roles due to trades, free agency, or injuries to teammates are prime candidates. If a running back gets injured, for example, the backup may see an increase in touches.
Offensive Scheme Changes: Coaching changes or shifts in offensive philosophy can lead to breakout seasons for previously overlooked players.
Injury Comebacks: Players coming back from injury are often undervalued. If fully healthy, these players can reclaim a top role in their team’s offense.
Rookie Potential: Some rookies may be overlooked during drafts, but they often possess significant upside, especially in the second half of the season.
Advanced Analytics: Use stats like yards after catch (YAC), target share, air yards, and snap percentage to identify players on the rise.
Training Camp and Preseason Reports: Keep an eye on training camp buzz and preseason performances. Players showing significant improvement or getting praised by coaches may turn into sleepers during the regular season.
Best Fantasy Football Sleepers for 2024
Let’s break down some of the top sleeper picks for the upcoming fantasy football season, position by position.
1. Quarterbacks
Many fantasy football leagues tend to overvalue the top-tier quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. However, there’s always a handful of lower-ranked quarterbacks who break out or return to form, providing immense value in later rounds.
Sam Howell (Washington Commanders): Howell has flown under the radar but has all the tools to become a reliable fantasy quarterback. Surrounded by talent at wide receiver and a defense that can give him favorable game scripts, Howell is poised for a potential breakout.
Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers): Pickett had a rocky rookie season but showed flashes of brilliance. With an improved offensive line and playmakers like George Pickens and Diontae Johnson, he could take a big leap in his second year.
Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons): The Falcons have invested in their offense, and Ridder could be the beneficiary. He has mobility and the support of a strong running game, giving him upside as a dual-threat quarterback.
2. Running Backs
Running back is one of the most volatile positions in fantasy football. Injuries and committee approaches mean that finding a late-round running back sleeper can give your team a big boost.
Rachaad White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): White has the potential to break out as the lead back in Tampa Bay’s offense. He’s an excellent pass-catcher, and with Leonard Fournette gone, he should see a significant workload.
Khalil Herbert (Chicago Bears): Herbert impressed in limited action last season. With David Montgomery now in Detroit, Herbert could emerge as the lead back in Chicago’s run-heavy offense.
Jaylen Warren (Pittsburgh Steelers): While Najee Harris is the clear starter, Warren has carved out a role in Pittsburgh’s offense. His ability to catch passes and his explosiveness make him an intriguing sleeper, especially in PPR leagues.
3. Wide Receivers
Wide receivers are often the most abundant position in fantasy drafts, and sleepers can emerge from any tier. Whether it’s a rookie or a player in a new system, wide receiver sleepers can offer league-winning value.
Jahan Dotson (Washington Commanders): Dotson showed flashes of brilliance last season, and with a full year of experience, he could emerge as the Commanders’ No. 1 option. He has the speed and route-running ability to be a breakout star.
Skyy Moore (Kansas City Chiefs): With JuJu Smith-Schuster leaving for New England, Moore has a chance to step up in the Chiefs’ high-powered offense. Patrick Mahomes will spread the ball around, and Moore could become a go-to target.
Alec Pierce (Indianapolis Colts): Pierce is a deep threat with significant upside. As the Colts’ passing game improves, Pierce has a chance to deliver big plays in 2024.
4. Tight Ends
The tight end position can be tricky, but late-round gems at tight end can be just as valuable as an elite wide receiver. If you miss out on the top-tier options, targeting a sleeper tight end can pay off.
Chigoziem Okonkwo (Tennessee Titans): Okonkwo is an athletic tight end who showed promise last year. With the Titans lacking playmakers at wide receiver, he could see an increase in targets.
Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys): With Dalton Schultz now in Houston, Ferguson is in line to take over as the Cowboys’ starting tight end. In an offense that relies on the position, he could be a top-10 fantasy tight end by season’s end.
5. Defense and Special Teams
Finding a sleeper defense is often about targeting teams with favorable schedules or improving units. A sleeper defense can provide consistent points without the need to spend a high draft pick.
Pittsburgh Steelers Defense: The Steelers’ defense was plagued by injuries last season, but they remain one of the league’s top units when healthy. With T.J. Watt back and a favorable schedule, Pittsburgh’s defense could be a sleeper in 2024.
Denver Broncos Defense: Despite their struggles last season, the Broncos’ defense has elite talent. With a new head coach and improved offense, the defense should have more favorable game scripts, making them a sneaky pick late in drafts.
Strategies for Drafting Sleepers
When it comes to drafting sleepers, timing and risk management are crucial. Here are some strategies to keep in mind:
Diversify Your Roster: Don’t draft too many sleepers at one position. Balance your roster with a mix of proven players and high-upside sleepers.
Know Your League Scoring System: Sleepers in PPR leagues differ from those in standard leagues. Focus on players who fit your league’s scoring rules.
Use Preseason as a Gauge: Pay attention to training camp reports and preseason games. Often, sleepers emerge during these periods as they gain playing time or impress coaches.
Don’t Reach Too Early: While sleepers offer value, don’t overpay. The beauty of a sleeper is getting them at a discount, so avoid reaching too early in your draft.