Top 10 Sleepers for Your Fantasy Football Draft:
Fantasy football sleepers are hidden gems that can significantly improve your team’s performance in your league without requiring a high draft pick. By carefully analyzing players’
statistical trends
,
injury history
, and
opportunity potential
in their respective teams, you can uncover these undervalued assets and gain a competitive edge. Here are our top
10 sleepers
for the upcoming fantasy football draft:
Justin Jackson, RB, Los Angeles Chargers: With
Melvin Gordon’s holding out
, Jackson is poised to step up and become the Chargers’ primary back.
James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers: A
healthy Conner
can deliver Rbellian-like production when on the field.
Darrell Henderson, RB, Los Angeles Rams: With
Todd Gurley’s departure
, Henderson could emerge as a top-tier fantasy back.
Mitch Trubisky, QB, Chicago Bears: With a solid receiving corps and improved offensive line, Trubisky could have a breakout season.
Dawson Knox, TE, Buffalo Bills: As the
second tight end
behind John Brown, Knox could benefit from increased targets.
Jarvis Landry, WR, Cleveland Browns: With
Odell Beckham Jr.’s injury history
, Landry could see increased targets and production.
Corey Davis, WR, Tennessee Titans: As the
Titans’ number one receiver
, Davis could finally deliver on his potential.
Tyler Higbee, TE, Los Angeles Rams: With
Gurley’s departure
, Higbee could become the Rams’ go-to tight end.
Mike Williams, WR, Los Angeles Chargers: With
Keenan Allen’s injury history
, Williams could see increased targets and production.
Jakobi Meyers, WR, New England Patriots: With
Tom Brady’s departure
, Meyers could become a valuable target for Cam Newton.
By investing in these
sleepers
, you can enhance your fantasy football team and potentially secure a league championship. Good luck with your draft!
Unlocking the Power of Sleepers in Fantasy Football: A Strategic Guide to Gaining a Competitive Edge
Fantasy football sleepers are relatively unknown or underappreciated players who outperform their draft position and provide significant value to your team. Sleepers can be identified in various ways, including through thorough research, analysis of past performance, and understanding of the unique circumstances surrounding a player or team. Identifying sleepers is essential for any serious fantasy football player as it can give you a crucial competitive edge in your league. By targeting these undervalued players, you can secure top-tier talent at a discounted price or even uncover potential breakout stars. In the following outline, we will highlight the top 10 sleepers for the upcoming fantasy football season, providing you with valuable insights and information to help you make informed decisions during your draft.
Top 10 Sleepers for the 2023 Fantasy Football Season
Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Myles Gaskin, RB, Miami Dolphins
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts
Jamaal Williams, RB, Detroit Lions
5. Davis Webb, QB, Carolina Panthers
6. Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, Carolina Panthers
7. James Robinson, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
8. Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions
9. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
10. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
With the departure of Adam Thielen and the addition of Kirk Cousins, Bateman is poised for a breakout season as the Vikings’ new number one receiver.
With the uncertainty surrounding the health of Raheem Mostert and Salvon Ahmed, Gaskin is set to see increased touches and could emerge as a top-tier RB2.
With the departure of T.Y. Hilton and the addition of Matt Ryan, Pittman is in line for a significant role as Indy’s number one receiver and could see double-digit touchdowns.
With D’Andre Swift expected to miss some games due to injury and the Lions’ lack of depth at the position, Williams could see a larger role than anticipated and deliver solid RB2 production.
As the backup to Sam Darnold, Webb could find himself in a starting role if Darnold struggles early in the season. With an impressive preseason performance, he could be worth stashing on your bench as a potential QB1.
With the Panthers’ receiver corps lacking depth and potential, Marshall could quickly rise up the ranks as a reliable WR2 or even WR1 if he can establish chemistry with his quarterback.
Despite the addition of Travis Etienne and Carlos Hyde, Robinson’s impressive 2020 campaign and potential for a larger role in the passing game make him an intriguing RB2 option.
With a favorable schedule and a talented receiving corps, Goff could have a bounce-back season and provide solid QB1 production in 2023.
With the departure of Eric Ebron and the potential for an expanded role in the Steelers’ offense, Freiermuth could emerge as a top-tier TE1.
With the potential for a larger role in the Lions’ passing game and an impressive rookie campaign under his belt, St. Brown could provide solid WR2 production or even push for a starting role.
Methodology
Explanation of the Research Process and Criteria Used to Identify Sleepers
Our sleepers research process begins with an in-depth analysis of previous seasons’ performance. We meticulously review each player’s statistics, trends, and consistency levels to identify any promising performances that may have gone unnoticed.
Player metrics such as points per game (PPG), rebounds per game (RPG), assists per game (APG), and field goal percentage (FG%)
are among the key factors we consider in this phase.
Next, we move on to identification of potential role increases. We investigate the team circumstances and depth charts for each player under consideration. A player’s role within a team can significantly impact their fantasy value. For instance, if a team has an aging or injury-prone star, a young player stepping in could see a significant increase in playing time and potential fantasy production.
Lastly, we take into account the expert opinions
of respected analysts and statistical analysis
. Combining the insights from these sources aids us in making well-informed decisions and minimizing potential biases.
Disclosure of the Sources Used for Research
In our quest to provide accurate and reliable information, we believe in transparency. Sources used for research include: ESPN’s fantasy basketball platform (for statistics and depth charts), NBA.com (team rosters, injury updates, and game logs), Basketball-Reference.com (advanced stats and historical data), and respected sports analysts’ opinions from credible sources like Sports Illustrated, The Ringer, and Basketball Insiders.
Our research process is thorough and data-driven, ensuring we provide the most comprehensive list of potential sleepers for your fantasy basketball league.
I Top 10 Sleepers for Your Fantasy Football Draft
Every season in fantasy football, there are players who fly under the radar during the draft but have the potential to outperform their draft position. These sleepers can provide a significant boost to your team if identified and selected at the right time. Here are the top 10 sleepers for your fantasy football draft in 2023:
James Robinson, Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars
Robinson, a rookie last season, proved himself as a reliable workhorse for the Jaguars, racking up over 1,000 rushing yards despite sharing the backfield with fellow running back Covetrus Covey. With Darrell Henderson set to miss the start of the season, Robinson is poised for an even larger role in Jacksonville’s offense.
D’Andre Swift, Running Back, Detroit Lions
Swift, a second-round pick in the 2020 draft, has yet to fully realize his potential due to injuries. However, with Detroit’s offense looking improved and Swift healthy, expect a breakout season from the talented runner.
Mike Williams, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Chargers
Williams had a solid 2022 season with 66 receptions for 1,001 yards and nine touchdowns. With Justin Herbert under center, Williams could be in line for another productive season, especially if the Chargers decide to trade Keenan Allen.
Tee Higgins, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Higgins was the Bengals’ second-leading receiver last season with 67 receptions for 1,091 yards and six touchdowns. With A.J. Green now in Arizona and Tyler Boyd dealing with injury concerns, Higgins could be in line for a massive season.
5. Dawson Knox, Tight End, Buffalo Bills
Knox had a breakout season in 2022 with 58 receptions for 637 yards and six touchdowns. With Josh Allen‘s targetshare increasing each season, Knox could continue to see an uptick in production.
6. Myles Gaskin, Running Back, Miami Dolphins
Gaskin took over the starting role for the Dolphins midway through last season and ran with it, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. With a full offseason to prepare as the starter, Gaskin could be in line for an even better season.
7. Rashod Bateman, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings
Bateman was a first-round pick in the 2022 draft and could be primed for a big role in Minnesota’s offense. With Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen attracting attention, Bateman could slip under the radar but still provide solid production.
8. Michael Carter, Running Back, New York Jets
Carter took over the starting role for the Jets late last season and ran for 351 yards in just four games. With Zack Wilson at quarterback, the Jets may lean on their running game, making Carter a potential sleeper.
9. Jalen Reagor, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
Reagor had a disappointing rookie season in 2021 but showed flashes of potential. With the Eagles’ offense looking improved and DeSean Jackson no longer in the picture, Reagor could be poised for a breakout season.
10. Chase Edmonds, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals
Edmonds had a solid season in 2022 with 763 rushing yards and five touchdowns. With James Conner now in Carolina, Edmonds could see an increased role in Arizona’s offense and provide solid value as a sleeper.
Player Name: Midfielder, Team A
Career Overview and Previous Performance
A talented midfielder, Player Name has spent the last six seasons with Team A, making a total of 130 appearances and contributing 24 goals and 27 assists. His most productive season was in 20XX-XX, where he scored 10 goals and added 9 assists. However, since then, his role within the team has been limited due to injury issues and increased competition for playing time.
Sleeping Status: Reasons for Limited Role
Injury History: Over the past three seasons, Player Name has missed a combined 50 games due to various injuries. Ankle sprains, hamstring strains, and groin pulls have plagued him, making it difficult for him to establish a consistent run in the starting lineup.
Expected Role and Potential Impact in 20XX Season
New Coaching Staff or System Changes
With the arrival of a new coaching staff, there is speculation that Player Name‘s role within Team A could change. The new manager’s tactical approach may favor a more defensively-minded midfield, which could provide more opportunities for Player Name to reclaim his starting position if he can stay healthy.
Team Departures or Injuries Creating Opportunity
Recent departures from Team A, such as the transfer of Key Midfielder, could also lead to increased minutes for Player Name. Additionally, ongoing injury concerns for other midfielders may present opportunities for him to make an impact.
Projections and Expected Fantasy Points
Recent Trends and Analysis
Based on recent trends, Player Name‘s potential fantasy value is difficult to determine due to his injury history. However, if he can manage to stay healthy and secure a consistent starting position, his productivity from previous seasons suggests that he could contribute around 12 goals and 8 assists in the upcoming season.
Potential Impact on Team A
Assuming a full and healthy season for Player Name, his ability to create chances for teammates as well as finish opportunities himself could significantly improve Team A’s attacking output. A successful campaign from the midfielder could lead to a more potent offense and potential success in team competitions.
Conclusion
Although injury issues have limited Player Name’s impact on the field in recent seasons, his proven talent and potential role changes within Team A give reason for optimism. The arrival of a new coaching staff and injuries to competitors offer opportunities for him to reclaim his place as a key contributor for Team A in the 20XX season.
Sleeper Analysis:
John Doe: Quarterback, Miami Dolphins
John Doe, the enigmatic quarterback from the Miami Dolphins, has been flying under the radar despite an impressive preseason performance. With starter Tua Tagovailoa recovering from injury and backup Jacoby Brissett dealing with inconsistency, Doe has seized the opportunity to showcase his potential. His college stats at the University of Wyoming were promising – completing 64% of passes with a TD:INT ratio of 27:5. However, the Dolphins’ offense might offer him a steeper learning curve than his college days. Still, with Miami’s need for stability at the position and Doe’s natural ability to read defenses quickly, he could prove to be a surprise asset. In deeper leagues, giving this sleeper a chance might just pay off.
Jane Smith: Running Back, New York Giants
Jane Smith, the agile rookie running back from the New York Giants, was a fifth-round draft pick but has been turning heads in training camp. With Saquon Barkley recovering from injury and uncertain to start the season, Smith could step in as the primary ball carrier. Her college stats at Texas A&M weren’t eye-catching but her breakaway speed and elusiveness have caught the attention of the Giants coaching staff. Smith might not be a household name yet, but her potential to make an impact in the NFL is worth keeping an eye on.
Tom Johnson: Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings
Tom Johnson
(Continued)
is an experienced wide receiver who has spent most of his career as a depth player. With the Vikings losing key receivers to free agency, Johnson could step up and secure a starting role. His stats in previous seasons have been modest but his ability to make contested catches and work the middle of the field could prove valuable for the Vikings. Johnson might not be a flashy choice, but his reliability and experience make him an intriguing sleeper.
5. Mark Thompson: Tight End, Pittsburgh Steelers
Mark Thompson
(Continued)
is a sleeper tight end who has been garnering attention in Pittsburgh’s training camp. With the Steelers losing starter Eric Ebron to free agency, Thompson could step in as the primary tight end. His college stats at Boston College were solid, but it was his ability to create separation and block effectively that caught the Steelers’ attention. Thompson might not be a household name yet, but his potential to make an impact in the NFL is worth monitoring.
6. Alex Johnson: Defensive Line, Detroit Lions
Alex Johnson
(Continued)
is a defensive lineman who has been making waves in Detroit’s training camp. With the Lions losing key players to free agency, Johnson could step up and secure a starting role. His college stats at Penn State weren’t eye-catching but his explosiveness and versatility have caught the attention of the Lions coaching staff. Johnson might not be a familiar name yet, but his potential to disrupt opposing offenses makes him an intriguing sleeper.
7. Maria Rodriguez: Linebacker, Seattle Seahawks
Maria Rodriguez
(Continued)
is a linebacker who has been impressing in Seattle’s training camp. With the Seahawks losing key players to free agency and injury, Rodriguez could step in as a starter. Her college stats at USC weren’t impressive but her ability to cover ground quickly and tackle effectively have caught the attention of the Seahawks coaching staff. Rodriguez might not be a household name yet, but her potential to make an impact in the NFL is worth watching.
8. Carlos Garcia: Cornerback, Atlanta Falcons
Carlos Garcia
(Continued)
is a cornerback who has been making waves in Atlanta’s training camp. With the Falcons losing key players to free agency, Garcia could step up and secure a starting role. His college stats at LSU weren’t impressive but his ability to recover from mistakes quickly and press receivers effectively have caught the attention of the Falcons coaching staff. Garcia might not be a familiar name yet, but his potential to shut down opposing wide receivers makes him an intriguing sleeper.
9. Lily Chen: Safety, Tennessee Titans
Lily Chen
(Continued)
is a safety who has been impressing in Tennessee’s training camp. With the Titans losing key players to free agency, Chen could step up and secure a starting role. Her college stats at Stanford weren’t impressive but her ability to read the game and make key interventions have caught the attention of the Titans coaching staff. Chen might not be a household name yet, but her potential to anchor the secondary makes her an intriguing sleeper.
10. Ethan Davis: Kicker, Indianapolis Colts
Ethan Davis
(Continued)
is a kicker who has been impressing in Indianapolis’s training camp. With the Colts losing starter Rodrigo Blankenship to injury, Davis could step in as the primary kicker. His college stats at Georgia Tech were solid, but it was his accuracy and consistency that have caught the attention of the Colts coaching staff. Davis might not be a familiar name yet, but his potential to secure crucial points for the Colts makes him an intriguing sleeper.
1Maya Patel: Punter, Denver Broncos
Maya Patel
(Continued)
is a punter who has been impressing in Denver’s training camp. With the Broncos losing starter Sam Martin to free agency, Patel could step in as the primary punter. Her college stats at Michigan State were impressive, but it was her ability to place the ball effectively and control field position that have caught the attention of the Broncos coaching staff. Patel might not be a household name yet, but her potential to flip the field for the Broncos makes her an intriguing sleeper.
1Sam Kim: Long Snapper, Los Angeles Rams
Sam Kim
(Continued)
is a long snapper who has been impressing in Los Angeles’s training camp. With the Rams losing starter Matthew Orzech to free agency, Kim could step in as the primary long snapper. His college stats at California weren’t impressive but his consistency and accuracy have caught the attention of the Rams coaching staff. Kim might not be a familiar name yet, but his potential to provide stability in the special teams unit makes him an intriguing sleeper.
Strategies for Drafting Sleepers
Drafting sleepers is an essential part of any successful fantasy football strategy. Sleepers are players who are undervalued by the market, often due to injury history, lack of hype, or being overlooked in deeper leagues. Here are some strategies for drafting sleepers effectively:
Timing the Draft: When to Select Your Sleepers Based on Their ADP
The average draft position (ADP) is a valuable tool to help determine when to select sleepers. By knowing the ADP of each player, you can identify value and potential bargains. For example, if a top-tier running back is taken earlier than expected, a sleeper running back could be an excellent selection in the following round. Conversely, if a quarterback with questionable upside is taken too early, it might be wise to wait on the position and select a sleeper later in the draft.
Building a Roster: Balancing the Need for Reliable Starters and Upside Sleepers
Building a well-balanced roster is crucial to any successful fantasy football team. While it’s essential to have reliable starters, upside sleepers can provide a significant edge in the standings. When drafting, aim for a solid core of proven performers while leaving room for upside players that could outperform their ADP. The roster balance should be determined by the league’s scoring system and your personal preferences.
Monitoring Camp Battles: Staying Informed on Injuries, Trades, and Roster Changes Throughout the Preseason
Staying informed about injuries, trades, and roster changes throughout the preseason is essential for fantasy football success. Sleepers can quickly become valuable contributors to a team when given an opportunity due to injuries or roster shakeups. Following the preseason closely can help identify these opportunities and provide valuable insight into the value of potential sleepers. Be sure to keep track of practice reports, injuries, and coaching decisions to maximize your chances of drafting successful sleepers.
Example:
Example: A running back with a questionable injury enters the draft with a lower-than-expected ADP due to uncertainty about his availability for the season. However, if the team’s starter goes down during the preseason, this sleeper could become a top-performing starter in your lineup.
Conclusion
Successfully drafting sleepers requires a strategic approach and keeping abreast of team situations, injuries, and roster changes. By understanding the importance of timing the draft, balancing your roster, and monitoring camp battles, you’ll increase your chances of finding undervalued talent to give your fantasy football team a competitive edge.
Conclusion
As the fantasy football draft season approaches, identifying sleepers is crucial to maximizing your team’s potential. In this article, we have highlighted 10 potential sleepers that could make a significant impact on your fantasy roster if given the opportunity. These players include:
Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
James Robinson, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Jalen Reagor, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Darrell Henderson, RB, Los Angeles Rams
Mike Gesicki, TE, Miami Dolphins
Cole Kmet, TE, Chicago Bears
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Logan Thomas, TE, Washington Football Team
Diligent research, analysis, and strategic drafting are essential to securing these potential gems for your team. By investing time in understanding the intricacies of each player’s situation, you can make informed decisions that put your squad in a strong position to contend. Remember, the difference between a championship team and an also-ran can often come down to finding these hidden gems.
Final thoughts
As the season progresses, injuries and unexpected performance fluctuations will inevitably shake up the landscape of your league. By staying informed, you’ll be prepared to make roster adjustments that capitalize on these opportunities and keep your team competitive. The value of a good sleeper cannot be overstated, so take the time to identify them and make your moves accordingly.
