The NFL season is almost over, and with it, a few teams have started to emerge from the rest. The Kansas City Chiefs have the top spot in the AFC West, while the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens are in good positions within their respective divisions. For the NFC, the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions have taken center stage with their competitive rosters.
This competitive environment set the tone for fantasy football leagues, with many top teams housing some highly targeted players in fantasy managers' radars. Tremendous performances from stars like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen have cemented positions atop the cream of fantasy picks. At the same time, some injuries and inconsistencies from players have created opportunities for sleepers, with roster management becoming crucial to succeeding in this season's fantasy playoffs.
Quarterback Sleepers to Target
- Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
- Will Levis, Tennessee Titans
- Daniel Jones, New York Giants
A few quarterbacks have emerged as intriguing sleepers in fantasy football through the early NFL season. Sam Darnold has an ADP of QB30 but projects to be part of a high-volume passing offense, having averaged 19.4 fantasy points per game in past seasons when given the opportunity. With a QB14 ADP, Will Levis was promising as a starter this past season, coming in as QB16 while active. Daniel Jones returns from injury with a QB22 ADP and topped the previous year as QB9 in 2022.
Any person willing to maximize fantasy potential, whether using a Sleeper promo code or any other, can bring talented new players to light and enable further honing of their draft strategy, with the actual statistics in near real-time and player performance trends in hand.
Running Back Sleepers for Your Draft
- Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
- Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints
- Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tyjae Spears has recently shown promise, finishing as the RB3 last week with two touchdowns and 87 receiving yards, making him a strong option against the Colts, who allow significant receptions to running backs. Kendre Miller is positioned for a featured role with Alvin Kamara likely sidelined; he has averaged 79 yards and a touchdown in games with 12 or more touches. Richard White has been consistent, scoring in consecutive weeks and benefiting from a favorable matchup against the Cowboys, who allow high fantasy points per game to run backs.
Wide Receiver Sleepers with High Upside
- Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints
- Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals
- Andrei Iosivas, Cincinnati Bengals
Rashid Shaheed is positioned to secure the No. 2 receiver role for the Saints, having averaged 12 fantasy points per game when participating in at least 70% of routes. His career average of 1.95 yards per route run indicates significant production potential. Michael Wilson showed promise last season, catching 10 of 12 targets for 130 yards and a touchdown in games with Kyler Murray, suggesting he could be a reliable flex option. Andrei Iosivas has been building chemistry with Joe Burrow, making him a candidate for increased targets, especially with Tyler Boyd's role uncertain.
These players represent high-upside options that can provide substantial returns in fantasy leagues, particularly in late-round drafts.
Tight-End Sleepers to Consider
- Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals
- Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans
- Luke Musgrave, Green Bay Packers
Trey McBride has been one of the primary targets for the Cardinals this season, and he comes in at TE3 in fantasy with 938 receiving yards. He had nine catches for 87 yards last week, indicating he can be consistent. Chig Okonkwo is another tight end on the rise, having set season-highs in catches (eight), targets (10), and receiving yards (59) recently. His increased target share makes him a viable option moving forward. Luke Musgrave hasn't been bad and has an ADP of TE17, which suggests he could have some tangible value later in drafts. He's got the athletic profile and opportunity in Green Bay to be a real breakout candidate.
Defense/Special Teams Sleepers for Late Rounds
- Minnesota Vikings
- Buffalo Bills
- Indianapolis Colts
The Minnesota Vikings are a strong option in Week 16. They will face the Seattle Seahawks, who allow the sixth-most fantasy points to defenses. The Vikings have forced 28 turnovers this season, making them a reliable choice for fantasy managers.
The Buffalo Bills also present a favorable matchup against the New England Patriots, whose offense ranks near the bottom in points scored per game. With the Bills' ability to create turnovers, they are positioned for a bounce-back performance.
The Indianapolis Colts are another sleeper pick, set to face the Tennessee Titans, who lead the league in turnovers. Regardless of whether Will Levis or Mason Rudolph starts, the Colts' defense could capitalize on this opportunity, making them a viable late-round option for fantasy lineups.
