Winning your fantasy draft comes down to selecting the guys who end up returning a positive ROI relative to their draft cost. What’s great is that once you get to the middle and late rounds, you don’t need to hit on every player (or even half of them) to wind up with a league-winning squad. You just need to be right enough so that the value your picks provide is greater than that of your competition. That’s where targeting the right fantasy football sleepers becomes important.
Part of the difficulty built into this game we love is that no two sleepers are created equally. You can’t just nab a bunch of upside players in the late rounds and expect to dominate your draft. You need to know which sleepers are the most undervalued and offer the most upside compared to their price. To help you figure out which mid-to-late rounders stand out from the pack, we have polled 50+ experts on who the best sleepers are at every position in half-PPR heading into the new season. Check out who they chose below.
Top Consensus Fantasy Football Sleepers
Running Back Sleepers
Jaydon Blue (DAL)
“I have been pounding the table all offseason for Jaydon Blue (RB49 in the rankings), as he is my favorite sleeper target. The former Texas star has limited competition for the starting role. Last year, Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders had an explosive run rate of 2.9% or lower, ranking in the bottom 20 of 68 running backs with at least 55 attempts (per Fantasy Points Data). Meanwhile, Blue is a home run runner, running a 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine despite dealing with a groin tear. More importantly, he has massive upside in the passing game. His six receiving touchdowns last season were the most among running backs in college football despite ranking 27th in routes run (229). Blue has been standing out at training camp, earning first-team reps. Don’t be surprised if he is this year’s Bucky Irving and a league winner.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
Jordan Mason (MIN)
“Jordan Mason. Although Aaron Jones has the inside track for the better split of carries for the Vikings, Mason is almost a necessary pairing if you select Jones in your draft. Mason is not just a handcuff in this sense; he’ll be a strongly connected 1B to Jones. There is some matchup dependency here, but overall, Mason is a more than reasonable draft scoop.”
– Richard Savill (Fantasy Six Pack)
“Jordan Mason has big sleeper appeal in 2025. Mason joins the Vikings, who look like they plan on making him the 1B in the offense. Aaron Jones is pushing over 30 years old and has some injury concerns. Maosn could end up seeing weekly flex appeal as an upside-down player or even an RB2 play if something happens to Jones.”
– Steven Pintado (The Fantasy Coaches)
“The Minnesota Vikings demonstrated confidence in Jordan Mason by acquiring him via trade and subsequently extending his contract for two years at $10.5 million. During the initial seven weeks of last season, Mason ranked as the RB9 before Isaac Guerendo assumed a more prominent role, followed by the return of Christian McCaffery. While Aaron Jones is currently the starting running back for Minnesota, his age at 30 and a career-high 306 touches last season suggest potential concerns regarding workload. It is anticipated that Mason will not merely serve as a backup, but rather play a significant role in a shared backfield with Jones, potentially yielding low-end RB2 fantasy value with a higher ceiling if Jones misses time.”
– Rich Piazza (Fantasy Shed)
Jerome Ford (CLE)
“I realize this is going to be a controversial answer, but I’m going deep here. RB Jerome Ford is going to be a surprise fantasy contributor for the Browns in 2025. Now free from the role share with Nick Chubb, Ford should receive 250+ carries and 50+ receptions as the Browns’ lead back. He averaged 5.4 ypc. on 104 carries in 2024, and I think he rushes for 1,200 yards and produces more than 12 total touchdowns in this, his contract season. Given his current ranking, that’s a complete steal.”
– Jeff Haverlack (Dynasty League Football)
Kyle Monangai (CHI)
“I would like to name a few candidates at running back alone (including Jordan Mason, Trey Benson, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt), but I’ll roll with Kyle Monangai on this one. While D’Andre Swift has managed to stay relatively healthy over the last two seasons, he did not do a great job of taking advantage of Philadelphia’s stellar offensive line in 2023 and struggled (along with everyone else) in Chicago in 2024. Even entering his sixth NFL season, Swift still does not run particularly well inside and tries to bounce too many runs. The Bears made their biggest offseason upgrades at center (Drew Dalman) and guard (Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson), which should bode well for a disciplined and powerful inside runner like Monangai. The Rutgers product may not be the new David Montgomery in Ben Johnson‘s offense, but it should come as no shock if he leads the team in carries, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns at the end of the season.”
– Doug Orth (FFToday)
Braelon Allen (NYJ)
“Braelon Allen. The Jets are going with a one-two punch at running back with Allen serving as the thump. He is going to get his weekly carries and likely the goal-line work. And you have to think the Jets are going to be a very run-heavy team with Justin Fields serving as their starting quarterback. This bodes well for Allen to have a breakout season in year two. ”
– Jeff Paur (RTSports)
Keaton Mitchell (BAL)
“I don’t necessarily expect Keaton Mitchell to put up the best numbers of any player drafted outside, say, the fourth or fifth tiers at his position. I just think he fits perfectly what we want from a deep sleeper pick: a clearly talented player in a great situation who just needs an opportunity. One of these years (decades?), Derrick Henry will actually provide such an opportunity, and for this year, Mitchell is essentially free in drafts.”
– Des Bieler (The Washington Post)
Nick Chubb (HOU)
“There’s a lot of speculation that Joe Mixon could not only start the season on the PUP list, but there’s an outside chance he could end up needing ankle surgery and miss the entire season. Enter Nick Chubb, who will turn 30 before this season is over, but who is also still one of the best pure rushers in the NFL. If he is given the chance to carry the mail for the Texans, he could absolutely rush for over 1200 yards and double-digit touchdowns.”
– Bart Wheeler (Hail to Fantasy Football)
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS)
“I’m sure he’ll be a very popular answer, but it’s hard to ignore the drumbeat around Jacory Croskey-Merritt, aka “Bill.” The Commanders reportedly like their seventh-round rookie so much that they have been shopping Brian Robinson, their presumed RB1, in trade deals. Of course, the hit rate for seventh-rounders is very low. But JCM missed all but one game in his final college season due to an eligibility issue; he easily could have earned higher draft capital if that were not the case. If he does manage to unseat Robinson, the sky’s the limit for the rookie on what should be an elite offense.”
– Ted Chmyz (Fantasy SP)
“Jacory Croskey-Merritt – Currently free in drafts (RB62), Croskey-Merritt has a real chance to be the lead running back in Washington. He has consistently drawn rave reviews since being selected in the 7th round of the 2024 draft. Recently, it was reported that the Commanders are floating Brian Robinson Jr. in trade talks, perhaps signaling they don’t have the plans for him they previously did. Should Robinson, who is currently not practicing due to the rumors, be dealt, Jacory (who goes by Bill) would presumably be thrust into a full-time role. I believe you should be stashing him on the end of all your benches and letting this situation play out – if it turns out to be nothing, the cost to you is nothing.”
– Charlie Sisian (The Fantasy DC)
“Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The Commanders’ 7th-round pick is about to take the NFL by storm. With Brian Robinson likely on his way out through trade, Croskey-Merritt has an immediate path to touches in the Commanders’ backfield as Kliff Kingsbury’s A-back. Because Bill is hardly your average 7th-round rookie RB who has done nothing but draw rave reviews since being drafted by Washington. Merritt had an unusual finish to his college career, as eligibility limitations allowed him to play just one game for the Arizona Wildcats in 2024. And this was after he came off a monster 2023 season with New Mexico, when he posted a 33% dominator rating. He was PFF’s 4th-highest graded running back in 2023. Bill is better than his 7th-round draft capital suggests. And the Commanders see that a well.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Jaylen Warren (PIT)
“Jaylen Warren heads into the year as the only proven RB in Pittsburgh. He already overtook Najee Harris as a receiver (in Warren’s second NFL season) and ran more efficiently. The draft market just assumes Kaleb Johnson will immediately take over Harris’ touches, but camp reports haven’t indicated he’s ready to do so. That leaves room for the fourth year to likely smash his career high in carries and continue his lead receiving role, while working with at least the smartest QB he’ll have played with to date. Warren’s being drafted short of his healthy floor right now. How high does the ceiling go? We haven’t seen that yet.”
– Matt Schauf (Draft Sharks)
Bhayshul Tuten (JAC)
“It’s a crowded backfield in Jacksonville, but Bhayshul Tuten has a good chance to take over the lion’s share of the workload. While Travis Etienne has speed and Tank Bigsby provides power, Tuten can do both. When accounting for the inside/outside direction of the run and defenders in the box, Tuten gained 30% more yards than expected last season at Virginia Tech, which ranked 13th in the Power Four conferences. If that production quickly translates, he’ll be the leader of the Jaguars’ backfield soon.”
– Ryan McCrystal (Sharp Football Analysis)
Woody Marks (HOU)
“There are a lot of players I like outside of the thresholds provided for this exercise, but I’m going to dive deep into the ADP pool for a sleeper running back that can be drafted outside of the top 60 at his position. Houston traded up in April’s NFL Draft to select Woody Marks at pick 116, giving up a third-round selection in next year’s draft in the process and signaling that the rookie from USC was someone the Texans really wanted. Marks accumulated an incredible 261 receptions over his college career, so there is an immediate path to valuable passing-down touches, but he also showed in 2024 that he can handle a feature load, averaging 5.7 yards per carry across 198 attempts. The vibes on Joe Mixon‘s foot/ankle issue have his availability in serious doubt, potentially leaving Marks to compete with a washed Nick Chubb and lackluster Dameon Pierce for control of the Houston backfield. The rookie has the skillset and opportunity to return RB2/Flex value, and he’s practically free in most drafts.”
– Jason Willan (Gridiron Experts)
Tyrone Tracy (NYG)
“With Tyrone Tracy now getting the majority of the split, his ADP is finally starting to reflect his value. While the Giants’ offense has been a mess and they’ve added another back, people forget how impressive Tracy was last year on one of the league’s worst teams. He outperformed Devin Singletary as a 5th-round rookie and earned his spot. Skattebo might vulture a touchdown or two, but Tracy should see enough volume to remain relevant.”
– Josh Hall (IDP Army)
Trey Benson (ARI)
“Price shot on Trey Benson in ARI. Better defense to create a balanced approach and more groundwork. Benson isn’t unseating Conner, but he’ll carve out a role and create a solid insurance play.”
– Mike Harmon (Swollen Dome)
Wide Receiver Sleepers
Ricky Pearsall (WAS)
“It’s sheer madness that consensus rankings have the de facto No. 1 in a Kyle Shanahan offense outside of the top-36 wide receivers. Imagine if I told you last preseason that Brandon Aiyuk was returning from a torn ACL and MCL, and you could get Deebo Samuel in Round 6 or later. Well, Ricky Pearsall may not be as good as prime Deebo yet, but he showed flashes as a rookie and likewise eviscerated man coverage towards the end of last season. It sounds like Aiyuk could miss time to start the year, and Jauan Jennings is either holding out or actually dealing with a calf injury in camp. Either way, Pearsall is poised to be a fantasy WR2 to open the year, and he has a high weekly ceiling even once Aiyuk returns.”
– Meng Song (Fantrax)
“Ricky Pearsall has the potential to finish as a top-30 player in the 2025 NFL season. The 49ers spent their first-round draft pick last season on Pearsall, who didn’t see the field until the end of the 2024 season but ended it strongly (46 targets and three touchdowns). Fast forward to now, and the 49ers are insanely thin at the wide receiver position due to injuries. If the 49ers want any chance of offensive success this season, Pearsall will have to carry the load along with other offensive players like Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle. In the preseason, Pearsall has emerged as the 49ers’ third-down target and has built up a nice rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy.”
– Mason (RPO Football)
“Ricky Pearsall – Pearsall’s more than likely going to start the year as the WR1 in San Francisco. He has the draft capital, he’s healthy, he’s in a Kyle Shanahan offense, all great ingredients to have a breakout year.”
– Joey Meinerding (Fantasy Dink)
“Ricky Pearsall has a clear path to be the WR1 in San Francisco due to injuries to the rest of the receiving corps. Once he was finally healthy late last year, he proved that he can handle that role, catching 14 passes for 210 yards in the final two games alone. Despite a down 2024 season for the 49ers, they were fourth in total passing yards and are an elite offense when firing on all cylinders. Pearsall now has the chance to pair his first-round talent with a golden opportunity to break out. Based on where he is being drafted, he can be a league winner in fantasy.”
– Pierre Camus (Fantasy Endgame)
“A player I am constantly hitting the button on is Ricky Pearsall, Wide Receiver for the San Francisco 49ers. He’s an ascending player who’s flashing in training camp. Sticky hands and able to make tough contested catches, he is the one sure next to George Kittle in this 49ers offense, devoid of healthy pass catchers. Pearsall will be relied upon early and often. The former First Round pick is fully healthy and ready after battling through off-the-field issues last season.”
– Justin Jaksa (Dr. Roto)
“Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers: Deebo Samuel‘s departure removed 81 targets from the equation. Now, the 49ers will be without Brandon Aiyuk for roughly six games. With Jauan Jennings also battling an injury (calf), Pearsall will have a shot to start strong and establish himself as a go-to target for Brock Purdy.”
– Kevin English (Draft Sharks)
Darius Slayton (NYG)
“Darius Slayton has been forgotten, and the true winner of fantasy leagues will emerge by drafting him. The New York Giants are deprived of wide receiver talent outside of Nabers, which leaves a role for Slayton. With Russ cooking or Dart throwing darts, Slayton can become the team’s clear WR2 down the field. Considering his ADP is as invisible as Trent Richardson’s vision, you can snag him with the last pick and reap the rewards.”
– Joe Pepe (Beyond The Gridiron)
Emeka Egbuka (TB)
“Emeka Egbuka is the biggest sleeper this year in fantasy football. Chris Godwin might miss the first four weeks of the season, and Mike Evans is on the wrong side of 30, which bodes well for Egbuka’s outlook. He received strong draft capital with glowing reviews in training camp so far, which makes me believe he will be involved from the start. Egbuka is going to feast in the slot while Godwin is out and might not have to wait until the 2nd half of the season for the rookie breakout. Draft him with confidence this season.”
– Connor Rigg (Dynasty Nerds)
“Given Chris Godwin’s lingering ankle injury, Emeka Egbuka is in a prime position for a big role to begin the 2025 NFL season. With defenses forced to respect Mike Evans and Bucky Irving, Egbuka should capitalize, given his skills fit well in the short to intermediate areas of the field.”
– Matt De Lima (Athlon Sports)
“Emeka Egbuka has been turning heads in training camp as he kicks off his rookie season after being drafted in the first round by the Bucs. With Chris Godwin still on the PUP list following his dislocated ankle in Week 7 last year, Egbuka has taken over the slot role in the Bucs’ offense and earned plenty of praise. Baker Mayfield called Egbuka an “absolute stud,” highlighting his versatility and intelligence. During his senior year at Ohio State, Egbuka recorded 81 catches for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns, playing a significant role in the Buckeyes’ National Championship run. For fantasy managers, when the Bucs’ wideouts are healthy, Egbuka’s pedigree ensures a key role, making him fantasy relevant and a solid sleeper pick. Egbuka projects as a WR3 at minimum, with chain-moving skills and strong upside in PPR leagues.”
– Dennis Sosic (Fantasy Six Pack)
“With Chris Godwin recovering from injury and Mike Evans nearing the twilight of his career, Emeka Egbuka could step in immediately as a key contributor in a high-powered offense. A first-round pick who has been turning heads in training camp, Egbuka is currently going in the 10th round in fantasy drafts. That is tremendous value for a player with legitimate breakout potential akin to Brian Thomas Jr. and Ladd McConkey last season. The blend of opportunity, talent, and draft-day price makes him one of the most appealing picks in fantasy football this season.”
– Joe Beldner (The Fantasy Footballers)
“Emeka Egbuka is THE rookie sleeper for 2025 because Tampa Bay already lists him as a starting option in three-wide sets alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. With Godwin sidelined on PUP and uncertain for Week 1, Egbuka has a direct path to early snaps and targets, building rapport with Baker early. Baker Mayfield’s resurgence and steady play over the last couple of seasons give Emeka the stable quarterback environment a rookie needs to produce. Coaches have praised Egbuka’s versatility, lining him up inside and outside, which ensures opportunities even when the depth chart shifts. He enters the year as a low-cost fantasy option with weekly flex upside and the chance to become a long-term target earner.”
– Tal Malachovsky (The Fantasy Scout)
“Emeka Egbuka. The rookie receiver could be starting the season in a prime role with Chris Godwin’s recovery in doubt. If that were to happen, he would command a good target share in a division that is used to having shootouts and big downfield plays. If he starts well enough, Godwin could even see his role reduced from expectation when he returns.”
– Richard King (Pro Football Network)
Rome Odunze (CHI)
“Rome Odunze could be the biggest beneficiary of what will be a much-improved Bears offense under new head coach Ben Johnson. First off, QB Caleb Williams won’t be as bad as he was last season thanks to the improvements the Bears made to their offensive line. More time to throw and a more creative playbook will open things up for more big plays. Odunze, the No. 9 overall pick in last year’s draft, was somewhat of a disappointment last year, but look for Johnson to unlock his untapped potential.”
– Steve Gardner (USA Today)
Cedric Tillman (CLE)
“I am going with Cedric Tillman here if Joe Flacco wins the job in Cleveland. After the Amari Cooper trade last year, with both Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore playing, Tillman averaged ten targets, six catches, 76 yards, and nearly a touchdown per game. In those four games before his season-ending injury, he out-scored Jeudy by 18 PPR Fantasy Points, or 4.5 points per game. The industry wants to hold on to the belief that Jeudy is just better because of draft capital, but what if Tillman is simply a better player?”
– Michael Tomlin (Fantasy Six Pack)
Romeo Doubs (GB)
“Out of the cloudy receiving picture in Green Bay, Romeo Doubs is the biggest fantasy sleeper at wide receiver. On the surface, there doesn’t appear to be much cause for being over the moon for Doubs, but hear me out. Last year, he finished as the WR47 in fantasy points per game, but he was the clear leader of the Green Bay Packers receiver room, and underneath the surface, he POPS in a number of metrics that matter. Doubs was the only receiver for Green Bay that eclipsed a 75% route share (team-leading 76.7%) while leading the team in target share (18.7%) and first-read share (23.6%). He posted a solid 1.90 yards per route run while ranking 25th among 85 qualifying receivers in first downs per route run (0.104, per Fantasy Points Data). Here’s where things get really interesting: Doubs, last year among 112 qualifying receivers, ranked 11th in separation and second in route win rate. Doubs could be quietly headed for a massive breakout season, and with the addition of Matthew Golden and the Packers’ run-heavy approach last year, it’s not priced into his ADP at all. He’s one of my favorite late-round dart throws this season.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)
Jakobi Meyers (LV)
“Jakobi Meyers’ ECR of 41 is criminally low for a WR who’s not finished worse than WR35 in PPG since 2020. He’s increased his points per game production every season since 2020, reaching WR20 with 14.5 PPG last season. Meyers was able to put up back-to-back top 24 seasons for the Raiders despite exceedingly poor QB play, and he now gets an upgrade with Geno Smith under center. There’s no reason Meyers can’t easily exceed his ECR ranking and provide WR2 production yet again.”
– Shane Manila (Dynasty Football Factory)
Travis Hunter (JAC)
“Travis Hunter isn’t the deepest sleeper out there, but he might make the biggest impact in 2025. When NFL execs were asked if Hunter was in last year’s heralded draft class, where would he have been drafted? They said he would be graded in the same tier as Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers. That’s pretty high praise, especially for a guy who hasn’t even dedicated 100% of his time to the nuances of being a WR, due to time constraints, because he’s splitting time playing defense. Jacksonville’s schedule seems ripe for the taking when it comes to scoring points, along with a favorable game script if the Jaguars’ defense falters, which figures to have Hunter see plenty of opportunities to showcase his immense talent at WR. And with Brian Thomas Jr. drawing plenty of attention from defenses, Hunter will probably be matched up in single coverage. Ringo’s comp- Travis Hunter reminds me of a lighter version of Ja’Marr Chase.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
“Travis Hunter is an absolute league winner at consensus WR32 overall. Hunter is probably the last receiver one can find in a draft that has top 10WR potential. Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. could easily rotate being the team’s top weekly option. It amazes me how many people cannot grasp the facts. The facts are that he is guaranteed 80% of the snaps at the position, and he is not new to the position (he’s as elite a WR prospect as any player to ever come out of college). Additionally, he comes with all kinds of rushing upside that the Jaguars’ head coach, Liam Coen, will utilize. A 1,100-yard, 8 to 10 TD season (with 150-200 rushing yards, with 2-4 more rushing TDs) is in the cards for 2025 (and every year beyond).”
– Smitty (TheFantasyFootballShow)
Marvin Mims (DEN)
“From Weeks 13-18 last season, Marvin Mims led all Broncos WRs in FF PPG…and yet he was STILL underutilized during that time period — just 5.2 targets (and 0.8 carries) per game and playing just 25-50% of the snaps in games during that stretch but scored 5 TDs in those last five games of the season. Mims became a yesteryear Tyreek Hill-lite type weapon for Denver down the stretch in 2025 in jet sweeps, screens, bombs, and the return game. There was concern that Mims would be lost/watered down in a rotation or mix with Franklin-Vele-Bryant in 2025, but we are finding out this preseason that is not the case. Mims played ALL the snaps with the 1st-team in their preseason Week 1 game (along with Sutton, while Vele-Franklin rotated lightly as #3 WRs). In their Week 2 preseason game, Sutton and Mims were given the game off with Bo Nix, etc., but Vele-Franklin-Bryant all played. Mims is a locked-in starter for Denver and may lead Denver in targets/touches and/or FF PPG this season.”
– R.C. Fischer (Fantasy Football Metrics)
“Marvin Mims. He had six touchdowns over Denver’s last seven regular-season games and averaged 62 yards over that stretch despite playing fewer than half of the offensive snaps in all of those games. Mims averaged 0.72 PPR fantasy points per snap in those seven contests — nearly double the 0.38 PPR fantasy points per snap that WR1 Ja’Marr Chase averaged last season. Mims has been playing with the starters in the preseason, and an uptick in usage could produce exciting numbers. Yes, Mims was used heavily on screens last year, so some will call his 2024 production gimmicky. But Mims averaged better than 20 yards per catch in each of his last two college seasons at Oklahoma. He’s not just a one-trick pony. Mims is just 23 years old. There’s still room for substantial growth.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Elic Ayomanor (TEN)
“When discussing names that could potentially be the biggest sleepers in fantasy football for 2025, I prefer to do the deep diving. And that is why I land on Elic Ayomanor, the rookie wideout for the Tennessee Titans. I have pounded the table and screamed at the sun all summer long to all who would listen about the potential that he displays in the Titans’ offense. He has come into the league with an NFL Draft class high 39% dominator rating, and he has already been flashing these skills in camp as he looks to provide Cam Ward with another consistent target outside of Calvin Ridley. We have seen Ayomanor start to creep up in ADP over the last few weeks, going from a non-drafted player to a name you see at the end of drafts. I’m not telling you he is the next coming of Puka Nacua, but we can just call him “Puka-lite.””
– Brandon Murchison (RotoBaller)
Matthew Golden (GB)
“Similar to Ladd McConkey last year and Nico Collins a few years before that, there is a major divide in the statistics draft analysts and the film analysts on Matthew Golden. The film was magnificent and showed someone who looks like Calvin Ridley coming out. The stats leave something to be desired, like the players listed above, where the production was well below talent levels. I’m betting on the talent profile, training camp buzz, draft capital, and wide-open targets in an offense that should pass an average amount. He is going WR49 as the clear lead target in an efficient offense with minimal talented competition.”
– Justin Weigal (FantasySharks)
Jaylin Noel (HOU)
“The Houston Texans have remade their offensive line, running back room, wide receiver corps, and even traded for a tight end ahead of the season. Thankfully, their defense should carry them into an early bye in Week 6 as the offense works out the kinks. After the bye, expect it to be wheels up for rookie Jaylin Noel in the Tank Dell role, as Noel proved to be a fearless field-stretcher on intermediate and deep routes in college, where he consistently separated for big plays. When lined up in the slot, he can use his quick burst to separate on underneath routes and gain yards after the catch. Noel is currently WR82 in ECR but will finish the year in your lineup as a WR3 or FLEX during the fantasy playoffs.”
– Brad Beatson (Bandit Fantasy Football)
Jerry Jeudy (CLE)
“Only nine wide receivers averaged over 16 half-PPR points per game last season from Weeks 9-17, and all of them currently have a consensus ADP of WR17 or higher – except one. Yes, Jerry Davarus Jeudy (ADP WR34) might’ve flamed out as a first-round pick in Denver, but he was ELITE over the latter half of the 2024 season for Cleveland, ranking fourth in WR yards during that 9-game stretch – and I fully expect that to continue into 2025 with Browns having already announced Joe Flacco as their Week 1 starter. Even if Flacco falters during the regular season, Cleveland will be underdogs/trailing in most – if not all – of its games this year, which means its pass rate should stay well above league average, especially in Kevin Stefansky’s system. And if Shedeur Sanders ever gets a crack at the starting gig, then Jeudy’s short-to-intermediate route profile also suits his game to perfection. With only David Njoku and Cedric Tillman to contend with for targets – throw in a Week 1 matchup against the porous Bengals secondary just for kicks – then Jeudy could be right back in the top-10 fantasy discussion at WR to begin this new campaign, and he’s even more of a value in full PPR formats due to the heavy volume he should resume receiving come the Browns’ home opener vs. Cincinnati.”
– Chris Dell (Betting Predators)
Jauan Jennings (SF)
“Jauan Jennings already spread his wings last year, and he’ll open the season unencumbered by Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk. He’s set to smash his ADP.”
– Scott Pianowski (Yahoo! Sports)
Quarterback Sleepers
Bryce Young (CAR)
“In terms of ADP/price, I think Bryce Young is going to blow people away, partially due to talent and maturation, and also due to a good system and improving talent. He is surrounded by legit technicians as well as a true stud rookie in Tet McMillan. More importantly, Young flashed real upside down the stretch last year, making plays with his legs and dropping ceiling games (36 fps in one). If 2025 is more consistent, he could be a smash pick.”
– Kevin Roberts (Breaking Football)
“Fantasy players have the unfortunate tendency of better remembering the things that happened earlier in the season than the end. Bryce Young started weeks one and two before getting benched and not returning as the full-time starter until week 8. His current ECR of QB22 reflects that memory. What about from week 8 on? The more recent the data we pull, the more of a sleeper Bryce looks like he can be. He averaged 18PPG once he got his job back and 20.7PPG in the final seven games after his bye week. Xavier Legette will not be his leading target earner in 2025. All signs point to a breakout campaign in year three.”
– Seth Miller (Crossroads Fantasy Football)
“Bryce Young is going to take the next step in 2025 and remind us why he was the No. 1 overall pick a couple of years ago. He’s got the best support cast he’s ever had, he finished last season on a high note, and he’s been with head coach Dave Canales for another offseason. The only thing stopping Young is an injury.”
– Zach Greubel (Gridiron Experts)
“In the eight games of 2024, Bryce Young threw for 12 touchdowns with just three interceptions. While he only averaged 213.6 passing yards during that stretch, he augmented his fantasy performance with 26 yards per game on the ground and five rushing touchdowns. The addition of Tetairoa McMillian gives Young another weapon in the passing game. If Xavier Legette can also take a leap, Young could become a fringe fantasy starter.”
– Ryan Lester (Lesters Legends)
“Bryce Young looked like a completely different quarterback in the second half of 2024, averaging 226 passing yards, 1.6 touchdowns, and over 25 rushing yards per game – good enough to finish as the QB6 during that stretch. Carolina backed his development this offseason by drafting potential WR1 Tetairoa McMillan, signing savvy possession receiver Hunter Renfrow, and keeping reliable options like Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette. With one of the friendliest passing schedules and a defense projected to be among the league’s worst, Young should be forced into consistent high-volume passing situations. His mobility provides a built-in fantasy safety net, making him an ideal late-round target for Zero-QB drafters or a sneaky QB2 in Superflex formats. If his second-half surge carries over, Young has a clear path to low-end QB1 production at a bargain price.”
– Jacob Dunne (Fantrax)
Trevor Lawrence (JAC)
“I think Trevor Lawrence is finally going to live up to expectations. He has a lot of receiving talent around him and a Jaguars team that should be involved in a bunch of offensive shootouts. The combination of Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, Dyami Brown, and Brenton Strange as his receiving weapons and the addition of Liam Coen as head coach and offensive play caller should give Lawrence the boost he needs to be a dominant fantasy quarterback.”
– Justin Taylor (Fantasy In Frames)
“I want to stick with Kyle Pitts for the sake of the prolonged bit, but I must say that Trevor Lawrence is my favorite late-round sleeper. Lawrence is not quite the “Prince That Was Promised” yet. The former first-overall pick is coming off a down season with just one good fantasy year under his belt (2022). However, with the addition of second-overall pick Travis Hunter, the emergence of Brian Thomas Jr., and the coaching of Liam Coen, Lawrence could put together his first top-10 fantasy season. The media and general public love to harp on quarterbacks for their failures to meet expectations, but weapons and coaching matter.”
– Kev Mahserejian (Razzball)
Drake Maye (NE)
“I’m officially one of the leading members of the Drake Maye fan club. In his 11 full starts as a rookie, he averaged 17.3 fantasy points per game with 36.8 rushing yards per contest; a pace of 3,801 passing yards and 650 rushing yards over a full season. His 10.8% scramble rate ranked second only to Jayden Daniels, and his 31.3 scramble yards per game trailed only Daniels among all quarterbacks. Now the Patriots have surrounded him with Stefon Diggs, dynamic rookies TreVeyon Henderson, and Kyle Williams, while fixing a line that allowed pressure on 41% of dropbacks. With Josh McDaniels back calling plays and New England facing the league’s second-easiest schedule (per Sharp Football), Maye has the rushing profile and upgraded environment to absolutely smash his QB16 ADP and push for QB1 numbers.”
– James Emrick-Wilson (The Armchair Sports Corner)
“Drake Maye is one of the biggest sleepers in fantasy football this year. In his nine full starts last season, he averaged 17.3 fantasy points per game, good for QB15 in points per game. He also led all quarterbacks with 7.8 yards per carry and totaled 421 rushing yards, despite having just one designed run all season. Maye has upgrades at left tackle, right tackle, running back, wide receiver, and especially at offensive coordinator. In a recent interview, Jason McCourty stated that AVP last year “didn’t talk in his helmet a lot. This year, Josh McDaniels talks to him as much as possible.” Currently going as QB16-18 in most drafts, he could be one of the biggest steals of 2025.”
– Ricky Lemon (The Fantasy Champions)
“Drake Maye is my pick for this year’s biggest fantasy sleeper. In the games where he played real snaps as a rookie, he finished as QB16 despite one of the worst offensive lines and weakest receiver groups in the league. That kind of production in a broken setup says a lot about his talent. Now with real investment on the line, improved weapons, and a coaching staff actually building around him, Maye has everything in place to take a big step forward in 2025.”
– Tyler Orginski (FTN)
“This year, we’ll see a more explosive Drake Maye. Last year, he only had a 7.4 aDOT, but with McDaniels, that number should increase considerably. Maye was very productive in scrambles, but had few designated runs. His running game is interesting and a relevant factor. Furthermore, improvements to the offensive line and receiving corps should help boost his game.”
– Fantasy BR (Fantasy BR)
J.J. McCarthy (MIN)
“J.J. McCarthy is my top sleeper for several key reasons. He’s in an ideal offensive fit. J.J. McCarthy joins a pass-heavy offense under head coach Kevin O’Connell, who previously orchestrated a top-10 passing attack with Sam Darnold at quarterback. The Vikings also bolstered their offensive line, providing McCarthy with improved protection. He is surrounded by elite weaponry: He’ll be throwing to Justin Jefferson, widely regarded as the NFL’s best wide receiver. J.J. McCarthy offers dual-threat potential: McCarthy’s mobility adds rushing upside, enhancing his fantasy value, especially in formats that reward rushing yards and touchdowns. He offers great late-round value. With an average draft position (ADP) around 135.3, McCarthy offers significant upside without the early-round investment.”
– Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire)
“J.J. McCarthy got the dream situation, and he is currently ranked as QB17. Kevin O’Connell had Sam Darnold looking like an MVP candidate before those last two games. The weapons, the play-caller, and the improvements to the offensive line. I really like J.J. McCarthy as a sleeper this year.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)
“I would not consider the players I mentioned at other positions sleepers. But people are sleeping on J.J. McCarthy and, in turn, Kevin O’Connell’s role as the quarterback whisperer. In the last four seasons, O’Connell has coaxed top-10 seasons out of Matthew Stafford, Kirk Cousins, and Sam Darnold. The only “miss” was in 2023 when Cousins was the QB6 before getting injured. In his last two college seasons, McCarthy proved to be accurate and decisive. He completed 68.5 percent of his passes while taking just 31 sacks in 29 games. McCarthy is flanked by an elite wide receiver and tight end, as well as several other solid skill players. O’Connell hand-picked McCarthy to be the team’s quarterback in last year’s draft, and we will all soon find out why. J.J. McCarthy finishes the year as a top-12 fantasy quarterback.”
– Mick Ciallela (Fantrax)
“J.J. McCarthy has star written all over him in 2025. He finds himself in one of, if not the, most QB-friendly offenses in all of football with Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota. Throwing passes to Justin Jefferson doesn’t hurt his value either, on top of the dual-threat capabilities McCarthy brings to the table. McCarthy, currently being drafted outside the top-20 at the QB position, is one of the best value picks in fantasy and will blow away his current ADP in 2025. He is simply a must-have in single and 2-QB formats.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Anthony Richardson (IND)
“Anthony Richardson: He has five QB1 finishes and four top-five finishes in his 14 career games. He is essentially free this year. Pair him with another QB or two and/or simply draft him to steal his upside away from the rest of your league. If he becomes the starter, you have a potential top 5 QB on your team; if he gets benched, you simply cut him. The reward heavily outweighs the risk.”
– Steve DeAngelo (FF Faceoff)
Tight End Sleepers
Tyler Warren (IND)
“Tyler Warren has a realistic chance to finish as a top 5 tight end this season. While he may not finish as TE1 overall like Bowers did (although it is in the range of outcomes), the situation is similar going into the 2025 season, and Warren has the talent and physical tools to perform. Regardless of who is playing QB for the Colts, Warren should get peppered with targets, and is almost a lock to outperform his ADP and ECR.”
– Jacob Piccolo (TrueRGM)
“Tyler Warren (IND) – The last two years have taught us a simple lesson: the NFL is changing, and rookie TEs are leading the way. Warren led all college pass-catchers (yes, that includes WRs) in receiving yardage versus man-to-man coverage. His slot usage of 47% also hints at the type of pass catcher the Colts could use him as in Year 1. I’m not projecting him to finish as the TE1 like Bowers or LaPorta did the past two years, but finding another difference-making TE in the later rounds can be league-winning.”
– Marc Shannep (Fantasy Knockout)
Colston Loveland (CHI)
“Colston Loveland was drafted tenth overall by the Bears and landed in a role that enabled Sam LaPorta to have a TE1 season in his rookie year. Ben Johnson’s offense is predicated on getting mismatches across the formation, and Loveland’s abilities as a blocker and pass-catcher will allow him to leverage matchups into chunk plays and touchdowns. Of course, Caleb Williams will have to take a step forward. But Loveland has the draft capital, profile, and role that could lead to a monstrous rookie season.”
– Dave Kluge (Footballguys)
“Colston Loveland is a case in which the draft status, collegiate film, and camp buzz are all telling the same story. This is an elite tight end prospect who’s had a noisy camp (in a good way). Loveland is an every-level receiver with size (6-foot-6), wheels, and excellent hands. He’s the rare big-play tight end. Assuming good health, he’s going to deliver a top-10 positional finish as a rookie.”
– Andy Behrens (The Deep Shot)
Evan Engram (DEN)
“Evan Engram is playing for Sean Payton this year and is going to be a tight end that changes fantasy teams, making him the biggest sleeper in fantasy! Tight ends are a very volatile position in fantasy football, and if an owner can find the next hot player, they will be a team to contend with during the regular season and into the playoffs. Engram is that guy this year! He is currently TE11 and getting drafted around the middle of the 8th round, which is a steal for a player who Payton plans to use in the Joker role in Denver. Wait on TE and draft Engram with confidence that he will reward teams with over 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns!”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)
Juwan Johnson (NO)
“Juwan Johnson finished the 2024 season catching 12 (6,6) of 17 (10,7) targets in the last two games for a combined 146 yards (80,66). He proceeded this with 12 (7,5) targets in weeks 13 and 14. With a TE-friendly OC in Kellen Moore and Taysom Hill not expected to factor in much, at least early on, Johnson will likely continue to see six to nine targets on a regular basis, and plenty of redzone looks. This makes Johnson a steal, considering he can be your final pick in a draft.”
– Dan McLellan (WBLZ Media)
Darren Waller (MIA)
“Everyone is sleeping on Darren Waller, leaving him undrafted in most leagues, but the former All-Pro did not unretire and sign a one-year deal that is incentive-heavy, just to ride the bench. He signed with Miami to reunite with Frank Smith, his old TE coach from his peak Raiders days, and steps into an offense that just traded away Jonnu Smith, coming off of a career year with 800+ Yards/80+ Catches/8 TDs. Tua loves getting the ball out quickly to avoid taking any contact, and Waller is the perfect outlet. While the expert consensus ranks him outside the Top 30 TE, he has clear Top 10 TE upside on Any Given Sunday.”
– Muntradamus (Beast Dome)
Check out more Fantasy Football Sleepers 
Expert Sleeper Picks
Bonus: Kicker Sleeper
Matt Gay (WAS)
“Listen, people, I could have gone with a trendy name like Ricky Pearsall or Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but kickers are people, too. Matt Gay enters one of the best situations for any fantasy kicker. Last season, we saw Austin Seibert average nearly 13 FPPG until he got injured. He had 30 FG attempts in just nine games last season. For reference, Jake Bates attempted only 29 FGs last season and finished as the K7 overall. HC Dan Quinn has ranked inside the top 5 in FG attempts every season he’s been an HC. Matt Gay is coming off a down year, converting only 84% of his attempts. However, he now enters a situation that should lead to plenty of success. The Commanders ranked in the top 6 in 3rd-down conversion rate and have the 5th-highest implied team total for 2025. Things set up well for Gay to vastly outperform his current ADP of K16 or 297th overall.”
– Kevin Steele (The Fantasy Authority)
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