Welcome back to King Drafts, where your fantasy sports throne awaits! Few things are sweeter in the fantasy world than calling a sleeper before they blow up. You know, that deep-cut pick that has your league mates shaking their heads when you draft, only to be sending you trade requests after Week 3. Spotting sleepers is both an art and a science, but when done right, it can make your squad feel unbeatable.
This guide will break down what makes a sleeper, share some potential hits for the upcoming season, and teach you how to sniff out these hidden gems.
What Makes a Sleeper?
A “sleeper” is a player who is undervalued in drafts but has the upside to outperform expectations. These players usually fly under the radar because they’re unproven, coming off an injury, or stuck behind a starter on the depth chart. But don’t think of them as lottery tickets. Successful sleeper picks come from spotting trends, analyzing opportunities, and, of course, a little bit of gut instinct.
Here’s the magic formula for identifying sleepers:
- Opportunity Equals Gold: Check for players in positions where they could take over starting roles due to trades, injuries, or coaching changes.
- Improved Situations: Look for young talents in improved team situations. A better offensive line or a new quarterback can drastically boost performance.
- Buzz-Worthy Preseason Hype: Don’t sleep on preseason chatter. It’s not always fluff; sometimes, it’s the smoke signaling a fire.
- Strong Finish Last Season: Players who ended strong can carry that momentum, especially if they’ve earned more trust from their coaches.
Potential Sleeper Picks for This Season
Here’s a sneak peek at some players to keep your eye on as you enter your draft. These names might not be at the top of draft boards, but under the right circumstances, they could transform your team into a juggernaut.
1. Jordan Addison (WR – Minnesota Vikings)
With Adam Thielen gone, Addison has a prime opportunity to step in as the WR2 alongside Justin Jefferson. Defenders focusing on Jefferson might open up room for Addison to shine.
2. Samaje Perine (RB – Denver Broncos)
Javonte Williams is coming off a major injury, and there’s a chance Perine sees a significant workload early in the season. He’s proven capable in a lead role before.
3. Treylon Burks (WR – Tennessee Titans)
The Titans need someone to break out in the passing game, and Burks has the talent and physicality to do it. With the addition of DeAndre Hopkins to help draw coverage, Burks might thrive.
4. Zay Flowers (WR – Baltimore Ravens)
The Ravens’ offense is evolving under a new offensive coordinator, and Flowers is poised to benefit. His explosive play style may give Baltimore’s passing game a new dimension.
5. Kenny Pickett (QB – Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pickett is entering his second season with improved chemistry and upgraded weapons. With players like George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth at his disposal, he’s worth a late-round flyer for QB-needy teams in deeper leagues.
6. Chigoziem Okonkwo (TE – Tennessee Titans)
If you’re punting tight ends early, Okonkwo might be your late-round savior. He finished the previous season strong and could see an increased target share moving forward.
7. Tank Bigsby (RB – Jacksonville Jaguars)
Sure, Travis Etienne is the main man in Jacksonville, but Bigsby has sneaky upside as a goal-line hammer or injury replacement. Watch for his role to grow as the season progresses.
8. Jayden Reed (WR – Green Bay Packers)
Stepping into a Packers offense looking for stability without Aaron Rodgers, Reed has the kind of versatile skillset that could make him a favorite of Jordan Love early on.
9. Elijah Moore (WR – Cleveland Browns)
With a fresh start in Cleveland and a quarterback in Deshaun Watson who’s itching to prove himself, Moore could see a resurgence as a reliable slot weapon this season.
10. Tyjae Spears (RB – Tennessee Titans)
While Derrick Henry is the king of volume, Spears has big-play ability and could provide value as a change-of-pace back or insurance for Henry’s heavy workload.
How to Spot Your Own Sleepers
When building your draft board, keep these tips handy for uncovering hidden gems:
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Monitor Training Camp and Preseason Reports
Coaches’ comments and performance in scrimmages don’t guarantee success, but they can offer valuable insight into depth charts and usage. -
Study Offensive Trends
Pay attention to teams likely to increase their pace of play or shift to a more pass-heavy approach. More opportunities mean more fantasy points. -
Use Average Draft Position (ADP) Wisely
Identify players being drafted late relative to their potential upside. If you’re high on someone others are passing on, trust your instincts and grab them. -
Trust Gut + Stats Equally
Spreadsheets are fun, but sometimes you have to gamble. If you’ve got a good feeling, take a shot, especially in the later rounds. You might just hit big.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re outsmarting your friends or proving yourself in a competitive league, sleeper picks are where legends are made. Add a few of these under-the-radar players to your draft list, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box when seeking value late in drafts.
What are your favorite tips for spotting sleepers? Did we miss a sleeper you have your eye on? Share your insights in the comments or visit King Drafts for even more fantasy strategies. After all, fortune favors the bold (and well-prepared). Happy drafting!
