3 Fantasy Football Sleepers To Target Outside The Top 100
It’s officially fantasy football draft season. We’re all gearing up for home leagues, listener leagues, and even joining leagues with strangers we’ve met online. No matter who you’re drafting with, you want to be prepared to take some shots at fantasy football sleepers in the later rounds that your league mates may not be considering. However, they are players who we feel can outperform their current cost. Let’s get right into these fantasy football sleepers and draft targets.
3 Fantasy Football Sleepers Outside The Top 100
Fantasy football, some people claim, is all luck. However, this view often comes from those who struggle to perform well every year consistently. Success in fantasy leagues doesn’t come just from the draft. It’s also about managing your team throughout the season on the waiver wire and by using your FAAB well.
This involves making smart waiver wire pickups, stashing certain players, and trading for talent at the right moments. One way to gain an advantage over your league mates is by being sharp in the later rounds of the draft, which can give you the depth to make valuable trades later on. Today, we’ll be discussing 5 players to target outside the top 100 in your fantasy football drafts. Let’s get started!
RB Brian Robinson – Washington Commanders (ADP 101)
In 2023, Robinson finished as the RB21 in PPR fantasy football leagues. Currently, he’s the 29th running back off the board in fantasy football leagues. Going into year 3, Robinson faces several changes as the team has a new coaching staff and a new quarterback. The Commanders led the NFL in passing attempts last season. I do believe that comes down somewhere closer to the 8-13 range which should provide more rushing opportunities.
Despite not being known as a pass-catching running back, Robinson managed to make 36 receptions on 43 targets, totaling 368 yards and 4 touchdowns. This is particularly noteworthy as the team also utilized veteran Antonio Gibson in a pass-catching role. With Austin Ekeler replacing Gibson, Robinson is expected to be the primary focus in the backfield. It’s uncommon for a player who receives over 200 touches in a season to be drafted outside the top 100.
Latest report from camp: “Brian Robinson’s been a load for the defense in camp, and head coach Dan Quinn had a feel for that having coached against him. What’s been a bit of a surprise is what he’s shown catching the ball out of the backfield.” – Albert Breer (TheMMQB) 8/14/24
Value: RB3 with upside
WR Josh Downs – Indianapolis Colts (ADP 173)
For those who listen to me on The FF Faceoff Podcast, you know Josh Downs is one of my biggest flag plants of the year. As a rookie, he finished as the WR43 in PPR leagues. During this time he was able to command 98 targets, bringing in 68 of them for 771 yards. That’s pretty darn impressive with Gardner Minshew tossing you the rock. Unfortunately, he was only able to get into the end zone 2 times. However, I wouldn’t put it all on Downs. This Colts offense was ranked 17th in the NFL last year for touchdowns scored per game with just 2.2.
Moving forward, Anthony Richardson will be a huge upgrade over Minshew. He should have this team moving the ball at a much better rate. Recently, Downs did go down in practice with a high ankle sprain. Thankfully, it was a month before Week 1. The year 2 wide receiver should be fine by the time he hits the field and even if he misses Week 1 for an extra week of rest, you are drafting him with one of your last picks. You can afford to wait! Reports for downs were glowing during camp before the injury and he is an awesome target outside the top 100.
The latest report from camp is that “Josh Downs is on a scooter. He has his right foot/ankle in a boot.” – James Boyd (The Athletic) 8/14/24
Value: Flex with WR3 upside
WR Khalil Shakir – Buffalo Bills (ADP 124)
The Buffalo Bills have certainly lost a lot of talent this offseason. With the departure of wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, there are now 241 vacated targets in this offense. The team drafted talented WR Keon Coleman out of Florida State with the 1st pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. In addition, they brought in veteran wide receivers Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins, Marquez Valdez-Scantling, and Chase Claypool.
Notably, Shakir was 12th in the entire NFL for snaps in the slot for 2023. Shakir was 3rd in the NFL for yards after catch per reception and 15th in yards per catch. Anyone who knows Joe Brady’s offense knows he loves his yards after catch playmakers. This is the only WR on the team with a prior relationship to Josh Allen.
Early reports indicate Shakir has been a favorite of Allen’s and I would expect them to grow that connection more as camp rolls on. How many wide receivers can you find that have a true chance to lead one of the best offenses in the league in receptions, that’s priced outside of the top 100? You need to target Shakir late in drafts this season.
Latest report from camp: “Josh Allen to Khalil Shakir nearly automatic. Allen feathered a beautiful throw down the right seam, complete to Shakir for a 20-30 yard touchdown. Allen fit it right over the defender, great route from Shakir”
Fantasy Football Sleepers Outside The Top 100: Final Thoughts
Fantasy football sleepers outside the top 100 are crucial because they often provide high upside at a low cost. These fantasy football sleepers can make the difference between a good and a championship-winning roster. While early-round selections build your core, finding breakout players late can offer massive returns on investment, helping you overcome injuries, bye weeks, and underperforming stars.
Fantasy football sleepers with the potential to exceed their draft position can also be key trade assets or late-season starters, giving your team the edge in a competitive league.
