One Fantasy Football Sleeper on Every NFL Team
While top-tier players oft enjoy the limelight, it is the sleeper picks who can make or break a team’s chances of winning the whole thing. In this article, we will reveal one hidden gem from each NFL team’s roster, players with untapped potential who are ready to exceed expectations and give fantasy football managers a competitive advantage.
These sleeper picks, ranging from overlooked young players to discounted veterans, are poised to make a significant impact, and savvy managers would do well to keep a close eye on them during their upcoming fantasy drafts. I am counting a sleeper as a player who is undervalued in the fantasy football community. It usually refers to a late draft pick who you believe will far outperform the expectations of his draft position. Fittingly, Sleeper ADP (Average Draft Position) is what I will be using to cite these player selections.
AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals – WR Tyler Boyd
Sleeper ADP – 136
Cincinnati’s offensive continuity greatly benefits the Bengals, leading to favorable situations for Tyler Boyd. However, he faces competition for targets from Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, ranking third in line. Still, Boyd impressively finished as WR33 last season. Despite rookie additions, Boyd’s role remains secure for the upcoming season.
Archetype – Consistent Flex Player
Baltimore Ravens – RB Gus Edwards
Sleeper ADP – 209
After suffering an ACL tear in the 2021 preseason, Edwards missed the entire 2021 season and the first six games of 2022. He also sat out three additional games in November due to a hamstring injury. In March, the Ravens and Edwards agreed to adjust his salary for the final year of his contract, with the remaining money guaranteed and the opportunity to earn more through incentives.
With J.K. Dobbins on the physically unable to participate list (PUP) and missing minicamp, Edwards is the favorite to secure the top spot on the Ravens’ running back depth chart. If this carries over into the regular season, Edwards could benefit from the rushing efficiency typically associated with a Lamar Jackson-headed read-option offense.
Archetype – Handcuff with Standalone Value
Cleveland Browns – WR Elijah Moore
Sleeper ADP – 112
After an impressive rookie season averaging 12.5 PPR points per game, Elijah Moore faced a challenging sophomore year, dropping to 5.4 PPR points per game. Notably, Moore is among only 14 wide receivers who received an 80+ PFF grade as a rookie, and all 13 of the others achieved a Top 14 finish in fantasy football.
Despite the Jets coaching staff’s apparent frustration and struggles with poor quarterback play, Moore now finds himself in Cleveland, where he will team up with Deshaun Watson. Expected to be the “Z” receiver alongside Amari Cooper, he should emerge as a reliable weapon for both the Browns offense and our fantasy squads.
Archetype – Boom/Bust Flex Player
Pittsburgh Steelers – RB Jaylen Warren
Sleeper ADP – 169
After Najee Harris reported a lisfranc sprain in the 2022 preseason, Jalen Warren, an unfamiliar UDFA, received a chance to showcase his skills during the season. He finished the year as RB47, similar to rookie standout Brian Robinson. Steelers camp reports suggest efforts to increase Warren’s involvement in the offense, making him a potentially valuable flex option. Especially in favorable matchups.
With minimal additions to the backfield, Warren’s second-string position seems secure. In case of a Najee Harris injury, he will play a crucial role in Matt Canada’s run-heavy scheme.
Archetype – Handcuff with Potential Standalone Value
NFC North
Minnesota Vikings – RB Ty Chandler
Sleeper ADP – 214
During his college years, Ty Chandler showcased his explosive running skills, utilizing his impressive 4.38 speed to create big plays on the field. In the preseason, the rookie demonstrated excellent vision and the ability to gain yards after contact. Unfortunately, Chandler’s rookie season was cut short due to a thumb injury, but reports from last preseason indicated that the Vikings’ held Chandler in high regard.
While Alexander Mattison, recently re-signed, is likely to assume the lead back role in the 2023 season, Chandler currently holds an advantage over rookie DeWayne McBride and kick return specialist Kene Nwangwu for the RB2 position on the depth chart.
Archetype – Handcuff in Ambiguous Backfield
Detroit Lions – TE Sam LaPorta
Sleeper ADP – 139
Sam LaPorta, who was selected early in the second round of this year’s NFL Draft, is poised to play a significant role for the Lions, with the potential for decent target volume. After measuring in at 6’3″ and 250 pounds, he demonstrated his athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.59 40-yard dash.
All in all, he earned an impressive Relative Athletic Score of 9.02. As a rookie, he has a good chance to provide low-end TE1 value in fantasy football.
Archetype – TE Streamer with Weekly Upside
Green Bay Packers – RB AJ Dillon
Sleeper ADP – 91
Despite the expected “red-zone role” for Dillon, he only scored one touchdown in the first 11 weeks while Green Bay struggled offensively. Dillon, on the other hand, rose to prominence in the second half, particularly as a red-zone threat.
He out-carried Aaron Jones inside the 10-yard line 14 to 5, sharing snaps equally, beginning in Week 9. From Week 11 to Week 17, they both scored a comparable amount of points, with Dillon scoring six rushing touchdowns. If this trend continues in 2023, Jones’ fantasy potential may suffer while Dillon’s value rises.
Archetype – Handcuff with Standalone Value
Chicago Bears – RB Roschon Johnson
Sleeper ADP – 167
Johnson’s pass-blocking prowess might not reflect in the box score, but it holds significant value for running backs as it increases their chances of being on the field during passing situations. Though pass-blocking doesn’t directly score fantasy points, it can lead to more opportunities on third downs, resulting in additional pass-catching chances.
In his time at Texas, Johnson showcased his receiving abilities with 23 catches as a true freshman and a total of 56 receptions. In comparison, neither Herbert nor Foreman has caught more than 14 passes in a single season in the NFL.
Archetype – Handcuff with Potential Standalone Value
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars – RB Tank Bigsby
Sleeper ADP – 145
The buzz this offseason is all about the Jaguars wanting to limit Etienne’s workload to keep him fresh and healthy. Last year, he played 72% of the snaps from Week 7 onwards (excluding Week 12 when he got injured). So, it’s reasonable for Jacksonville to use Bigsby, whom they drafted in the third round. The rookie is expected to handle some of the goal line duties, which will boost his fantasy value with spike weeks in the high-scoring Doug Pederson offense.
Archetype – Handcuff with Potential Standalone Value
Tennessee Titans – QB Ryan Tannehill
Sleeper ADP – 249
Despite the foul air surrounding the public perception of Ryan Tannehill, he held up quite well when he was on the field last season. He completed 65.2% of his passes, which is pretty much in line with his usual 64.3% career average. His touchdown rate of 4.0% was below what most NFL starters have, but it was the same as his rate in 2021.
DeAndre Hopkins joined the team in July, theoretically bringing with him a big offensive boost. Hopkins bounced back from 4.2 receptions per game in 2021 to 7.1 last season. Although he missed 15 games over the past two seasons, six were due to suspension. For now, there’s no indication of any concern about his hamstring or knee issues that caused him to miss the other 9 weeks during that period.
Archetype – Streaming QB Option with Top 12 Upside
Indianapolis Colts – QB Anthony Richardson
Sleeper ADP – 103
Don’t worry about Richardson’s passing game. Last year, Justin Fields showed it doesn’t really matter for fantasy football purposes. Even with the Bears throwing the fewest passes per game in two decades, Fields still ended up as QB6 in fantasy football, even after missing two games. With the RPO between Richardson and Jonathan Taylor causing chaos for defenses, it could create opportunities for Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs.
Unlocking the passing game for Richardson through this route is key for his long-term development. However, lucky for us, a low completion rate is not penalized in most fantasy football formats. In 2023, the selling point for Richardson is abundant running with the hope that he doesn’t perform poorly enough to be benched. While improvements as a passer certainly are possible, it’s best not to set high expectations lest we ruin for ourselves witnessing a special talent.
Archetype – Potential Top 8 QB
Houston Texans – WR Nico Collins
Sleeper ADP – 167
Collins is set for another chance to secure significant playing time as the probable starting X receiver. However, with the presence of John Metchie, rookie Tank Dell, and veteran Robert Woods in the mix, earning a sizable target share may prove challenging. Best-case scenario, he builds a strong connection with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud during training camp and maintains that rapport into the regular season. If that happens, Collins has the potential to exceed expectations and provide excellent value in fantasy football.
Archetype – Potential Consistent Flex Player
NFC South
New Orleans Saints – Kendre Miller
Sleeper ADP – 143
Miller, with an impressive college average of 6.7 YPC, embodies a robust and hard-to-tackle running style, unafraid of contact. Despite his 5’11” and 215-pound build, he exhibits exceptional lateral agility, smoothly maneuvering through defenses.
Two potential routes exist for Miller’s breakthrough. Firstly, an injury to Kamara or Williams could elevate him into a significant 40% snap share role. Alternatively, Miller could simply outperform Williams, as the latter excels as a two-down grinder with average running abilities. In contrast, Miller is younger, faster, and more explosive, offering the Saints considerable potential to ponder.
Archetype – Handcuff with Potential Standalone Value
Carolina Panthers – TE Hayden Hurst
Sleeper ADP – 205
Hurst joined the Panthers through free agency in the spring of 2023, where tight end-friendly coach Frank Reich leads a team with uncertain wide receiver options. A deep sleeper at tight end should aim to rank first or second in team targets, and Carolina’s situation offers that potential. Rookie quarterbacks often focus on a single reliable target, which could be advantageous for Hurst. If he becomes that target, fantasy managers can find great value in him, especially when looking to avoid tight ends with higher ADPs.
Archetype – TE Streamer with Weekly Upside
Atlanta Falcons – Tyler Allgeier
Sleeper ADP – 130
Selected in the fifth round last year, Allgeier impressed by setting the team rookie rushing record with 1,035 yards. However, competing for carries with a standout running back prospect like Bijan Robinson will make it challenging for him to replicate that performance.
While both players had comparable production in their last two college seasons, Robinson accomplished it at a younger age, facing tougher competition. Additionally, he displayed much stronger receiving abilities. As a result, Allgeier might be relegated to a backup role as early as Week 1. Best-case scenario, Allgeier sees a 60/40 workload split unless Robinson sustains an injury.
Archetype – Handcuff with Potential Standalone Value
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – RB Sean Tucker
Sleeper ADP – 276
Tampa Bay didn’t select a running back in the draft, leaving Rachaad White, Chase Edmonds, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, and Patrick Laird on the current depth chart. Tucker faced a complicated pre-draft process due to cardiac health issues, resulting in his being medically red-flagged at the NFL Combine and kept out of Syracuse’s Pro Day. Although he eventually did a shortened workout for scouts during draft week, he went undrafted.
However, given his explosive abilities as one of the most dynamic backs in this class I can see him carving out a role behind Rachaad White, making him a low-end handcuff. In fact, he is already being touted by those within the Buccaneers organization as “Baby Nick Chubb“. If Tucker can remain free of health concerns, he has the potential to be a UDFA gem.
Archetype – Handcuff in an Ambiguous Backfield
AFC East
Buffalo Bills – WR Gabe Davis
Sleeper ADP – 100
In 2022, Davis experienced a decline in catch rate, but his higher target volume and red-zone threat status make him an intriguing selection for the 2023 season. The Bills’ pass-heavy strategy and willingness to take deep shots further boost Davis’ fantasy value. The Bills’ offseason moves, or rather the lack thereof, suggest a secure role for Davis in the offense. This makes his current ADP a surprising revelation, particularly when considering that he had a similar role last season.
Archetype – Boom/Bust Flex Player
New York Jets – WR Allen Lazard
Sleeper ADP – 122
In 2022, Allen Lazard had a decent fantasy season, but those expecting a breakout performance might have been let down. He finished as the WR34 in fantasy points per game, with a 21.1% target share (ranked 33rd) and the 12th-most red zone targets among wide receivers. Furthermore, his connection with Aaron Rodgers should lead to similar numbers in New York. Not to mention, Rodgers requested the reunion himself.
Archetype – Consistent Flex Player
Miami Dolphins – RB Jeff Wilson
Sleeper ADP – 175
Back with the Dolphins in 2023, Jeff Wilson aims to secure the top running back spot despite competition from Raheem Mostert and rookie De’Von Achane. In 2022, Wilson joined the team from San Francisco, impressing with 96 touches for 486 yards and four touchdowns in eight games, recording at least 10 PPR points five times. Mostert, during the same period, had 98 touches, 544 yards, and three touchdowns.
With Achane now in the mix, the backfield may become challenging to navigate if everyone remains healthy. Nevertheless, it’s likely that Achane’s addition is intended to relieve Mostert of the speed threat role, leaving Wilson largely unaffected.
Archetype – Handcuff with Potential Standalone Value
New England Patriots – TE Hunter Henry
Sleeper ADP – 260
While not among the top-12 fantasy tight ends for 2023, Hunter Henry still holds value and can serve as a late-round selection that can return dividends for your starting lineup. Despite the addition of Mike Gesicki, Henry is likely to retain his position as the Patriots’ No. 1 tight end this season.
He has the potential to be a red-zone threat, evident from his nine touchdowns in 2021 and an average of 9.7 PPR points per game that year. Surprisingly, he is often going undrafted at this time, offering an excellent opportunity for savvy managers to capitalize on his potential.
Archetype – TE Streamer with Weekly Upside
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles – RB Rashaad Penny
Sleeper ADP – 101
Rashaad Penny has a history of missing significant time, including last season when he suffered a fibula fracture in Week 5. On the other hand, D’Andre Swift has experienced less severe but recurring injuries that sometimes affected his workload when active. When both are healthy, they should complement each other well, with Penny relying on size, speed, and power, and Swift excelling in agility and receiving.
There’s potential for both to hold fantasy value in Philadelphia’s high-powered offense. Rashaad Penny should be the primary benefactor of the Eagles RPO scheme. A scheme that is traditionally associated with higher yards per carry for the running back.
Archetype – Handcuff with Standalone Value
Dallas Cowboys – WR Brandin Cooks
Sleeper ADP – 95
Regardless of Mike McCarthy’s expected run-heavy approach, Cooks will have ample opportunity for significant volume. Dallas has a considerable number of vacated targets, with only eight teams having more. Additionally, they lost their number-two pass-catcher from 2022, Dalton Schultz. He had a 17% target share and has since moved to Houston. While Michael Gallup’s performance after returning from a torn ACL remains uncertain, Cooks has proven his ability to handle substantial target volume.
Archetype – Boom/Bust Flex Player
New York Giants – WR Darius Slayton
Sleeper ADP – 251
After a shaky start to the 2022 season, Darius Slayton faced uncertainty about making the final 53-man roster. He didn’t record his first catch until Week 4 and missed Week 18, but still led the team in receiving yards with 724 on 46 catches. Slayton’s re-signed for a two-year deal and is likely to secure a starting receiver role. If some touchdown luck can come his way, he has a very real shot at making our starting fantasy rosters. Considering where he is going in drafts, this is quite a major value differential.
Archetype – Potential Boom-Bust Flex Player
Washington Commanders – RB Antonio Gibson
Sleeper ADP – 93
With J.D. McKissic’s departure, Antonio Gibson is set to receive more touches in Washington’s offense. Additionally, the presence of former Chiefs’ OC Eric Bieniemy as the play-caller introduces exciting upside. Bieniemy’s creative offensive approach may utilize Gibson similarly to Jerick McKinnon in 2022, who yielded fantasy RB2 numbers. Expect Gibson to have a solid RB3 floor with RB2 potential due to his involvement in the passing game. Furthermore, if anything were to happen to Brian Robinson, Gibson could even reach low-end RB1 numbers.
This is the Antonio Gibson I want to see in Washington under new OC Eric Bieniemy!
— Matt FF Dynasty 🏈 (@MattFFDynasty) July 26, 2023
Archetype – Handcuff with Standalone Value
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs – RB Jerick McKinnon
Sleeper ADP – 124
The Super Bowl champions made no moves to bolster their running back room through free agency or the draft. However, they did reunite with veteran running back Jerick McKinnon. Moving forward, he is set to be the second option behind Isiah Pacheco on the depth chart. Meanwhile, Clyde Edwards-Helaire starts as the third back.
McKinnon had an impressive performance last season. He caught nine touchdowns and averaged 25.5 points per game from Weeks 14 to 17. Although that pace may not be sustainable, he should continue to play a significant role as a dynamic pass-catching option for Patrick Mahomes.
Archetype – Boom/Bust Running Back with Standalone Value
Los Angeles Chargers – WR Quentin Johnston
Sleeper ADP – 97
Quentin Johnston’s addition to the Chargers’ passing game brings a unique yard-creation element that sets him apart from Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. The Chargers are known for their pass-heavy approach, operating out of the shotgun on 48% of their first downs and using 11 personnel for 60% of their plays, resulting in an overall passing rate of 67%, exceeding the expected rate by 4.3%.
With the draft capital invested in him, Johnston is expected to secure a starting spot. This indicates to us that he’ll likely see extensive playing time as one of the top WR3s in the league, with plenty of runway to ascend the depth chart in LA.
Archetype – Boom/Bust Flex Player w/upside
Denver Broncos – QB Russell Wilson
Sleeper ADP – 135
I know, I know. Russell Wilson was everything but what we had expected him to be in 2022 after finding a new home in Denver. Certainly, some blame can be attributed to Wilson for his poor decisions and inconsistent production in the first 13 games. However, the Broncos’ offensive improvement was evident after Hackett’s departure. In the last two games, they scored 31 and 24 points, surpassing their season-long average of 16.9 points per game.
With a talented supporting cast, a track record of success, and legendary head coach Sean Payton leading the team, Wilson has the potential to reclaim his status as one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
Archetype – Potential Top 8 QB
Las Vegas Raiders – RB Zamir White
Sleeper ADP – 211
Las Vegas Raiders’ running back Zamir White had a quiet rookie year after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He finished with just 17 rushes for 70 yards and no touchdowns. Obviously, Josh Jacobs dominated as the primary back with 393 touches in a Pro Bowl season.
While Jacobs is expected to handle a large workload again, his contract situation and potential for injury make White an intriguing late-round draft selection. Even if Jacobs doesn’t hold out and only misses a handful of games, White’s 6’0″, 215-pound frame and workhorse potential could lead to significant volume in his sophomore season.
Archetype – Pure Handcuff
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers – QB Brock Purdy
Sleeper ADP – 199
Last season, Purdy had limited playing time until he became the starter in Week 13 due to injuries to Lance and Garoppolo. He made an impressive impact, winning all six of his regular-season starts and earning the official starting quarterback role by head coach Kyle Shanahan. During weeks 14-18, he averaged 18.6 points per game, which would have ranked him as QB8 for the year.
Despite a devastating elbow injury during the NFC Championship game, he has fully recovered and is set to start in Week 1. Purdy has been taking practice reps with the first team and seems to have secured the starting position over Lance and Darnold. After a year of learning the 49ers’ system and building chemistry with the offense, he is expected to show significant improvement in the 2023 season.
Archetype – Potential Top 12 QB
Seattle Seahawks – QB Geno Smith
Sleeper ADP – 122
Geno Smith had a standout season, ranking as QB5 in fantasy football with 30+ touchdowns. His performance was crucial in Seattle exceeding expectations in 2022. With an improved offensive line and the addition of promising rookies, Smith’s passing volume and efficiency are expected to rise. Don’t underestimate his potential and consider adding him to your fantasy team.
Archetype – Potential Top 8 QB
Los Angeles Rams – WR Van Jefferson
Sleeper ADP – 202
Van Jefferson had an impressive 2021 season with the Rams, emerging as the second-highest receiver with 802 yards and six touchdowns. However, a torn ACL limited him to just 11 games in 2022. During that time, he recorded 24 catches for 369 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Matthew Stafford believes Jefferson will make a strong comeback in 2023, becoming a significant part of the offense alongside All-Pro Cooper Kupp.
In fantasy football drafts, other second wide receivers are being drafted earlier than Jefferson. However, the Rams’ defense will rely on inexperienced players, potentially leading to more pass-heavy situations. If Stafford stays healthy for a substantial part of the season, I think Jefferson has the potential to be a great value pick at his current ADP for the 2023 season.
Archetype – Potential Boom/Bust Flex player
Arizona Cardinals – WR Rondale Moore
Sleeper ADP – 131
Despite an abbreviated sophomore season, Moore showcased his potential with an impressive 22.7% target share and a 22% target per route run rate in his seven full games played. During this stretch, he averaged 12.6 fantasy points per game, which would have ranked as WR32 over a full season.
With a projected win total of just 4.5 at most sportsbooks, the Cardinals are anticipated to be near the bottom of the league. This directly affects Moore’s spike week potential via touchdowns. Nevertheless, their anticipated trailing game script should lead to increased passing volume, giving Moore, currently drafted as a WR4/5, the chance to deliver WR3-level production.
Archetype – Potential Consistent Flex Player
As we draw to a close, remember, sleepers are low in ADP for a reason. They have a higher risk of busting associating with them. The great thing about sleepers is that you can avoid having any ties with them if they start off slow. You can make moves by dropping them for the next hot thing on the waiver wire with little to no qualms about the price you acquired them for on draft day. I hope you all picked up an extra nugget of knowledge from this piece. As always, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter if you want to talk some ball!
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