Sleepers used to be easy to find. They’re not today. We have more advanced statistics than ever, making breakouts a bit easier to predict. We have more access to teams, which means more information about depth charts, and up-to-the-minute injury reports. Going back 10 years ago, you knew the guy who showed up with a magazine to the draft would be screwed because it was likely out of date. Now, they have a laptop with current rankings and information.
Complete early mock drafts using our free draft simulator 
It today’s day and age, it’s difficult to define the word “sleeper” in fantasy football. Some say it’s a player who’s yet to break out but has the ability to finish top-24 at his position. Some say it’s a player drafted outside the top 10 rounds. Some say it’s a player who’s going undrafted.
We all have different definitions, but to me, a sleeper is someone who’s being tremendously undervalued and is available in the later rounds despite signs suggesting they may have much more opportunity than what most expect. I’ve gone through each of the 32 teams to try and identify one potential sleeper for your fantasy team. We did need some sort of guideline to go by, so I stuck with players currently being taken outside the top 10 rounds (120 players) in consensus ADP.
Arizona Cardinals
Andy Isabella (WR) Current ADP: 259 overall (WR84)
With the Cardinals being a very up-and-coming team, you’re not going to get much of a discount on anyone. However, Isabella should be on the field in 4WR sets and proved last year he can do a lot with a little, turning 13 targets into 189 yards and a touchdown while KeeSean Johnson turned 42 targets into 187 yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals used a second-round pick on the speedster last year, and if Larry Fitzgerald starts to be phased out, we could see Isabella be phased in.
Atlanta Falcons
Hayden Hurst (TE) Current ADP: 121 overall (TE13)
He’s moving up draft boards much more rapidly than we’d like, but he still fits the criteria of outside the top 120 players being drafted. By the time this article comes out, he might be inside that number, but I’m using him. Hurst walks into a role that was occupied by Austin Hooper last year, and one that brought Hooper the fifth-most expected fantasy points among all tight ends (read more on that here), and that’s despite him missing three full games. The Falcons never really replaced Mohamed Sanu, and then traded a second-round pick for Hurst, who is going to be a top-10 tight end.
Baltimore Ravens
Miles Boykin (WR) Current ADP: 278 overall (WR91)
I’m not a fan of many sleepers on the Ravens roster if I’m being honest. Boykin will likely take over as a starter now that they moved on from Seth Roberts, but despite playing almost all the snaps, Roberts totaled just 35 targets last year. Boykin did score three touchdowns on just 22 targets, so it’s clear he’ll be a weapon in the red zone, and if Marquise Brown can’t stay on the field, he’d have a much larger role.
Buffalo Bills
Zack Moss (RB) Current ADP: 156 overall (RB49)
Many thought Devin Singletary was entrenched in the workhorse role for the Bills in 2020. That was until they drafted Moss in the third round, which is the same round they took Singletary in last year. General Manager Brandon Beane has already said that Moss will take over the old Frank Gore role, which netted 11 attempts inside the five-yard line (ranked 13th among running backs). Not only is Moss better than Gore at this stage in their careers, he might be better than Singletary. Moss is someone who reminded me of Kareem Hunt on college film, making him an ideal late-round pick.
Carolina Panthers
Robby Anderson (WR) Current ADP: 174 overall (WR53)
I’ve been someone who avoided Anderson in fantasy the last few years. He was on a bad football team that didn’t throw the ball a whole lot, and it was clear he was never going to get a large role. The difference this year? He’s not being drafted as a top-35 receiver and he’s on a new team. The Panthers defense is going through a massive rebuild, which will cause this team to throw the ball a ton while playing from behind. Anderson also played under Matt Rhule at Temple, so it’s clear he knew his role before signing the contract. While D.J. Moore will still be the No. 1 receiver there, Anderson should exceed draft expectations in 2020.
Chicago Bears
Anthony Miller (WR) Current ADP: 150 overall (WR56)
There were seven games Miller saw more than three targets in 2019. In those seven games, he totaled 42 receptions for 547 yards, and two touchdowns. With Taylor Gabriel gone, it’s very possible that Miller becomes more of a staple in the offense. The fact that the Bears offense was bad last year is allowing us to get a potential superstar at a steep discount.
Cincinnati Bengals
John Ross (WR) Current ADP: 203 overall (WR70)
Did everyone forget that Ross piled up 270 yards and three touchdowns in the first two games of Zac Taylor’s offense last year? He won’t get the 20 targets he got in those two games with A.J. Green healthy, but you know what else he won’t get? Bracketed coverage. He now has a quarterback who can deliver the deep ball, and don’t think that rookie Tee Higgins overtakes him with virtually no offseason to learn the ins and outs of the playbook.
Cleveland Browns
Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR) Current ADP: Undrafted
The Browns stole Peoples-Jones in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, and it’s rumored that he fell due to talking poorly about his coaching staff at Michigan in interviews. Whatever the case, he’s an extremely talented wide receiver on a shallow depth chart. Behind Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry, they’re very thin at wide receiver. He can play both on the perimeter in the slot, but the slot role would be ideal. Landry is recovering from hip surgery, so it’s possible that Peoples-Jones gets a chance to impress early on.
Dallas Cowboys
Tony Pollard (RB) or Blake Jarwin (TE) Current ADPs: 133 overall (RB47) and 172 overall (TE21)
It’s odd to see Pollard so low, as he might be the best bench stash in all of fantasy football. If Ezekiel Elliott were to miss time, Pollard can be a league winner. Did you know that Jason Witten and Blake Jarwin combined for 124 targets last year? Witten is gone. The guy behind Jarwin (Dalton Schultz) has seen 19 career targets. Opportunity is everything to tight ends.
Denver Broncos
KJ Hamler (WR) Current ADP: 276 overall (WR90)
I really wanted to put Jerry Jeudy here, but he was just inside the top 120 players. Suddenly, the Broncos are littered with talent on offense, though many will overlook Hamler due to Jeudy and Courtland Sutton as the top dogs on the team. Hamler is a playmaker in his own right and someone who doesn’t need eight-plus targets per game to perform. With Pat Shurmur taking over as the offensive coordinator, we could see him have a bigger role than expected, as Shurmur has used the slot receiver quite extensively in his offensive scheme.
Detroit Lions
T.J. Hockenson (TE) Current ADP: 129 overall (TE15)
There was an article I did this offseason called “Which Players Should Have Scored the Most Points in 2019?” In that study, there was no tight end who was top-12 in opportunity who finished outside the top 13 tight ends. So, basically, if you can figure out who has the most opportunity, you know which tight ends will finish inside the top-12. Hockenson played just 12 games, but his pace was for 110.1 expected points, which would’ve ranked 12th among tight ends… as a rookie. Natural development and progression in his career, it’s not out of question that he’s a top-10 tight end this year.
Green Bay Packers
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR) Current ADP: 299 overall (WR99)
I really could’ve put any Packers wide receiver not named Davante Adams here, but Valdes-Scantling will go back to the role that he’s excelled in: the slot. Through his two years in the league, Valdes-Scantling has produced 1.97 fantasy points per target in the slot, while producing just 0.95 per target on the perimeter, which is the second-largest gap in the league. With Geronimo Allison gone, we could see a reemergence out of the receiver who was drafted as a top-40 option in 2019 fantasy drafts.
Houston Texans
Duke Johnson (RB) Current ADP: 153 overall (RB48)
There are a lot of people who believe David Johnson is done, which explains his current ADP as the 23rd running back off the board. But if that’s the case, why is Duke Johnson falling outside the top 150 players drafted? Over the last four years, Johnson has averaged 4.74 yards per carry, 7.03 yards per target, and scored a touchdown every 31.0 touches. If David Johnson should struggle or miss time, Duke Johnson could be a late-round steal.
Indianapolis Colts
Parris Campbell (WR) Current ADP: 222 overall (WR74)
The Colts were extremely high on Campbell, drafting him in the second round last year. He’s now going to take over as the primary slot receiver, which is a position that Philip Rivers has peppered with targets over his career. It’s scary, but Campbell is a bigger/faster version of T.Y. Hilton. With Andrew Luck under center in 2018, we saw Chester Rogers rack up 72 targets in this slot role of Frank Reich’s offense.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Dede Westbrook (WR) Current ADP: 197 overall (WR68)
Do you know how many receivers saw 100-plus targets last year? 30. Westbrook was one of them. He’s playing the same role in 2020. Sure, Jay Gruden is coming over as the offensive coordinator, and that shouldn’t hurt anything, as he turned Jamison Crowder into a fantasy-relevant name, and even had Steven Sims doing work towards the end of last year. Sure, the Jaguars drafted Laviska Shenault, but he’ll affect Chris Conley more than anything.
Kansas City Chiefs
Sammy Watkins (WR) Current ADP: 138 overall (WR50)
It’s really crazy you can get Patrick Mahomes‘ No. 2 receiver outside the top 10 rounds, but that’s the case. Even Mecole Hardman is going over him, a player who saw less than half the targets last year. Can we expect Hardman to be more involved? Sure, but drafters are actually betting on him seeing more than Watkins. Knowing Watkins averaged just 7.5 yards per target after averaging at least 8.3 in each of the last four years, I’m starting to think he was playing through something. Whatever the case, he’s a full-time player for Mahomes, so I’m in at his current cost.
Las Vegas Raiders
Henry Ruggs (WR) Current ADP: 142 overall (WR52)
I wasn’t even a huge Ruggs guy pre-NFL Draft, but after the Raiders took him at No. 12 overall, we must adjust. Many mistake Ruggs as a deep threat, but he was more of a player who go the ball on screens and slants, relying on him breaking something after the catch. Fortunately, that should play right into Derek Carr‘s strengths, as his 6.3-yard average depth of target was the lowest in the NFL. He should be a boom/bust WR3 option who might just win you a few weeks.
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Jackson (RB) Current ADP: 177 overall (RB56)
Is it possible that Jackson is this year’s Raheem Mostert? Probably not, but it’s possible. Jackson has been a stud when called upon, turning 79 career carries into 406 yards (5.14 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. Joshua Kelley could also be in this sleeper article because one of them are going to be fantasy relevant with Melvin Gordon gone, though I’m giving the nod to the veteran here.
Los Angeles Rams
Van Jefferson (WR) Current ADP: Undrafted
It was a shock when the Rams spent a second-round pick on Jefferson, who many expected to go on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. Still, we must adjust because it’s clear they have a plan for him. Is it the old Brandin Cooks role? At the Senior Bowl, Jefferson was clocked at 21.05 MPH, which was the highest speed of anyone there. We know wide receivers are the heartbeat to Sean McVay’s offense and a second-round pick screams confidence.
Miami Dolphins
Preston Williams (WR) Current ADP: 151 overall (WR57)
When Williams went down in Week 9, did you know he was the No. 39 wide receiver in fantasy while DeVante Parker was the No. 34 wide receiver? That’s when Parker went bananas. But you have to keep in mind that Williams was a rookie and wasn’t even a starter to begin the year. It’s likely that Ryan Fitzpatrick starts under center, and he’s proven to be able to support multiple wide receivers in fantasy.
Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson (WR) Current ADP: 145 overall (WR54)
It’s going to be tough for rookie wide receivers this year, as they have a limited offseason, but Jefferson’s going to be asked to contribute immediately. The loss of Stefon Diggs created a void in the offense, and one only Jefferson can fill. Even better is that he’ll be playing a lot of slot snaps, which has been a profitable position with Kirk Cousins under center. We also can’t forget that Adam Thielen is now 30 years old and dealing with back issues. There’s a scenario where Jefferson is Cousins’ No. 1 target, and all it takes is one injury.
New England Patriots
Damien Harris (RB) Current ADP: 212 overall (RB61)
Scoff at this if you want, but I believe there’s a real chance Harris is the Patriots starting running back in 2020. Sony Michel is coming off another surgery, and this time it’s his ankle, which can obviously affect his efficiency, which was shoddy to begin with. Harris was taken at No. 87 overall by the Patriots last season and wasn’t active on many gamedays because he doesn’t contribute on special teams. That could change in a hurry.
New Orleans Saints
Ty Montgomery (RB) Current ADP: Undrafted
It’s a shame that Latavius Murray didn’t make the list because he’s a phenomenal value at 115 overall right now. But outside the top 120, we find Montgomery, who was clearly signed to be Alvin Kamara‘s backup. Remember when Tim Hightower won fantasy titles as a Saints backup running back a few years ago? While Montgomery won’t get 20-plus touches a game, he’s an interesting stash in deeper leagues.
New York Giants
Daniel Jones (QB) Current ADP: 128 overall (QB16)
This was a tough one because I definitely see an avenue where Jones breaks out, but I also see a scenario where he shouldn’t be drafted. He’s surrounded by a lot of talent on offense, his offensive line has been upgraded, and he has mobility. However, the start to his schedule includes the Steelers, Bears, and 49ers, three of the worst matchups for quarterbacks. If you’re going to grab Jones, do it after the first few weeks, as he’s likely to be on waiver wires.
New York Jets
Jamison Crowder (WR) Current ADP: 135 overall (WR49)
Does anyone realize that Crowder was targeted 122 times last year? That ranked 16th among wide receivers. Sure, they added Breshad Perriman and Denzel Mims, but we’re talking about no chemistry in a shortened offseason. I’m positive that if Crowder plays all 16 games, he’ll lead this team in targets. For him to go outside the top 11 rounds is pretty incredible.
Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Reagor (WR) or Boston Scott (RB) Current ADP: 149 overall (WR55) and 160 overall (RB50)
The more we hear about Alshon Jeffery not being ready for the start of the season, the more excited I get about the wide receiver the Eagles drafted at No. 21 overall. He can play anywhere on the field and is a big play waiting to happen. We also have to pay attention to DeSean Jackson, who could get cut due to off-the-field issues. As for Scott, they still haven’t added another running back to the roster, which means it could be a Tarik Cohen situation alongside Miles Sanders, which would have flex-type appeal.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Anthony McFarland (RB) Current ADP: 217 overall (RB63)
He’s not going to overtake James Conner as the workhorse running back. In fact, Mike Tomlin has already said that Benny Snell is likely the backup to Conner. However, that tells me they have different plans for McFarland, who they drafted in the fourth round. You don’t take a third-string running back in the fourth round. You would, however, draft a running back who will play a Tarik Cohen or Chris Thompson-like role in the fourth round. He’s a playmaker who’ll likely be mixed into the offense, getting 6-10 touches per game. If he excels, the Steelers will have no choice but to give him more work.
San Francisco 49ers
Jalen Hurd (WR) Current ADP: 289 overall (WR95)
Once Deebo Samuel went down with a foot injury and needed surgery this offseason, fantasy owners should’ve been asking themselves, “Who can play the Samuel role in the 49ers offense?” Someone who can do work with the ball in his hands and maybe even take a few handoffs. Hurd was a running back for most of his college career and is an exceptional athlete at 6-foot-5 and 229 pounds. It also doesn’t hurt that the 49ers drafted him in the third round last year.
Seattle Seahawks
Will Dissly (TE) Current ADP: 196 overall (TE26)
Many are worried about the Greg Olsen signing, but guys, he is now 35 years old and has topped 48 yards in just eight games over the last three years. Don’t forget that he was essentially retired and in the booth before ultimately choosing to come back. Meanwhile, Dissly hit at least 50 yards in the four of the five full games he played in 2019. Olsen was insurance to Dissly, not the other way around.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
O.J. Howard (TE) Current ADP: 171 overall (TE20)
I get it, Howard was a major disappointment last year. Still, you can’t simply erase the player he was supposed to become. Did you know that his 10.4 yards per target is still the most of all-time among tight ends? He now has Tom Brady, who’s loved to target his talented tight ends over the course of his career. Sure, Rob Gronkowski is a thorn in his side, but how many times has Gronkowski played a full season. He hasn’t since 2011. He took a year off football and wasn’t the same player the last time he was on the field. It’s possible that Gronkowski was brought on to mentor Howard. While he’s a much better buy in dynasty, I believe Howard will have fantasy relevance in 2020.
Tennessee Titans
Jonnu Smith (TE) or Corey Davis (WR) Current ADP: 136 overall (TE16) and 216 overall (WR73)
When Bill Belichick talked about Smith prior to last year’s playoff game, he described him as one of the best in the league. That speaks volumes. If you look at total team fantasy scoring for tight ends, the Titans have finished top-12 in each of the last five years, along with the Chiefs and Eagles. With Delanie Walker gone, we could see Smith ascend into an every-week starter. Davis reminds me of DeVante Parker, as a talented receiver who just hasn’t had things fall his way. He’s now in a contract year and won’t have to deal with the opponent’s top cornerback.
Washington
Antonio Gibson (RB) Current ADP: 202 overall (RB58)
It’s tough to find a true breakout potential sleeper on an offense that’s projected to finish at/near the bottom, but Gibson is going to be asked to play a versatile role in Washington’s offense. He’s 6-foot-0 and 220 pounds but has blazing 4.39-second speed. With Kelvin Harmon going down for the season, about 75 targets just went up for grabs, and it would be wise for them to give a big chunk of them to Gibson.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
Mike Tagliere is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @MikeTagliereNFL.
