15 Sleepers You Should Pick Up In Your NFL Fantasy Drafts
5 min read
What’s up, fantasy football fans? Today, I’m bringing you the latest intel on some NFL players you better not sleep on in your fantasy drafts this year. These are the hidden gems, comeback kids, and breakout stars who could make all the difference in your lineup. Let’s dive into the stats and see why these players are primed to crush it in the 2024 season.
1. Baker Mayfield (QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Baker Mayfield was quietly efficient in 2023, throwing for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions. He’s getting it done with the weapons around him, including Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. If you’re looking for a late-round quarterback with solid upside, Baker is a sneaky pick who could easily provide QB2 value with some QB1 weeks.
2. Jerome Ford (RB, Cleveland Browns)
Jerome Ford stepped up big-time for the Browns after Nick Chubb’s injury. Ford rushed for 813 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2023 while also catching 44 passes for 319 yards and 5 touchdowns. He’s shown versatility and could be a key piece in Cleveland’s offense next season. Ford is a great mid-round pick with RB2 potential.
3. Jameson Williams (WR, Detroit Lions)
Jameson Williams had a slow start to his NFL career, but his upside is undeniable. In limited action on the field the past few seasons, he has flashed big-play potential with his speed. With a full offseason to integrate into the Lions’ offense, 2024 could be the year Williams breaks out as a reliable WR2 or flex option in fantasy.
4. Kyle Pitts (TE, Atlanta Falcons)
It’s pretty safe to say Kyle Pitts hasn’t fully lived up to expectations yet, but don’t give up on him. He’s still a matchup nightmare and finished 2023 with 667 yards and 3 touchdowns. Add in the immediate QB upgrade with Kirk Cousins behind center and Pitts has the talent to be an elite TE. I’m calling it right now, after this season, he should easily return top-five value at the position next year.
5. Najee Harris (RB, Pittsburgh Steelers)
Although the first half of his year was terrible, Najee Harris had a better second half in 2023, finishing with 1,035 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. The Steelers’ offense started to click late in the season, and Harris benefited. He remains a high-volume back who can grind out tough yards and get goal-line work. He’s a solid RB2 with RB1 upside if the Steelers’ offense continues to improve.
6. Matthew Stafford (QB, Los Angeles Rams)
Matthew Stafford bounced back from an injury-plagued 2022 season, throwing for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 2023. With Cooper Kupp healthy and the emergence of Puka Nacua, Stafford has the tools to be a top-12 quarterback this season IF he can stay on the field.
7. Diontae Johnson (WR, Carolina Panthers)
Diontae Johnson has been one of the biggest question marks at the WR position. He finished the season last year with 771 yards, 51 receptions and 5 touchdowns. The previous year he had 86 receptions, 882 yards, and NO touchdowns. His ability to rack up catches makes him a valuable asset in PPR leagues, and being on the Panthers this year will seemingly make him a target magnet. Getting a fresh start with a new team, and positive regression in the touchdown department could lead to a huge bounce-back in 2024.
8. DeAndre Hopkins (WR, Tennessee Titans)
DeAndre Hopkins proved he’s still got it, finishing the 2023 season with 1,024 yards and 5 touchdowns. He’s the clear WR1 for the Titans and should continue to see a high volume of targets in 2024, making him a safe WR2 with WR1 upside.
9. Rachaad White (RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Rachaad White took control of the backfield in Tampa Bay, rushing for 990 yards and 6 touchdowns while adding 64 catches for 549 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2023. His dual-threat ability makes him especially valuable in PPR formats, and he could be a solid RB2 this. season
10. Jonnu Smith (TE, Miami Dolphins)
Another player on this list that will be seeing new scenery this season, Jonnu Smith should be on everybody’s draft board, especially after his reemergence last year. Smith was wildly productive as a complementary piece to Kyle Pitts, and he’s a deep-league sleeper who could surprise as a central piece in the Dolphins offense. Smith has proven to be a reliable red-zone target, and in deeper leagues, he’s worth a stash as a TE2
11. Khalil Herbert (RB, Chicago Bears)
Khalil Herbert showed promise in the first half of 2023 before injuries slowed him down. He finished with 643 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. D’Andre Swift will most likely get the start, but he’s also never played a full season, and if he goes down, Herbert should step in and immediately make an impact. He’s worth a stash as an RB3.
12. Jahan Dotson (WR, Philadelphia Eagles)
Jahan Dotson’s second season saw him haul in 60 catches for 802 yards and 7 touchdowns. As the Eagles continue to rebuild their offensive pieces, Dotson could see even more targets, making him a great mid-round sleeper with WR2 potential.
13. David Njoku (TE, Cleveland Browns)
David Njoku was a consistent target for Deshaun Watson, finishing with 628 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. As Watson improves, Njoku could see his numbers rise, making him a great option if you miss out on the top-tier tight ends.
14. Jordan Addison (WR, Minnesota Vikings)
Jordan Addison had a strong rookie year, posting 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. Playing alongside Justin Jefferson has its perks, but exercise caution when picking him up. The Vikings will see a significant downgrade at QB with Sam Darnold, and he could face an in-season suspension for a DUI charge earlier in the year.
15. Jayden Daniels (QB, Washington Commanders)
Jayden Daniels is a name to watch this year and one of my favorites to win Offensive Rookie of the Year (Yes, ahead of Caleb Williams). Taking over signal-calling duties for the Commanders, his dual-threat ability could make him a valuable fantasy quarterback sooner than later. As long as his offensive line holds up, he could be the next Jalen Hurts-type breakout.
So there you have it—15 players you shouldn’t sleep on in your fantasy drafts this year. These guys are ready to take the 2024 season by storm, and you don’t want to miss out on their potential. Good luck, and may your fantasy season be filled with dubs!
