Grab your favorite pillow, that unashamedly garish set of Star Wars pajamas, and a copy of Rip Van Winkle. This is a sleeper extravaganza, and we’re not skimping. Prepare yourself to discover 32 hidden gems as we dig up a late-round fantasy surprise from every team in the NFL.
J.J. Nelson (ADP 189, WR64) There’s quite a fuss in Arizona over which receiver – outside of Larry Fitzgerald – will offer the most real-world and fantasy value in 2017. Considering Nelson has shown some chemistry with Carson Palmer already (34 catches, 568 yards, six TDs in 2016) and is the closest match to the health-embattled John Brown (both small, outside blazers), my money’s on Nelson.
Atlanta Falcons
Mohamed Sanu (ADP 182, WR63) Most will point to Taylor Gabriel as the sleeper receiver in Atlanta. But Gabriel is returning from a lower-leg strain, and is a boom-or-bust player no matter what happens in 2017. Sanu, on the other hand, is a reliable veteran who figures to be the WR1-in-waiting behind Julio Jones. Should Jones miss time, which he often does to some degree, Sanu could step up in fantasy on an explosive offense.
Grab your favorite pillow, that unashamedly garish set of Star Wars pajamas, and a copy of Rip Van Winkle. This is a sleeper extravaganza, and we’re not skimping. Prepare yourself to discover 32 hidden gems as we dig up a late-round fantasy surprise from every team in the NFL.
J.J. Nelson (ADP 189, WR64) There’s quite a fuss in Arizona over which receiver – outside of Larry Fitzgerald – will offer the most real-world and fantasy value in 2017. Considering Nelson has shown some chemistry with Carson Palmer already (34 catches, 568 yards, six TDs in 2016) and is the closest match to the health-embattled John Brown (both small, outside blazers), my money’s on Nelson.
Atlanta Falcons
Mohamed Sanu (ADP 182, WR63) Most will point to Taylor Gabriel as the sleeper receiver in Atlanta. But Gabriel is returning from a lower-leg strain, and is a boom-or-bust player no matter what happens in 2017. Sanu, on the other hand, is a reliable veteran who figures to be the WR1-in-waiting behind Julio Jones. Should Jones miss time, which he often does to some degree, Sanu could step up in fantasy on an explosive offense.
Baltimore Ravens
Javorius “Buck” Allen (ADP 317, RB91) Good luck finding this guy in your player pool, what with his basement-level ADP and unclear first name. If and when you do, stash him. Reports out of Baltimore are pegging Javorius Allen as the most effective Ravens running back so far this offseason, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to tag him for more talent than Terrance West and more lead-RB capability than Danny Woodhead. If he manages to steal work or potentially win the job, Allen could be the least-drafted top-30 running back in fantasy.
Buffalo Bills
Zay Jones (ADP 156, WR55) The early-second round pick of the Buffalo Bills, Zay Jones may not remain a sleeper for long. Taking a look at his play in the preseason, and considering the depleted receiving corps in Buffalo, one can’t help but wonder if Jones has the surest route to fantasy production of any rookie WR. With a legitimate opportunity to be the lead receiver on his team, Jones has one of the higher floors of any sleeper this deep.
Carolina Panthers
Russell Shepard (ADP Undrafted) It’s tough to make a case for a player not found on the FantasyPros Consensus ADP list, which includes 373 picks. Meet Russell Shepard. Little more than a special teams cog for the Buccaneers the past four years, Shepard managed 23 catches for 341 yards and two TDs last season. Now on the Panthers, Shepard has reportedly been a favorite of the Carolina QBs in camp, and sits behind highly volatile guys like Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess, as well as still-injured rookie Curtis Samuel. Given the chance, and it’s a small chance, Shepard could break out.
Chicago Bears
Kevin White (ADP 190, WR65) This one might be the easiest on the entire list. Kevin White also made my 32 Bold Predictions article as a potential breakout WR1, and it’s clear why. He was the seventh-overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft but has not been able to escape IR. If White can finally stay healthy, he has the talent to outplay anyone in the Chicago receiving corps and become the top dog on a team that will have to pass in 2017. The hurdles are high, but White is the kind of athlete that could clear them in no time flat.
Cincinnati Bengals
Andy Dalton (ADP 145, QB18) Dalton is not your typical sleeper, as he is a familiar face to most fantasy players. But following a down-year in which he suffered through a depleted pass-catching corps and an outlier-level touchdown rate (3.2%), Dalton has slept his way to middling backup territory in fantasy drafts. Don’t hit snooze on The Red Rifle. He has the weapons, the opportunity, and the talent to return to 2013 form, when he was the No. 5 QB in fantasy.
Cleveland Browns
DeShone Kizer (ADP 340, QB40) This is another guy whose ADP is subject to change, as DeShone Kizer has been announced as the starter for the Browns’ third preseason game. But even if he wins the starting job outright, he’ll likely get little love as the QB for the Cleveland Browns. Here’s the thing. Kizer has an elite offensive line, a solid running back corps for support, and, most importantly, the ability to rush the ball. Kizer’s rushing floor could prove Tyrod Taylor-esque and carry him into the top 20 QBs before you know it.
De’Angelo Henderson (ADP 209, RB66) Henderson has been creeping onto draft boards with his strong preseason play (including a 41-yard touchdown in the preseason opener) and the invisibility of depth chart contenders Devontae Booker and Jamaal Charles. If he beats both for the backup role, C.J. Anderson is a pretty fragile final wall between Henderson and RB2 potential.
Detroit Lions
Kenny Golladay (ADP 170, WR59) If you haven’t heard Golladay’s name, you were likely on a fishing trip in Alaska when he caught three balls for 53 yards and two touchdowns in the Lions’ preseason opener. Since then, Golladay has begun earning first-team reps and has potentially gained additional opportunity with slot receiver T.J. Jones suffering a hamstring injury. The Lions are looking for a red zone threat, and Golladay could be that and more in his rookie year.
Green Bay Packers
Jamaal Williams (ADP 137, RB49) Neither Ty Montgomery nor Jamaal Williams have been incredibly impressive in preseason action so far, but it’s not a stretch to say Montgomery has been worse. Unproven, struggling in pass protection and ball-security, and somewhat prone to injury, Montgomery’s role as the lead back is one of the least secure in the NFL. If Williams can impress through the remainder of the preseason and early in the year, it’s possible he could take the job and thrive in an incredibly potent offense.
Houston Texans
Bruce Ellington (ADP Undrafted) When you’re cut from the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets, things are likely bleak at best. Not so for third-year receiver, Bruce Ellington. He absolutely exploded in the second week of preseason, catching four of five targets for 93 yards. With Will Fuller out for half the season and Braxton Miller also banged up, Ellington could be the WR2 in Houston for the foreseeable future.
Indianapolis Colts
Robert Turbin (ADP 221, RB70) Another case of the sleeper-behind-the-sleeper, Turbin is certainly the less popular and less exciting of the backup RBs in Indianapolis. Unlike the lightning-in-a-bottle rookie, Marlon Mack, Turbin hasn’t turned many heads in the preseason. However, he has been turning heads in Indy, where coaches and beat reporters have projected an expanded role following an eight-TD campaign in 2016. If 34-year-old Frank Gore finally proves to be mortal, Turbin would be the one to take over this backfield, and would offer decent upside if the Colts can put together a healthy offense.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Dede Westbrook (ADP Undrafted) Fourth-round rookie Dede Westbrook was held out of Thursday’s preseason game due to lower body soreness, but over the first two weeks he compiled a monstrous 173 yards and a touchdown. The Jags are also reportedly trying to trade Allen Hurns with Marqise Lee still recovering from an ankle injury. If Chad Henne wins the QB “battle” and things fall right for Westbrook, he could be the WR2 and snag a healthy share of deep balls.
Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Conley (ADP 269, WR89) Conley is an athletic beast. He’s 6’2″/210, and absolutely smashes the scales in nearly every category. Over the last five years of NFL combine results among WRs, Conley has the 11th fastest 40-yd. dash and the best vertical and broad jump. If Alex Smith gets a little more aggressive with Patrick Mahomes nipping at his heels, Conley could break out in a big way as a more prototypical WR1 than Tyreek Hill. For more details, check out the FantasyPros Very Deep Sleeper article on Conley.
Los Angeles Chargers
Antonio Gates (ADP 197, TE22) Say what? One of the greatest to ever play the position as a sleeper? That’s what a breakout rookie does to a man! Despite the fact that Antonio Gates played in one fewer games than Hunter Henry in 2016, he actually finished with more fantasy points (especially in PPR formats) as the TE10. The connection between Philip Rivers and Gates is stronger than any in football besides Brady-Edelman – if Gates keeps churning at 37 years old, he will get his in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Rams
Cooper Kupp (ADP 172, WR59) Speaking of Brady-Edelman-type connections, Cooper Kupp and Jared Goff may be working on their own version (albeit far less developed) on the other side of the country. Kupp has played exquisitely in the preseason (seven catches for 105 yards and a TD through two preseason games), earned Goff’s trust, and possibly even helped elevated Goff’s game. If coach Sean McVay, his sophomore QB, and the entire Rams’ offense takes the step they’re aiming for, Kupp could be a reliable PPR threat in the new system.
Miami Dolphins
Kenny Stills (ADP 202, WR66) When Miami signed retired QB Jay Cutler after Ryan Tannehill’s season-ending injury, the outlook of the receiving corps was turned on its head. Through a pair of preseason games, Cutler and his aggressive, downfield style seem to greatly favor both Devante Parker and Kenny Stills over dink-and-dunk PPR specialist Jarvis Landry. Stills scored nine TDs in 2016, has explosive big-play upside, and could be a DeSean Jackson-lite with Smokin’ Jay Cutty slinging the rock.
Minnesota Vikings
Sam Bradford (ADP 215, QB25) Bradford may not ever live up to his draft pedigree (he was the No. 1 overall pick in 2010), but he may finally be in line for a breakout season seven years later. His early career was wrecked by injury and last year he was thrust into the Vikings’ starting role without an offseason. In 2017, Bradford has learned the system, commands a solid corps of pass-catchers in Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, Kyle Rudolph, and Dalvin Cook, and faces the second-easiest strength of schedule, per FantasyPros metrics. He’s a 2QB grab or a deep-league stash for now, but don’t be surprised if he cracks the top 15 at some point this season.
New England Patriots
Chris Hogan (ADP 231, WR72) At the time this was written, it had been a couple hours since Julian Edelman was carted off the field after an apparent ACL injury. If Edelman’s season is done, which it likely is, Chris Hogan could stand to gain the most in this high-powered Patriots offense. He built a clear rapport with Tom Brady over the course of 2016, and hauled in all four of his targets for 70 yards and two TDs on Thursday night. Hogan is now the WR2 across from Brandin Cooks, and with Brady at the helm, that could mean top-30 upside for the 28-year-old.
New Orleans Saints
Ted Ginn Jr. (ADP 148, WR51) While Brandon Coleman is tempting, I made that call last year and got burned. Instead, turn your focus to Ted Ginn Jr. While not as talented as Brandin Cooks, Ginn and his big-play speed are the logical fit to replace Cooks’ role in this offense. That meant the No. 8 WR in fantasy last year, when Brees managed to support two top-10 guys. While Ginn will not produce at quite that level, he could surprise as more than a boom-or-bust flier in the Saints’ system. If he manages consistent targets, 1,000 yards and six-plus scores is well within the realm of possibility for the veteran.
New York Giants
Shane Vereen (ADP 204, RB63) Vereen is essentially forgotten after battling multiple triceps injuries in 2016. But he is still a pass-catching maven, capable of five receptions a game, and sits second on the depth chart behind the uninspiring Paul Perkins. The offensive line in New York is atrocious, and Vereen is the perfect safety valve for a pressured Eli Manning. While less viable in non-PPR leagues, the former-Patriot could provide an extremely high-floor catching passes out of the backfield and is literally free in drafts.
New York Jets
Austin Seferian-Jenkins (ADP 266, TE29) It’s honestly surprising Austin Seferian-Jenkins isn’t a little higher in ADP considering his upside. He has always been a promising talent but has been consistently sidelined by injury and off-the-field issues. ASJ is suspended for Week 1 but has apparently lost excess weight and tamed his personal demons. Most importantly, he may be the only viable pass-catching option on the New York Jets, and certainly the best TD threat. The Jets will score eventually, and smart money would be on ASJ to contribute.
Oakland Raiders
DeAndre Washington (ADP 196, RB61) It would take an injury to (or surprise retirement by) Marshawn Lynch, followed by a strong performance from DeAndre Washington to seize the reigns of this backfield over Jalen Richard. But Lynch is certainly a risk at his age following a year away from football, and Washington has reportedly gotten most of the second-team reps behind him. Washington is one of the lower-floor options on this list, but also boasts one of the highest ceilings if he does become the lead back in the strong Raiders offense.
Philadelphia Eagles
Wendell Smallwood (ADP 205, RB64) Smallwood’s is another ADP that figures to rise after the third week of preseason, as he shared snaps with LeGarrette Blount in the first-team offense and looked better as a runner. Smallwood does have pass-blocking concerns, but Darren Sproles (a solid sleeper in his own right) figures to be more involved in passing situations anyway. If Smallwood can beat the old, slow Blount for early-down work, he would gain immediate RB3 value.
Pittsburgh Steelers
James Conner (ADP 194, RB60) Opportunity, opportunity, opportunity. No matter how well James Conner does or doesn’t play in preseason, or what his draft pedigree may or may not be, opportunity is king in fantasy football. And playing handcuff to Le’Veon Bell in the Pittsburgh Steelers offense is one not-unprecedented injury away from one of the best opportunities in the NFL – now-amateur-wrestler DeAngelo Williams was an absolute stud in that role. If Bell goes down, Conner will be hard-pressed to not perform well.
San Francisco 49ers
Brian Hoyer (ADP 333, QB37) I admit this may be the most outlandish sleeper on the entire list. We know who Hoyer is, and he’s already the starter, so where would the sleeper value come from? Answer: Kyle Michael Shanahan (thank you Wikipedia for citing middle names). Honestly, though, we knew who Matt Ryan was (a reliable QB2) before Shanahan came along and made him the NFL and fantasy MVP of 2016. Obviously Hoyer doesn’t have the weapons Ryan does, but he will throw a ton of balls in consistently negative game scripts. In 2QB or Superflex leagues, be the brazen hero to throw a dart at Hoyer and come away a genius if he manages to produce.
Seattle Seahawks
Chris Carson (ADP Undrafted) As far as ADP risers go, Chris Carson may be the top dog over the course of the next week. With Thomas Rawls, Eddie Lacy, and C.J. Prosise either banged up or underperforming, the rookie out of Oklahoma St. has set the preseason field on fire with 156 total yards on 25 touches through three games. He’s probably still the fourth RB on the depth chart, but if things continue to go wrong for the trio ahead of him, Carson could potentially be the Jordan Howard of 2017.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cameron Brate (ADP 174, TE19) Ask nearly any fantasy football analyst and they’ll tell you to ignore the hype on rookie sensation, O.J. Howard. That’s because TEs almost never produce fantasy-worthy numbers in their first season. But in that case, Cameron Brate should deserve a long look as the incumbent tight end in Tampa Bay. He was the No. 6 TE in fantasy last year on the back of 660 yards and eight TDs. While the addition of Howard and DeSean Jackson will likely cut into those numbers, Brate could still be a TE1 if he can haul in five to six scores.
Tennessee Titans
Rishard Matthews (ADP 131, WR47) Lost among the additions of Eric Decker and first-round draft pick Corey Davis is last year’s best Titans receiver, Rishard Matthews. Heck, Matthews was quietly the No. 14 WR in all of fantasy, with 945 yards and nine TDs. Marcus Mariota clearly trusts Matthews where it counts, and while a repeat performance would likely take a slew of injuries to the Tennessee pass-catchers, Matthews could be a respectable WR4 with upside.
Washington Redskins
Josh Doctson (ADP 176, WR60) I wrote an entire article on Doctson’s potential as a sleeper, so you know I’m touting him here as well. He’s a first-round talent with elite touchdown skills whose rookie year was derailed by injury. Terrelle Pryor, despite all the accolades, is likely a less-polished WR and Jordan Reed is perhaps the most injury-prone player in the league. On a pass-first offense that figures to see the red zone a lot, Doctson has massive TD potential if he stays healthy and lives up to his NFL Draft price.
