Looking to gain an edge in your dynasty fantasy football league? Finding deep sleepers is one of the most effective ways to build long-term success. Whether you’re rebuilding or looking to stash high-upside talent, uncovering these hidden gems can make all the difference. In this article, our collection of Featured Pros experts has identified their favorite dynasty deep sleepers; these are players who may not be on your league mates’ radar yet but could pay big dividends in the seasons to come. Let’s dive into the names you need to know before they become hot commodities.
- Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Dynasty Rookie Draft Simulator
- DBro’s Dynasty Rookie Draft Primers
- Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings
Dynasty Draft Sleepers
What RB outside of the Top 250 in our Dynasty Consensus Superflex Rankings are you targeting either in startup dynasty drafts or via trade and why?
Khalil Herbert (RB – IND)
“Khalil Herbert is an intriguing dynasty target because he offers sneaky upside in a Colts offense that prioritizes a strong rushing attack. His efficient running style and ability to maximize yardage after contact make him a valuable depth piece, especially in a system that complements his skill set. His ability to fill in to give Jonathan Taylor rest or step up if Taylor happens to miss a week or more makes him a crucial insurance option for the Colts’ backfield. While he’s unlikely to see early-down work unless Taylor is unavailable, his skill set makes him a reliable third-down back who can contribute in passing situations. Given his current ranking outside the top 250, he presents a low-risk, high-reward investment for dynasty managers looking for undervalued assets.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)
Dameon Pierce (RB – HOU) | Emanuel Wilson (RB – GB)
“I’ve got two, Dameon Pierce and Emanuel Wilson. Pierce showed his chops back in his rookie season, when he had over 1,000 total yards. Meanwhile, Wilson made the most of his opportunities last season in Green Bay. Both have the size, power, and talent to be feature backs, imo. And both are adept at catching the ball. Situations can change quickly in the NFL, and if Pierce or Wilson get a shot, I think both of them could make an impact, if given the chance.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Isaiah Davis (RB – NYJ)
“I’ll grab Isaiah Davis late in as many startup drafts as possible. He may overtake Braelon Allen as the Jets’ RB2 in camp. If Breece Hall gets moved either before the season or during it, Davis could assume the starting job and not Allen. Yes, I know he only had 30 carries last year, but his per-carry numbers were quite nice, and they trumped Allen’s. Davis had a 6.7% explosive run rate, a 20% missed tackle rate, and a whopping 3.10 yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Davis is a free high-upside dart throw in startups.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)
Justice Hill (RB – BAL)
“The Ravens like what they have in Justice Hill, and he has carved himself a role even with King Henry dominating the touches. Hill has weekly relevance, especially in games where the Ravens may need to play from behind, and while he wouldn’t be a 1-for-1 direct replacement should the King topple, he would certainly see a spike in usage. He’s not going to be an RB1 for a team (though anyone outside the consensus top-250 shouldn’t be), but he is serviceable on a weekly or as-needed basis and could be used as trade bait to the right team that finds themselves on the wrong side of RB health variance.”
– Avery Thrasher (The Branded Sports)
“Derrick Henry is the man in Baltimore, yes. But what is the plan if he goes down with an injury? Justice Hill would stand to benefit, sure, but it hasn’t been that long since the fantasy community was all hot and heavy on Keaton Mitchell. Mitchell would become the 1st and 2nd down guy in a pinch with no Henry, given his more north-south running style as opposed to Justice Hill, who operates better in space. Mitchell, coming off a torn ACL, will have a full offseason program to get the knee back into game shape as he looks to gather work in a loaded Baltimore offense. At 23 years of age, even with the injury, he is a must-have for Derrick Henry managers and a nice flier to take the chance on for everyone else.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Chris Brooks (RB – GB)
“Take Chris Brooks with your final pick in a dynasty startup (assuming your draft is at least 28 or 30 rounds long). His Expert Consensus Ranking is RB105, but Brooks is a compelling sleeper who’s averaged 5.3 yards per carry and 4.11 yards after contact per carry over 55 NFL rushing attempts with the Dolphins and Packers. Brooks has also been a preseason standout the last two years. The 6-1, 219-pound Brooks is a load to bring down, and he’s been good as a pass catcher and blocker. A former undrafted free agent out of BYU, the 25-year-old Brooks doesn’t have a clear path to regular playing time in Green Bay, but opportunity has a way of finding talented young RBs. Brooks will eventually get his shot at more substantial playing time, whether it’s with the Packers or some other team.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Will Shipley (RB – PHI)
“Will Shipley for the Philadelphia Eagles. The second-year RB didn’t get much of an opportunity to play in Year 1, given that Saquon Barkley stayed healthy for the entire season. But Barkley’s massive workload last season puts him at a massive risk of missing time in 2025. That makes Shipley one of the best bets to easily return value, as second-year RBs tend to be great value risers in dynasty. The 2024 fourth-round pick’s only competition for RB2 duties is former Packers RB A.J. Dillon.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB – WAS)
“Many thought the Commanders would select a running back early in the NFL Draft. Instead, Washington waited until their final pick to draft Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB96 and 306th overall). He only played in one game last season because of eligibility issues. However, the rookie was outstanding in 2023, averaging 6.3 yards per rushing attempt and 17 touchdowns. More importantly, Croskey-Merritt could have an immediate impact in Washington. Last year, Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler weren’t difference makers, as Jayden Daniels led the team with 891 rushing yards. The rookie is worth taking with one of your final picks in a dynasty startup draft.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
Jordan James (RB – SF)
“Jordan James, a fifth-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2025 NFL Draft, is a high-value target in superflex dynasty startup drafts due to his role as a handcuff to Christian McCaffrey, who has a significant injury history, including Achilles issues and a 2024 PCL injury that limited him to four games. James, who rushed for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns at Oregon in 2024, brings elite vision, balance, and ball security, making him a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan’s run-heavy, outside-zone scheme. With McCaffrey’s age (29) and injury concerns, James could see 15+ touches per game if McCaffrey misses time, offering RB1 upside in one of the NFL’s most RB-friendly offenses. His low draft cost, often outside the top 250, combined with Frank Gore‘s endorsement and the 49ers trading up for him, makes James a sneaky pick with massive potential.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
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