Colin Snow
Fantasy football is a game that generates billions of dollars, and in 2018, nearly 70% of the record 59.3 million players paid league dues, which contributed to the $653 spent by an average player. A sleeper is a player who is undervalued and is usually drafted in the later rounds but has the potential to perform better than expected. A deep sleeper is a player who is even more under the radar and is likely to be a late-round pick, but one that a fantasy owner expects to outperform their draft slot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A "sleeper" is a player who is not being valued properly in the fantasy football community. |
| Type of player | A sleeper is a player that is newer to the league. They could be a rookie and unfamiliar to fantasy owners in the fantasy football world. |
| Talent | Their talent is underestimated as they are listed lower in draft rankings. |
| Draft position | Sleepers are likely to be drafted in the later rounds but predicted to perform better than expected. |
| Previous injury | A sleeper might be under the radar because of a recent injury. |
| Competition | A sleeper might be competing with other players for a position. |
| Changing teams | A sleeper might be changing teams. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeper picks are often late-round selections
In fantasy football, a sleeper is a player who is undervalued and picked in the later rounds of a fantasy draft but has the potential to perform better than expected. Sleeper picks are often late-round selections because they are newer to the league, such as a rookie unfamiliar to fantasy owners, or they are under the radar due to a recent injury, competing with other players, or changing teams. For example, in 2023, CJ Stroud was a sleeper because he had a great rookie season when many did not know what to expect from him. Wide receiver Nico Collins was another sleeper that year, breaking out with 1,297 yards and 8 touchdowns after two seasons of minimal production.
Sleepers are valuable in fantasy football because they can be the difference-makers that turn a good roster into a juggernaut. They can be late-round fliers that end up being breakout players, generating more fantasy points than those selected in similar rounds. For instance, a sleeper might be a player with a lower ranking due to injury from last season but has the potential to bounce back with a new squad. Alternatively, they could be a backup player who becomes a starter due to an injury to a star player, putting up solid fantasy points as a result.
When identifying sleepers, it is important to consider a player's average draft position (ADP) and their potential. A sleeper candidate should have a path to an impactful upside while being drafted under 50% of the time. For example, a player with an ADP between 205.0 and 214.9 is ideal because players drafted 1% of the time often do not amount to much. Additionally, it is crucial to keep your scoring format in mind when targeting sleepers. If you are in a PPR league, you will want to look for sleepers at RB, WR, and TE positions who can produce receptions.
Some examples of sleeper picks in 2025 include Colby Parkinson, who signed a 2-year contract with the Rams for $15 million in practical guarantees. He was previously buried in a 3-TE rotation with the Seahawks but now has the opportunity to be a full-time player and put up good numbers. Another sleeper is Trevor Lawrence, who is flying under the radar despite receiving coaching and weapon upgrades that offer sneaky rushing upside. Lastly, Coleman is a sleeper pick at the WR position, averaging 19.2 yards per catch last year with the fifth-highest average target depth among 84 qualifying WRs. With a larger role in a top offense, he is primed for a potential breakout season and can be drafted in the double-digit rounds.
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They are undervalued players with high potential
A "sleeper" in fantasy football is a player who is undervalued and typically selected in the later rounds of a fantasy draft but has the potential to perform better than expected. They are often players who are newer to the league, such as rookies or players who had a breakout season, and are unfamiliar to many fantasy owners. Sleeper picks are important as they can significantly impact the outcome of the game, turning a good roster into a juggernaut.
Sleepers are undervalued players with high potential, and there are several reasons why they may be overlooked. One reason is that they might be under the radar due to a recent injury, competing with other players for a starting position, or changing teams. For example, a player coming off an injury-plagued season might be ranked lower in the draft, but if they recover well, they could outperform their draft position. Similarly, a player who changes teams might be undervalued because people are unsure how they will perform with their new squad.
Another reason why sleepers are undervalued is that they may play for a less popular team or have a lower profile than other players. These players might only be known to their team's fan base but become household names for fantasy drafters if they are selected as sleepers. Additionally, sleepers could be players who had a breakout season that exceeded expectations, and people are unsure if they will continue to perform at that level.
Identifying sleepers requires a keen eye for talent and the ability to look beyond a player's draft ranking or popularity. Factors such as a player's average draft position, yards per catch, TD rate, and potential for a breakout season should be considered when identifying sleepers. It's also important to keep your scoring format in mind, as certain players may be more valuable in PPR leagues or specific positions like QB, RB, WR, or TE.
Overall, sleepers are undervalued players with high potential who can be the difference-makers that turn a good roster into a winning one. They are often overlooked due to various factors, but sharp fantasy managers can identify their talent and potential to outperform expectations, making them valuable additions to any fantasy football team.
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Rookies or lesser-known players are often sleepers
For example, in the 2025 NFL Draft, players like Byashul Tuten, Jaydon Blue, and Tory Horton are considered sleepers. Tuten, a running back, impressed at the combine with his speed, while Blue could secure a role as a receiving back. Horton, despite a successful junior year, returned for a fifth year and suffered a season-ending injury, affecting his prospects. However, his speed and versatility as a wide receiver make him an attractive sleeper option.
Another example is Elic Ayomanor, a wide receiver with good size and speed who dominated in college. Despite concerns about his label as a "contested-catch specialist," his Day 3 status makes him a potential bargain in dynasty rookie drafts.
Sleepers can also include players with specific skill sets that are undervalued. For instance, Jaylen Milroe, a quarterback drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, is an excellent rusher with a 4.42 40-time. While he may not be a refined passer, his athleticism and rushing ability give him high fantasy potential.
Identifying these sleepers is crucial in fantasy football, as they can be the difference-makers that turn a good roster into a great one. These lesser-known players may not be on everyone's radar, but they offer the opportunity for sharp managers to find hidden value and gain a competitive edge in their leagues.
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They can be used as injury insurance
A "sleeper" in fantasy football is a player who is undervalued and is often drafted in the later rounds but has the potential to perform better than expected. They are usually new to the league, perhaps a rookie or a player who had a great season but flew under the radar. Sleepers are often overlooked due to factors such as recent injuries, competition from teammates, or a change in the squad.
In the context of deep sleepers, they can be crucial as injury insurance. A player who is expected to put up great numbers but ends up performing poorly is known as a "bust". On the other hand, sleepers are late-round picks that can step up and fill the void when a star player gets injured. This is especially common with running back sleepers, who can become solid fantasy point scorers if they take over for an injured starter.
For example, Chargers backup running back Austin Ekeler was considered a deep sleeper by some fantasy drafters. He was owned in only 11.4% of ESPN leagues as an injury insurance policy for starter Melvin Gordon.
Identifying sleepers before the draft is essential to building a successful fantasy football roster. They can be the difference-makers that turn a good roster into a juggernaut. By recognizing the potential of these under-the-radar players, you can gain a competitive advantage and improve your chances of winning your league.
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Sleeper is also a mobile fantasy football platform
In fantasy football, a "sleeper" is a player who is undervalued by the fantasy football community. This usually refers to a player selected in the later rounds of a fantasy draft who is believed to be capable of vastly outperforming expectations. These players are often referred to as "late-round fliers" or "hidden gems" and can be the difference-makers that turn a good roster into a great one.
One of Sleeper's key features is its fantasy-relevant live scoring and statistics. Instead of relying on generic box scores, Sleeper provides users with game-day information that is contextual and tailored to fantasy football. The platform also offers native mobile apps, designed with faster and smarter technology, allowing users to do more than just check scores on their phones.
Sleeper has received positive reviews from users, with some praising its smooth performance and the fact that it offers everything they could want in a fantasy football app. The platform supports various sports, including football, basketball, and esports, providing users with a wide range of options to choose from.
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Frequently asked questions
A deep sleeper is a player who is undervalued and is often drafted in the later rounds but has the potential to perform better than expected. They are usually newer to the league and are unfamiliar to fantasy owners.
Deep sleepers happen because a player's talent is underestimated. They might be under the radar due to a recent injury, competing with other players, or changing teams.
When playing fantasy sports, it’s important to identify possible deep sleepers before the draft. This way, you can still focus on top talent at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end before selecting a deep sleeper in the later rounds.
Colby Parkinson is an example of a deep sleeper. He was previously buried in a 3-TE rotation with the Seahawks but moved to the Rams, who gave him a 2-year contract with $15M in practical guarantees.
Drafting a deep sleeper can help turn a good roster into a juggernaut. They are legitimate difference-makers waiting to break out and can be acquired at a low cost.
