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Fantasy football managers know that championships are won with late-round steals. Whether you’re playing in a redraft league, keeper format, or dynasty setup, identifying fantasy football sleepers is key to out-drafting your competition.
Our 2025 Fantasy Football Draft Guide breaks down the best sleeper picks by position—based on projected usage, breakout potential, and ADP (Average Draft Position) value.
🧠 What Is a Fantasy Sleeper?
A sleeper is a player being drafted outside the top tiers at their position who has the upside to outperform their ADP—often due to increased opportunity, coaching changes, or offseason buzz.
📊 Quarterback Sleepers (QB)
🔹 Drake Maye – New England Patriots
Why: The rookie has looked sharp in OTAs and could start Week 1. With an improved offensive line and a pass-first OC, he offers sneaky upside in superflex or 2QB leagues.
🔹 Desmond Ridder – Denver Broncos
Why: After a late-season trade from Atlanta, Ridder now has Sean Payton’s backing and strong receiving weapons. He’s going undrafted in many leagues.
🏃 Running Back Sleepers (RB)
🔹 Tyjae Spears – Tennessee Titans
Why: With Derrick Henry gone, Spears is set to take over RB1 duties. He flashed explosiveness last year and now has the volume to break out.
🔹 Zamir White – Las Vegas Raiders
Why: Finished 2024 strong and is now the projected starter with Josh Jacobs gone. A solid late-round target with 3-down potential.
🧤 Wide Receiver Sleepers (WR)
🔹 Josh Downs – Indianapolis Colts
Why: With Anthony Richardson healthy and defenses focused on Michael Pittman, Downs could lead the team in targets from the slot.
🔹 Jalin Hyatt – New York Giants
Why: Hyatt is primed for a breakout in Year 2 with improved route running and chemistry with Daniel Jones. Could be this year’s big-play machine.
🧸 Tight End Sleepers (TE)
🔹 Tucker Kraft – Green Bay Packers
Why: With Luke Musgrave injured often and Jordan Love spreading the ball around, Kraft has quietly become a red-zone favorite.
🔹 Brevin Jordan – Houston Texans
Why: C.J. Stroud has shown strong rapport with Jordan, who’s now getting first-team reps and offers athletic upside.
⛏️ Deep League Sleepers (Bonus Picks)
RB Keaton Mitchell – Baltimore Ravens
Explosive speed and passing-game chops in a committee backfield.WR Dontayvion Wicks – Green Bay Packers
Flashing in camp and could emerge as Love’s WR2 behind Watson.QB Aidan O’Connell – Las Vegas Raiders
Could start over Minshew by Week 4—superflex stash.
📝 Final Fantasy Draft Tips
Don’t draft for floor in late rounds—draft for upside.
Target ambiguous backfields and WR2s on high-powered offences.
Stay updated on camp battles and preseason usage.
