Fantasy football enthusiasts are always on the hunt for undervalued players who can outperform their draft positions, and this season a handful of prospects are generating particular buzz.
Quarterback Sleepers
Kyler Murray, the former Arizona Cardinals signal‑caller now with the Minnesota Vikings, is projected to hit QB1 levels thanks to a potent receiving corps that should unlock his playmaking ability. Meanwhile, Malik Willis of the Miami Dolphins brings high upside as a dual‑threat quarterback who can also run, though his air‑ball consistency remains a question mark.
Running Back Gems
Jonathon Brooks, a Carolina Panthers running back, is still being drafted outside the top 30 despite being an elite prospect in 2024, a slide that many attribute to the injury concerns surrounding Chuba Hubbard. Jacory Croskey‑Merritt of the Washington Commanders showed promise late last season and could deliver RB2 production, even though his role is primarily as a rusher rather than a pass‑catcher.
Wide Receiver Breakouts
Alec Pierce of the Indianapolis Colts carries fringe WR1 upside if he stays healthy, a possibility bolstered by the team’s confidence in his role after trading away Michael Pittman Jr. Jayden Reed of the Green Bay Packers is expected to explode onto the scene now that Christian Watson’s injury history opens a path to more targets, while the underwhelming rookie season of Matthew Golden adds further intrigue for a breakout candidate.
Tight End Sleepers
Isaiah Likely, a New York Giants tight end, is being drafted as TE2 but could climb into the top five as Jaxson Dart’s primary target, especially with Malik Nabers nursing a knee injury. Chig Okonkwo of the Washington Commanders is expected to thrive in the new offensive scheme and provide TE1 production, making him a late‑round draftable asset with high upside.
The common thread among these sleepers is the confluence of injury contexts, offensive upgrades and coaching confidence that could translate into outsized performance. Monitoring these storylines throughout preseason and early regular‑season play will be essential for fantasy managers looking to gain a competitive edge.