“Sleeper” is the most overused and misrepresented word in fantasy football.
From the highest mountain top, that message needs to carry across Fantasyland.
When some supposed experts toss out Las Vegas’ Zamir White, a running back with an average draft position of RB23, as a Rip Van Winkle, they artificially inflate their level of self-importance. Advertised heavily on this site during the offseason, the running back's top-100 ADP is anything but sleeper material.
Pull head from posterior, mouthpiece. You’re only “helping” individuals who are racking their brains over picks in four-team leagues. Common players who participate in traditional 12-team leagues expect better.
The buzzy term is fantastic for amplifying SEO and attracting rudimentary gamer clicks. That’s the entire point of its endless usage. However, as clamored for by this voice for over a decade, the designation desperately requires a uniform definition, one that fantasy players can easily recite universally.
Fantasy community, it’s long overdue. Let us all embrace what a sleeper really is.
My proposal …
Sleeper — An undervalued player, usually with an average draft position (ADP) well after pick No. 100 overall, who is available outside traditional position starter requirements (e.g. QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, TE).
Now get off your soapbox, Evans, and give us names who qualify by your definition.
Serving the people, here are three true sleepers to consider ahead of the 2024 fantasy football season.
Audric Estime, Broncos, RB (ADP: 207.11, RB61)
Built like a beer keg at 5-foot-11 and 221 pounds, the Notre Dame product has Denver fans and coaches dripping with optimism. Head coach Sean Payton has gushed about the rookie rusher’s tackle-breaking ability, painting him as a prime short-yardage and early down grinder. Estime’s advanced numbers in college support that view. Last season in South Bend, he was top-20 nationally in YAC per attempt (4.27) and total missed tackles forced (64). He also displayed fairly reliable hands. With Jaleel McLaughlin’s struggles in pass protection and given Javonte Williams’ deterioration, Estime could emerge in a Broncos offense featuring a top-10 run-blocking front.
Curtis Samuel, Bills, WR (ADP: 143.02, WR53)
Keon Coleman’s fun-loving goofiness and athletic makeup have him on many late-round wish lists. However, Buffalo coaches have steadily remarked about the rookie’s general rawness. While his upside is substantial, the learning curve seems steep. Samuel, meanwhile, has steadily made plays throughout training camp. His reported "bevy of roles" is a sign of how the versatile weapon will be deployed come Week 1. With Stefon Diggs’ 160 targets from 2023 up for grabs, Samuel has significant odds of churning out WR3 numbers in 12-team leagues. His best fantasy points per game finish (WR27) came in 2020 with Washington. With the Bills WR pecking order so wide open, Samuel's previous statistical high could be threatened.
Tyler Conklin, Jets, TE (ADP: 174.20, TE19)
Garrett Wilson is indisputably Aaron Rodgers’ top target. As witnessed in Jets training camp, his quick quips directed at the QB demand all the respect. Mike Williams, once healthy, is likely to carve out a viable WR2 role, but Conklin should receive plenty of looks from a veteran passer with a historical affinity for tight ends. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s scheme is also widely perceived as tight end friendly, which could mean 85-90 targets are possible for the veteran. Due to New York’s train wreck of QBs last year, Conklin only posted an 83.3 passer rating when targeted. However, a renewed Rodgers, who’ll operate behind one of the NFL's best offensive lines, could land the plus-sized target in range of a 60-600-5 output this season.