The term “sleeper” has different meanings for different people in the world of fantasy football. Some folks believe it’s simply a player who will outperform his draft position. Others think it’s a relatively unknown or once-forgotten player who unexpectedly emerges or re-emerges into a useful fantasy option.
In my opinion both definitions are true, but with a caveat. I don’t see a player as a sleeper if he’s already been a valuable fantasy asset during his career. For example, Terry McLaurin can’t be labeled a “sleeper.” Did he have a mediocre 2023 season? Yes, but that doesn’t make him a sleeper now, even if he isn’t projected to be a top-50 overall selection in most 2024 fantasy drafts.
Could McLaurin be labeled as a bargain? Absolutely. But he’s not a sleeper. I also consider some rookies to be sleepers (as you will see), as these players could outperform their draft position without ever yet producing in the pros.
With that in mind, here are 10 sleeper wide receivers to target in the mid-to-late rounds who could be better than we’re expecting in the stat sheets this season.
McConkey’s fantasy stock rose in the offseason and culminated in him being picked near the top of the second round of the NFL draft. He ultimately landed with the Chargers, who traded Keenan Allen and released Mike Williams in the offseason. That opens almost 20 targets per game, some of which will no doubt be absorbed by McConkey. He could push for flex value as a rookie.
2. Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills
The Bills traded Stefon Diggs and lost Gabe Davis as a free agent, creating 241 available targets based on last season’s totals. That makes Coleman, who was the first pick in Round 2, a potential sleeper based on volume alone. He will also have the advantage of catching passes from one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Josh Allen, which is also an obvious advantage for the rookie.
Thomas Jr., the 23rd overall pick in the NFL draft, should have an immediate chance to shine as a rookie. While Christian Kirk and Evan Engram are locked into their roles, I can see Thomas Jr. moving past Gabe Davis and becoming a big part of the Jaguars passing game in Year 1. The rookie also comes out of LSU, which has pumped out strong fantasy wideouts in the last decade.
4. Curtis Samuel, Buffalo Bills
Samuel, for many of the same reasons I like Coleman, is certainly in the sleeper conversation. While he hasn’t put up huge totals on a seasonal basis, the veteran has also never been in such a positive position. With a chance to record career target totals while catching passes from a superstar quarterback in Allen, Samuel has a legitimate shot to make some noise in the stat sheets this season.
The Panthers added Diontae Johnson via trade this offseason, and chances are he’ll lead the team in targets. However, there’s no reason Legette can’t earn a starting role while moving Adam Thielen into the slot. While his long-term value is more exciting from a fantasy perspective, Legette could pop at times as a rookie. He’ll be worth a late-round flier as a deep sleeper pick in re-drafts.
6. Ja’Lynn Polk, New England Patriots
The Patriots offense is going to be completely different this season, so Polk will compete with DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, K.J. Osborn and fellow rookie Javon Baker for a starting role. Polk, a natural pass-catcher who will be utilized prominently in the middle of the field, figures to be a good fit with fellow rookie Drake Maye, who likes to throw the football in that area of the gridiron.
The Broncos traded Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns in the offseason, so Mims Jr. has a shot to be more prominently used in the pass attack in Year 2. He did show some flashes as a rookie, especially in Week 2 when he had 113 yards and a touchdown, but Mims Jr. didn’t get enough playing time to make a serious impact. That should change this season, making him a nice late-rounder.
8. Dontayvion Wicks, Green Bay Packers
Wicks wasn’t a super consistent fantasy option last season, as he had to share playing time with a loaded group of young wideouts in Green Bay. He did show off some potential late in the year, posting a combined 50.7 points in his final three contests, making him a name that fantasy managers will remember for 2024. In what should be an explosive offense, Wicks is well worth a late selection.
The Cardinals' big offseason addition was Marvin Harrison Jr., who will come right in and project to be the top option in the passing game for Kyler Murray. With that said, Wilson is in a good position to start opposite Harrison Jr. with Marquise Brown no longer in the mix. Arizona should certainly put some points on the board, and an increase in Wilson’s role makes him a nice flier.
10. Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons
A former 1,000-yard receiver, Mooney’s productivity has taken a step back in the last two years. That has much to do with the offense of his previous team, the Chicago Bears, and the fact that Justin Fields wasn’t a great deep-ball thrower. That won’t be the case in Atlanta, where Kirk Cousins should make Mooney a far more productive player than he’s been. He should be on the late-round radar.
