2024 Fantasy Football Sleepers, Every fantasy football champion knows the secret: winning drafts happen in the late rounds. While your league mates chase big names early, the savviest managers find hidden value picks that become league-winners.
After analyzing preseason depth charts, coaching changes, and advanced metrics, we’ve identified 5 under-the-radar players available after Round 8 who could return top-24 production at their positions. These aren’t just dart throws – these are calculated breakout candidates with clear paths to fantasy relevance.
What Makes a True Fantasy Sleeper?
Before we reveal our picks, let’s define what separates a “sleeper” from just another roster-filler:
✔ ADP (Average Draft Position) of Round 8 or later
✔ Clear path to increased opportunity (no elite starter blocking them)
✔ Metrics suggesting untapped potential (YAC, target share, etc.)
✔ Coaching/system changes favoring their skillset
Now, let’s meet your 2024 fantasy steal candidates…
1. Jayden Reed, WR, Green Bay Packers (Current ADP: WR38, Round 9)
Why He’s a Steal
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Elite YAC Ability: 5.9 YAC/reception (3rd among WRs)
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QB Upgrade: Jordan Love’s continued development
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Volume Increase: With no true WR1, Reed could lead team in targets
Key Stat
Reed had 5 top-20 WR weeks as a rookie despite sharing targets with 4 other receivers. With Christian Watson’s durability concerns, Reed’s floor is WR3 with WR1 upside in PPR.
For more Packers insights: NFL Newsz
2. Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans (ADP: RB35, Round 10)
Breakout Factors
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Derrick Henry is gone (1,300 vacated touches)
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New OC Brian Callahan loves pass-catching backs
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4.6 yards after contact/attempt (would’ve ranked 4th among starters)
What They’re Not Telling You
The Titans didn’t draft a RB early, signaling confidence in Spears. Even if they add a veteran, his third-down role is locked in with 70+ catch potential.
3. Jake Ferguson, TE, Dallas Cowboys (ADP: TE12, Round 13)
Secret Weapon Potential
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84% snap share in second half of 2023
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Dak Prescott’s new safety blanket (12 red-zone TDs last 2 years)
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Cowboys didn’t add TE competition
Historical Comp
Ferguson’s 2023 stats (71/761/5) nearly matched Mark Andrews’ breakout year. At his current price, he’s essentially free.
Latest Cowboys news: NFL Newsz
4. Jahan Dotson, WR, Washington Commanders (ADP: WR45, Round 11)
Perfect Storm Conditions
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New QB Jayden Daniels (better deep-ball accuracy than Howell)
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Terry McLaurin turns 29 – possible changing of the guard
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21% target share when given 80%+ snaps
Deep Dive
Dotson’s 2023 struggles came from:
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Worst QB play in NFL
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Playing through injury
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Poor play-calling
With Kliff Kingsbury installing an Air Raid system, Dotson could see 120+ targets.
5. Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seattle Seahawks (ADP: RB40, Round 14)
Why He’s Being Overlooked
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Kenneth Walker’s injury history (missed 9 games in 2 years)
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New OC Ryan Grubb loves committee backs
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Elite pass-blocker = more third-down work
Sneaky Stat
Charbonnet averaged 3.8 yards after contact (better than Bijan Robinson) on limited touches. If Walker misses time, he’s an instant RB2.
3 Bonus Late-Round Lottery Tickets
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Trey Palmer, WR, TB (Evans/Godwin age/injury concerns)
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Michael Wilson, WR, ARI (Kyler Murray’s new WR2)
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Tucker Kraft, TE, GB (Could be this year’s Sam LaPorta)
How to Draft These Sleepers (Without Reaching)
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Use “Hero RB” strategy – load up early at WR/QB then grab Spears/Charbonnet
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Target them in Best Ball – perfect for high-upside picks
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Watch training camp reports – if any get first-team reps, move them up
Read More: NFL Holdouts 2024: Which Stars Are Threatening to Sit Out?
Final Thought: The Sleeper Mindset
Last year’s 2024 Fantasy Football Sleepers rosters all had:
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At least one top-12 player drafted after Round 8
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2+ of these types of breakout candidates
Will your league mates let you steal these players late? Or will you be the one regretting it?
For daily fantasy advice: NFL Newsz
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