Fantasy football: 7 sleepers to target in drafts or on waiver wires
Kenneth Gainwell of the Eagles celebrates after a touchdown during the second half against the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sept. 12, 2021, in Atlanta. Credit: Getty Images/Kevin C. Cox
You’ve spent weeks looking at who could be available in the first few rounds of your fantasy draft. Rightfully so — the big names at the top are who you hope can do the heavy lifting each week.
Fantasy football rosters aren’t just made up of a few players, though. Championships are won and lost by the names on the back end of the roster: sleepers who were picked in the final rounds of the draft, or sneaky free-agent pickups.
Here are seven names who you should target in late in your fantasy draft — or add off waivers before Week 1.
Daniel Jones, Giants QB
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones participates in drills during a joint practice with the Jets in East Rutherford, N.J., on Aug. 25. Credit: Noah K. Murray
It’s put-up-or-shut-up time for the Giants’ fourth-year quarterback, whose option for 2023 wasn’t picked up. Luckily for him, there are plenty of things going in his favor: a new head coach who has experience molding young quarterbacks, a revamped offensive line, seemingly healthy targets and the easiest fantasy strength of schedule at the position. He’s a QB2 with a lot of upside.
Kenneth Gainwell, Eagles RB
Kenneth Gainwell of the Eagles runs in a touchdown during the second quarter against the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 5, 2021. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Miles Sanders is still the Eagles’ primary ballcarrier, but he’s missed nine games in the last two seasons because of injuries. When he went down last year, both Gainwell and Boston Scott stepped up, with Gainwell scoring six touchdowns (five rushing) as a rookie. He currently projects as the Eagles’ receiving back but has a chance to be even more, especially if Sanders’ injury woes continue.
Tyler Allgeier, Falcons RB
Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier runs the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason game against the Jets on Aug. 22 in East Rutherford, N.J. Credit: AP/John Munson
Allgeier finds himself in an interesting spot. He wasn’t drafted until the fifth round in April, but has the profile of a three-down back. His competition on the Falcons’ depth chart includes converted 31-year-old receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, career backup Damien Williams and special-teamer Avery Williams.
Joshua Palmer, Chargers WR
Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer celebrates after making a touchdown reception during the first half of an NFL preseason game against the Cowboys on Aug. 20 in Inglewood, Calif. Credit: AP/Gregory Bull
Palmer essentially is the fourth option in Los Angeles behind Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler. That said, he showed flashes as a rookie late last year, including five catches for 66 yards and a touchdown against the Giants when Allen was out with COVID-19. He’ll see targets in the Chargers’ high-powered offense and would be in line for even more if Allen or Williams missed time.
Nico Collins, Texans WR
Nico Collins of the Texans makes a catch prior to kickoff of a preseason game against the Rams at SoFi Stadium on Aug. 19 in Inglewood, Calif. Credit: Getty Images/Joe Scarnici
Davis Mills' growth last season included a budding trust in his fellow rookie Collins. The big-bodied Michigan product saw five or more targets in nine games in 2021 — including six of Houston’s last seven games. He’s projected to be the Texans’ WR2 alongside Brandin Cooks. If Mills continues to grow this year, expect Collins to do the same.
James Proche, Ravens WR
Ravens wide receiver James Proche ll works out during training camp at M&T Stadium on July 30 in Baltimore. Credit: AP/Julio Cortez
Although the Ravens’ offense isn’t known for being very pass-heavy, Proche was having a strong showing at the beginning of training camp before a soft-tissue injury sidelined him. If he can recover, he could see a fair amount of targets alongside top wideout Rashod Bateman and tight end Mark Andrews.
Hayden Hurst, Bengals TE
The Bengals' Hayden Hurst runs after a reception during training camp in Cincinnati on Aug. 15. Credit: AP/Aaron Doster
Despite being a first-round draft pick of the Ravens in 2018, Hurst has mostly spent his career as a backup. He gets a fresh start as Cincinnati’s undisputed top tight end. Although he’s nowhere near the top dog in the Bengals’ loaded offense, the athleticism and opportunity certainly are there.
Nick Klopsis is Newsday.com's sports editor. He often can be found studying NFL and college football film for his latest draft breakdown.
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