8 League-Winning Fantasy Football Sleepers (Matt Waldman)

Jeanty's disappointing 2024 season (14.5 PPG despite going at the 1-2 turn) is creating an overcorrection in the market, with drafters now being overly cautious on Arizona running backs like Love.

Analyst highlights Jeanty as underrated due to poor offensive line support in his rookie year, similar to LaDainian Tomlinson's situation, and expects improvement with better support staff and play-calling from Clint Kubiak.

Analyst is 'very much in on Ashton Gentry this year' and sees it as a potential 'league winner' type pick, comparing it to recent breakout seasons like CD Lamb and Saquon Barkley, available at picks 111-112.

Bowers is mentioned as a viable early-round target that allows drafters to pair with Jeremiah Love as a strong running back two in a balanced draft approach.

Brock Bowers is highlighted as a safer option in round two with better offensive context than De'Von Achane.

Waldman cites Brock Bowers as an example of a safer player on a better offense available in round two.

If Thomas and Lawrence get on the same page in the deep game, he could see close to 120 targets, around 1,000 yards and seven scores for a nice rebound season.

Irving's injury recovery took longer than expected, with uncertainty about his return timeline, causing the analyst to distrust his durability heading into the season.

The Buccaneers are hedging their bets against Irving by keeping Sean Tucker and adding Kenneth Gainwell, suggesting they lack confidence in Irving's durability and between-the-tackles ability.

Irving's presence in a crowded backfield with Gainwell and Tucker caps his upside case, even for those bullish on him, making him a fade relative to his ADP.

Stroud struggles under unadulterated pressure (non-blitz) and looks for quick answers with inside receivers and slot guys, making him reliant on quick-hitting targets like Jaylen Noel.

Waldman is bullish on Godwin as a sleeper, highlighting his versatility (outside, jump ball, YAC, slot), noting he's underrated and will fill the void left by Mike Evans' departure with a big role in Tampa Bay's offense.

With Mike Evans gone, Godwin is expected to fill a big void and take over a lot of what Evans did. Coaches indicate Godwin will have a big role this year, and he's now fully healthy with injuries that shouldn't have deleterious effects moving forward.

Godwin is described as one of the most underrated receivers of his generation with versatile skills—able to play outside, win jump balls, be a YAC guy, and play in the slot.

Godwin is expected to be heavily targeted and get 120 targets again, positioning him as a strong wide receiver three or four in drafts.

Chuba Hubbard is expected to be nothing more than a running back two by midseason, with Jonathan Brooks poised to take over the lead role.

Chuba Hubbard, while a warrior who plays with incredible effort and finished as RB15 last season, is less naturally talented than Jonathan Brooks and limited in receiving and screen game usage compared to what Canales wants to implement.

Swift benefited from Jalen Hurts' running ability and a strong offensive line that opened up opportunities, though he was a mediocre decision-maker early in his career before improving in Chicago under Eric Bieniemy.

Analyst cites DeAndre Swift's production with Jalen Hurts as an example of how a running quarterback with a good offensive line and defensive attention can open up opportunities for a pass-catching back.

Montgomery is characterized as a high-volume, back-breaking type of running back in the Texans backfield, suggesting significant offensive role and usage.

Achane had 1,300+ rushing yards last year and averaged over 20 points per game in fantasy, with 135+ combined receptions over the last two seasons providing a strong weekly floor.

Market is fearful that Achane's receiving production could decline with Malik Willis at quarterback, creating polarization around his draft value despite his elite fantasy ceiling.

Analyst describes Achane as 'the biggest conundrum of the fantasy football drafts in 2026' due to uncertainty about whether the Dolphins' system with Malik Willis will be structured to maximize his production.

Worst-case scenario projects Achane to 45-50 targets as a receiver with 35-40 catches and 300 yards, a significant decline from expectations, if Willis struggles to make full-field reads and the offense stalls after an initial hot start.

Analyst is cautious on Achane as a fantasy asset because he doesn't trust the Dolphins' new quarterback and system, despite acknowledging Achane is a great player; Achane could be a 'trap door' if Willis struggles.

Despite loving Achane, there are safer options in round two including three other running backs, Drake London, and Brock Bowers on better offenses, making Achane less of a priority at his ADP of 18 overall.

Waldman is willing to draft Achane but notes the second round is really strong, so he's not as eager to target him early as he was when ADP was around 18 overall.

Achane is referenced as a game-breaker in the Texans backfield, contrasting with David Montgomery's back-breaking role.

Drake London is mentioned as a safer option in round two with better offensive context than De'Von Achane.

Waldman mentions Drake London as an example of a safer player on a better offense available in round two, implying he prefers other options in that range.

Moreau is noted as older and frequently injured, limiting his role in the Texans' potential two-tight-end packages despite being a good blocker.

Conner is unlikely to remain on the Cardinals roster by the end of preseason, clearing the way for Love to be the primary back.

Waldman identifies Jaylen Noel as a league-winning sleeper available in the 18th round on Underdog, highlighting his potential as a quick-hitting slot receiver who benefits from C.J. Stroud's pressure tendencies and could develop into weekly viability as a WR3/flex.

Jaylen Noel is available in the 18th round on Underdog and has been a favorite deep sleeper pick with potential to develop into weekly viability and help at WR3 or flex.

Noel is positioned as the quick-hitting slot receiver who Stroud targets in high-leverage and difficult situations, with the ability to play multiple positions on the field.

Waldman projects a high-end ceiling for Noel of 100 targets, 65-70 catches, 800-900 yards, and 4-6 touchdowns, which would make him a viable WR3/flex in fantasy if Nico Collins plays around 13-14 games.

Noel is the cheapest secondary option in Houston's passing game at 18th round ADP, making him a low-risk, high-reward shot in all draft formats.

Love will receive significant checkdown opportunities regardless of whether Jacoby Brissett or a backup (Carson Beck or Gardner Minshew) starts, and will benefit from garbage-time touches and draw plays in negative game scripts.

Love is a big-play weapon capable of high touch volume and backfield looks, with a playing style reminiscent of Alvin Kamara in terms of versatility and ceiling potential.

Waldman ranks Love among the top 25-30 players on the board, suggesting he should be drafted a round or two earlier than his current ADP.

Waldman projects Love at approximately 1,300-1,400 total yards with 82 targets, 62 catches for 482 receiving yards and 2 TDs, plus 900 rushing yards and 5 rushing TDs on 210 attempts.

Love has potential for a 90-catch season in the coming years given his pass-catching ability and Kamara-like versatility.

Love is settling into the third round in FFPC and NFFC formats but has been drafted as early as 34th overall in some high-stakes contests, suggesting drafters may be overcautious given his prospect pedigree and potential.

Jonathan Brooks could finish as a top-15 running back this season if he stays healthy, driven by his receiving ability and balanced skill set that fits coordinator Canales' system.

Jonathan Brooks should be close to 100% health after multiple years off since his ACL tear, with a longer recovery window than initially expected, though acceleration durability throughout the season remains a concern.

Jonathan Brooks is subtly one of the best running backs in his class and represents a more naturally talented option than Chuba Hubbard, with better all-around skills including contact balance, receiving, and pass protection.

Jonathan Brooks' receiving ability and natural talent position him to be utilized in screen passes and designed plays out of the backfield under Canales, an advantage over Chuba Hubbard.

If Brooks stays healthy, he could produce a top-15 running back season based on his receiving ability and balanced skill set, with projections around 1,300-1,400 total yards and 7-9 touchdowns.

Canales wants to utilize Brooks in the screen game and with design looks out of the backfield, leveraging his receiving ability more than was done with Chuba Hubbard.

Brooks is a more natural talent than Chuba Hubbard, and Carolina's commitment to him suggests they want it to work, with analyst projecting around 950 yards and 6 touchdowns as a baseline, potentially rising to 1,300-1,400 yards and 7-9 touchdowns with positive news.

Analyst suggests Love could potentially have a 90-catch season in the next couple of years, highlighting his pass-catching ability similar to Alvin Kamara.

Analyst projects Love at just under 500 yards receiving with 82 targets and 62 catches, plus 900 yards and 5 touchdowns rushing on 210 attempts, totaling 1,300-1,400 yards—described as 'strong' and 'very Kamara-like' production.

Gainwell is expected to lead the Buccaneers' receiving game and get around 200 touches in the running game, with the analyst comparing him to Tiki Barber as a smart, versatile runner who can catch and block.

Gainwell is compared to Tiki Barber as a smart, versatile runner with good receiving ability and blocking skills, and coaches consistently love him across multiple NFL teams.

Gainwell is projected as an 1,100-1,200 yard total runner with 8-11 touchdowns, expected to be the trusted red zone target in Tampa Bay's backfield.

Gainwell represents significant value in the dead zone of running back selections and should be drafted in almost every league given his receiving prowess and role in Tampa Bay's offense.

Gainwell is one of the reasons to be open-minded to hero RB strategy this year, offering value in what was traditionally considered the dead zone of running back selections.

Willis is heavily schemed with one-two read looks and misdirection, but analyst is concerned that after 4-5 games defenses will shut down this scheme, forcing Willis into a Justin Fields-like situation where he relies too heavily on his legs and stalls drives due to poor ball distribution.

Mack is described as a raw player who won't make as big an impact as some people expect, despite being drafted early.

Harrison will assume the Davante Adams role in the Cardinals offense, which is the higher-target role compared to the Puka Nacua role going to Wilson.

Harrison is not the elite wide receiver people expected; he's more of a Mike Williams or T Higgins type player. He struggles with contested catches and route running across the middle, preferring vertical routes with his back to the quarterback.

Harrison Jr. struggles with contested catch situations and tracking the ball on routes that break across the middle, a persistent issue since Ohio State that limits him from being an elite wide receiver.

Harrison Jr. was benched as the wide receiver one last year because Kyler Murray would skip him on reads, suggesting trust issues with his ability to get open in certain looks.

Analyst projects Harrison Jr. for 800-900 receiving yards with about 6 touchdowns, not the elite wide receiver production expected, more comparable to a Mike Williams or T Higgins type player.

Michael Wilson is one of the better best ball clicks at wide receiver, ranked WR45 on Underdog, which seems exceedingly low given his strong performance last year.

Wilson will assume the Puka Nacua role in the Cardinals offense, making him a key target in an offense that lacks depth at wide receiver beyond Harrison and McBride.

Wilson is positioned as the clear number one receiver in the Cardinals offense ahead of Harrison Jr., with elite route-running ability reminiscent of Michael Thomas and strong contested catch production.

Analyst projects Michael Wilson for 1,200 receiving yards with 8 touchdowns this year, establishing him as the clear WR1 in the Cardinals offense.

Wilson offers exceptional value at his WR46 price tag on Underdog, with a floor of 900-1,100 receiving yards that would represent a winning pick at that cost.

Wilson is a year-three breakout candidate with 78 catches and over 1,000 receiving yards last year, offering weekly contributor upside below the ADP of spike-week receivers like Xavier Worthy and Jordan Addison.

Wilson had the number one or tied for second contested catch rate last year with George Pickens, showing he earns his targets rather than benefiting from garbage time.

Wilson had the number one or tied for second contested catch rate last year with George Pickens, debunking concerns about garbage time production and confirming his ability to win in difficult situations.

Wilson is one of the top two highest targeted players in the offense and will remain so even if Carson Beck takes over, maintaining his fantasy relevance.

Evans has departed Tampa Bay, creating a void in the offense that Godwin is expected to fill.

Collins has a history of missing games throughout seasons, averaging around 13-14 games played, which impacts target distribution for other Texans receivers like Jaylen Noel.

Analyst has been bullish on Parker Washington for three years, describing him as a physical player with Hines Ward-type contested catch skills and more speed.

Parker Washington has proven he cannot be denied and is now the centerpiece of the Jaguars offense, with potential to be a feature player.

Parker Washington is projected for 140-150 targets, 90-100 receptions, and about 1,200 yards and eight scores, placing him about two rounds over his ADP.

Analyst is taking Parker Washington all day at his current ADP, projecting him two rounds below his fair value.

Trevor Lawrence has always had strong rapport with Parker Washington, especially in the red zone, and trusts him as a proven player.

Tucker was retained by Tampa Bay as an RFA and is expected to combine with Irving for around 200 touches in the running game, complementing Gainwell's role.

Waldman expresses low confidence in Tank Dell's return to form, stating he doesn't trust Dell to get back to where he was or ever reach that level, despite the Texans giving him every chance.

Etienne is characterized as a tease who needs 50 targets to win, which doesn't translate to fantasy success, and will be part of a three-way split in the Jaguars offense.

McBride is projected to receive close to 160 targets and 120 receptions, with safety as a floor given the Cardinals' weak defense and high passing volume.

Analyst projects Trey McBride for approximately 160 targets, 120 receptions, and 1,200 receiving yards, establishing him as a primary read in the Cardinals offense alongside Wilson.

McBride will be a primary read in the Cardinals offense alongside Wilson, benefiting from the team's weak defense forcing them to throw frequently from behind.

McBride will be the first read on many plays in the Cardinals offense, ensuring consistent target volume.

Allgeier will assume a secondary role similar to what Bijan Robinson had, capable of flex-play value in certain weeks but not competing with Love's primary role.

Zay Jones will be the number three receiver for Jacksonville, projected to receive about 110 targets, 70 catches, 850-900 yards and six scores.