Fantasy football season is like Christmas morning for sports nerds: a mix of hope, strategy, and chaos. And while first-round studs and household names usually steal the spotlight, it’s the sleepers—those under-the-radar gems—that often make the difference between a championship run and a “maybe next year.”
So, who’s flying under the radar in 2025? Whether it’s a second-year breakout candidate, a backup poised to start, or a rookie no one’s talking about (yet), we’ve combed through depth charts, preseason buzz, and offensive schemes to bring you this year’s top fantasy football sleepers.
Grab your cheat sheets, let’s dig in.
1. Tyjae Spears, RB – Tennessee Titans
Let’s start with a name that could explode if the opportunity hits.
Spears flashed big-play potential in limited touches last season behind Derrick Henry. With Henry now in Baltimore (hypothetically), the Titans backfield belongs to Spears. He’s a slippery runner with great hands and a high motor, and Tennessee’s offense under new OC could lean on his dual-threat ability.
His current ADP puts him in RB3/flex range—but if he stays healthy and gets volume, Spears has top-15 RB upside. Especially in PPR leagues, this is a guy you want to stash before your friends catch on.
2. Jayden Reed, WR – Green Bay Packers
Reed was quietly one of the most efficient rookie wideouts in 2024, and his chemistry with Jordan Love was evident by midseason. With Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson battling inconsistency and injuries, Reed carved out a vital role in the Packers’ passing attack.
In Year 2, expect him to build on that momentum. He’s a crisp route-runner, gets red-zone looks, and can rack up yards after the catch. He’s currently being drafted behind bigger names but could easily emerge as Love’s favorite target—and a fantasy WR2 by season’s end.
3. Sam Howell, QB – Seattle Seahawks
Yes, that Sam Howell.
After being traded from Washington, Howell lands in Seattle with a second chance and an upgraded supporting cast. DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba give him one of the league’s deepest receiving corps, and the Seahawks’ offensive line continues to improve.
While he’s not being drafted as a QB1, Howell’s rushing ability and downfield aggression give him high weekly upside. In superflex leagues, he’s gold. In standard leagues, he’s a perfect late-round stash or streaming option.
4. Juwan Johnson, TE – New Orleans Saints
Tight end is the wild west of fantasy football: after the top few names, it’s a dice roll.
Enter Juwan Johnson.
He built chemistry with Derek Carr late in 2024, and with Michael Thomas finally out of the picture and limited receiver depth behind Chris Olave, Johnson has a chance to be a true second option in the passing game. He’s athletic, physical, and a serious red-zone weapon.
You’ll likely find him on waivers after your draft. Don’t wait that long.
5. Tank Dell, WR – Houston Texans
CJ Stroud was a revelation last year, and his connection with Tank Dell was electric until injuries hit. Dell averaged over 70 receiving yards and nearly a touchdown per game when healthy, yet he’s still undervalued in drafts.
With Stroud entering Year 2 and the Texans offense looking explosive, Dell has a clear path to WR2 numbers. Health is a risk—but the ceiling? Sky high.
6. Blake Corum, RB – Los Angeles Rams
Rookie running backs can be unpredictable, but Corum enters a great situation in LA. With Kyren Williams already nursing injuries in past seasons, Corum could see meaningful touches early.
Sean McVay loves versatile backs, and Corum’s mix of vision, toughness, and receiving skills fits the mold. If he earns McVay’s trust in camp, Corum could carve out a committee role—or take over entirely.
7. Rashid Shaheed, WR – New Orleans Saints
Shaheed is the ultimate boom-or-bust sleeper—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need on your bench. He’s a burner, and New Orleans increasingly found ways to get the ball in his hands late last season.
Whether it’s via deep shots or gadget plays, Shaheed has a path to 1,000 yards and 6+ touchdowns if his role expands. Perfect for best-ball formats or late-round fliers.
Final Thoughts: Sleepers Win Championships
In fantasy football, your first few picks are about building your foundation. But sleepers are how you win leagues. These players represent value, upside, and the kind of breakout potential that savvy managers use to gain the edge.
So while everyone else is drooling over the obvious names, look deeper. Study the depth charts. Watch the preseason snaps. Be the manager who grabs this year’s breakout before the breakout happens.
And remember: fortune favors the bold… and the well-researched. Good luck this season. May your sleepers wake up just in time to carry you to the playoffs.
