Unlocking Late Round Gold: Your 2023 Late Round Fantasy Football Sleepers Guide
Hey there, fantasy football enthusiasts! Welcome back to another season of gridiron glory. We know you're all about those early-round picks, but today, we're diving deep into the late rounds to find those hidden gems, those late round fantasy football sleepers that could turn your season around. So, grab a snack, get comfy, and let's unearth some late-round gold together! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and late round fantasy football sleepers.
Why Late Round Fantasy Football Sleepers Matter
Before we jump into our sleepers, let's talk about why they're so darn important. In fantasy football, it's not just about the big names you snag in the early rounds. No, sirree! It's about finding those late-round gems that outperform their draft position. Here's why:
- Depth: Sleepers help you build depth on your roster. Injuries happen, and you need solid backups to keep your team afloat. - Upside: Late-round picks have room to grow. They might not be superstars yet, but they have the potential to become one. - Flexibility: Sleepers give you the freedom to take risks in the earlier rounds. You can afford to reach for that RB or WR you love because you know you've got sleepers in your back pocket.
Our Method to the Madness
We've scoured the depths of training camps, preseason games, and expert analysis to bring you the cream of the late-round crop. But how did we decide who makes the cut? Here's our methodology:
- ADP (Average Draft Position): We've focused on players with an ADP outside the top 120. After all, if they're going that late, they're sleepers, right? - Potential: We've looked for players with high ceilings. These are guys who could explode onto the scene this season. - Opportunity: A sleeper without a path to playing time is just a bench warmer. We've made sure our picks have a clear route to the field.
Quarterbacks: The Late Round QB Landscape
You might be thinking, "Why do I need a late-round QB? I can stream them!" And you're right, streaming QBs can be a viable strategy. But having a solid late-round QB can provide consistency and peace of mind. So, let's take a look at a couple of late-round passers who could surprise this season.
Gardner Minshew, Philadelphia Eagles
Minshew Mania is back, baby! After a successful stint in Jacksonville, Gardner Minshew lands in Philly as Jalen Hurts' backup. But don't sleep on Minshew's potential. He's got a live arm, he's mobile, and he's got a history of putting up solid fantasy numbers. If Hurts goes down, Minshew could be a sneaky late-round pick that pays huge dividends.
Average Draft Position (ADP): QB30, 148.5
Desmond Ridder, Atlanta Falcons
Desmond Ridder might be the Falcons' QB of the future, but for now, he's locked in a battle with Marcus Mariota for the starting job. Even if Ridder starts the season as the backup, he's got the talent and the opportunity to become a fantasy factor. He's got a strong arm, he's mobile, and he's got a promising group of weapons in Atlanta. Keep an eye on Ridder's preseason performances, and if he looks good, scoop him up late.
ADP: QB34, 152.5
Running Backs: The RB Sleepers You Need to Know
Running backs are the lifeblood of fantasy football, and you can never have too many. Here are some late-round RBs that could make a significant impact this season.
Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans
Dameon Pierce is a bruising runner with the potential to be Houston's workhorse back. He's got great size, strength, and he's a natural pass catcher. The Texans' backfield is a bit of a mess, with Pierce, Marlon Mack, and Rex Burkhead all vying for touches. But Pierce has the talent and the opportunity to emerge as the lead back. Keep an eye on his preseason performances, and if he looks good, grab him late.
ADP: RB57, 154.5
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rachaad White is a versatile back who could carve out a significant role in Tampa's backfield. He's got great receiving skills and could see a lot of targets in the pass game. With Leonard Fournette's future uncertain, White has a clear path to playing time. If he can secure the starting job, he's got the talent to put up big numbers.
ADP: RB60, 157.5
Wide Receivers: The WR Sleepers You Can't Afford to Miss
Wide receivers are always in demand in fantasy football, and these late-round WRs could provide excellent value.
Skyy Moore, Denver Broncos
Skyy Moore is a dynamic slot receiver with explosive speed and great hands. He's got a clear path to playing time in Denver, with KJ Hamler's injury opening up snaps in the slot. Moore could quickly become Russell Wilson's favorite target and provide excellent value as a late-round pick.
ADP: WR58, 161.5
George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers
George Pickens is a physical receiver with a nose for the end zone. He's got a chance to start across from Chase Claypool in Pittsburgh and could see a lot of targets in the red zone. Pickens is coming off an ACL injury, but if he's healthy, he's got the talent to make an impact.
ADP: WR66, 168.5
Tight Ends: The TE Sleepers You Need to Know
Tight ends can be a bit of a headache in fantasy football, but these late-round options could provide some much-needed relief.
Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals
Trey McBride is a physical, athletic tight end who could carve out a significant role in Arizona. The Cardinals' tight end situation is a bit of a mess, with McBride, Maxx Williams, and Zach Ertz all in the mix. But McBride has the talent to emerge as the starter and provide some solid fantasy production.
ADP: TE21, 172.5
Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens
Isaiah Likely is a athletic tight end with great receiving skills. He's got a chance to start in Baltimore, with Mark Andrews the only other tight end on the roster with any fantasy relevance. If Likely can secure the starting job, he's got the talent to put up some big numbers.
ADP: TE24, 180.5
Final Thoughts
There you have it, folks! Our guide to the best late round fantasy football sleepers for the 2023 season. Remember, the key to fantasy football success is finding those hidden gems, the players who outperform their draft position. So, keep these sleepers in mind as you draft, and don't be afraid to take a chance on a late-round diamond in the rough.
Happy drafting, and we'll see you on the waiver wire!