Sleepers aren’t what they used to be. Fantasy football managers have never been more educated and on top of the player pool. While it is a great development, it makes finding actual fantasy football sleepers much more difficult. It is also quite subjective and dependent upon multiple factors including league size and scoring settings. If we ignore anything that deviates from the norm (starting multiple quarterbacks or leagues that award more points to tight ends), our focus on Deep League Sleepers will be running backs and wide receivers. Heading into the 2024 NFL season, let’s take a look at some of those options.
With this exercise, the intention is to consider options who are, at a minimum, being drafted outside the top 50 for running backs and top 60 for wide receivers.
Deep League Sleepers
Rico Dowdle, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Do we really expect Ezekiel Elliot to be the starter all season for Dallas? Will he even make it to October in that role? In fairness to Elliot, he did finish with a combined 955 yards last season. There is still some effectiveness left in the tank for Elliot, but he is no longer an explosive option.
This isn’t to suggest that Rico Dowdle is going to sweep in be the starter, but his role with be significant. We can’t expect Dowdle to be a three-down player, but in PPR formats, there is plenty of value to be found. Dowdle’s size, or lack thereof is working against him. At just 5’11 and 215 pounds, it also means that Dowdle is overlooked at times.
With a yards per carry of just 4.1 last year, Dowdle didn’t truly stand out, but he only had two games with more than eight carries. In each of those games, Dowdle carried the ball 12 times. Perhaps more importantly, Dowdle had a touchdown in each game while gaining 79 and 46 yards. Dowdle also added 144 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries.
Royce Freeman will also play a factor in Dallas’ backfield, but he is more of a threat to Elliot than Dowdle. It’s unclear what Deuce Vaughn is capable of, but he is also dealing with a hamstring injury this summer. That leaves Dowdle in position to capitalize.
Tyrone Tracy, RB, New York Giants
Nothing against Devin Singletary, but he is not Saquon Barkley. Singletary could prove to be a fine running back for the Giants, but he can’t fully replace everything his predecessor brought to the table. And that is what makes Tyrone Tracy such an interesting running back this season.
With 30 receptions for 193 yards and no touchdowns last season, that is not a part of the game in which Singletary truly excels. It’s for that reason that Tracy, a former receiver for a time in college, appears to be atop the list for the number two running back job. While the rookie is still learning some aspects of being a running back, he has made progress and there is raw skill. Coming out of Perdue, the fifth-round pick does have some pedigree. Most importantly though, he has shown the ability to make things happen with the ball in his hands.
As the Giants are expected to be playing from behind, Taylor’s role and skillset could be on display. In passing situations, the Giants will likely lean on Taylor and the rookie could pick up some PPR value.
Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, Denver Broncos
While Sean Payton is still their coach, the Denver Broncos are one of the most interesting teams this season. That isn’t to say we expect them to be good, but Payton’s offensive reputation precedes him. It is a potentially crowded backfield as Javonte Williams is in year two in recovering from an ACL injury. Denver also signed Samaje Perine this off-season and rookie Audric Estime is receiving some buzz.
Williams is still not 100% and the Broncos still have some doubts about him, but he has looked good this summer. Perine doesn’t stand out from the crowd, and Estime is a fifth-round draft choice. All three are similar in a sense, Williams is the leader, and there is McLaughlin.
Based on his backfield mates, the good news is that Denver doesn’t have to ask anything of McLaughlin that he is not capable of. Last year, the undrafted rookie averaged 5.4 yards per carry as his speed and explosiveness were on display. Of greater importance, was seeing McLaughlin catch 31 of his 36 targets last year. The now second-year back will be placed into a position to succeed in a supporting role. If he continues to succeed in his limited role, the fantasy production will be there. That will be amplified if he builds on last year’s success.
Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons
Arthur Smith is gone. That means the Falcons are expected to have a respectable offense, and that is especially true with respect to the passing game. A strong offensive line helps and the acquisition of Kirk Cousins takes things a step further.
While the focus is, rightfully so, going to be on Drake London, there is enough production and fantasy value to go around. After guaranteeing $26 million to Darnell Mooney this off-season, it’s clear that he will be playing a large role within Atlanta’s offense. A leg injury and Chicago’s offense did hold Mooney back over the last two seasons. With the Falcons, he is looking for, and should be receiving a fresh start.
In 2021, Mooney played all 17 games and caught 81 passes for 1.055 yards and four touchdowns. Over the next two years, Mooney missed seven games and finished with a combined 71 receptions and just 907 yards. At least as a downfield threat, the potential is there for Mooney to have a strong season and make some big plays. Despite the lack of overall numbers, Mooney did average 13.4 yards per reception last year.
Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers
By the day, it appears increasingly likely that Brandon Aiyuk will be playing elsewhere in 2024. That means, alongside Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings, there is a clear opportunity for Ricky Pearsall to make an impact.
As far as rookie receivers go, the buzz surrounding Pearsall has been quieter than others. It is for good reason though, as Pearsall never had more than five touchdowns or 965 receiving yards in a season in college. In fairness to Pearsall though, his 90 targets last year was a career high. Pearsall did get increasingly better each year. That is what San Francisco is banking on continuing. From a tools perspective though, it’s quite difficult to ignore Pearsall. And that is what the 49ers saw in the rookie.
It’s hard not to be entranced by a 4.41 40-yard dash time, and 6-1, Pearsall has some height to go with the speed. He performed similarly well in all of his other drills, and could immediately see a surge in targets.
Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants
The big thing for Wan’Dale Robinson has been to stay healthy. In 2022 a torn ACL abruptly put an end to Robinson’s rookie season. He did return to action last year, but there was rust to shake off. He also had to reacclimate himself to action in the NFL and, after the injury to Daniel Jones, the Giants’ offense was a mess.
Entering this season, Jones is healthy, the offensive line is improved, and Malik Nabers was drafted in the first round. For that matter, Robinson is now also back at 100%. He didn’t have to rehab this off-season and all reports indicate that he is a different player than previously seen. Robinson’s speed is back to it’s previous levels and his production will only prove to follow suit.
While not a deep threat, Robinson will be put in motion and targeted on quick strike passes from Jones. Saquon Barkley departed in the off-season, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see a healthy Robinson play a role in filling that role.
Even despite all the issues last year, Robinson did catch 60 of his 78 targets. Granted it was for just 525 yards and one touchdown, but it will be interesting to see what a healthy Robinson can do.
Who are your favorite deep league sleepers for 2024? Drop some names in the comments below and then make sure to check out our 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Kit for more great rankings and analysis.