As fantasy football draft season ramps up, savvy managers are already eyeing value picks, players poised to outperform their ADP and become league-winners. These are the “sleepers” who are often overlooked, frequently doubted, but often ready to erupt.
With new coaching schemes, improved supporting casts, and shifts in depth charts, 2025 is shaping up to be a sleeper-rich season.
Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the top fantasy football sleepers you should keep a close watch on, each choice backed up by stats, context, and anticipated trajectory within real-world NFL environments.
Quarterbacks Who Could Surprise
J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
Although he missed his rookie campaign recovering from knee surgeries, McCarthy enters 2025 in an ideal situation.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell’s QB-friendly system has averaged nearly 18 fantasy points per game from the position. With Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson at his disposal, McCarthy’s ceiling is much higher than his ADP suggests.
He’s quietly walking into one of the league’s most stable passing ecosystems, an enviable position when you consider how volatile quarterback situations can be across the list of NFL teams.
Drake Maye, New England Patriots
Maye’s late-season takeover in 2024 showed promise, despite the dysfunction around him. Fast forward to 2025: he has a real offensive coordinator in Josh McDaniels, plus veteran receiver Stefon Diggs.
His legs add sneaky rushing value, and if the Patriots’ rebuild clicks, Maye could vault into the weekly QB1 conversation.
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
Stroud’s dip in 2024 (QB18 finish) was tied to offensive line issues and receiver injuries. Now healthy and bolstered by additions like Christian Kirk and rookies Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins, Stroud is an elite value pick at his current QB18 ADP.
Running Backs With Breakout Potential
Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders
Jeanty walks into a dream scenario. The No. 6 overall pick is set to lead the Raiders’ backfield from day one, with only an aging Raheem Mostert behind him.
A true three-down weapon, Jeanty’s college production and athletic profile suggest RB1 potential; he’s not just a sleeper, he’s a possible league-winner. It’s no surprise he’s already drawing buzz on FanDuel’s NFL player watch, where breakout candidates are tracked closely each preseason.
Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers
A perfect match for Pittsburgh’s outside zone scheme, Johnson boasts elite burst and vision. With 21 runs of 20+ yards last year at Iowa, he’s a big-play threat.
He’ll split time with Jaylen Warren, but early-down work in a run-heavy system could launch him into RB2 territory.
Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs
Pacheco’s injury-riddled 2024 masked his true upside. Before fracturing his fibula, he commanded a 72% snap share and 189 total yards in Week 2 alone. Now fully healthy and running behind an Andy Reid offense, he’s a high-upside pick at RB24.
Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers
Dowdle quietly topped 1,000 rushing yards last year, but now shifts to Carolina behind Chuba Hubbard. He won’t be the lead back initially, but his between-the-tackles ability and pass-catching chops make him a premium insurance policy with standalone value.
Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins
Buried behind Mostert and Jeff Wilson last season, Wright is now in the mix for a real role in Miami. The door’s open for a second-year leap in one of the league’s most explosive offenses, making him an ideal late-round stash.
Wideouts Flying Under the Radar
Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars
Hunter’s two-way play has fantasy managers nervous, but reports suggest he’ll focus primarily on offense. With Trevor Lawrence under center and Brian Thomas Jr. drawing coverage, Hunter could deliver WR2 production at a massive discount.
Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears
Odunze’s rookie season was underwhelming—just 7.2 points per game—but don’t give up yet. The Bears’ revamped offense under Ben Johnson is expected to be more dynamic. If Odunze becomes Caleb Williams’ favorite target, he’ll easily return WR2 value at a WR3 price.
Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills
Despite missing time with a wrist injury, Coleman was still the most-used Bills WR last year. With 12 receptions of 20+ yards and a top-three YPR mark, he’s the big-play threat Buffalo needs. His sophomore surge could be significant in a pass-first offense.
Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints
Shaheed remains one of the most efficient deep threats in football. Though inconsistent, he offers weekly boom potential. Now more experienced, he could see a target increase and become a reliable flex option.
Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions
Williams had 16 receptions of 20+ yards last year and averaged over 14 fantasy points per game. He’s still raw, but in Detroit’s high-scoring system, his elite speed gives him week-winning upside.
Tight Ends Worth the Risk
Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears
Rookie tight ends rarely pop, but Loveland might be the exception. He’s already drawing rave reviews in camp and working with No. 1 pick Caleb Williams in a pass-happy scheme. With limited competition for targets, Loveland could flirt with low-end TE1 production.
Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys
Ferguson regressed in 2024, but his connection with Dak Prescott in the first half of the season was strong. With defenses focusing on CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, Ferguson will feast underneath. He’s a sneaky bet to crack the top 10 at his TE12 ADP.
Tyler Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers may finally feature the tight end more often, and Warren has the athleticism to thrive. He’s not flashy, but he’s a reliable red-zone presence with growing chemistry with their young QB room.
Sleepers With a Chip on Their Shoulder
D.J. Moore, Chicago Bears
Moore has four 1,000-yard seasons, yet his 2025 ADP suggests caution. With a new quarterback and offensive system, he could post career-best numbers.
If Caleb Williams clicks quickly, Moore might finish among the top 15 at the position.
Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars
Etienne was a disappointment in 2024, averaging just 8.7 points per game. But under new coach Liam Coen, known for maximizing RB production, Etienne could bounce back in a contract year. He’s being drafted well below his potential.
The Right Time to Strike
Sleepers aren’t lottery tickets; they’re calculated risks based on scheme fit, opportunity, and upside. In 2025, several real NFL teams are fueling the emergence of undervalued fantasy stars, especially among second-year players and rookies stepping into expanded roles.
From Jeanty’s bell-cow potential in Vegas to Odunze’s chance at a WR1 leap in Chicago, these players are being drafted well below their ceilings. Grab them before the rest of your league wakes up.
*Content reflects information available as of 2025/08/12; subject to change.
