2023 Fantasy Football Sleepers

We’re going to identify the best fantasy football sleepers for the 2023 NFL season. Hitting on sleepers will give you the best shot at winning your league, as they offer the most value for your draft capital.

In this guide, we’re using data for PPR (points per reception) fantasy football leagues.

If you drafted Josh Jacobs (ADP: 48 / RB20 – Finished as RB3), Geno Smith (ADP: 241 / QB35 – Finished as QB5), or Jamaal Williams (ADP: 145 / RB52 – Finished as RB13) last season, there’s a good possibility you won your league. Let’s analyze which fantasy football sleepers will emerge this season.

Best Fantasy Football Sleepers at Quarterback

Here are the best fantasy football sleepers at QB for 2023:

• Tua Tagovailoa (ADP: 93 / QB11)

The risk with Tagovailoa is health (concussions). He averaged 18.4 FPPG (QB9) last season. In only 13 games last season, Tua put up 3,548 passing yards (12th), 25 passing TDs (T8) and 105.5 passer rating (2nd). With WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Tua could put up QB5 numbers if he plays a full season.

While he isn’t necessarily a “sleeper” at QB11, he has the potential to crush his ADP if healthy.

• Kenny Pickett (ADP: 155 / QB19)

Pickett is primed for a second-year leap in production. His rookie numbers were weak and he had more INTs (9) than TD passes (7). However, he finished the season strong, posted excellent preseason stats and has lots of weapons (Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, and Pat Freiermuth).

• Kyler Murray (ADP: 189 / QB25) 

Murray is worth a late pick to keep on the bench. He won’t start the season, but he averaged 18.9 FPPG (QB7) last season and scored 20+ FPs in five of 11 starts. If he returns healthy, he could end up making a huge difference once the fantasy football playoffs roll around and could help you win your league.

Best Fantasy Football Sleepers at Running Back

Here are the best fantasy football sleepers at RB for 2023:

• James Cook (ADP: 67 / RB25)

Cook is the #1 RB in Buffalo this season. He rushed for 507 yards on just 89 carries and he added 21 receptions for 180 yards. He ranked 3rd (RBs with 50+ carries) in yards per carry at 5.7. He only had three touchdowns, but he’ll have a lot more scoring opportunities as the lead running back.

• Rachaad White (ADP: 62 / RB30)

White is the #1 RB in Tampa Bay, but he’ll have competition for touches. However, he’s one of the best fantasy football sleepers in PPR leagues. He hauled in 50 of 58 targets for 290 receiving yards and 2 TDs last season. He also had 129 carries for 481 yards and 1 TD. He should exceed 200+ carries this season.

• Samaje Perine (ADP: 107 / RB38)

Perine landed in a good spot in Denver as the RB2 behind Javonte Williams. In three starts last season (Weeks 11-13), Perine scored 30.2 FPs, 19.3 FPs and 21.5 FPs. Williams is an injury risk and Perine will get touches regardless. With an improved o-line, Perine has the potential for a breakout season.

Deeper Leagues / Handcuffs: Jaylen Warren (RB45) and Chuba Hubbard (RB59)

Best Fantasy Football Sleepers at Wide Receiver

Here are the best fantasy football sleepers at WR for 2023:

• Christian Kirk (ADP: 73 / WR26)

Kirk is being overlooked. WR Calvin Ridley (ADP: 36 / WR16) is being drafted way above him. Kirk put up 84 receptions for 1,108 receiving yards and 8 TDs on 133 targets last season. He was the WR12 in PPR leagues. He may lose some targets, but QB Trevor Lawrence will continue airing it out for Kirk.

• Diontae Johnson (ADP: 80 / WR36)

Johnson burned FF owners last season, but it was due to being unlucky, not because of his skill. He had 147 targets (T7), but finished with 86 receptions for 882 yards and 0 TDs. He ranked 10th in targets in the red zone. He finished as the WR28 last season and he has the potential to be a top 15 WR in 2023.

• Nico Collins (ADP: 166 / WR59)

Collins is the #1 WR in Houston this season. WRs Brandin Cooks and Chris Moore are gone. The Texans upgraded at QB by drafting C.J. Stroud. Collins had 37 receptions for 481 yards and 2 TDs in 10 games. If he can stay on the field, he could average 15+ FPPG, which would put him in WR15 territory.

• Van Jefferson (ADP: 205 / WR69)

In deeper leagues, Jefferson is among the top fantasy football sleepers at WR. He’s secure as the WR2 in the Rams offense. QB Matthew Stafford is healthy and wants to redeem himself. WR Cooper Kupp is an injury risk. He averaged 15.4 yards per reception (T13 out of WRs with 40+ targets) last season.

Best Fantasy Football Sleepers at Tight End

Here are the best fantasy football sleepers at TE for 2023:

• Chigoziem Okonkwo (ADP: 135 / TE13)

Okonkwo finished as the TE25 last season. He had 32 receptions for 450 yards and 3 TDs as a rookie. He had 14 receptions of 20+ yards (TE4). He turned it on late as well. Between Weeks 13-18, Okonkwo scored 10+ FPs in four of six games. If he plays like that all season, he’ll be a top 8 TE in 2023.

• Juwan Johnson (ADP: 162 / TE18)

Johnson hauled in 42 receptions for 508 yards and 7 TDs last season despite poor QB play. Derek Carr is now with the Saints and he has a history of throwing to TEs. He finished as the TE15 last season, but with better QB play and the potential for more targets, he’s a late pick with lots of upside at a weak position.

• Luke Musgrave (ADP: 185 / TE20)

There are some intriguing rookie TEs this season. Musgrave is going to start as TE1 for Green Bay and I can envision QB Jordan Love looking for the big target (6’6” and 253 pounds) often. There are going to be a lot of targets to go around in GB and Musgrave was one of Love’s favorite targets this preseason.