A lot of the attention gets placed on the top picks in fantasy football drafts. However, it’s vital to have a plan to maximize draft value later on in the process to ensure your roster is deep enough to withstand injuries or handle underachieving results from some members on the roster.
While there are many intriguing options to consider as fantasy football sleepers entering the 2024 season, I compiled a list of five that stand out to me.
Noah Fant — TE, Seattle Seahawks
Noah Fant has displayed flashes of his potential as an explosive playmaker with Geno Smith. The overall volume potential for Fant’s production has been limited partly due to being part of a tight end rotation without a clear-cut, heavy-usage option standing out in snaps. Without Colby Parkinson or Will Dissly in the mix, Fant has Pharoah Brown as potential competition, but should take on a greater role in the offense.
Fant is coming off a season averaging 12.9 yards per reception with a total of 32 catches, but didn’t reach the end-zone after previously recording three or more touchdowns in each season of his career. The circumstances should be there for better results.
Currently, the Seahawks’ playoff outlook is bleak this season, with -220 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook for them to fail to qualify. For believers in Seattle’s chances to defy expectations, the odds are +180 the team does reach the postseason, with +320 odds of being a Wildcard seed.
Khalil Shakir — WR, Buffalo Bills
Khalil Shakir should be a key beneficiary of the Bills’ receiving group undergoing a major overhaul, with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis gone. Curtis Samuel has joined the team, reuniting with offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and Keon Coleman was drafted in the second round, making them popular picks. However, Shakir shouldn’t be overlooked. With Josh Allen publicly praising Shakir as being poised for a bigger role, the circumstances are there for him to succeed.
In the final 10 games of the 2023 season, Shakir racked up 462 receiving yards on just 37 targets, surpassing Diggs on 43 fewer targets during the same period. Shakir’s ability to gain yards after the catch and his versatility in lining up all over the field make him a dynamic option, not just limited to the slot.
Will Levis — QB, Tennessee Titans
Will Levis didn’t have the benefit of a full rookie season, spending the first half of last year backing up Ryan Tannehill before taking over as the starter midseason. He made an instant impact with four touchdown passes in his NFL debut, but he went on to only total 1,808 passing yards and eight touchdowns in nine games played. With a 58.4% completion percentage, there’s a lot of room for improvement.
With Brian Callahan stepping in as the Titans’ new head coach, perhaps Levis will have a more efficient approach instead of relying so significantly on low-percentage throws. His sleeper appeal is also heightened by the Titans’ improved receiving corps, which now features Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd next to DeAndre Hopkins, offering some options for Levis.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, Levis faces an over/under of 3,400.5 passing yards with -110 odds of him finishing over or under. Meanwhile, his over/under for touchdown passes is set at 20.5 with +115 odds he hits the over and -135 odds he finishes under.
Josh Palmer — WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Josh Palmer is stepping into a pivotal role with the Chargers this season, following the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. While rookies like Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey bring excitement and potential, Palmer stands out as the only receiver with both NFL experience and a strong connection with Justin Herbert.
In 2022, Palmer was targeted 107 times and totaled 769 yards and three touchdowns. His role diminished, receiving less than half those targets last season despite playing 17 games instead of 16. However, when comparing his production in these two seasons, his yards per reception (10.7) was identical, but due to only being targeted 49 times, he finished with 33 catches for 353 yards and four touchdowns. The circumstances are set for strong production.
Justice Hill — RB, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ backfield presents an interesting situation to monitor. Dereck Henry, 30, is as dynamic of a running back as it gets, but Baltimore may seek to manage his workload to keep him fresh and for injury prevention. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has already mentioned that Justice Hill will play a significant role. Hill’s athleticism and versatility make him a strong candidate to step up.
Hill had an impressive start to his college career at Oklahoma State, and although an Achilles injury in 2021 slowed his career trajectory, his potential remains. With the Ravens’ history of rotating running backs and Hill’s improved opportunity this season, his name was easy to include on this list.
If Hill steps up in this way, it’ll only help the Ravens in their quest to win a Super Bowl in the Lamar Jackson era. Baltimore faces +1000 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook to win it all this season. The Ravens also hold +145 odds to win the AFC North and +500 odds to finish with the top seed in the AFC.
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is grant-afseth) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.