Ranking the Top 10 Fantasy Sleepers

We’re already approaching the halfway point of the fantasy regular season. In other words, it’s time to start thinking about the stretch run! There’s nothing better than taking your friends to the fantasy turf, so here are the top 10 sleepers, lurking in the dark, who could help you the rest of the way as you look to hoist the trophy.

10 Eric Ebron, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers

The tight end position has been incredibly hard to navigate this year for owners, so if a consistent performer can still step forward, it would be a nice luxury to have. Ebron was a hot name at the draft time but came out of the gates slow, so he’s currently only rostered in about 50% of leagues. He’s caught at least five balls in each of the last two games and has a touchdown.

9 Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers

The defending NFC champs have been a hot mess this year, mainly due to injury. QB Jimmy Garoppolo, however, is getting healthy. That means that their passing game should improve. The 49ers also have a crazy schedule over the next seven weeks, littered with potential playoff teams. This could be a good thing for Aiyuk, the stud rookie receiver who has popped when he’s gotten chances. The Niners will need to be throwing the ball to stay in those games.

8 N’Keal Harry, WR, New England Patriots

With everything the Patriots have been through recently in trying to fend off COVID-19, their passing game has become an afterthought. But Cam Newton is back, their bye week is behind them, and Harry is averaging 7 targets per game. He’s also a strong red-zone threat because of his size. He’s currently available in 70% of leagues.

7 Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles

Zach Ertz is not the dominant presence he was a couple of years ago, so the Eagles were already trending in the direction of using Goedert in a more prominent role before he broke his ankle. That injury forced a mass rush to drop him, but now is the time to pounce. He could be only 2 weeks away from a return. In his first two games this year before the injury, Goedert was targeted 17 times and had 12 catches.

6 Mike Williams, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

The entire Chargers’ fantasy outlook has been changing weekly. Austin Ekeler went down and Justin Herbert was given the reigns, which has made them more pass-heavy. Also, Keenan Allen went down last week with back spasms. It’s not expected to be a long term injury, but back problems can be tricky as anyone over the age of 25 knows. Williams has had health issues of his own this year, but he’s on the mend and established a nice rapport with Herbert last Monday night with 5 catches for 109 yards and two scores.

5 La’Mical Perine, RB, NY Jets

Normally, I would advise to just avoid the Jets when it comes to fantasy. But, these are sleepers after all, so Perine makes the list. Le’Veon Bell was cut last week and latched on with the Chiefs, clearing the way for new blood in the backfield. Some may look to Frank Gore, but at his age, he’s not going to carry a full load. Perine is currently available in 83% of leagues.

4 Jordan Reed, TE, San Francisco 49ers

Here’s another one laying in the weeds, just like Goedert. In week 3, Reed suffered a sprained MCL sending him to short term IR, but he’s due back in a couple of weeks and the 49ers love him. Don’t let the presence of George Kittle concern you. Defenses will devote all their attention to #85, which can leave Reed in the open. He amassed 16 targets in 2 1/2 games before going down with an injury. Garoppolo loves to use the middle of the field, right where Reed will be roaming.

3 Travis Fulgham, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

Somehow, Fulgham is still available in 71% of leagues. He’s coming off an explosive ten catch performance for 152 yards and a score. Carson Wentz appears to have a nice connection with him, and they play for a team that will be behind a good portion of the time. The only concern here is the looming return of DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery, and Jalen Reagor. Reagor is a rookie, so who knows what he’ll offer. Jeffery and Jackson are aging and are never seemingly healthy. There’s a strong push in Philly to stick with Fulgham no matter what the health status of the others happens to be.

2 Diontae Johnson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

While everyone went crazy over Chase Claypool last week, the world forgot about Diontae. Don’t make that mistake. He’s now available in 17% of leagues, and that number is growing. We will have to see what role Claypool has carved for himself, but Johnson is just waiting to get healthy. He’ll miss week 6, but after that should return. The Steelers have already had their bye, and Johnson received a whopping 23 targets combined in weeks 1 and 2 before his injury struggles started.

1 Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers

This guy could win you your league. He has been the perfect fix-it plan for anyone who drafted a disappointing quarterback. When Tyrod Taylor’s lung was accidentally punctured by Chargers team doctors before their week 2 game, Herbert walked onto the field as a rookie and immediately seized the gig. In 4 games, he has gotten nine touchdown passes, only three picks, and is averaging 298.75 yards per contest. His weaponry will only grow over time as Ekeler is due back in a few weeks.