Fantasy football is relatively simple, at least the theory is. Draft talent and value early. If you avoid injury/ poor play from your early selections and hit with some later selections, you are putting yourself in a great position to navigate injuries and bye weeks.
Choosing sleepers is always a fun task, and something I have a bit of a track record for. Here are a few of mine at the start of draft season.
JK Dobbins, RB, Denver Broncos
Might not be technically a sleeper, as his ADP is right on that borderline, but I’m choosing him to tip you over the edge if you are thinking of considering him. It’s clear to see JK Dobbins suffered massively with injury in his career, playing just 37 games over his four-year career.
But he was able to showcase his talent last year for the Los Angeles Chargers, leading the backfield with 195 attempts for 905 yards and nine TDs. He was also able to be an effective weapon in the passing game, too, again leading the backfield with 32 receptions for 153 yards from 38 targets and looking explosive in the process.
jk dobbins the man that u are
📺 | @nfloncbs pic.twitter.com/YZGjq4cXYm
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 8, 2024
Oh, and while it might not mean too much at this point, he currently tops the RB depth chart for the team. This selection comes with risk, given his injury history. However, when you consider you could have him as an RB3 on your squad!? Or, particularly in zero-RB drafts, he could be a good target to start the season.
Current Projection for J.K. Dobbins: 185 carries, 834 yards, and 6 TDs. 36 receptions, 235 yards, and 1 TD.
Austin Ekeler, RB, Washington Commanders
Ekeler had his first season away from Los Angeles last season, forming part of a Washington offense that surprised many. Brian Robinson is still set to be the early down back, but Ekeler’s fantasy value has generally come from his work as a receiver rather than a rusher. He has only had two seasons in which he has had over 900 yards on the ground. It’s typically been working as the change-of-pace back, where he has been effective.
Ekeler finished last season with 41 targets (missing four games towards the end of the season), as well as having double-digit carries in two weeks where Brian Robinson was unable to suit up. With his importance through the air, he has flex appeal each week in 0.5 PPR and PPR leagues. If Robinson were to get injured, Ekeler would have an opportunity to be a league winner.
Current Projection for Austin Ekeler: 100 carries, 437 yards, and 5 TDs. 69 receptions for 570 yards and 3 TDs.
Cedric Tillman, WR, Cleveland Browns
The QB room for Cleveland feels like it is larger than some other positional rooms in the building, and with that many options, the offense could honestly go in any direction. However, that does bring in some opportunity.
Cedric Tillman looks like he is set to be on the field on two receiver sets and should be able to compete for targets with veterans Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku. Last season, he missed the end of the year with a concussion, which impacted his overall box score. It is excellent that he can suppress his draft cost this season, as it is easy to overlook.
In the middle of the season, he was a monster. Over four weeks (from Week 7-11), he had 40 targets, catching 24 for 302 yards and 3 TDs. His ADP doesn’t at all take his big-play ability into account at the moment. He is a great late-round selection.
Current Projection for Cedric Tillman: 66 receptions for 855 yards and 4 TDs.
