Identifying fantasy football sleepers can provide a significant edge in a matchup, particularly for teams projected as heavy underdogs. Unlikely players often become necessary starters because of injuries, bye weeks, or league depth.
Determining whether a spot is suitable for a sleeper involves considering the matchup and situation. How is the player being used within the offense? Have they shown flashes of brilliance on the field? Factors like these can set certain sleepers apart. With that in mind, here are our top fantasy sleepers for Week 17, all of whom are available in most leagues.
Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns (vs PIT)
Dylan Sampson looks ready to return to the Browns lineup, just in time to take over as the starting running back for the injured Quinshon Judkins.
Sampson is an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield. Think back to when he had a heavier role in Week 1, when he caught eight passes for 64 yards.
We could see something similar against the Steelers this week. This is a defense that just allowed Jahmyr Gibbs to rack up 10 catches for 66 yards.
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The risk here is that an improving Steelers defense, which just shut down the Dolphins and slowed down the Lions, could cause major problems for Shedeur Sanders and the Browns.
However, this is a bet on a rookie running back who is likely to see volume, making him worth a look in this spot.
Mack Hollins, WR, New England Patriots (at NYJ)
Mack Hollins has quietly racked up 17 targets in his last two games, including seven catches for 69 yards vs. the Ravens last week.
Up next is an exploitable matchup vs. the Jets, who have been torched by Tyler Shough and Trevor Lawrence in their last two games.
Don’t be surprised if Drake Maye has a big game, which could allow Hollins to get loose downfield.
We have seen flashes of a ceiling from Hollins at times, including six catches for 106 yards against the Buccaneers earlier this year.
With that in mind, you can roll the dice on him in this favorable matchup.
Jake Tonges, TE, San Francisco 49ers (vs CHI)
Jake Tonges could be thrust into a larger role with George Kittle injured. There is a strong chance this ankle issue will keep Kittle out this week, putting Tonges in line to be a viable streamer.
Tonges has four touchdowns despite a limited role this season. He also saw 11 targets in a game Kittle missed, when the 49ers beat the Rams 26-23.
The Bears rank 15th in fantasy points per game allowed to tight ends this year, which is not particularly notable, but the 49ers offense is firing on all cylinders.
We just saw Brock Purdy shred the Colts defense.
With that in mind, do not be surprised if this turns into a shootout against the Bears. The 49ers are still trying to steal the NFC West title from the Seahawks, so there is plenty at stake.
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Tre Tucker, WR, Las Vegas Raiders (vs NYG)
Tre Tucker immediately becomes one of the top pass catchers on the Raiders now that Brock Bowers is out for the season.
That is notable because Tucker has shown a high ceiling at times this year. Think back to his breakout game against the Commanders earlier in the season.
In that contest, he caught eight of nine targets for 145 yards and three touchdowns.
While it is unlikely he replicates that performance, the fact that he has done it before provides some upside.
If you are in need of a wide receiver, Tucker is worth a shot this week.
Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts (vs JAC)
Josh Downs is showing solid chemistry with Philip Rivers, coming off a game in which he hauled in 5 of 9 targets for 65 yards. That marked a season high in yardage, making it clear Downs gets a boost in value with Rivers under center.
Expect the Colts to be forced to throw to keep pace with the Jaguars this week. Jacksonville ranks 18th in fantasy points per game allowed to wide receivers, giving Downs a chance to make an impact.
The best way to deploy Downs is as a desperation FLEX option in full-PPR formats.
