Everyone who plays fantasy football loves a good sleeper pick. When we pick one, we pop our collar and pretend it was all just part of the plan. We strut like we saw it coming with our oblong, crystal ball. Even if it was totally by accident, we attribute it a “gut feeling.”
The Top Six NFL Sleepers of 2017
In DFS, a solid sleeper pick is often what determines the difference between a money-winning roster and one that just fell short of paydirt.
Predicting an NFL sleeper is tough. Every analyst has a different one to target and different reasons why. Let’s jump into the top six NFL sleepers for the 2017 season and why.
Running Backs
1. Mike Gillislee – RB – New England Patriots
This may be more of a breakout than a traditional sleeper pick. Gillislee is in and LaGarette Blount has left town. If there is any back on this roster to own with the intention of starting on a week-to-week basis, Gillislee is it. It’s a murky backfield, no doubt, but it’s the Patriots and every cog has a function. Projected stat-line, 900 yards, and eight touchdowns. Beware of his rising ADP before locking a draft pick on him.
2. Jamaal Williams – RB – Green Bay Packers
Ty Montgomery showed some flash last year. What he also showed is that he’s a runner that goes down pretty quickly on contact. Entering stage left is Jamall Williams who could carve out a solid role on this well managed offensive machine. Look for him to be fantasy relevant before the middle of the season as a flex play.
3. Paul Perkins – RB – New York Giants
When Perkins got his first career start last year he immediately rushed for 102 yards. What further proof did the Giants need that they might have a running game again? Perkins has already been named the starter for 2017 and is a solid fantasy pick in the RB2 conversation.
Wide Receivers
1. Corey Coleman – WR – Cleveland Browns
Go ahead and get the Browns jokes out of the way. Finished? Good. Pryor has moved on, and the Browns bought in middling veteran Kenny Britt. Coleman is the upside receiver on this roster despite questions at the quarterback position. I’m expecting Coleman to begin the season in the WR4 conversation, then move up the ranks as the season goes on.
2. Willie Snead – WR – New Orleans Saints
Brandin Cooks has moved on and that opens the way for Snead to start becoming more relevant fantasy wise. Brees spreads the ball around so expect there to be some up and down performances. Snead would be a great candidate as a bye-week streamer until we see how he handles the larger role.
3. Quincy Enunwa – WR – New York Jets
This is one where I believe more in the receiver than anything else going on in the Jets camp. Enunwa showed some talent in bits and pieces last season. The Jets have cleaned house making Enunwa the de facto number one. Him putting up a 900 yard season would not come a surprise.
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