Winning in fantasy football leagues is often about finding players who exceed their expected draft positions. These sleeper players can deliver excellent returns, helping mitigate any setbacks caused by injuries or other concerns in your roster.

In 2023, wide receiver Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams likely played a crucial role in many fantasy football victories after starting the season as WR101 according to FantasyPros. By the end of the season, he ranked among the top five wide receivers in all formats. Similarly, Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was initially ranked as WR10 but finished as the No. 3 receiver in fantasy.

While sleepers like Nacua are rare, players like St. Brown can be pivotal in edging out a championship versus facing the consequences of finishing last. Here are two sleeper candidates from each position who may outperform their average draft positions (ADP) as per aggregated FantasyPros data:

2024 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Quarterback

Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (ADP 140, QB20)

• 2023 stats: 326 completions on 521 attempts, 3,965 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, 11 interceptions | 254.3 fantasy points

Despite missing two games and star wide receiver Cooper Kupp, Stafford ended the last season as QB15. With Kupp returning and the offensive line improved, it’s unlikely he’ll regresses.

With the defense losing coordinator Raheem Morris, the Rams might find themselves in more high-scoring affairs in 2024. Stafford’s ADP sees him listed behind quarterbacks like Justin Herbert, Trevor Lawrence, and Kirk Cousins. With Sean McVay still leading the team, Stafford represents excellent value as a QB2 or a low-end QB1 if you decide to focus your early picks elsewhere.

Will Levis, Tennessee Titans (ADP 171, QB25)

• 2023 stats: 149 completions on 255 attempts, 1,808 passing yards, eight touchdowns, four interceptions | 106.1 fantasy points

Levis enters his first full season as a starter with enhancements at the wide receiver unit and a new offensive play caller in head coach Brian Callahan, who has a history of success from his time in Cincinnati. Callahan also brought in his father Bill, recognized as one of the league’s top offensive line coaches.

Levis’s current rank places him behind quarterbacks like Geno Smith and Bo Nix in terms of ADP. Given his potential, he could rise to at least a QB2 status.

2024 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Running Back

Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys (ADP 149, RB44)

• 2023 stats (full PPR): 361 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns; 17 receptions, 144 receiving yards, two touchdowns | 91.5 fantasy points

Ezekiel Elliott has returned to Dallas, but he’s now a shadow of his former self, being four years and 896 carries removed from his last Pro Bowl season in 2019. Last year, he posted career-lows in scrimmage yards (955) and touchdowns (five).

Dowdle shared the backfield with Tony Pollard, who has since moved to Tennessee. Even though the Cowboys’ offense might experience challenges in 2024—particularly if the situation with CeeDee Lamb’s contract worsens—Dowdle should find ample opportunities, potentially outperforming his RB44 rank, given his explosive playing style compared to Elliott.

Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers (ADP 73, RB24)

• 2023 stats (full PPR): 1,035 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, one fumble lost; 29 receptions, 170 receiving yards | 195.5 fantasy points

Pittsburgh has hired Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator for the 2024 season. Smith is known for emphasizing a solid running game, and with the Steelers’ improvements on the offensive line brought in through the 2024 NFL Draft, both Harris and teammate Jaylen Warren stand out as sleeper candidates.

While Warren had more efficiency as a runner last season, Harris’s size gives him the edge as a sleeper. Standing at 6 feet, 1 inch and weighing 242 pounds, he’s a hefty presence compared to Warren’s 5-foot-8, 215-pound frame. Smith has previously favored larger backs at past teams like Tennessee (Derrick Henry) and Atlanta (Tyler Allgeier), potentially benefiting Harris this season.

2024 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Wide Receiver

Diontae Johnson, Carolina Panthers (ADP 88, WR37)

• 2023 stats (full PPR): 51 receptions, 717 receiving yards, five touchdowns | 152.7 fantasy points

This offseason, Johnson transferred to Carolina, where the team aims to support second-year quarterback Bryce Young. Last season, veteran Adam Thielen led the Panthers with 103 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. Johnson offers a significant upgrade over Thielen at this stage of their careers.

With improvements to the offensive line and a new play caller, the prospects for Young look brighter, and Johnson seems positioned as the clear No. 1 target in the passing game. He is being drafted around players like Jayden Reed, Xavier Worthy, and DeAndre Hopkins, none of whom currently hold the primary receiving role on their teams.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks (ADP 101, WR44)

• 2023 stats (full PPR): 63 receptions, 628 receiving yards, four touchdowns | 149.8 fantasy points

A change in management could be beneficial for Smith-Njigba in Seattle, positioning him for an impressive season ahead.

New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, previously with the Washington Huskies, utilized dynamic three-receiver formations featuring NFL talent such as Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan, and Ja’Lynn Polk. This experience could positively impact the Seahawks’ receiving trio of Smith-Njigba, Tyler Lockett, and DK Metcalf.

Smith-Njigba may excel in shorter and medium-range routes, positioning him for greater opportunities as Lockett ages. Although he was a bit overrated in 2023, he could emerge as a valuable sleeper pick in 2024.

2024 fantasy football sleepers: Tight end

Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys (ADP 82, TE10)

• 2023 stats (full PPR): 71 catches, 761 yards, five touchdowns | 177.1 fantasy points

Ferguson wrapped up the 2023 season as TE9, scoring four of his five touchdowns between Weeks 8 and 13. As the second option in the Cowboys’ passing attack, his role is likely to continue or even grow in 2024, especially given Lamb’s contract situation. With tight end being a scarce position in fantasy football, Ferguson stands out as a solid low-end TE1 and an excellent backup option.

Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles (ADP 105, TE12)

• 2023 stats (full PPR): 59 catches, 592 yards, three touchdowns | 136.3 fantasy points

This season, Goedert will work under a new offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore. The last time Moore had a comparable group of receiving talents was in Dallas in 2021 when Lamb, Amari Cooper, and Dalton Schultz were all active. That year, target distribution among them was well-balanced (104-120) with catches ranging from 68 to 79.

Goedert joins forces with DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, creating a similar talent pool to what the Cowboys had in 2021. In 2023, Philadelphia’s offense leaned heavily on Brown, who received 158 targets and made 106 catches. With that in mind, Goedert’s target share could rise in 2024. While it might be optimistic, the tight end position in fantasy football can be quite top-heavy.

2024 fantasy football sleepers: D/ST

Chicago Bears (D/ST 11)

• 2023 stats: 30 sacks, 22 interceptions, six fumble recoveries, two touchdowns | 120 fantasy points

The Bears showcased solid defensive play in the latter half of 2023 and are set to return most of their starters. The defensive backfield, featuring Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, and Jaquan Brisker, stands out as a strong aspect of the unit. While defensive performances can be inconsistent from one year to the next, the Bears are likely to find themselves in more favorable positions in 2024 due to improved offensive talent.

Houston Texans (D/ST 13)

• 2023 stats: 46 sacks, 14 interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries, three touchdowns | 131 fantasy points

As the Texans head into year two with head coach DeMeco Ryans, who previously directed the top NFL defense in 2022, they are primed for a strong defensive performance. With his system now in its second year, and the additions of Danielle Hunter and Azeez Al-Shaair, paired with continued growth from Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., the Texans could position themselves as a top-10 defense in 2024. Despite a tough schedule, their potential remains high.