The WR position feels quite top-heavy for the 2024 season, but there are always sleepers available at each position. There have been changes throughout the league- coaching staff, free agency, draft selections. Finding sleepers at any position is worthwhile- but unlike other positions, taking a shot early on a receiver can pay dividends for the full season. WR sleepers for this article are:
Marquise Brown (KC, WR39)
Brown is a player that has been a frustrating one for fantasy in his career. Despite having 4 seasons with over 100 targets in his career, he has only had more than 1,000 yards once- his last season in Baltimore (and that was 1,008). His move to the Cardinals fell at a time when the Cardinals had been rebuilding and had to rotate through QBs.
For this season, Brown decided to back himself to perform by signing a one-year with the Chiefs. This is potentially the best situation he has been in. An offense that has a great coach at the helm, happy to throw it around with Patrick Mahomes and a receiving pool that is in need of a reliable target. Brown has a bit of stink on him after some tough years with the Cardinals. But, he should be able to finish comfortably as a WR3, with the upside of some bigger weeks mixed in if Rashee Rice were forced to miss some time this season.
Ladd McConkey (LAC, WR46)
The Chargers really have undergone a complete transformation this offseason. The team changed coaching staff, bringing in Jim Harbaugh and OC Greg Roman before allowing all(?) of their previous offensive playmakers to leave during the team. But, part of the transformation was drafting in McConkey in the second round of the draft.
With the Chargers depth chart being what it is, McConkey could end up being the lead receiver for the team. Justin Herbert developed a strong relationship with Keenan Allen, as he lined up in the slot, and the early indications are that McConkey would fill that same role. Yes, the offense is expected to be more run-heavy, but in PPR leagues McConkey has an opportunity to outperform his ranking.
Curtis Samuel (BUF, WR52)
The Bills receiver room is up for grabs, with Stefon Diggs being traded and Gabe Davis leaving in free agency. If you get the right receiver, you could score big- putting you in a great position to win your league. Samuel has been a dynamic and versatile playmaker since entering the league, he just hasn’t managed to be consistent with it.
This is the best situation (and QB) that he has had in his career though. Samuel has shown that he is more than capable of playing out-wide, or in the slot (and even in the backfield), so he should be on the field plenty for the team. Alot of people I’ve seen talk about Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman as the preferences here. But, Shakir is inconsistent, and Coleman is a rookie who could struggle to get up to speed to start the season.
Brandin Cooks (DAL, WR55)
Cooks used to be like the taxman- always there. Finished as a WR2 or better in six seasons between 2015 and 2021, with a mix of offenses and QB play. In 2022, he struggled with injuries, then opportunity (or motivation) as part of a struggling Texans offense.
Last season, he joined the Cowboys and took time to get accustomed to the offense, as CeeDee Lamb dominated the target share. In the second half of the season though, after his Week 10 performance (9 receptions for 173 yards and a score) he was on the field more often and productive. During that stretch, he was an easy WR2 to slot into your lineup. The Cowboys allowed Tony Pollard and Michael Gallup to leave during the offseason, and didn’t bring in any real notable replacements. At a minimum, it feels like Cooks should be worth flex consideration week-to-week this season.
Some that could pan out, but more risky
- Mike Williams– Williams is the WR2 for the Jets (could be the WR3 if the rumors around Davante Adams are true). If Aaron Rodgers can get towards his best he could be a nice depth piece for fantasy.
- Josh Downs– Downs is set to continue to be the slot receiver for the Colts, and he has shown that he can pop for fantasy. If Anthony Richardson can get the offense moving, he should see a decent number of targets.
- Jameson Williams– Williams hasn’t had a great start to his NFL career, but he has shown he can make plays. With Josh Reynolds now out of the picture, there are a few more targets that are available in the offense. It could be an easy situation to assess at the start of the season.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba – JSN struggled to get a foothold in the offense, as Geno Smith struggled with protection. That led to him mainly working as a shorter checkdown option in the slot. If Tyler Lockett is truly starting his decline on the field, we could see their roles flip.
- Rashid Shaheed– Shaheed is a sleeper for two reasons. The first is that the Saints offense is likely to be more effective with a new OC bringing fresh ideas. Shaheed was able to show his downfield threat, but he has the ability to develop into more. The other reason- the kickoff changes are likely to make it easier to score from returns, and Shaheed has been in that role for the Saints,
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