NFL Preseason Wrap-Up: Key Fantasy Sleepers to Watch

The NFL preseason has concluded, the initial 53-player rosters are set, and the much-anticipated regular season kicks off in just a week. It's an exhilarating period for football enthusiasts, yet it can bring stress for those involved in fantasy leagues. For managers who delayed their draft preparations, it’s time to hit the books.

With a wealth of information available online, including rankings, even novice managers can sharpen their strategies and pinpoint top players. However, the challenge lies in identifying those hidden late-round talents amidst a sea of less notable players. Thankfully, help is at hand as we explore the latest consensus rankings from FantasyPros, focusing on some promising sleeper picks.

Notable Fantasy Sleepers

One standout to consider is Miami Dolphins rookie Ollie Gordon II, whose consensus ranking hovers around 200. Given the current dynamics in Miami’s backfield—specifically Starter De'Von Achane's calf injury—Gordon has an opportunity to surprise. With Jaylen Wright sidelined for Week 1, Gordon might secure significant playtime early on, potentially becoming crucial in goal-line and short-yardage situations. This makes him an intriguing flex option for fantasy managers.

Another rookie making waves is Bill Croskey-Merritt of the Washington Commanders. Following the trade of Brian Robinson Jr., expectations are high for Croskey-Merritt to take on the primary ball-carrier role. Despite this, Washington's offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is likely to adopt a committee approach, sharing carries with players like Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez Jr. Rodriguez, who showed promise with a 4.9 yards per carry average last season, could be a strong competitor for goal-line touches, making him a worthy late-round consideration as well.

Lastly, the Seattle Seahawks’ Tory Horton presents a compelling option, particularly in PPR leagues. Ranked lower than Gordon and Croskey-Merritt, Horton has the potential to shine, especially if quarterback Sam Darnold can replicate his past success. Despite the addition of Cooper Kupp, Horton's performance in camp has led to the release of Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Given Kupp's injury history, Horton could easily emerge as Seattle's No. 2 receiver, possibly mirroring Jordan Addison's impressive 2024 season totals.

As the NFL regular season approaches, these players represent viable options for fantasy managers looking to sharpen their rosters with under-the-radar talents.