Finding fantasy football sleepers in your fantasy football draft is one of the quickest ways to fast track a team to the playoffs. Everyone always thinks they have found the next greatest sleeper, and every year there are a few players that fit that mold. Last year Justin Jefferson, Diontae Johnson and James Robinson greatly outperformed their average draft position (ADP). Below are a few players who are most qualified to follow in those guys’ footsteps and become top fantasy football sleepers in 2021.
2021 Fantasy Football MUST-DRAFT Sleepers
Marquez Callaway – WR – NO
In the aftermath of the Michael Thomas injury, it appeared that Trequan Smith was going to be the new No. 1 target on the Saints. But now Callaway looks to be the guy. He excelled in Preseason Week 2, with five catches on five targets for 104 yards and two touchdowns against the Jaguars. Regardless of opinion of Jameis Winston, it also appears that his performance in the same game was the icing on the cake for him becoming the starter. For years, despite Winston’s reckless play, he has produced solid fantasy output for his receivers. If Callaway continues to be No. 1, he is a steal at his current ADP.
Devin Singletary – RB – BUF
While Singletary has never lived up to expectations in drafts, his ADP has plummeted this offseason. Going into last season Singletary was a mid-round pick, and that was a clear swing and a miss. But this year, despite Zack Moss being the obviously superior running back in Buffalo, Singletary will still get carries and will likely start. If he does, he offers a multiple-round discount in fantasy drafts. Playing time and touches are very important in fantasy football, and being the starting running back on any team will provide that.
Irv Smith – TE – MIN
Smith has been a backup tight end, but with Kyle Rudolph leaving, there is an open in Minnesota. With Rudolph Smith only averaged 2.88 targets and 1.88 receptions per game, but without Rudolph those numbers jumped to five targets 3.75 receptions. This also led to an increase in yards touchdowns, going from 22.75 yards 0.25 touchdowns per game to 45.75 yards and 0.75 touchdowns. These stats should give a clear idea of Smith’s upside. Adam Thielen is also unlikely to score 14 touchdowns again, so some more touchdowns could go Smith’s way.
Phillip Lindsay – RB – HOU
While the best idea in drafts is probably to not draft a single player on the Texans, Lindsay comes at a huge discount. Recent reports are that David Johnson‘s role will be reduced. This will elevate Mark Ingram II and Lindsay up the depth chart. Ingram had six snaps in Houston’s Week 2 game, Lindsay had four, and Johnson did not even touch the ball. Ingram did not play well last year, so there is at least some chance that Lindsay will get the most work of the three. With a late-round pick, the upside of Lindsay is enticing.
Jakobi Meyers – WR – NE
Meyers is in a very similar boat to Callaway. Everyone assumed Nelson Agholor was the No. 1 option for New England, but Meyers turned three targets into three receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown in Preseason Week 2. While the Patriots are far from a pass-heavy team, being the top target in any offense is valuable, especially at a heavily discounted draft price.
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