Meg’s Best Ball Sleepers – August

August 14, 2023

Best Ball Fantasy Football Fantasy Football

Megan Shoup

View Profile

Each month, I think it is a useful tool to look at favorite picks, fades, and sleepers.

A sleeper, is a pick you can get in the late rounds (Rounds 14-18 on Underdog Fantasy). The idea is you are drafting this player at a discount because they will massively outperform their ADP. You may not agree with all my sleeper picks, but hopefully, it inspires you to look more into these players or find other sleepers you want to target.

Meg’s August Best Ball Favorite Sleepers (Current ADP listed):

QB:

–Matthew Stafford (161) – Stafford fell a little from last month and I’m not sure why. Stafford has massive sleeper potential. If he’s anywhere close to his 2021 self, he should massively outperform this ADP. Especially because the Rams’ defense should be bad this year so Stafford & co. will need to put up points.

–Kenny Pickett (170) – As I’ve stated in previous articles, I am high on the Steelers’ offense to take a big leap this year with a very improved offensive line and 2nd-year growth from Pickett and George Pickens.

-Brock Purdy (167) – His ADP is rising, but as I mentioned in this article, now is still the time to buy. Once it becomes official that Purdy is the 49ers’ starting QB, then his ADP will rise dramatically. Helps that Trey Lance had rough first preseason game.

-Sam Howell (195) – Homer alert, maybe some, because I have hope that Washington got a steal in the 2021 NFL Draft in Howell. He’s mobile, has a good arm, and already seems to be impressing HC Ron Rivera and new OC Eric Beinemy. There’s risk he could get benched since Rivera is on the hot seat, but hopefully, he can show that he can be the QB1 for Washington.

RB:

* A lot of the same RBs from last month, and while their price has gone up some, they are still sleeper values.

–Kenneth Gainwell (158) – Yes, it’s a crowded backfield for the Eagles but I’m most often taking the cheap piece in Gainwell and the guy they trusted in their Super Bowl run.

–Gus Edwards (177) – The Ravens utilize multiple backs, so even though JK Dobbins is the starter, I love Edwards as a late-round value as your last RB.

–Clyde Edwards-Helaire (206) – Never did I think I’d be mentioning CEH this year in best ball, but at this price, you can make a case he can give you a couple spike weeks with a late-round pick.

–Zamir White – (178) – The true value is gone, but this is still a value as Jacobs’ handcuff as we wait to see what happens. I think Jacobs will report like the other RBs, but may take some time to ramp up.

WR:

-Jayden Reed (168) – I liked him early in draft season and now it looks like he really should be the Packers’ slot receiver. Great price for that role.

-Isaiah Hodgins (167) – Same explanation as Slayton below. The Giants have what feels like is 28 different slot receivers. But Hodgins and Slayton should be the two main receivers in 2-receiver sets. Hodgins is also a great red-zone weapon.

Darius Slayton (197) – The Giants have a very crowded receiver room, but most will be rotating in the slot. There’s not as much competition for Slayton on the outside and he’s a deep threat that can easily pay off this price tag. Speaking of pay, he’s one of the higher-paid Giants’ wide receivers.

–Corey Davis (213) – A deep threat for QB Aaron Rodgers in what should be a high-powered offense. Great late-round flier!

-Josh Reynolds (215) – Another great late-round flier on a team in the Lions that I love to target. With WR Jameson Williams missing the first 6 games due to suspension, Reynolds is a trusted target of Jared Goff. He can also still have spike weeks when Williams returns. Note that Reynolds sat out the first preseason game with the Lions’ starters.

TE:

*All the rookie TEs are rising but I still love them at their price as TE1s for their team! Check out our article about how we think this will be the year of the rookie TE!

-Sam LaPorta (150) – You can blame me for LaPorta’s rising ADP. I can’t get enough shares! I may or may not have started a Sam LaPorta fan club! I love the Lions’ offense this season and best ball playoff schedule. And his only competition is Brock Wright and James Mitchell. Already great reports from training camp. Sign me up!

-Luke Musgrave (194) -People seem to be catching on to this Packers’ draft pick too, as his ADP is currently on the rise. Everyone is already starting to realize that Musgrave has no competition at the position and should be the Packers’ TE1. He’s not priced like a TE1 though and I like that.

-Michael Mayer (209) – Another rookie TE that I think is going too low. He’s really only competing with Austin Hooper and we know Jimmy Garraopolo loves targeting his tight ends.

Yes, these are all rookie TEs, but they are rookies I am very confident they can make an immediate impact in their rookie season, especially at their ADP.

-Honorable Mention – There are honestly I lot of late-round tight ends I like and I think a trio of them (or even if you want to try 4 late-round tight ends) could pay off. Other late-round sleeper tight ends I like are Dawson Knox, Isaiah Likely, Jake Ferguson, Jelani Woods, Hunter Henry, and Cole Turner.