As the NFL training camps loom on the horizon, fantasy football managers are buzzing with anticipation and looking for those hidden gems that could be the key to a championship run. This article delves deep into each NFL team to uncover the ultimate stash candidates. We've got you covered from well-known players to deep sleepers flying under the radar. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a fantasy newcomer, these stashes could make all the difference as you build your winning roster. Let's unearth those diamonds in the rough before the competition catches on!
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NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
WR Ryan Flournoy
Sleeper Roster: 34%
Flournoy was among the most athletic players in the NFL draft and was selected in the 6th round. While a day-three receiver is a longshot, he has a chance to earn a potential role on this depth chart. Dallas played heavy three-wide receiver sets in 2023, which should continue in 2024. Flournoy’s game fits Dallas well with solid route running and strong athleticism. He will be competing with wide receiver Jalen Tolbert as their “X,” based on reports out of Dallas, Flournoy will be allowed to compete for a starting spot. Dallas will also be a top-5 passing offense in the league this season.
Philadelphia Eagles
WR Ainias Smith
Sleeper Roster: 40%
If you have followed the college game, you know who Ainias Smith is. He’s a former running back turned wide receiver who has shown the ability to win everywhere on the football field. He’s a Swiss army knife-type player. That versatility will allow the Eagles to be creative with his usage, and we could see him on the field quickly in this offense. He also brings value as a returner with the new kick-return rules this season. He was a standout punt returner all five years in school. Last year, Smith became the first player in conference history to total over 2,000 receiving yards and 800 punt return yards for a career. He also averaged 9.8 yards per punt return. He averaged 14.3 yards per return with one touchdown on 20 returns as a senior.
New York Giants
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Sleeper Roster: 89%
While not necessarily a sleeper or deep stash, Tracy was one of the most versatile backs in the draft class who still needs to be rostered in 100% of leagues on Sleeper. Tracy started his career as a wide receiver at the University of Iowa before switching positions when he transferred to Purdue. He has seen success as both a runner and pass catcher. He will compete for the RB2 on the depth chart this season, and he is already taking first-team reps away from Eric Gray during minicamp. He was also a second-team All-Big Ten selection as a return specialist, brings valuable experience in this area, and will undoubtedly be the Giants' primary returner. Throughout his college career, Tracy achieved the 11th-best kickoff return average in Purdue history. Tracy gives the Giants a much-needed weapon in all facets of their offensive scheme. If he can work on his pass blocking, he could be out there very early this season.
Washington Commanders
RB Michael Wiley
Sleeper Roster: 2%
Wiley was one of the more elusive players in college football in his 2022 season and registered over 40 missed tackles forced while accounting for over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. He returned to school in 2023, but an injury led to a decline in production. He’s not a flashy player, but he can provide the Commanders with a stable runner who can both run and catch passes. He’s averaged just over 10 yards per reception in his career and is a sure-handed pass catcher in a Kliff Kingsbury system that loves running backs like him. There is an outside shot he will compete with Chris Rodriguez for RB3 on the depth chart, but even if he loses that battle, it would not shock me to see him make the 53-man roster due to his versatility.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
WR Xavier Weaver
Sleeper Roster: 0%
Weaver was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cardinals but is an intriguing addition. He had 184 receptions for 2,643 yards and 12 touchdowns in five college seasons. He also averaged 13.5 yards on 21 punt returns and returned two kicks for 19 yards. While Weaver is slightly undersized, the Cardinals need a player like him to create separation and back up veteran Greg Dortch. His reliable hands and route running could earn him a spot on the 53-man roster. He’s a player to watch as camps unfold, and if he can make a few big plays in special teams, he could improve his long-term outlook.
Los Angeles Rams
WR Jordan Whittington
Sleeper Roster: 18%
Whittington is the equivalent of a glue guy on a basketball team. At Texas, he played every role imaginable and lined up all over the field. He was lauded for his leadership ability and landed on a team that would highlight his strengths as a pass catcher. He was a sixth-round pick by the Rams this year, and he’s expected to contribute early on as a special teams player. He could also get reps as a return specialist, with Ben Skowronek leaving in free agency. This coaching staff will covet his run-blocking ability, which will earn him reps. The coaching staff has already been impressed with his ability to pick up concepts and the offense in OTAs. It would not shock me to see Whittington earn his way into the rotation and take meaningful snaps this season for the Rams.
San Francisco 49ers
RB Isaac Guerendo
Sleeper Roster: 84%
The 49ers' preference for highly athletic running backs in the middle rounds of the draft is evident with their selection of Guerendo. Guerendo is expected to compete with Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason for the backup role behind Christian McCaffrey. Mitchell's frequent unavailability may allow Guerendo to secure the No. 2 spot. Given the 49ers' playing style, if McCaffrey were to get injured, Guerendo could see a significant increase in his workload, potentially carrying the ball 15 times per game, which boosts his upside more than it might in other teams.
Seattle Seahawks
TE AJ Barner
Sleeper Roster: 22%
Barner joined a team with a need at tight end after losing both Colby Parkinson and Will Dissly this offseason. Barner is a more traditional tight end, giving him the upside to get on the field in 12-personnel as a rookie. Noah Fant and the wide receivers will likely assume nearly all of the pass-catching duties, so Barner has limited upside for fantasy, at least in the immediate future. How Fant’s career progresses (after a disappointing start to it) will determine Barner’s long-term outlook, but getting on the field is the first step, and Barner looks suitable for snaps in 2024. Pharaoh brown is the primary run blocker and backup to Fant, but he’s on a one-year contract, so it makes sense for the Seahawks to find snaps for Barner. Barner is worth a stash in two tight-end leagues or tight-end premium leagues.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears
WR DeAndre Carter
Sleeper Roster: 2%
Carter is one of the older players on this list, but he’s here because of his upside as a kick returner. The Bears are loaded at every position on offense and don’t have many stashes, but their return specialist is a battle worth watching. He will compete with Velus Jones Jr., Rome Odunze, Tyler Scott, and possibly Khalil Herbert for return duties, but if the Bears opt to keep their best players on the field for returns, we could see Carter get some work in that area. For his career, Carter has caught 108 passes for 1,259 yards and six touchdowns, averaged 22.4 yards with one TD on 118 kickoff returns, and averaged 9.8 yards on 132 punt returns.
Detroit Lions
RB Sione Vaki
Sleeper Roster: 28%
Vaki was the ultimate Swiss army knife while playing for the Utah Utes. He went from starting at safety to being a game-changing running back and wide receiver. The Detroit Lions traded up to draft Vaki with pick No. 132 in the fourth round of this year’s draft. That versatility has shown up in minicamp, where beat reporters have repeatedly mentioned that he was dominant in special teams periods. The Lions could also find a role for him in their offense as a scat-back, do-it-all weapon. He is the perfect fit for a Dan Campbell-led team, and Vaki could see work in all facets of their offense. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and general manager Ben Holmes have mentioned that “he’s a football player that plays football like how we like it” this off-season. He could be an underrated addition to your dynasty leagues. Watch how they use him early in camp, and if you can add him to your taxi squad, I’d take the flyer.
Green Bay Packers
QB Michael Pratt
Sleeper Roster: 16%
It was challenging to find any stashes for Green Bay due to their youth on the roster and every one of their receivers being owned in over 95% of dynasty leagues. So, I went a different route. Pratt lasted longer in the draft than most anticipated, but he landed in a great situation behind an established starter. Pratt will battle Sean Clifford for the No. 2 quarterback role, and we like his chances. He will unlikely see the field, and it may take unique circ*mstances for him to find a starting role during his time in the NFL. Still, Pratt is worth monitoring through the preseason and adding him to taxi squads.
Minnesota Vikings
RB Kene Nwangwu
Sleeper Roster: 5%
I will not ever quit Nwangwu! Nwangwu has been a favorite of mine since Iowa State, and this new rule change is perfect for him as a player. While he hasn’t successfully created a role for himself as a running back or as a returner, he will still be one of the most explosive players in the NFL. Over his career, he has returned 68 kicks for 1879 yards (27.6 yards per return) while scoring three touchdowns. Nwangwu will need to have a good camp, or he could be cut, but the new kickoff return rules will at least give him a chance to make the roster.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
RB Jase McClellan
Sleeper Roster: 26%
McClellan is the type of running back who won’t get the hype but will be a solid back in this league for years. McClellan is likely the frontrunner to secure Atlanta's RB3 position, competing with Avery Williams and slotting in behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. His lack of explosiveness may have contributed to his drop in the draft, but McClellan compensates with vision and adaptability to various blocking schemes. He can play in any offensive scheme, which should provide insulated dynasty value. McClellan's pass-protection ability got him drafted. This valuable asset, particularly for a young running back entering the league, will go a long way for him to make this roster.
Moreover, his receiving ability, including soft hands and polished route-running footwork, adds to his versatility on the roster. He could find himself as the Falcons' replacement for Allgeier in two seasons when he is eligible for free agency. However, his ceiling is limited as long as Bijan Robinson is on the roster. But any running back that makes a roster should be rostered in more than 26% of dynasty leagues.
Carolina Panthers
WR Sam Pinckney
Sleeper Roster: 0%
The choice for a stash was between Sam Pinckney and fellow wide receiver Jalen co*ker. Since co*ker is rostered in over 30% of leagues, I’ve decided to focus on Pinckney. He will most likely be a practice squad type player, but the lack of weapons in the receiving room and a quality camp by him could see him make the roster. He’s an experienced player, having played six college seasons—four with Georgia State and his final two with Coastal Carolina. He developed into a productive receiver at Coastal Carolina, where he recorded 143 receptions for 2,023 yards and 11 touchdowns, showcasing his growth and capability as a key offensive player. If you have a free roster spot, he’s a fun stash to add!
New Orleans Saints
TE Dallin Holker
Sleeper Roster: 18%
Holker is coming off a strong spring. He consistently flashed in OTAs and minicamp, making a great impression early. That should carry over into training camp. With the recent news that Juwan Jonson will be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list, he has even more chance to make a name for himself among the coaching staff. The Saints still have Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau, but Holker could also be used in the slot and is more athletic than both. He’s a reliable pass catcher, and with the Saint's ability to develop the position, he should be on a dynasty roster.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
RB Ramon Jefferson
Sleeper Roster: 0%
Jefferson is not a household name unless you are a degenerate who plays college fantasy, but he was an intriguing addition for Tampa Bay. Jefferson started his career at the University of Maine, where new Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen coached him. Then he moved on to Sam Houston State and later the University of Kentucky in 2022, where Coen coached him again. His familiarity with the Buccaneers offensive coordinator matters. Due to knee injuries, he’s an older prospect and will be in a battle to make the roster, but if he can stay healthy early in camp, there is a road for him to make a roster spot.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
CB Daequan Hardy
Sleeper Roster: 3%
Without some love for IDP leagues, it wouldn’t be a deep stash list. While Hardy is a capable cover cornerback with explosive speed, he is also an accomplished return man. As the full-time punt returner for Penn State last season, he averaged 14.6 yards per return and had two touchdowns in a game against UMASS the previous season. He became the first player in school history to score multiple punt return touchdowns in one game. The Bills have many options for punt and kick returners, but Hardy does have an upside as a returner. In deep IDP leagues, he’s a must-added player.
Miami Dolphins
WR Malik Washington
Sleeper Roster: 75%
Speed. Speed. Speed. That’s what Washington brings to the table for the Dolphins, and is a perfect fit in Mike McDaniel’s offense. He led all receivers in the 2024 draft class with 710 yards after the catch and is a vertical threat to complement Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. He was a first-team All-ACC selection and one of 10 semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award for the University of Virginia. He recorded an ACC record 110 receptions and a UVA record 1,426 receiving yards. While he competes for WR4 in this offense, he could easily be their #3 option in 2025. His explosive playmaking ability, which is tied to Mike McDaniels, makes him a perfect buy-low candidate.
New England Patriots
TE Jaheim Bell
Sleeper Roster: 47%
Bringing in a young talent like Bell injects much-needed youth into the New England lineup. The team has Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jacob Warren, and Mitchell Wilcox at the tight end position. With Bell, New England has the flexibility to allow him time to develop while assessing his role within the team. In the 2023 season at Florida State, Bell was lined in the slot on 44% of his snaps and was inline 43% of the time. He brings athleticism and versatility, and he can play multiple positions. There is also an outside shot he is the tight end of the future for the Patriots. Bell reminds me a lot of Drake Maye’s former teammate Bryson Nesbit, and the two could develop that same chemistry in the coming years.
New York Jets
QB Jordan Travis
Sleeper Roster: 66%
Travis landed in as perfect a spot as dynasty managers could hope for. Learning behind Tyrod Taylor while also sitting behind Aaron Rodgers is critical for Travis’ development. With him working back from injury, Travis will likely redshirt entirely in 2024, but with Rodgers’ long-term outlook bleak, Travis is an intriguing add to rosters looking for a quarterback.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
RB Rasheen Ali
Sleeper Roster: 72%
Unfortunately for Ali, he suffered a ruptured biceps tendon at the Senior Bowl, which kept him from participating in NFL combine workouts, which hurt his draft capital. His run style fits the Ravens’ system perfectly. He excels in zone-run plays that allow him to utilize his cutbacks and explosiveness. He has exceptional vision for a back and runs low enough in traffic to slip through any hole. He’s a perfect Raven. Ali brings more than just rushing skills to the Ravens' backfield; he also boasts a track record of reliability as a receiver with 75 career catches. This versatility aligns well with offensive coordinator Todd Monken's system, where Ali can thrive as a weapon on screens and swing passes. In terms of the Ravens' running back depth chart, Derrick Henry is the established lead back after being acquired in free agency, with Justice Hill serving as the backup. Keaton Mitchell, who had a breakout year as an undrafted rookie, is recovering from a knee injury and was placed on the PUP list. Given his skill set, Ali has an opportunity to start the season as the team's No. 3 back.
Cincinnati Bengals
TE Erick All
Sleeper Roster: 68%
Anytime you have a player on an explosive offense with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Jermaine Burton, you have to consider adding him. All is a versatile move piece with better blocking ability than starting tight end Mike Gesicki already who could compete for meaningful snaps right away. Health and durability are still question marks, and there’s a chance he would have been a day-two pick had those not existed. If you are in a TE premium league All should be rostered.
Cleveland Browns
WR Jamari Thrash
Sleeper Roster: 39%
The Browns brought in Thrash for one simple reason: They lacked speed at the receiver position and needed a player who could put pressure on defenses over the top. Outside of Cooper and Jerry Jeudy, the competition is wide open. Elijah Moore has disappointed his entire career, Cedric Tillman has still not broken out, and David Bell has also struggled to break out. It also looks like he will have plenty of opportunities if Amari Cooper decides to hold out over his current contract situation. Thrash could be the missing piece that the Browns have been looking for.
Pittsburgh Steelers
RB Daijun Edwards
Sleeper Roster: 3%
Edwards did not test well at the NFL Combine, which led to him being undrafted, but he still has shown to be a competent back. During his Georgia career, Edwards totaled 2,083 yards and 24 touchdowns. In 2023 he led the Bulldogs in rushing with 881 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was also Georgia’s top receiving back this season, catching 20 balls for under 200 yards. He has excellent hands as a receiver, with multiple one-hand catches on his tape. He can serve as a team’s primary 3rd down option and will be a check-down specialist on a roster. When he does catch the ball in open space, he has the speed and quickness to break off big runs in space. The depth chart is crowded, and he’s most likely a practice squad player, but he’s a name to watch for as August unfolds.
AFC South
Houston Texans
RB Jawhar Jordan
Sleeper Roster: 21%
Jordan is easily my favorite stash of anyone on this list, strictly due to his landing spot and potential to quickly work up the depth chart. He has the #3 spot locked up and will compete with Dameon Pierce as RB2. He is familiar with the offense, given that Louisville’s offense this past season ran some of the same running concepts. Jordan came to Louisville in 2021 after two seasons at Syracuse and earned First Team All-ACC honors this season after rushing for 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also caught 21 passes for 246 yards and another touchdown. Jordan is an elusive, fast-running back with more power than expected. He has fantastic vision, mainly when operating in space, and he consistently took advantage of mismatched safeties and linebackers. He fits perfectly in the Texans’ offense and is a must-stash in dynasty leagues.
Indianapolis Colts
WR Anthony Gould
Sleeper Roster: 9%
Gould is a player to watch as the pre-season unfolds. The former Oregon State Beaver, a 2022 All-American punt returner, was quickly one of the most explosive returners in college football throughout his career. The Colts coaching staff has prioritized field position this year and are looking to bolster their return game after a lackluster 2023 season on special teams. They drafted Gould for that exact reason. Not only was he an All-American returner, but his 8.87 RAS score at the combine showcased his speed and acceleration. He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and a 1.49-second 10-yard split to back up those numbers. His playmaking ability and the coaching staff’s praise for him are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats as the pre-season unfolds.
Jacksonville Jaguars
RB Keilan Robinson
Sleeper Roster: 10%
Robinson is one of the best special teams players in his class, one of the main reasons the Jaguars selected Robinson in the 5th round. General Manager Trent Baalke told the reporter that after the draft, the new kickoff rules were the reason for the selection and that Robinson would be their primary returner heading into the off-season. That is a glowing review from the GM, and Robinson should thrive in the role. Robinson accounted for 542 rushing yards, 332 receiving yards, and 11 total touchdowns in his career, including one kickoff return touchdown and one touchdown on a blocked punt. His special team's prowess earned him an All-Big 12 honorable mention in back-to-back seasons. If he can parlay success in the return game to opportunities on the field, he could be an intriguing addition for his PPR ability and could earn a RB3 role on this offense.
Tennessee Titans
WR Jha’Quan Jackson
Sleeper Roster: 5%
Jackson will have an excellent opportunity to claim the Titans’ kick return responsibilities. Just look at what General Manager Ran Carthon said about him after the draft:
"I think he's a guy that he's a dual returner. I think he can kick return, I think he can punt return, and he has an element that he can bring to the offense.”
"He was a complete guy for us and it just made sense, especially with this new kickoff rule that we're all trying to figure out. It's essentially the first play of offense the way it's going to be run, so you need a guy that has a run-to-daylight skillset that can make something out of nothing in short space.”
We’ve also seen this new coaching staff want all players to compete, including Treylon Burks and Kyle Philips. If Philips can’t stay healthy yet again and Burks keeps disappointing, there is a path where we can see Jackson earn some meaningful snaps in camp. Then it could be all wheels up.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
RB Audric Estime
Sleeper Roster: 75%
Before today's news that running back Blake Watson would be going on the PUP list, he would have been the stash, but with an undrafted rookie starting the season injured, that doesn’t bode well for his roster chances. So, let's look at another fellow rookie running back, Audric Estime. Estime joins an offense with no precise fit at running back and a need for stability. Javonte Williams had an inconsistent first year in Sean Payton’s offense, and Jaleel McLaughlin flashed but can’t be relied on for a massive workload. Estime is a sneaky good fit in the system with gap and zone versatility. He will likely have to battle for a role, but he's worth a stash in the wide-open running back room.
Kansas City Chiefs
RB/WR Louis Rees-Zammit
Sleeper Roster: 52%
The ultimate wildcard in fantasy leagues this season. Rees-Zammit comes to the Chiefs as one of the best Rugby players in the world. He is listed at 6-2 209 pounds and posted a 4.43 in his 40-yard dash at the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) pro day. The Chiefs signed him to a three-year, $2.85 million contract, including $250,000 guaranteed. He’s made waves so far in the off-season, with the Chiefs special teams coordinator, Dave Toub, saying that he could be their starting kick returner this season. At his rugby wing position, he had to field many high balls, which should serve as good preparation for returning kicks in the NFL. If you’re looking for an ultimate wildcard, Rees-Zammit is your guy.
Las Vegas Raiders
RB Dylan Laube
Sleeper Roster: 74%
Heading into the draft, many expected the Raiders to draft a running back, but not many expected them to wait until the sixth round. The Laube selection is quite intriguing for the Raiders. Zamir White looks like the bell-cow in this offense, with Alexander Mattison splitting some of the workload but there is a need for a running back to emerge as a pass catcher. That’s exactly the profile that Laube has. He was one of the most productive receivers in the 2024 class. Laube's value extends beyond being a simple dump-off option from the backfield. He's a versatile and skilled receiver, demonstrating fluidity, nuanced route running, and the ability to make plays downfield. He also holds value as a returner which needs to be mentioned.
Los Angeles Chargers
RB Kimani Vidal
Sleeper Roster: 76%
Vidal is already becoming everyone’s favorite sleeper. He is Troy’s all-time leading rusher with 4,010 yards total and thirty-three career rushing touchdowns and landed in one of the best spots for a running back with the Chargers. The Chargers drafted how many expected a Jim Harbaugh team would draft, and that was building their offensive line and preparing to run the football. With that philosophy, the Chargers needed running back depth, as their current roster includes Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. Edwards primarily serves as an early-down and goal-line specialist, while Dobbins has faced significant injuries with a torn ACL and torn Achilles in recent seasons. This situation opens up a significant opportunity for Vidal to step in and play a substantial role for the Chargers immediately. Even then he is being undervalued on the trade market and could be worth sending offers out.
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