2021 Sleepers
Wed Jun 2 8:38am ET
By JEFF PAUR @jeffpaur
Sr Fantasy Writer
Every fantasy player wants to find that sleeper come draft day that ends up producing big numbers for their team. Just remember that loading your roster with possible sleepers can be a recipe for success. Use some discretion when it comes to sleepers. Getting a few is a good idea but going overboard can cause problems. With that said, here are some sleepers we think can help fantasy teams in 2021.
Russell Gage, WR, Falcons. Julio Jones has finally been traded. This makes Gage the starter for the Falcons, starting opposite Calvin Ridley in the Falcons pass-heavy offense. Gage got some starts last year and did pretty well in that role. He had just one 100-yard game, which was in Week 1, but nine games with double-digit fantasy points. Gage had 72 receptions on 109 targets. He made plays when getting the chances. Gage could do some real damage this year, getting a chance to start from day one in this offense.
Sam Darnold, QB, Panthers. Darnold gets a fresh start with the Panthers, getting a chance to serve as their franchise quarterback. He moves to a much better situation, surrounded by a lot of talent. He gets to throw the ball to Robby Anderson, D.J. Moore and Christian McCaffrey. Teddy Bridgewater was 20th overall in fantasy quarterback scoring in this offense. Darnold is a lot more talented than Bridgewater, so expect some big things from him this year. He can take his game to a new level in this offense.
Daniel Jones, QB, Giants. If he is going to ever have a breakout season, this is the year for Jones. The Giants addressed a lack of playmakers in the passing game by adding all sorts of talent for Jones. The team now has a legit No. 1 receiver in Kenny Golladay and a possible star in rookie Kadarius Toney. Jones needs to be more consistent but having better talent around him should help in that area. He certainly has the potential to post big fantasy numbers in this offense. Plus, a healthy Saquon Barkley should take some pressure off of Jones offensively.
Anthony Firkser, TE, Titans. Firkser wasn’t even the starter last year for the Titans and was still 26th overall in fantasy tight end scoring. He should start from the get go this year, giving him good potential for a breakout season. Plus, the Titans lack some playmakers in the passing game, which could lead to Firkser getting a good amount of weekly targets.
Christian Kirk, WR, Cardinals. A.J. Green was signed by the Cardinals, but he looks about done. Don’t count on him regaining past form with his new team. This means Kirk has a chance for his biggest role to date, especially since Larry Fitzgerald also is not expected to return. Kirk is a great late-round pick, possible getting to start and play a big role in a pass-first, explosive offense. Plus, we know Kirk has talent to produce big numbers in this league.
Adam Trautman, TE, Saints. With Jared Cook gone, the Saints are looking for a new starting tight end. Trautman is our bet to earn that starting job. Trautman showed flashes of good things his rookie season. He had 15 receptions on 16 targets and averaged 11.4 yards per reception. Trautman is a very athletic player. He is a tall tight end that can be explosive after the catch. Trautman could be a great fit for the Saints offense.
Tevin Coleman, RB, Jets. The Jets drafted Michael Carter, but he is not going to be handed the job. Carter is a small back that might not be best suited as a three-down back early in his career. He could play more of a change-of-pace role, meaning the early-down work might still be up for grabs. Coleman, if he can stay healthy, is the best bet to get those carries. He is an injury risk, but his ceiling is high, especially for his current price tag. Coleman has produced some big seasons in the past with expanded chances.
Darnell Mooney, WR, Bears. Mooney had a solid rookie season, having six games with double-digit fantasy points. He even had double-digit points three of his last four games. And he did this with erratic quarterback play. Having a stable option throwing him passes will only help his production this year. He should be able to take a good step forward in year two.
Josh Palmer, WR, Chargers. The Chargers picked Palmer in the third round of this year's draft. He didn't produce huge numbers in college, playing in a poor offense, but showed his talent. He is a really good route runner that has good speed and top hands. He can get open in a hurry. Mike Williams hasn’t really cemented his spot in the starting lineup for the Chargers, so don’t discount Palmer to earn that job. He could surprise and be a factor in the Chargers pass-heavy offense.