16 Fantasy Football Breakout Candidates or Undervalued Sleepers: One Selection for Each NFC Team

Kacey's top fantasy football sleepers from each NFC Team. Her top undervalued picks or breakout candidates, including Matthew Stafford, Cade Otton, and more.

Finding cheap difference-makers is one of my favorite things about the fantasy football draft. It's so fun stumbling across the late-round pick or overlooked player that turns into a game-changer. I don't have any kids, so I need someone to be proud of.

Recognizing sleeper candidates across the NFC who could easily outperform their average draft position (ADP) is no easy feat. You'll need to target players being overlooked due to circumstances such as age, injury history, crowded depth charts, or a lack of hype.

So, let's take a look at one sleeper pick from each NFC roster. Whether you're searching for a late-round flier, a league-winning stash piece, or a backup that can win you your league, I've got you covered with some of the best candidates. Keep these names in mind for later rounds, and get ready to brag to your league mates.

NFC East - Fantasy Football Sleepers

Javonte Williams, RB, Dallas Cowboys
FFPC ADP: 105.28

Fifth-year back Javonte Williams heads to Dallas in search of a career revival. He looks to take charge of a wide-open Cowboys backfield after being stuck in a committee with Denver. Williams now competes with Miles Sanders and rookie Jaydon Blue for the starting RB role.

Javonte Williams does his best David Montgomery impressionpic.twitter.com/vBvGxgbiKB

— Classic Mike GRFN (@ClassicMikeGRFN) November 17, 2024

He is now two years removed from his ACL and LCL surgery, and he says he finally feels like himself. Last year, Williams posted 859 total yards (513 rushing, 346 receiving), showing he can still contribute in the pass game. If he truly is back to his old tackle-breaking form, there's RB2 upside that won't break the bank.

Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants
FFPC ADP: 188.89

A wide receiver that had a sneakily good 2024 was Wan'Dale Robinson; he racked up 140 targets, tied for the 10th-most at the position. The 24-year-old turned those targets into 93 catches for 699 yards and three scores, finishing as WR36 in total PPR points.

Drew Lock touchdown pass to Wan'Dale Robinson pic.twitter.com/y0vnAKU76b

— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) December 29, 2024

He's the second receiver behind Malik Nabers but remains a high-volume slot option. With a new quarterback situation and room for positive touchdown regression, Robinson offers a safe PPR floor with space to grow.

Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles
FFPC ADP: 129.83

Injuries have been Dallas Goedert's kryptonite, but when healthy, he's one of the league's better tight ends. Last season, Goedert averaged 10.4 PPR points per game while delivering five double-digit performances in 10 games.

DALLASSSSSSS [GOEDERT] TD IN BALTIMORE 😤@goedert33 | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/zEv1PQwwPq

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 1, 2024

Goedert hasn't played a full season since 2018. Injuries have cost him 22 contests since 2020, and this is a major factor in his discount. When healthy, he can provide TE1 numbers at a TE2 price and is worth a late-round swing.

Zach Ertz, TE, Washington Commanders
FFPC ADP:158.17

At 34, Zach Ertz is no spring chicken, but he did show he had plenty left in the tank last season. He finished as TE7 in total PPR points, tallying 66 catches for 654 yards and seven touchdowns. The Commanders' offense was one of the best last season, ranking fifth in points per game.

Looking back at it and I'm even more impressed by this Zach Ertz catch #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/imx1DgbnTw

— Mason Kinnahan (@Mason_Kinnahan) November 15, 2024

Ben Sinnott didn't do much as a rookie, and Ertz still had the TE1 job locked down (at least for one more season). He is a solid late-round value for those who like to punt on tight ends.

NFC North - Fantasy Football Sleepers

Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears
FFPC ADP: 141.17

Rookie Luther Burden III joins a crowded Bears receiver room consisting of D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland, and Cole Kmet. It appears to be a challenging situation for Burden, but he has the tools to carve out a role.

Luther Burden - natural hands pic.twitter.com/bHLUkDvTIq

— Harrison Graham (@HGrahamNFL) May 11, 2025

The second-rounder forced 30 missed tackles on only 61 catches in his final collegiate season and fits well with Ben Johnson's slot-friendly scheme. He'll be a late-round flyer with boom-or-bust flex allure.

Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Detroit Lions
FFPC ADP: 343.61

Detroit traded up to grab Isaac TeSlaa in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He is a big-bodied threat who averaged 15.1 yards per target last season with Arkansas.

Isaac TeSlaa was Brad Holmes’ (Lions GM) “FAVORITE” Wide Receiver in the 2025 Class..

➖Speed: 4.43 (86th Percentile)
➖Catch Radius: 10.42 (98th Percentile)

The Lions traded up 32 slots, they traded away (3) 3rd Round Picks..

Notable Information:

➖6’4, 214 lbs
➖Top 70 Pick pic.twitter.com/Fue9EEv1OE

— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) May 13, 2025

While TeSlaa won't command heavy volume behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, at least in Year 1, he could be a menace in the red zone and a big-play threat. The Lions' aggressive move to draft their guy hints at a plan to get him involved. He's worth taking a shot on with your last selection.

Tucker Kraft, TE, Green Bay Packers
FFPC ADP: 109.94

Last season, Tucker Kraft averaged 14.1 yards per catch and finished as the TE10 in total PPR points. He did all this despite seeing limited volume. The tight end took in seven touchdowns on 50 catches while flashing big-play ability.

TUCKER KRAFT LAYS OUT AND MAKES THE CATCH FOR THE TOUCHDOWNpic.twitter.com/nyQ1zyQQj3

— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) October 20, 2024

If Kraft can see an increase in targets, especially in the red zone, he should crack TE1 territory. He is a strong late-round choice for those who like to wait a bit on tight end. I was high on him last season, and that hasn't changed for 2025.

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Minnesota Vikings
FFPC ADP: 144.39

Second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy steps into a pass-happy offense with superstar weapons and a solid O-line. He missed his first NFL season with a meniscus tear in his right knee, but is poised for success in 2025.

JJ McCarthy's debut so far:

11/17
188 passing yards
2 TD
1 INTpic.twitter.com/osgUheFAtk

— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) August 10, 2024

Kevin O'Connell's system set Sam Darnold up to finish as QB9 last season, and McCarthy offers a similar upside at a low cost. McCarthy went 27-1 in his two years starting for Michigan, flashing both arm talent and mobility that could turn him into a fantasy QB1. He shouldn't be your only QB, but the upside is too good to pass up.

NFC South - Fantasy Football Sleepers

Darnell Mooney, WR, Atlanta Falcons
FFPC ADP: 123

Darnell Mooney finished as WR31 last season, posting 992 yards and five scores. His deep-threat skills pair well with Michael Penix Jr., a QB who isn't afraid to take shots downfield.

Darnell Mooney with some DIRTY stem work to get WIDE OPEN on the deep shot. Dude will route you up pic.twitter.com/g8qVWYC9A1

— JetPack Galileo (@JetPackGalileo) October 3, 2024

Mooney registered seven games with 14.6 or more PPR points last season and could take another step forward as the No. 2 option in the passing game. He's the ideal late-round pick for managers wanting a big-play guy without breaking the bank.

Adam Thielen, WR, Carolina Panthers
FFPC ADP: 172.67

Last season, Adam Thielen averaged 14 PPR points per game and was WR12 in total points over the final seven weeks. Despite Carolina's many young wide receivers, Thielen should maintain a role as a trusted slot option.

ADAM. THIELEN. UNBELIEVABLE CATCH 😱🤯

(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/q6717wBpO9

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 2, 2024

He's a boring pick for managers wanting reliable depth in PPR formats. Boring is safe, and safe can be good. You might get just one more fantasy-relevant year out of Thielen, so grab him while he still produces.

Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints
FFPC ADP: 257.11

Coming off a TE17 finish with 50 catches for 548 yards and three TDs, Juwan Johnson could see more consistent looks in 2025. With Taysom Hill likely out for the entire season, Johnson has sneaky value.

Another DOT. Ratt to Juwan for 26 yards 🐍🐍🐍

📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/5BPDekbYV9

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 5, 2025

Rookie Tyler Shough will probably be under center, so Johnson's role as a steady middle-of-the-field safety blanket could grow. He isn't flashy, but he's a dependable late-round option if you're looking to skip out on the top guys.

Cade Otton, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
FFPC ADP: 180.83

Coming off a season with 59 catches for 600 yards and four touchdowns, Cade Otton remains the clear TE1 for the Bucs. His chemistry with Baker Mayfield, coming off a career year, only ignites his appeal.

Cade Otton's second TD on #NationalTightEndsDay!

Bucs are back in it.

📺: #ATLvsTB on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/ZZDLInY3RP

— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2024

Otton should see steady red zone usage in Year 4. He offers strong weekly streaming value, especially if you're waiting on TE in deeper leagues.

NFC West - Fantasy Football Sleepers

Trey Benson, RB, Arizona Cardinals
FFPC ADP: 123.89

Trey Benson heads into 2025 as one of the top handcuffs in fantasy football. Lead back James Conner handled a career-high workload last season, and at age 30, durability is a concern.

#AZCardinals RB Trey Benson took a second to find his footing as a runner at the next level but displayed some nice things towards the end of his rookie season.

Excited to see what a full offseason can do for the Florida State product. pic.twitter.com/u1hoQbE0OR

— Donnie Druin (@DonnieDruin) May 26, 2025

Benson showed flashes in his debut season, averaging 5.0 yards per carry and scoring four times as a rookie. He has incredible value if Conner misses time. Those managers searching for a stealthy late-round breakout player with a clear path to playing time should take a gamble on the Florida State product.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams
FFPC ADP: 179.78

After tossing for 3,762 yards and 20 scores last season, Matthew Stafford aims to get back to his old ways. One way he can get there is thanks to the Rams' addition of game-changer Davante Adams.

MATTHEW STAFFORD, ARE YOU KIDDING ⁉️

Cooper Kupp 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/fLC8UxJu8H

— Kyle Yates (@thekyleyates) October 25, 2024

If the one-two punch of Adams and Puka Nacua can stay healthy, Stafford should bounce back, throwing for 4,000+ yards. Those searching for a safe late-round QB option with upside should take a shot on the 37-year-old.

Isaac Guerendo, RB, San Francisco 49ers
FFPC ADP: 124.83

Isaac Guerendo averaged 5.0 yards per carry last year, scoring four times as a rookie. He's the clear backup to Christian McCaffrey, but that makes him one of the more valuable handcuffs in fantasy football.

First career TD for the kid 🔥#GoCards x @isaacguerendo pic.twitter.com/ClXw63EEJr

— Louisville Football (@LouisvilleFB) October 28, 2024

Guerendo has a significant chance of posting RB1 numbers if McCaffrey misses time (which is likely, given that CMC played just four games last season). Take a chance on the RB that could be a valuable asset in fantasy if he sees starting opportunities.

Sam Darnold, QB, Seattle Seahawks
FFPC ADP: 271.56

Last season, Darnold revitalized his career, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns. Those stats were good enough to land him at QB9 in total points. He topped 20 fantasy points in nine games and showed he can produce in a competent system.

TD Sam Darnold ➡️ Josh Oliver

Los #Skol abren el marcador #MINvsLAR pic.twitter.com/QvDDIiCBur

— Football Girls MX (@nflgirlsmx) October 25, 2024

Now he's in Seattle, working with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp (not a shabby duo). Darnold is a late-round QB primed to outperform his draft cost. I'm scooping him up in my superflex leagues whenever I can.

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