One Fantasy Football Sleeper Candidate for Every NFC Team – 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Mike Fanelli suggests one fantasy football sleeper from every NFC team that fantasy football managers should consider selecting in their 2024 drafts.

While the upcoming fantasy football season is still months away, it’s never too early for fantasy players to prepare for their drafts.

Fantasy players want to avoid drafting players who will bust, potentially costing them a championship. More importantly, fantasy players want to find sleepers who turn into stars like Nico Collins and Puka Nacua last year.

Let’s look at a sleeper candidate for every NFC team for the 2024 season.

• 2025 fantasy football rankings
• Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
• Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
• Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Kicker (K) fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys – Jake Ferguson

Ferguson was a sleeper candidate heading into the 2023 season. He ended the year as the TE8, averaging 8.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The tight end ranked second on the team in receptions (71), targets (102), and receiving yards (761). Yet, Ferguson should have a larger role on offense after the Cowboys moved on from Michael Gallup and Tony Pollard this offseason.

The Cowboys have released WR Michael Gallup, per @GehlkenNFL pic.twitter.com/UV5G1oNas0

— PFF (@PFF) March 15, 2024

New York Giants – Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Fantasy players should target Tracy in their dynasty rookie drafts. The rookie running back is an appealing late-round sleeper candidate. He earned the 10th-highest rushing grade in the rookie class from PFF last season (90.5). Furthermore, he ranked first in yards after contact per attempt in the rookie class among running backs with at least 90 attempts in 2023, per PFF (4.44). While Devin Singletary is a solid running back, don’t be surprised if Tracy takes over as the starter.

Philadelphia Eagles – Johnny Wilson

The Eagles have two talented wide receivers -- A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Every other wide receiver on the team combined for 40 receptions on 66 targets last season. Meanwhile, Brown and Smith dealt with minor injuries in 2023. With DeVante Parker recently deciding to retire, Wilson has the inside track to be the No. 3 wide receiver for Philadelphia and an injury away from a starting role on an explosive offense.

Washington Commanders – Luke McCaffrey

After beginning his college career at quarterback, McCaffrey switched to wide receiver at Rice. Yet, he ranked second in the draft class among wide receivers in contested catches last season (17), finishing only behind Rome Odunze (per PFF). While Terry McLaurin will remain the No. 1 wide receiver, don’t be surprised if the rookie pushes Jahan Dotson for snaps and targets.

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears – Khalil Herbert

The Bears backfield was a fantasy nightmare last season. Herbert, D'Onta Foreman, and Roschon Johnson ate into each other’s workload. Unfortunately, Chicago signed D'Andre Swift to a significant contract this offseason, meaning Herbert’s time with the team could be over. Hopefully, he gets traded to another team where he can extend his fantasy value. Herbert has averaged 5.1 yards per rushing attempt over the past two years.

Detroit Lions – Jameson Williams

Williams only played six games as a rookie because of a torn ACL, and he missed seven games last season because of a suspension and injury. While the former Alabama star hasn’t been fantasy-relevant, that could change in 2024. The Lions lost Josh Reynolds in free agency, giving Williams a clear pathway to the No. 2 wide receiver role in Detroit.

Green Bay Packers – MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay signed Josh Jacobs to a significant contract in free agency, but it can get out of the deal after the 2024 season. Therefore, don’t be surprised if the Packers bench Jacobs if he struggles early in the year. Head coach Matt LaFleur says the team has plans for Lloyd to play a role on the ground and in the passing game as a rookie.

#Packers HC Matt LaFleur on RB MarShawn Lloyd:

“I think he gives us an element out of the backfield… Just gives us a little different flavor, maybe.” pic.twitter.com/mry9SK4sCI

— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) April 28, 2024

Minnesota Vikings – Ty Chandler

While the Vikings signed Aaron Jones this offseason, expect Chandler to have a consistent role on offense. The third-year running back had a limited role early in the 2023 season but was productive to end the year. He averaged 4.8 yards per rushing attempt and 11.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game in the six contests with double-digit rushing attempts last season. More importantly, Chandler could be a league winner if Jones misses time with an injury.

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons – Darnell Mooney

Fantasy players once saw Mooney as a potential star. He had over 1,000 receiving yards and averaged 10.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game in his second NFL season. Unfortunately, Mooney has struggled with injuries and poor quarterback production the past two years, totaling 907 receiving yards while averaging 5.4 fantasy points per game. Thankfully, the explosive receiver gets to play with Kirk Cousins on an up-and-coming Atlanta offense.

Carolina Panthers – Ja'Tavion Sanders

Bryce Young struggled as a rookie because of a lack of weapons, but the Panthers made several additions in the offseason, including trading for Diontae Johnson. However, Sanders is the guy fantasy players should target late in their drafts. The former Texas star will have no competition for targets at the tight-end position. Johnson is the only one guaranteed to see more targets than Sanders in 2024.

New Orleans Saints – A.T. Perry

While Rashid Shaheed could have a breakout year this upcoming season, Perry is someone I will select late in my fantasy drafts. Last year, the sixth-round rookie had a limited role but flashed upside. He scored 10.8 or more half-point PPR fantasy points in two of three games with more than two targets, including a two-touchdown performance in Week 18. Perry could push for a starting role with Michael Thomas off the roster.

A.T. Perry’s 2nd TD of the game extends the Saints lead!

📺: #ATLvsNO on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/X0vcyHUoyR pic.twitter.com/ypq6fL2edm

— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jalen McMillan

Reportedly, Chris Godwin will play more in the slot this upcoming season. That means McMillan will have a chance to start in three wide receiver sets as a rookie. While he was the third Washington wide receiver drafted, McMillan averaged 6.4 yards after the catch per reception last year, the highest of the three. Furthermore, the rookie could see a significant target share if Godwin or Mike Evans misses time.

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals – Michael Wilson

Everyone is excited to draft Marvin Harrison Jr. after an outstanding college career at Ohio State. However, he won’t be the only wide receiver Kyler Murray targets. Last year, Wilson had some impressive performances despite playing with three quarterbacks during his rookie season. He averaged 59.6 receiving yards and 12.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game in the five contests with six or more targets.

Los Angeles Rams – Demarcus Robinson

While the Rams’ passing attack flows through Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, don’t forget about Robinson. The veteran has never been fantasy-relevant for an entire year, averaging 3.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game for his career. Yet, he was outstanding to end the 2023 season. Robinson was the WR12 from Week 13 through Week 17, averaging 13.3 fantasy points per game.

Stafford finds Demarcus Robinson and the Rams add on to their lead

📺: #WASvsLAR on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/kw7mays4qU pic.twitter.com/mTctGGpTpg

— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2023

San Francisco 49ers – Ricky Pearsall

The 49ers have the most fantasy-friendly offense in the NFL. Last year, Christian McCaffrey was the RB1, while George Kittle was the TE5 in half-point PPR scoring. More importantly, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk were top-15 wide receivers in 2023, averaging at least 13.2 fantasy points per game. If San Francisco trades one of the veterans before the start of Week 1, Pearsall could be the best rookie wide receiver not named Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers.

Seattle Seahawks – Geno Smith

Smith was the QB19 last year, averaging 15.1 fantasy points per game. However, the veteran was the QB5, averaging 17.9 fantasy points per game in 2022. While he struggled last year, fantasy players should have high hopes for Smith in 2024. The Seahawks' offensive line should be better, and Smith has the wide receivers needed to put up significant fantasy production.

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