Best fantasy football sleeper from each NFL team for 2025

With Week 1 of the regular season on the horizon, so too are fantasy football drafts for most leagues. While everyone knows the big names at the top of the draft board, it's the lesser-known players who often wind up being league-winners.

It's the backup running backs and No. 3 wide receivers who can be the difference in Week 14 when the season is on the line and you're on the fringe of a playoff berth. In 2023, Puka Nacua was that player, and Brian Thomas Jr. had the same type of impact last season.

So who are this year's fantasy football sleepers to know? Our NFL Wire staff picked one player from each NFL team that you should target in drafts. They may not be stars just yet, but they're potential breakout candidates who could help you take the crown this season.

Arizona Cardinals: RB Trey Benson

It is really going to be hard for anyone to be a real sleeper. The Cardinals’ offense runs through James Conner, Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. Benson, entering his second year, is expected to be a bigger part of the offense. Conner and Benson hope to be a duo of RB1s. Now, his touchdowns might have to come from breakaway runs, as Conner is a monster at the goalline, but Benson has breakaway speed. Benson will be good depth to have on your bench. –Jess Root, Cards Wire

Atlanta Falcons: WR Ray-Ray McCloud

Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney is still dealing with a shoulder injury that has kept him out since the first day of training camp. As we get closer to the regular season opener, the timetable for Mooney's return remains unclear. With that in mind, fantasy players should turn their attention to veteran Ray-Ray McCloud. The former 49ers wide receiver had a career-high 62 receptions for 686 receiving yards during his first season in Atlanta. Those numbers could go up drastically if Mooney is forced to miss time. McCloud recorded his third-highest receiving total of the season when Mooney sat out for Atlanta's 2024 finale. – Matt Urben, Falcons Wire

Baltimore Ravens: WR Rashod Bateman

Bateman has developed into one of the NFL's most reliable and efficient route runners, and some in the Baltimore media believe he has elevated his game to be among the top No. 2 options in the NFL after a career-best season in 2024. Overall, it was his most impactful regular season since getting drafted by Baltimore, with career highs in receiving yards (756) on the second-highest catch total of his career (45) across 17 games. Bateman is signed through the 2026 season, and his most redeeming quality for fantasy football owners is his penchant for finding the endzone.  Bateman scored a career-high nine touchdowns in 2024.  In his three biggest regular-season games, Bateman scored four touchdowns in those three games combined. He scored twice more in the playoffs for the Ravens. That being said, he was also held below 50 receiving yards in nine of his 17 games. –Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire

Buffalo Bills: WR Keon Coleman

The obvious choice for the Bills would be WR Khalil Shakir or the man himself, QB Josh Allen. In terms of a sleeper, the quiet rookie year WR Keon Coleman had put him under the radar. He started well but tailed off once he injured his hand in Year 1. During this summer’s training camp, Coleman has had ups and downs, but mostly on the positive side of the ledger. Coleman is also the only X-receiver the Bills currently have.  –Nick Wojton, Bills Wire

Carolina Panthers: WR Adam Thielen

How can a two-time Pro Bowler who led his team in receiving the past two years be considered a sleeper? Well, Thielen’s become a bit of an afterthought to many following the addition of eighth overall pick Tetairoa McMillan. Plus, the Panthers will be counting on both Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker to take some steps forward in their second seasons. But you still can’t dismiss Thielen, and how valuable of a weapon he is for quarterback Bryce Young. Over his last seven games of 2024, after Young bounced back, the productive veteran recorded 40 catches on 50 targets for 506 yards and four touchdowns. Even at 35 years of age, Thielen should remain a key part of this Carolina offense and should be on your late-round radar.  – Anthony Rizzuti, Panthers Wire

Chicago Bears: WR Rome Odunze

Rome Odunze, the former ninth overall pick, had a solid rookie season as the third wide receiver behind veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. But with Allen gone, Odunze is poised to step into that WR2 role and will also benefit from the addition of new head coach and offensive guru Ben Johnson. Throughout training camp, Odunze has been a favorite target for quarterback Caleb Williams as the former first-round picks develop their rapport. Williams trusts Odunze, which will go a long way. –Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire

Cincinnati Bengals: RB Chase Brown

There aren't many sleepers in Cincinnati behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Tight end Mike Gesicki is a big slot receiver for Joe Burrow who will eat into other wideout snaps. But he won't do enough to make a major dent, especially with Noah Fant arriving to muddy up the outlook. Running back Chase Brown, though, doesn't have any opposition for a big role. And over 16 games last year, he quietly averaged 4.3 yards per carry, turning 229 attempts into 990 yards and seven scores. He also received 65 targets through the air, catching 54 for 360 yards and four more scores. He should see the same work rate, if not more, in an offense that could have an improved offensive line. –Chris Roling, Bengals Wire

Cleveland Browns: RB Dylan Sampson

The Browns decided to move on from long-time running back Nick Chubb, and then drafted both Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson in the 2025 NFL draft. The only issue with Judkins, however, is that he has yet to sign his rookie contract or appear in training camp, as he has been working through a July arrest. This means that the fourth-round rookie Sampson has been getting most of the work in training camp. Even if Judkins returns to camp after his case has been thrown out, there is a question about whether or not he will be up to speed and football-ready by the first week of the season at this point. At least early on, Sampson could see a significant workload despite being a Day 3 pick. –Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire

Dallas Cowboys: WR KaVontae Turpin

It seems that the Cowboys are finally going to get the former UFL superhero the ball this season. With new head coach Brian Schottenheimer looking to spice up the offense, one of the fastest men on the planet has been integrated into the gameplan far more than at any time over his first three years in the league. With a new contract and sizeable investment made, he’s improved his route-running, which will allow him to be the swiss-army knife once the games matter. With CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens destined to be 1,000-yard receivers, fans shouldn’t be surprised in Turpin turns in an 800-yard (from scrimmage), six-touchdown campaign. –K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire

Denver Broncos: RB J.K. Dobbins

Yes, he has a history of injuries, and yes, he’s playing in a shared backfield, but J.K. Dobbins is currently going off the board midway through the 11th round of 10-team drafts, and he could end up being a big steal at that spot. At his average draft position, Dobbins (116 overall, RB36) is a way better value than rookie RJ Harvey (52; RB25). Don’t forget that Dobbins finished as RB21 last season, and he missed four games. Granted, there’s no guarantee he’ll have that exact finish in 2025, but it’s easy to imagine him finishing higher than RB36 this fall. Dobbins totaled 1,058 yards from scrimmage and scored nine touchdowns in 2024. He’s a capable pass blocker and he has a nose for the end zone, so Dobbins could easily outperform his ADP if he gets a heavy workload on passing downs and near the goal line. –Jon Heath, Broncos Wire 

Detroit Lions: Lions defense

The Lions defense was ravaged by injuries a year ago, wiping out a very promising start to the season. But go back to when the team had Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Derrick Barnes, Alex Anzalone, Carlton Davis et al healthy; they were a top-3 defense in the first month. Other than Alim McNeil, who is set to return midseason, the defense is loaded and healthy. Hutchinson looks better than ever, and new DC Kelvin Sheppard has placed a huge emphasis on getting the ball. That means sacks and turnovers, exactly what fantasy owners want from a defense. –Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire

Green Bay Packers: WR Matthew Golden

Can a first-round pick be a “sleeper”? Maybe not, but the guess here is that Golden is being undervalued on the fantasy football side. The Packers’ first-round pick has looked the part and then some in training camp, and he’s going to open the regular season getting starter-level snaps in an explosive offense. Based on training camp, Golden will be a top target in the passing game from the get-go, and his ceiling is high if he can emerge as the offense’s true No. 1 for Jordan Love. The presence of Josh Jacobs and the Packers’ diverse receiver group provide hurdles for Golden, but he’s going to be a fantasy factor as a rookie. The other option here is tight end Tucker Kraft, who caught seven touchdown passes during a breakout season in 2024 and could easily end up as a top-5 fantasy tight end in 2025. –Zach Kruse, Packers Wire

Houston Texans: WR Christian Kirk

Most people know of Kirk, but after back-to-back season-ending injuries, are they willing to bet their fantasy title odds on him? They should. Throughout three weeks of camp, there hasn’t been a more consistent option in the slot than the former Jaguars’ starter. He’s in a contract season and wants to get paid solid WR No. 2 money this offseason. And while he might be limited to playing inside, new offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s offensive play design doesn’t limit him to run just “slot-type” routes. At least once a practice, you see a 20-plus yard gain to No. 13. Expect Kirk to do that plenty on Sundays, so taking a flyer on him in Rounds 10 or 11 makes too much sense. –Cole Thompson, Texans Wire

Indianapolis Colts: WR AD Mitchell

Second-year wide receiver AD Mitchell is a part of a crowded Colts’ pass-catching unit that includes Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and Tyler Warren. However, with how well Mitchell is performing in training camp, keeping him off the field will be difficult if he can sustain that success. Mitchell’s combination of speed and route-running makes him a very difficult matchup, and even through the ups and downs of his rookie season, he showcased an impressive ability to create separation. That skill set makes him a threat in the passing game at all levels of the field, and with that comes big play potential. –Paul Bretl, Colts Wire

Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Dyami Brown

In a receiver room that includes Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter, Brown can fly under the radar, but he is going to be a mainstay in the Jaguars’ passing game this season. With his speed, he brings another vertical presence to the Jaguars' offense and is also someone who can get the ball near the line of scrimmage on designed touches or quick throws in space, where his YAC abilities can take over. While that may be where Brown has been at his best, Liam Coen has been impressed with his route-running ability over the middle and those intermediate routes, which could allow Brown to impact all four levels of the field. Not to mention that with the attention Thomas and Hunter could garner, Brown may have some favorable matchups to take advantage of. –Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire

Kansas City Chiefs: TE Noah Gray

Given Kansas City’s notoriety, the Chiefs don’t have a true “sleeper” on their roster. Veteran tight end Noah Gray is as close to fitting that description as possible, and will get a significant share of targets from Patrick Mahomes if superstar pass-catcher Travis Kelce misses any time in 2025. Gray has made steady improvements every year he has been in Kansas City, and seems poised to continue that trend as the Chiefs look to avenge their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX this season. –John Dillon, Chiefs Wire

Las Vegas Raiders: WR Tre Tucker

Tucker is the speed guy on this offense. Even working being the third option behind Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers last season, he still saw 81 targets and put up a decent 583 yards and four touchdowns on 56 touches. And he did that with one of the worst QB rooms and running attacks in the league. Now the Raiders have upgrades at QB (Geno Smith) and RB (Ashton Jeanty), which should only increase Tucker’s production in the offense. –Levi Damien, Raiders Wire

Los Angeles Chargers: WR KeAndre-Lambert-Smith

Lambert-Smith, the fifth-round pick, has arguably been the best wide receiver of the summer. Behind Ladd McConkey, even after the signing of Keenan Allen, playing time is up for grabs, and he has shown his worth for those snaps. The former Auburn product has consistently flashed big-play ability. Lambert-Smith now has four receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown so far in the preseason. Following his two-catch, 66-yard performance against the Saints, Lambert-Smith revealed quarterback Justin Herbert’s message: “There was more to come.” –Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire

Los Angeles Rams: WR Tutu Atwell

Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are locked in as the top two receivers, but Tutu Atwell looks like he’ll be the all-important third option in Sean McVay’s offense, which typically has three receivers on the field 90% of the time. He hasn’t put up big numbers in his NFL career thus far but this is his biggest opportunity yet. He just signed a $10 million fully guaranteed contract in March and is poised to get the ball thrown his way more often as a full-time player. The Rams want to be a more explosive offense than they were last season and one way to ensure that happens is by throwing Atwell the ball downfield. From a fantasy perspective, he doesn’t need a high volume of targets because he has the ability to score a 50-yard touchdown at any moment. And if Nacua or Adams were to get hurt, he’d have an even bigger role as one of the top two receivers. –Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire

Miami Dolphins: RB Jaylen Wright

Earlier this month, Tyreek Hill made a pretty fair point when he told reporters that the Dolphins need to take De’Von Achane out in short-yardage situations. “He’s not a power back,” Hill said. Back in 2023, when the Dolphins offense was humming on all cylinders, Achane averaged a ridiculous 7.8 yards per carry, but it was Raheem Mostert who scored an NFL-leading 21 touchdowns. In the 2025 offseason, Miami invested heavily in getting its run game back on track and the team is hoping three new starters on the offensive line – James Daniels, Patrick Paul, and Jonah Savaiinaea – will do the trick. And if it does, it probably won’t be Achane who reaps the reward near the goal line. Second-year running back Jaylen Wright looks primed to be the touchdown vulture who steps into Mostert’s shoes, although rolling the dice on the Dolphins’ backup running back isn’t without risk. Behind Wright on the depth chart is 225-pound rookie Ollie Gordon II, who is fighting to do a little vulturing of his own. –Adam Stites, Dolphins Wire

Minnesota Vikings: TE T.J. Hockenson

Coming back from an ACL is never easy, and that is the situation that Hockenson had to deal with in 2024. He came back midway through the season and never quite looked like himself. Now, with a full offseason to recover after coming back to get his legs back under him, he is poised for a breakout. Early highlights in training camp and practices have had him and new starter J.J. McCarthy having a strong connection, so all indications are there for him to be a late-round steal for you in drafts as he is being overlooked. –Andrew Harbaugh, Vikings Wire

New England Patriots: RB TreVeyon Henderson

Patriots rookie second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson could one day be looked back on as one of the biggest steals in the 2025 NFL draft. The first time he touched the ball in the NFL resulted in a 100-yard return for a touchdown in the preseason opener against the Washington Commanders. He also made a highlight-reel 70-yard touchdown reception against the vaunted Minnesota Vikings defense at a joint training camp practice. 

The former Ohio State standout is a game-changer with the ball in his hands. Rhamondre Stevenson might see the early reps, but at some point, Henderson's exceptional talent could lead to a major takeover in the Patriots' offensive backfield. –Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire

New Orleans Saints: WR Rashid Shaheed

Shaheed could be a great pick at his current ADP, as the only receiver expecting more targets for New Orleans is Chris Olave – who is facing durability concerns after a series of concussions in his short pro career. While Shaheed missed time last year with a knee injury, he’s healthy now and squarely the team’s WR2 in an offense that may have to pass a lot to stay in games. He’s added some muscle to help win more contested catches, but Shaheed’s real value remains as a deep scoring threat. Since 2022, he’s tied with Ja’Marr Chase and Nico Collins for the second-most touchdown catches of 50 or more yards (8). Only Tyreek Hill (10) has more of them. –John Sigler, Saints Wire

New York Giants: WR Wan’Dale Robinson

The Giants aren’t exactly known as a downfield team, but that is likely to change in 2025. With quarterback Russell Wilson under center, the offense will almost assuredly be more aggressive this season, and that means a potential uptick in production for wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson. Targeted 140 times last season, Robinson hauled in 93 receptions but averaged a paltry 7.5 yards per reception. He was a persistent target in the slot and underneath, rarely given room to run after the catch. Not only will offensive coordinator Mike Kafka scheme Robinson into more space this season, but the Giants have shown throughout training camp that he will be more involved over the middle of the field, with shots also being sent his way down the field. –Dan Benton, Giants Wire

New York Jets: RB Braelon Allen

While there is excitement in New York for the Jets to find out if the old Ohio State chemistry is still there between QB Justin Fields and WR Garrett Wilson, it’s looking more and more like the ground game will be the focal point on offense for the Green and White. Many will think of Breece Hall in the backfield first, but RB Braelon Allen has gotten plenty of touches during the preseason, too. That could always change, but there is a good chance he sees touches near the goal line, as he is the bigger back. –Nick Wojton, Jets Wire

Philadelphia Eagles: WR DeVonta Smith

The Eagles are a loaded offense, and Smith is behind Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown on the pecking order, but he’s one of the smoothest route runners in the NFL.  Smith is going to be a top 15 wide receiver, and he did severe damage in 2024 while averaging just 6.9 targets per game (32nd-most) with 89 total targets (40th-most) and finishing with just 771 offensive snaps (34th-most). He also finished with just the 33rd-most receiving yards (833), but the former Heisman Trophy winner found the end zone eight times. Smith’s considerable big-play ability and chemistry with quarterback Jalen Hurts should make touchdowns easy to come by again in 2025. –Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire

Pittsburgh Steelers: TE Pat Freiermuth

Last season, Freiermuth quietly led the Steelers with 65 receptions and seven receiving touchdowns. This was despite the Steelers’ inconsistency in the passing game and a complete lack of throws to the middle of the field. With Aaron Rodgers running the offense this season, we expect Freiermuth to be the most consistent threat week to week aside from wide receiver DK Metcalf. –Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire

San Francisco 49ers: WR Demarcus Robinson

Volume matters in fantasy football and there’s a real chance Robinson winds up as a regular top-two receiver for the 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy. Brandon Aiyuk’s timeline for return is still shaky. Jauan Jennings hasn’t been available for most of training camp with a calf injury, and promising rookie Jordan Watkins is expected to miss a month with a high ankle sprain. Robinson is one of the only healthy WRs standing, which may give him some real fantasy value, especially early in the year. He’s also a veteran with experience in Sean McVay’s offense so there shouldn’t be any real hurdles to him getting on the field. One thing to keep an eye on — Robinson is facing a potential three-game suspension that may come down mid-season and put a wrench in any potential fantasy production.  –Kyle Madson, Niners Wire

Seattle Seahawks: WR Tory Horton 

When it comes to Seahawks wide receivers in fantasy, obviously, Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be the top option in Seattle. Behind him will be Cooper Kupp based on name recognition and the sheer volume of targets he’ll likely get, which will, of course, bring tremendous value to any PPR league. But if you want a true sleeper, look no further than 5th round pick Tory Horton. The rookie from Colorado State has been impressive during training camp and limited action in Week 1 of the preseason. His speed and athleticism is going to help him find a natural role in Klint Kubiak’s offense this year. Seattle is not going to be a pass-first offense, but Horton is worth a chance in the later rounds of your fantasy draft. –Kole Musgrove, Seahawks Wire

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Emeka Egbuka

When the selection of Egbuka was made in April, it was a head scratcher, all things considered, when you looked at the Bucs roster. Fast forward to today, the former Buckeye pass catcher is turning heads every day in practice while Chris Godwin Jr. remains sidelined recovering from his ankle injury. Godwin is likely to miss some games to start the year, which will have Egbuka filling in for him in the slot. From there, even when Godwin does return, he may not be himself and take a year to get back to his normal self. In the meantime, Baker Mayfield has already hyped up the rookie every chance he gets, which makes me believe these two will have a strong connection and be a worthwhile investment in fantasy. Not to mention, Jalen McMillan is expected to miss time with a neck injury, opening the door even wider for Egbuka. –Andrew Harbaugh, Bucs Wire

Tennessee Titans: TE Gunnar Helm

Rookie tight end Gunnar Helm has had a strong training camp and set himself up to see plenty of action this season. Tennessee loves its tight ends in the red zone, will frequently run 12 personnel, and Helm’s ability to make contested catches and create separation with savvy route-running should be attractive to rookie quarterback Cam Ward. He may not be the heavy focus early on, but the potential is there for Helm to make a notable impact. –Mark Mihalko, Titans Wire

Washington Commanders: RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt

It’s not often that a seventh-round rookie has this much hype around him. Croskey-Merritt, aka Bill, is not your average seventh-round pick. A bogus eligibility ruling cost him his final collegiate season, and the Commanders were thrilled he fell to them, as they did a lot of pre-draft work on him. JCM has been the talk of camp for his decisive cuts, which head coach Dan Quinn called violent. He’s also drawn praise from OC Kliff Kingsbury and some of his teammates. Brian Robinson Jr. was penciled in as the starter but could be traded or cut, and Austin Ekeler is the third-down/pass-catching back, but we will see the rookie at some point. He has a chance to make an impact once he sees the field. –Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Best fantasy football sleepers: One player from each NFL team