Home I All Guides I DFS Guides I DFS I 2016 NFL DFS Sleepers
Every year in DFS and in fantasy sports in general, we all want to get ahead of the game. In order to do so, we have to find value where we can. To succeed in daily fantasy sports we need to allocate our salary wisely. We have to find potential in players that aren’t regarded as the premier guys in the league. What we are looking for are the NFL DFS sleepers in 2016/17.
Today we will list a few our biggest DFS sleepers for the 2016 season by position, starting with quarterbacks.
Derek Carr is a young and talented quarterback
A second round pick in 2014, Derek Carr had a very solid rookie campaign with an unimpressive supporting cast. Last season he built upon his success, increasing his numbers in every major category across the board. He’s got more talent around him with the likes of Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, and a major progression from the offensive line.
Carr has been inconsistent; having outstanding consecutive weeks in the latter part of the year, followed by dreadful weeks at the very end of the season. He’s currently ranked around 15th on many sites, so many analysts believe his inexperience will allow his inconsistency to continue, but I disagree. Expect him to have a similar year overall as he did in 2015, but more constant production and positive growth. He should come at decent value at the beginning of this year. We recommend to stack him in your early season lineups before his value sky rockets since he is one of the most talented DFS sleepers.
2016 DFS (Draftkings) projection- 21 PPG.
A first round pick in 2014, Bridgewater has been underwhelming in his young career. That is understandable considering the fact that he has one of the best runningbacks of all time on his team. His numbers improved slightly in every major category last year from 2014, but his attempts are still on lower side. He isn’t the most talented of QBs out there but he is smart, has very good mechanics, a quick release, and has proven he knows how to manage a game at a very young age.
At only 23 years old, he has plenty of room to grow and help take the load off AP. Defenses will stack the box against them, but now that Teddy has more weapons in the passing game with the emergence of Stefon Diggs and their brand new toy Laquon Treadwell as a big red-zone option, a breakout year could be on the horizon.
2016 DFS (Draftkings) projection- 19 PPG.
Coming into his second year with Washington, Jones will be the lead back, with Alfred Morris now a backup in Dallas. Jones didn’t impress much in his rookie year, but there’s reason to believe he will make a huge leap in 2016, with a punishing size of 6’1”, 231 LBs and the churning ability to break arm tackles and move piles. Jones is going to be a good beat to score TDs every week. He does have issues with vision and finding holes to make big gains. But I’ve seen improvement in those areas from him from when he first went to the NFL combine to now.
He can definitely take the bulk of the carries, finish strong runs, and vulture TDs on a consistent basis. Don’t expect much from him in the passing game though, as Chris Thompson is a great pass-catching third down option for the Redskins. With enough carries, quality play from the offensive line, and solid performances from the passing attack, Jones could be in line for a big daily fantasy year at a low cost.
2016 DFS (Draftkings) projection- 13.5 PPG.
Dukie Johnson is one of my favorite upside guys for 2016, and here’s why. In college, for the U of Miami, Dukie ran amuck, posting close to 2,000 all-purpose yards and 13 TDs in his final year there. He came to the NFL as a 3rd round pick and obviously had to sit behind Isaiah Crowell for the first 3 weeks until the team realized they needed some spark in their offensive game. Dukie sparkled as a pass-catching 3rd down back, and he ended the season with 61 catches, 534 yards, and 2 TDs. He didn’t carry the ball very much at all. Now, with a full season of experience to learn the NFL game and the season Cleveland Browns run, he will be poised to have a breakout year.
The only glaring issue is the fact that the Browns are pretty bad and will have a tough time scoring points. But, in a way this could be a good thing for Dukie. With very few weapons at their disposable, he should be their top target in the passing game for the fragile RGIII to dump off to as a safety valve time and time again. With a small stature, he may never be an every down back, but a potential second coming of Darren Sproles is in the cards for this young and shifty stud. In PPR Leagues his value will most certainly elevate, and in my opinion, to potentially zenith levels at times.
2016 DFS (Draftkings) projection- 14.5.
After a lost rookie year due to injury, White will come back this year fully healthy and ready to rumble. And rumble he will, at 6’3”, 217LBs, with blazing speed and acceleration. White should be ready to make a big impact right away alongside Alshon Jeffery. White was a 7th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft for a reason, and after a season of sitting and learning the NFL game and the Chicago system, he’s ready to showcase his skills. Considering that lots of the opposing defense’s attention is going to Alshon, and the departure of one of the best pass-catching runningbacks in the NFL in Matt Forte, his ceiling is extremely high.
2016 DFS (Draftkings) projection- 14.7.
Philly’s first round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft was somewhat of a disappointment, although injuries did play a major factor in his below average play. The quarterback production, or lack thereof, was also part of his low output for many weeks. Even though there most likely won’t be much improvement at the QB position for Agholor to feed off, his talent is definitely immense and he’s a polished young receiver that can help his rookie QB, Carson Wentz, grow. Agholor has blazing speed and quickness, although with a small frame. With the bigger, more reliable target in Jordan Mathews opposite him, he should see some lenient coverage. This will allow him to have some exceptional DFS weeks. He has to be targeted as a cheap option with tremendous upside from week to week, especially if outside factors lean in his favor — true DFS sleeper potential right here.
2016 DFS (Draftkings) projections- 12.5.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins (23) TB- 2015 DFS (Draftkings)- 11.69 PPG
Cursed with injuries throughout his young career so far, Seferian-Jenkins hasn’t been able to truly shine. With a size and speed combo very few tight ends in the league possess, he can become an elite player in the NFL. Last season he had 4TDs and 383 yards in just 7 games, with the potential to build upon those numbers in 2016. As long as he can stay healthy, Seferian-Jenkins will be a big threat in the red-zone. He is also a great target for young Jameis Winston to work with. At decent salary value, he should be a great tight end to plug into your DFS lineups.
2016 DFS (Draftkings) projections- 14.8.
Ladarius Green joined the Pittsburgh Steelers this Season
I know Ledarius may not be a sleeper to most people because his talent is astronomical for a tight end. Nevertheless I put him here because I believe he is going to end up being top 3 at his position when it comes to daily fantasy PPG. He might even get close to Gronkowski’s output as number 1. After years being under Antonio Gates on the depth chart, the move to Pittsburgh should open the floodgates for him. Plus, who’s a better mentor than Antonio Gates in the NFL? Anyone? I’ll wait…
With Heath Miller retired, Roethlisberger still on top of his game, and other weapons to take the attention off of Green, it’s close to a perfect scenario for him. Also, Roethlisberger does love to target his tight ends in the red-zone quite often, so watch out!
2016 DFS (Draftkings) projections- 16.7 PPG.
With the additions of CB Janoris Jenkins, DE Olivier Vernon, DT Damon Harrison, LB Keenan Robinson, and their first pick in this year’s draft, CB Eli Apple, the Giants have really made major strides. Although their defense was pretty much abysmal last year, they’ve added too much talent and filled necessary holes, like their pass rushing, to not have an impact in daily fantasy sports leagues. They still do have some issues, but even if they give up lots of yards, I believe they will see a huge increase in fantasy production stats, like sacks and turnovers. They are definitely DFS sleepers this season, which you should consider adding to your lineups.
2016 DFS (Draftkings) projections- 7.9 PPG.
The Vikings had a solid defense last season, but at times their offense hurt them and they’ve had their shortcomings. They’ve made some important acquisitions in the off-season, including their second round draft pick this year, CB Mackensie Alexander. The offense should be better, and the secondary is exceptional. They have no shortage of stud defenders in their front 7, especially verses the run. Expect a more consistent uptick in performance from a stingier Vikings defense. Plug them in at good value where the matchups are in their favor.
2016 DFS (Draftkings) projections- 8.3 PPG.
If you would like to learn how to win at DFS for the NFL Week 1, check out our guide: NFL Week 1 Guide.