Fantasy Football 2024 Value Players: 6 veteran sleepers with real breakout potential
We're less than three weeks before the start of the 2024 NFL regular season, so you're probably scrambling right now. You're trying to figure out how to get even the smallest edge on your buddies for your beloved annual end-of-summer fantasy football draft. Inevitably, you've reached a roadblock and have admitted defeat.
Have no fear, dearest readers. I'm here to help.
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Every so often in the NFL, there's a veteran or two on every team who surpasses expectations. Either they finally start performing up to their potential, or an increased role in their team's offense means they enjoy uncommon production according to the rest of their resume. We refer to these guys as veteran sleepers, a.k.a. skill players tailor-made to help you steal away your fantasy league.
Let's break down veterans I adore as value additions this year.
1. WR Curtis Samuel, Buffalo Bills
The former Washington Commander and Carolina Panther has had a season of at least 700 receiving yards just once in his seven-year career. That was one of the few years he was actually a focal point of his offense. With Josh Allen throwing to him, the Bills' current No. 2 receiver is poised to have a career season in Western New York, making him a solid value in fantasy.
2. WR Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons
In four seasons with the Chicago Bears, Mooney played with precisely zero (0) quarterbacks who could make every throw in the book and read the entire field. Now he gets the usually prolific Kirk Cousins as the premier deep threat in the Atlanta offense. Don't be surprised when he broaches 1,000 receiving yards (for the first time in three years) and a handful of touchdowns as a solid WR3 in fantasy.
3. RB Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders
White enters his first season with the Raiders as the unquestioned featured back after the departure of Josh Jacobs. The Raiders' starting quarterback is (checks notes) Gardner Minshew, and Antonio Pierce is an old-school, tough-minded head coach. You do the math.
4. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
Smith-Njigba was a sleeper Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate in 2023 before injuries and an inconsistent role mired his first season. In 2024, with new head coach Mike Macdonald trying to engineer a Seattle rebound, I wouldn't be shocked to see Smith-Njigba eventually supplant 31-year-old Tyler Lockett in the Seahawks' receiving pecking order. The 2023 season was the first time Lockett had less than 1,000 yards in a season since 2018, and Smith-Njigba was literally drafted as an heir apparent.
5. WR Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens
OK, stick with me here. I know every season since Bateman entered the NFL has been The Year of Rashod Bateman. And I know he's been massively underwhelming even when the Ravens have laid out a red carpet for him to be Lamar Jackson's No. 1 receiver. But gosh darn it, I really believe the hype this year. Outside of Zay Flowers, Baltimore doesn't have any other dynamic pass targets to lean on. Bateman will stay healthy, he'll stay consistent, and he'll become one of Jackson's best friends.
6. RB Zack Moss, Cincinnati Bengals
Moss goes from a platoon role with the Indianapolis Colts to being the No. 1 running back for a Joe Burrow-led Bengals offense. I am smashing that "RB1" button. He is the ideal complement to a top-five quarterback.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Fantasy Football 2024 Value Players: 6 veteran sleepers with real breakout potential
