Sleeper Picks That Could Win You the League
Finding reliable sleepers is one of the most satisfying parts of fantasy sports. They’re the players no one was talking about on draft day, but by midseason, they’re winning games and turning heads. Whether you’re playing fantasy football, basketball, or baseball, identifying undervalued talent before the breakout can give you a massive edge. Here are sleeper picks across several major sports that could help you win your league this year.
Fantasy Football Sleepers (2025 Season)
1. Marvin Mims Jr. (WR, Denver Broncos)
With a full offseason under his belt and an evolving quarterback situation in Denver, Mims is poised to step into a larger role. He showed flashes of explosiveness in limited action and could become a valuable WR3 or flex option.
2. Tyjae Spears (RB, Tennessee Titans)
Spears offers versatility and speed, and with aging starters ahead of him, he could see more snaps as the season progresses. In PPR formats, his pass-catching upside is a quiet advantage.
3. Jake Ferguson (TE, Dallas Cowboys)
Ferguson is flying under the radar in most drafts, but he’s in a system that values tight ends and red-zone efficiency. He could easily finish as a top-10 TE if given consistent targets.
Fantasy Basketball Sleepers (2024-25 Season)
4. Shaedon Sharpe (SG, Portland Trail Blazers)
Sharpe ended last season on a high note, and with a rebuilding Blazers team, he’ll have ample opportunity to produce. Expect a significant bump in usage and minutes.
5. Mark Williams (C, Charlotte Hornets)
He quietly averaged a double-double after being inserted into the starting lineup. His rebounding and block rates make him a high-floor center with upside.
6. Jaden Ivey (PG/SG, Detroit Pistons)
Ivey showed growth in his rookie season and enters the new campaign with a stronger supporting cast. His combo of assists and steals makes him a sneaky value pick late in drafts.
Fantasy Baseball Sleepers (2025 Season)
7. Brandon Pfaadt (SP, Arizona Diamondbacks)
Pfaadt had a rocky start in the majors but flashed high strikeout potential. He’s turning heads in spring training and could lock down a rotation spot with strong early performances.
8. Edouard Julien (2B, Minnesota Twins)
Julien brings a patient approach and surprising pop at the plate. With regular at-bats, he could be a quiet contributor in OBP and runs scored.
9. Tyler Soderstrom (C/1B, Oakland Athletics)
As a dual-position-eligible player with raw power, Soderstrom has the chance to carve out a big-league role and provide some serious value in power-hungry fantasy formats.
General Sleeper Strategy Tips
Look for Opportunity: Sleepers often emerge when there are injuries or roster changes. Follow depth charts and training camp reports.
Follow Usage Trends: In football and basketball, snap counts and minutes are often more predictive than highlight plays.
Don’t Overreach: Sleepers are called sleepers for a reason. Don’t draft them too early. Let them fall to their natural range.
Be Ready to Act Fast: Once the season begins, don’t hesitate to pick up breakout players. Often, the first few waiver wire moves determine the shape of your season.
Final Thoughts
Winning a fantasy league often comes down to who finds the most value in the mid-to-late rounds or on the waiver wire. By keeping an eye on emerging talent and understanding each sport’s dynamics, you can stay one step ahead. Use this list as a launchpad, and remember: the best sleeper is the one who wakes up just in time for your playoff push.