Snagging Sleepers: Late Round Fantasy Football Picks for 2023

Hello, football fanatics! It's that time of the year again when we geek out over late round fantasy football picks. You know the drill – the draft is over, but the waiver wire's still got some gold to mine. Let's dive in and find those hidden gems that could make or break your season. Remember, the key to a successful fantasy team is balancing early round picks with those late round sleepers. So, grab a drink, get comfy, and let's talk strategy! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and late round fantasy football picks.

Understanding Late Round Value

Before we start picking through the remnants of the draft, let's talk about what makes a late round pick valuable. It's all about upside and opportunity. These players might not be household names yet, but they've got the potential to outperform their ADP (Average Draft Position) and contribute significantly to your team.

In late rounds, you're looking for players who:

1. 1. Have a clear path to playing time: No matter how talented a player is, they won't help your fantasy team if they're riding the bench.
2. 2. Are in favorable situations: This could mean playing for a high-powered offense, having a great quarterback, or facing a weak schedule.
3. 3. Have shown flashes of greatness: Maybe they had a breakout game last season, or they've been tearing up preseason. Whatever it is, they've shown they can produce when given the chance.

Quarterbacks: The Sleeper's Sleeper

Let's face it, guys, most of us aren't drafting a QB until the very late rounds. But that doesn't mean you can't find some gems. Here are a couple of QBs who could be worth a late round flier:

Gardner Minshew II, Philadelphia Eagles

Minshew Mania might be back, baby! Gardner Minshew II had a solid season with the Eagles last year, throwing for 2,238 yards and 16 TDs. He's got a great supporting cast in Philly, and if Jalen Hurts goes down, Minshew could be a sneaky QB2.

Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers

The rookie out of Pitt has the potential to be a steal in late rounds. He's got a strong arm, good mobility, and a great work ethic. The Steelers' offense is a bit of a question mark, but if Pickett can win the starting job, he could surprise some people.

Running Backs: The Workhorse's Heir

Running backs are always a hot commodity in fantasy, and there are plenty of late round options who could step up and carry the load. Here are a couple to keep an eye on:

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

White had a solid rookie season, rushing for 487 yards and catching 30 passes. With Leonard Fournette gone, White has a clear path to more touches. He's got great size, speed, and receiving ability, making him a potential RB2.

Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs

Pacheco was a sixth-round pick last year who emerged as the Chiefs' lead back by season's end. He's got great speed and power, and with the Chiefs' commitment to the run game, Pacheco could be a sneaky RB2.

Wide Receivers: The Route-Runners to Watch

Wide receivers are always a popular target in late rounds, and this year is no different. Here are a couple of WRs who could outperform their ADP:

Skyy Moore, Denver Broncos

Moore had a solid rookie season, catching 47 passes for 539 yards and 3 TDs. With Courtland Sutton gone, Moore has a chance to step up and become the Broncos' WR1. He's got great speed, agility, and hands, making him a potential WR3 with upside.

Quenton Blanding, Baltimore Ravens

Blanding had a breakout season last year, catching 55 passes for 707 yards and 4 TDs. With Rashod Bateman back and the Ravens' commitment to the pass game, Blanding could be a sneaky WR3.

Tight Ends: The Sleeper Position

Tight ends are often an afterthought in late rounds, but that doesn't mean you can't find some value. Here's a TE who could outperform his ADP:

Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

McBride had a solid rookie season, catching 39 passes for 317 yards and 2 TDs. With Zach Ertz gone, McBride has a chance to step up and become the Cardinals' TE1. He's got great hands, route-running ability, and the trust of Kyler Murray.

Defense/Special Teams: The Sleeper Squads

Defenses are often an afterthought in fantasy, but a solid D/ST can win you your league. Here are a couple of defenses that could outperform their ADP:

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers had a solid defense last year, ranking 12th in total yards allowed and 11th in points allowed. With a healthy Joey Bosa and the addition of J.C. Jackson, the Chargers could be a sneaky D/ST1.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns had a down year on defense last year, but they've got the talent to bounce back. Myles Garrett is one of the league's best pass rushers, and the addition of Dalvin Tomlinson should help the run defense. If the Browns can stay healthy, they could be a solid D/ST2.

Final Thoughts

Guys, remember, the key to late round picks is upside and opportunity. You're not looking for sure things here; you're looking for players who could blow up and help you win your league. So, keep an eye on these sleepers, and don't be afraid to take a chance on a player who's got the potential to make a big impact.

And there you have it, folks! Our guide to late round fantasy football picks for 2023. Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas for your fantasy team. Now get out there and draft those sleepers! Good luck, and happy drafting!