Just like running backs, wide receivers are an extremely important position in fantasy football to have talent and depth. Leagues are hard to win when you don’t have either of those. Here are three deep sleepers at the wide receiver position for fantasy football in 2024.
Deep Wide Receiver Sleepers for Fantasy Football 2024
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts
Despite his training camp injury, Josh Downs is still a deep sleeper in fantasy football. His timetable to return brings him back just ahead of the Week 1 matchup against Houston. Head coach Shane Steichen has said nothing but good things about Downs heading into his second year, and he will go back into the slot upon returning.
Even with an injury scare… Josh Downs will still have a breakout season on the Colts! pic.twitter.com/dFzmyaVNUN
— Dynasty Nerds (@DynastyNerds) August 13, 2024
Downs didn’t find the endzone much in 2024, but he still secured an average of 11 yards per catch in 2023 with over 700 yards. The potential to see his numbers grow this year with a healthy Anthony Richardson is very high, and his ADP currently sits at 149. Grabbing him later in the drafts is a steal for fantasy owners.
Ja’Lynn Polk, New England Patriots
Ja’Lynn Polk has the opportunity to quickly establish himself as the WR1 in the Patriots offense. Whether it’s Jacoby Brissett or Drake Maye who is named the starting quarterback, Polk is one of the most talented receivers in the room in New England.
He finished last year at Washington with over 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns working opposite of Rome Odunze. This gives him the green light to really become the star of the show in a Patriots offense that doesn’t have someone like Odzune lining up on the other side.
Polk’s ADP is currently 170 which is crazy to think about. Being unsure of the New England quarterback situation is understandable, but there isn’t a whole lot of talent in the room besides him. Polk has the making to be someone you grab in the very last round as a “why not” player who quickly finds himself in your lineup on a weekly basis.
Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers
Ricky Pearsall finished his final season at Florida with just under 1,000 yards working in the slot. However, he did see 25% of the total targets in the Gators offense in 2023. The 49ers wide receiver has some questions about what happens with Brandon Aiyuk, but it doesn’t change how you should look at Pearsall this season.
John Lynch drafted Pearsall for a reason. This is a guy who has played primarily in the slot, but he can bounce out wide when he needs to. Even if Aiyuk stays in San Francisco, Brock Purdy will have Aiyuk in the slot with Samuel and Pearsall on opposite sides.
Just a normal day in the office for Ricky Pearsall 👀🔥
Any redraft value if Aiyuk stays tho..? pic.twitter.com/l4GhUBbA4x
— LaQuan Jones (@RealDealFantasy) August 1, 2024
Samuel and Aiyuk will draw a lot of attention from opposing defenses, and Pearsall will be the beneficiary of it. Kyle Shanahan is an offensive guru who will find ways to get the ball in Pearsall’s hands and keep all of his receivers involved. Pearsall’s ADP is currently 171 which is insanely good value for a rookie receiver in a dynamic NFL offense.
Main Photo Courtesy of Robert Scheer – Indianapolis Star – USA Today Sports
