The Overlooked Value in DeVonta Smith
For fantasy football enthusiasts heading into the 2026 season, identifying undervalued targets can be key to gaining an advantage over opponents. One such target is Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith, whose average draft position (ADP) on Sleeper is nearly a round lower than on other platforms like ESPN and Yahoo, according to Headtopics. This differential makes Smith particularly attractive for managers aiming to snag a high-upside player in later rounds. Despite a late Round 3 ADP, Smith is poised to be a critical asset, especially when contextualized with the Eagles' trade of A.J. Brown, which elevated Smith's role in the offense. While he nurses a minor hamstring injury that might cause hesitancy among some drafters, savvy fantasy managers could capitalize on the doubts surrounding his health to acquire a potentially high-performing wide receiver at a discount.
The Potential of Sam LaPorta in Detroit
A candidate for a breakout season is Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, who is seen as a dark horse in the fantasy landscape. Headtopics highlights that under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, LaPorta could flourish due to the team's unusual use of three tight ends (13 personnel) nearly double the league average. Despite missing much of the 2025 season due to injury, LaPorta's rookie year performance, which included 889 receiving yards to finish as the TE1 fantasy scorer, sets the stage for a productive return. LaPorta's current positioning on Sleeper, behind players such as Tucker Kraft and Kyle Pitts Sr., presents a unique opportunity for fantasy managers seeking a hidden gem in their drafts.
Jadarian Price and the Seattle Seahawks' Backfield Dynamics
In Seattle, running back Jadarian Price may succeed in taking a significant role. With Zach Charbonnet's knee injury casting doubt over his season, Price emerged as a key figure during the team's early offseason activities. However, questions remain regarding Price's ability to manage an extensive workload, having topped out at only 124 touches in a single college season with Notre Dame. Price's potential hinges on his capacity to fill the shoes of departed Kenneth Walker III and take advantage of Seattle’s strong offensive line, providing him with the infrastructure to succeed if given more touches. This scenario makes him a strategic Round 7 target with the upside of becoming an RB1 in fantasy leagues.
Bo Nix: A Sleeper Quarterback Pick
Bo Nix, quarterback for the Denver Broncos, presents another intriguing option. With a surprisingly low QB15 ADP on Sleeper, fantasy managers could draft Nix in Round 10 or later. Nix has delivered consecutive QB7 performances and is expected to maintain a significant offensive role with the recent acquisitions and changes in Denver's offense, including the arrival of Jaylen Waddle. Nix’s performance, combined with Denver's offensive strategies, could make him a steal for those looking to fill the quarterback spot without investing a high draft pick.
The Rising Stock of Jonathon Brooks
Finally, Jonathon Brooks, running back for the Carolina Panthers, is emerging as a viable choice to unseat Chuba Hubbard as the Panthers' lead back. Brooks’ health and increasing visibility at training camp position him as a strong candidate for a significant role. While his ADP currently presents him alongside Hubbard, those drafting on platforms like Sleeper have the unique opportunity to secure Brooks as a high-value selection. In summary, these undervalued players provide fantasy managers with the opportunity to construct a roster filled with high-upside talent without paying a premium price. Understanding each player’s situation and potential impact is crucial in leveraging these insights for fantasy success in the 2026 season.
