Photo: Cpl. Alexander Devereux / U.S. Marine Corps, Public Domain
Camp risers worth rostering now
A handful of names have separated themselves in camp reports and preseason usage, and Sleeper's add data backs it up — nearly 99,000 users added New Orleans receiver Barion Brown in a single 48-hour window after he lit up camp practice reports (Fantasy Football Pulse).
Indianapolis running back Seth McGowan has drawn a similar surge — over 44,000 adds in 48 hours — with camp reports suggesting he could be in the lead-back conversation by Week 4 if his workload holds. In Chicago, slot receiver Zavion Thomas is being added for free in a genuinely muddled Bears receiving corps, currently unranked by most platforms despite real camp buzz (Fantasy Football Pulse).
Post-hype value still on the board
Post-hype sleepers are players who carried real hype a year ago, disappointed, and are now available at a discount. Chicago's Rome Odunze fits the profile perfectly — currently going as low as WR29 in expert consensus rankings despite a clear path to a featured role, making him a strong value as a WR3 (FantasyPros).
At tight end, Baltimore's Isaiah Likely is drawing similar value — a name fantasy managers know well who now carries a discounted price tag heading into drafts (Pitcher List). Historically, the hit rate on post-hype sleepers runs close to a coin flip across positions, so treat these as high-upside value picks rather than locks (Yahoo Sports).
Deep sleepers for the very late rounds
For managers drafting in the double-digit rounds, a handful of names carry real Week 1 or streaming upside at minimal draft cost: rookie receivers De'Zhaun Stribling (SF) and Ja'Kobi Lane (BAL) both profile as post-hype-style values with an outside chance at early snaps, while tight end Juwan Johnson remains criminally underdrafted given his target share in New Orleans (Yahoo Sports).
| Player | Pos · Team | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Barion Brown | WR · NO | Nearly 99,000 Sleeper adds in 48 hours off strong camp reports and a rebuilt receiving corps. |
| Seth McGowan | RB · IND | Could be in the lead-back conversation by Week 4 on a team that feeds a hot hand. |
| Rome Odunze | WR · CHI | Post-hype WR3 value going as low as WR29 in expert consensus rankings. |
| Isaiah Likely | TE · BAL | A known name now available at a discounted post-hype price. |
| Juwan Johnson | TE · NO | Underdrafted given his target share — a strong streaming option all season. |
| Zavion Thomas | WR · CHI | Available for free in most leagues in a muddled Bears receiving corps. |
Waivers Edge is an independent fantasy football briefing compiled from public rankings, injury reports, and expert consensus, for entertainment and informational purposes only — not professional betting or financial advice. Some links may be affiliate links that can earn Waivers Edge a small commission. See our Tools & Offers disclosure.