Deep sleepers can unlock upside in deeper fantasy formats by finding players who aren’t staple picks in standard leagues but show enough playmaking and path to opportunity to become weekly differentiators. This season’s list centers on players who could pop in 12- or 14-team formats, dynasty leagues, or IDP setups, offering potential late-round targets and an early-season watchlist for prospective pickups. The piece emphasizes depth-chart knowledge and scouting nuance, not merely late-round hype.

Among the names: Dyami Brown arrives with field-stretching speed and a playoff résumé that hinted at long-play big-play upside, now likely to compete for targets in Jacksonville. Jacory Croskey-Merritt is a speed-and-quick-cutting rookie to monitor in Washington’s backfield rotation, while Jaxson Dart (Giants) carries a ceiling that could materialize if he wins the job. Tory Horton, Theo Johnson, Adonai Mitchell, Keaton Mitchell, Kyle Monangai, and Tre Tucker all profile as multi-tool athletes with the chance tofactor in if injuries or inefficiencies hit the top of the depth chart. These players aren’t drafted in standard leagues, but in deeper formats they could become fantasy-relevant as the season unfolds.

TreVeyon Henderson lands in New England with a real shot to seize a workhorse role behind a retooled offense. His speed (4.43) and pass-blocking profile offer an on-field path to heavy early-down work, even as the backfield competition evolves under new coaching. D'Andre Swift projects to steady volume in Chicago, where Ben Johnson’s Detroit-era history hints at efficient volume even if Chicago adds more mouths to feed. Pollard’s ceiling remains high if he fends off Tyjae Spears and a more balanced Titans attack, while Brian Robinson Jr. should anchor Washington’s backfield ahead of a healthier offense. Tank Bigsby, Tank Bigsby’s surge in Jacksonville pits him against Etienne for early-down duties, with Bigsby flashing downhill efficiency to challenge for a bigger slice of the carry pie. Ashton Jeanty’s draft landing in Las Vegas signals an immediate high-leverage role, and Ashton could become a staple in fantasy lineups quickly if the Raiders’ offense hits its stride. In short, five sneaky workhorses—Henderson, Swift, Pollard, Robinson Jr., Bigsby—plus late-rounds like Jeanty and Monangai, carve a realistic path to 200–250 carry seasons in 2025, with uphill odds and big upside depending on health and coaching. The 2024 season’s multi-backbird trend shows volume still matters, and a handful of sleepers can vault into bell-cow territory with the right circumstances.

Tyson Bagent's preseason night for Chicago began with a rocky stretch, then he found a rhythm that mattered. A 16-play, 79-yard march culminated in Maurice Alexander leaping to grab a back‑of‑the‑end‑zone TD under heavy pressure, giving the Bears a highlight to carry into prep week. Luther Burden III flashed with a crucial third‑down conversion, and Kyle Monangai picked up a handful of bruising carries to push Chicago into scoring range. Alexander added two red‑zone receptions, underscoring Chicago's developing chemistry around its young WR corps. By halftime the Bears trailed Miami 14-10, but the late drive suggested a path to more explosive offensive potential this summer.

The night underscored depth at receiver and backfield for the Bears while spotlighting Bagent's poised improvement as protection tightened. The early miscues gave way to sharper decision making on the key second‑and‑long moments, and the trio of Alexander, Burden and Monangai offer intriguing fantasy angles if those roles persist into Week 1 prep. With the Dolphins pressing, Chicago showed a glimpse of the growth it hopes to build on as Fields and the top unit work toward consistency.

With Kyle Monangai now part of the Chicago Bears, Rutgers football faces the challenge of replacing his significant production as a running back. Coach Greg Schiano emphasizes the depth in the running back room, highlighting options like Sam Brown and Aaron Young, who have shown promise in fall camp. They look to step up and fill the void left by Monangai, who was a key player in the Scarlet Knights' offense last season.

As Rutgers prepares for the upcoming season, the coaching staff is excited about the potential of emerging talents. Evaluating their performance in practice and scrimmages will be crucial in determining who will lead the ground game. The commitment to a balanced offensive attack remains strong, and Rutgers aims to maintain its competitive edge in the Big Ten.

Chicago Bears training camp kicked off with a mix of challenges and bright spots, revealing the team’s early offensive struggles while showcasing promising talent. The Bears emphasized a three-way competition for the left tackle position and a battle between Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent for backup quarterback, with both players performing well in early drills. Rookie running back Kyle Monangai and receiver JP Richardson emerged as standout performers, impressing coaching staff with their skills.

Despite the offense encountering difficulties in the first few practices, head coach Ben Johnson remained optimistic, noting a lack of frustration among players. The connection between quarterback Caleb Williams and receiver Rome Odunze has been a highlight, with both players building their chemistry effectively. Injury updates show minimal concerns, with key players like cornerback Jaylon Johnson and receiver Luther Burden III sidelined but not severely hampered. Overall, the Bears are focused on growth and development as they progress through training camp.