Fantasy Football: One sleeper to target from each team
By Zach Cohen
NFC East Fantasy Football sleepers
Dallas Cowboys: Tony Pollard, RB
Pollard is the true definition of a sleeper because if given the chance, Pollard could win you the fantasy title. Standing in his way is star running back Ezekiel Elliott. In his stellar four-year career, Elliott has never missed time due to an injury. So barring his first real injury or another suspension — both of which seem unlikely — Pollard will be a backup and offer no immediate value.
However, if Elliott were to miss time, Pollard would be thrust behind a great offensive line and into a role that gives him the ball over 20 times a game. With the right opportunity, Pollard has the skills to be a fantastic fantasy option. Just don’t pick him if you already have Elliott because only one can be relevant at a time. While we’re at it, Blake Jarwin is also a nice flier to take. Confidence Meter: Medium
Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Reagor, WR
Dallas Goedert may be reliable, but Reagor’s got the real upside here. The Eagles clearly liked him enough to be a first-round pick, but his high selection can’t be the only reason Reagor makes this list. Vacated targets can be, though. This prime indicator for fantasy success favors Reagor because nearly 22.5 percent of Philadelphia’s targets last year were to players no longer on the team.
Someone has to catch the ball, right? Even if the Eagles opt to run much more — which is unlikely — Reagor still has a clear shot to a starting role. He could even become the team’s leading receiver. A leading receiver as WR50? Sign me up. Confidence Meter: High
New York Giants: Daniel Jones, QB
Jones may not be the best passer in the world, but he sure is an intriguing fantasy option. The current QB15 posted four performances of 28+ fantasy points last season (all of which came on the road). Yes, he wasn’t the most consistent player, but Jones’ upside is evident. Like with Taylor and Minshew, Jones’ legs should keep him fantasy relevant.
He was 7th in rushing yards for quarterbacks, and of those seven, only he and Minshew were not top 10 fantasy quarterbacks last year. And he only started 12 games. Mobile quarterbacks get more points. It’s just a fact. For the sake of fantasy owners, hopefully Joe Judge and Jason Garrett lean into Jones’ strengths as a runner. Confidence Meter: Medium
Washington: Antonio Gibson, RB/WR
There’s a battle for the No. 2 receiver in Washington. The candidates are veterans Trey Quinn and Steven Sims and rookies Antonio Gandy-Golden and Antonio Gibson. Quinn is the likely slot receiver, which normally could be a fantasy gold mine, but Washington didn’t feature the slot often enough last season to warrant any confidence.
I love Sims as a late-round flier, but Gibson’s ceiling is higher. I don’t know if Gibson is the best option at receiver, though his ability to play running back is a major plus, like with Lynn Bowden Jr. After the release of Derrius Guice, Gibson becomes even more appealing. Confidence Meter: Medium