2024 Fantasy Football IDP Sleepers
As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, several defensive players are poised to exceed expectations, not just because of their inherent talent but also due to the unique opportunities presented by their roles within their teams. While preseason offers a glimpse into potential performances, they often cannot fully account for the sleepers within certain teams. Players will look to maximize their elite skills with every opportunity given. In this article, we will spotlight those players, the “Sleepers” that will either outperform their current ADP or defensive projections.
Defensive Lineman
Philadelphia Eagles – Jalen Carter
Carter is ready to take on an expanded role for the Eagles. After an impressive rookie campaign where he notched six sacks with eight tackles for loss, Carter is primed for an even greater impact. He saw over 40 percent of snaps in all but three games last season. His combination of strength, speed, and refined techniques makes him a threat no matter where he is lined up. With increased playing time, his production could skyrocket. The Eagles’ defensive scheme, which emphasizes aggressive pass-rushing, plays to Carter’s strengths. This offers him numerous opportunities to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. As he transitions into a more prominent role (now that Fletcher Cox has retired), Carter is sleeper candidate that could have a big impact for your fantasy football teams. He had six sacks as a rookie, after officially starting only one game. Imagine the impact he will make when he starts a full season.
Atlanta Falcons – Matthew Judon
Veteran edge rusher Matthew Judon could find a resurgence in 2024 after joining the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have struggled to consistently disrupt the pocket in recent seasons, and Judon brings both experience and proven production to their pass rush. Last season, through four games Judon had four sacks. In that same season, the Atlanta Falcons leader in sacks was a tie between Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree with 6.5 sacks. Both of those rushers are now gone. Judon brings the ability to convert speed to power and a relentless motor. With a fresh start in a system that values his skill set, and surrounded by a defense eager to improve, Judon could be back to his 2022 version of himself. In 2022, he had a career high 15.5 sacks after having a career high in sacks the season in prior (in 2021 he had 12.5 sacks). He tore his bicep in week four last season, but after a full year to recover Judon will look to lead the Falcons pass rush. This rejuvenation could be key to the Falcons’ defensive success.
Chicago Bears – Austin Booker (Rookie)
Booker, a rookie defensive end for the Chicago Bears, is emerging as a sleeper candidate for IDP. Though currently a rotational player behind established defensive ends Montez Sweat and DeMarcus Walker, Booker has shown flashes of potential during preseason and training camp. His athleticism, quickness off the edge, and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield make him a valuable asset in passing situations. As the season progresses, he could see increased snaps. Booker could be used in different defensive packages, giving him opportunities to rack up sacks and tackles for loss. Fantasy managers looking for high-upside, low-cost option in deeper leagues should keep an eye on Booker. His role in the Bears’ defense could expand, leading to surprise fantasy production.
Linebackers
New Orleans Saints – Demario Davis
When everything fails, trust ol’ reliable, also known as, New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis. Currently ranked at LB35 on sleeper, Davis is well-positioned to exceed those projections. He has proven to be one of the most consistent linebackers in the league with good playmaking ability. Davis has recorded over 105 tackles in each of the last seven seasons, showcasing his reliability as a tackling machine. Additionally, he has demonstrated his pass-rushing prowess with back-to-back seasons of 6.5 sacks. Given his role as a cornerstone of the Saints’ defense, Davis is likely to continue being heavily involved in both stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback. With his track record and the potential for an increased focus on using him in blitz packages, 2024 could be the year Davis not only maintains his high tackle numbers but also surpasses his career-high in sacks. Do not sleep on the 35-year-old veteran.
Denver Broncos – Cody Barton
Barton could see an increase in opportunity while being partnered with Alex Singleton in the heart of the defense. Last season, Barton demonstrated his tackling prowess by racking up 121 tackles in just 13 games. He was on a remarkable pace of 158 total tackles had he played all 17 games. With Singleton, a tackling machine in his own right, drawing attention from offenses, Barton could find himself in even more favorable position to make plays. The Broncos’ defensive scheme emphasizes strong linebacker play and aggression in stopping the run. Barton is a linebacker with some strength when it comes to stopping the run. Given his production last season and the support of a strong partner in Singleton, Barton is well-positioned to exceed his previous numbers. It is possible he emerges as one of the league’s top tacklers in 2024.
Los Angeles Rams – Byron Young (LB/DL)
Young could emerge as the Rams sack leader this season. As a rookie he was tied for second on the team with eight sacks. Last season, he showcased his ability to get after the quarterback with relentless pursuit. The Rams rebuilt their defense this offseason, but because of his success as a rookie it is hard not to see Young having a larger role in 2024. His familiarity with the system and chemistry with some returning teammates will help lead to more opportunities to rush the passer. If Young can build on the momentum from his rookie year, he has the potential to exceed his sack total into double digits. Plus, with that consistent pressure he will bring it is possible that he becomes a top pass-rusher in the league this season.
Defensive Backs
Arizona Cardinals – Jalen Thompson
Thompson has proven himself as a versatile safety. He has the ability to cover, tackle, and make plays on the ball. This makes him a valuable asset in any defensive scheme. With the Cardinals potentially relying on him more in the box, Thompson could see a significant uptick in tackle opportunities. He will look to get back to over 100 tackles like he had in his previous two seasons. This potential increased involvement near the line of scrimmage, combined with his defensive back skills and ability to create turnovers, positions Thompson to exceed expectations. If he can increase his tackles and maintain his interceptions to three or more then he could be a top safety in the league.
Jalen Thompson is a steal at his current ADP of DB46 on Sleeper.
New England Patriots – Christian Gonzalez
Gonzalez will look to be a key defender for the Patriots after showing flashes of brilliance early last season. Before a shoulder injury cut his rookie campaign short, Gonzalez was proving himself as a key playmaker in the Patriots’ secondary. Before his injury, Gonzalez showcased his impressive speed, ball skills, and ability to match up against top receivers. Through three weeks of playing Gonzalez was on pace for just below 90 tackles and five interceptions. His physical tools and football IQ make him a potential game-changer on defense. After a full offseason to recover and refine his skills, Gonzalez is poised to take a significant leap in his second year. If he can stay healthy, expect him to be a cornerstone of the Patriots’ defense. He could be the Comeback Player of the Year.
Christian Gonzalez is someone I will be targeting in cornerback-required leagues.
New York Giants – Tyler Nubin (Rookie)
The Giants second-round draft pick has a strong opportunity to find immediate success in the Giants’ secondary. Veteran Xavier McKinney left to Green Bay leaving a glaring void needed to be filled. Insert Nubin. He has the instincts to adjust on the fly. His ball-hawking ability shows he gets hands on the ball. Plus, he plays with physicality having the ability to rack up tackles in bunches. Nubin is well-suited to step into a significant role right away. With McKinney gone, the Giants should rely on Nubin to help fill the void in both tackling and coverage. His aggressive play style and nose for the ball make him a prime candidate to rack up interceptions. On the other hand, his willingness to step up in run support could help him accumulate a high number of tackles potentially being a team leader. Nubin has had a slow start in camp, but if he can adapt to the NFL level, he could be a key figure in the Giants’ defense.
That concludes my thoughts on some potential IDP sleepers for the 2024 season. For more IDP content follow me on X @ThePPRShow and be sure to check out our IDP rankings on RPOFootball.com. Thank you for reading.