“Shore Thing Sleepers” isn’t your ordinary fantasy football start/sit article. Instead, our analyst duo of Seth Woolcock and Nate Polvogt highlighted lower-valued players that provided starting-caliber production for a specific week. These players were usually near the end of your bench or even on the waiver wire/free agency. With most championships wrapped up or lineups already set this week, they highlight some of their favorite way-too-early fantasy football sleepers for the 2023 season.
Finishes are based on ESPN Points Per Reception (PPR) redraft fantasy football leagues.
Way-Too-Early 2023 Fantasy Football Sleepers
Tim Patrick (WR, Denver Broncos)
Amongst the many things that helped to derail the Denver Broncos’ 2022 season, losing Tim Patrick to a torn ACL early in training camp was a big one. The veteran was a big part of the Denver offense in 2021, averaging 53 snaps and five targets per game. While likely the teams’ WR3 behind Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, with new quarterback Russell Wilson behind center, there would be plenty of targets for everyone.
Expectations were high for Denver this season, and to say the Broncos disappointed would be an understatement. However, with head coach Nathaniel Hackett out after 16 weeks, the team is looking ahead to greener pastures in 2023. Part of that will include Patrick, who should be ready to go when preseason rolls around in August.
Patrick will again slot in as the team’s WR3, but he is a steal in dynasty formats at current value. Come August, he should be a late-round pick in redraft, barring injuries, but could sneak into FLEX territory. – Nate Polvogt
Chuba Hubbard (RB, Carolina Panthers )
Second-year running back Chuba Hubbard did all he could down the stretch to prove himself. The Oklahoma State University product tallied 351 total yards over the last four weeks – positioning him as the PPR RB16 during that run. Most impressive this season was Hubbard’s efficiency. He averaged 6.5 Yards Per Touch (YPT), the third most amongst RBs. Additionally, his 87.5 catch rate was grand, given that his quarterback was a mix of Baker Mayfield, P.J. Walker and Sam Darnold.
With D’Onta Foreman‘s contract expiring, Hubbard slides to the top of the depth chart. While I do expect Carolina to add competition through the draft or free agency, it likely isn’t a high-end option. The worst-case scenario leaves Hubbard as the Panthers’ change-of-pace back. The best has him in a committee or the sole starter, making him a potential PPR RB3 option in 2023 as a result. – Seth Woolcock
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