Winning your fantasy league often comes down to finding value in the later rounds of your draft. Sleepers and breakout candidates—players who outperform their average draft position (ADP)—can provide the edge you need to dominate your competition. We’ve identified the top fantasy sleepers and breakout candidates for 2025 across football, basketball, and baseball.
Fantasy Football Sleepers & Breakouts
1. Jordan Addison (WR, Minnesota Vikings)
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Why he’s a sleeper: With defenses focusing on Justin Jefferson, Addison could see a significant target share, especially in an explosive passing offense.
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Breakout Potential: If he builds chemistry with the Vikings’ QB, he could be a WR2 with weekly upside.
2. James Cook (RB, Buffalo Bills)
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Why he’s a sleeper: The Bills have shown confidence in Cook as their lead back, and his receiving ability adds to his fantasy value.
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Breakout Potential: With an increased workload, Cook could finish as an RB1 in PPR formats.
3. Sam Howell (QB, Washington Commanders)
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Why he’s a sleeper: Howell’s dual-threat ability and Washington’s underrated receiving corps make him a sneaky late-round QB pick.
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Breakout Potential: If he takes a step forward as a passer, he could crack the top 12 at the position.
4. Jayden Reed (WR, Green Bay Packers)
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Why he’s a sleeper: With the Packers integrating a younger receiving group, Reed has a real opportunity to emerge as a key target.
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Breakout Potential: If he gains the trust of his quarterback, he could be a weekly flex option with WR2 upside.
Fantasy Basketball Sleepers & Breakouts
1. Amen Thompson (SG, Houston Rockets)
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Why he’s a sleeper: His defensive ability, passing skills, and athleticism make him an intriguing late-round flyer.
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Breakout Potential: If he earns more playing time, his stat-stuffing potential could make him a top-100 fantasy player.
2. Mark Williams (C, Charlotte Hornets)
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Why he’s a sleeper: A defensive-minded big man with rebounding skills, Williams is primed for a larger role.
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Breakout Potential: If he secures a starting job, he could average a double-double with elite blocks.
3. Devin Vassell (SG, San Antonio Spurs)
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Why he’s a sleeper: With a young, rebuilding Spurs team, Vassell is poised to take on a larger scoring role.
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Breakout Potential: If his shooting efficiency improves, he could become a consistent fantasy starter.
Fantasy Baseball Sleepers & Breakouts
1. Josh Jung (3B, Texas Rangers)
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Why he’s a sleeper: A former top prospect with power upside, Jung has the potential for a big season.
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Breakout Potential: If he stays healthy, he could be a 30-homer, 100-RBI third baseman.
2. Edward Cabrera (SP, Miami Marlins)
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Why he’s a sleeper: Cabrera has electric stuff but has struggled with control.
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Breakout Potential: If he can limit walks, he has the potential to be a top-25 fantasy pitcher.
3. Spencer Steer (OF, Cincinnati Reds)
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Why he’s a sleeper: With power, speed, and multi-position eligibility, Steer is an undervalued asset.
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Breakout Potential: If he improves his plate discipline, he could be a 20/20 player.
Final Thoughts
Identifying fantasy sleepers and breakout candidates before your draft can set you apart from the competition. Whether you’re playing fantasy football, basketball, or baseball, targeting these players late in your draft could be the key to championship success.
Who do you think will be the biggest sleeper in 2025? Let us know in the comments!
