SLEEPERS

Ty Chandler took a big step up in year 2. He was able to manage 4 starts in pace of Alexander Mattison last season, and was the RB20 over that 4 game stretch. He also had excellent efficiency in this stretch, averaging 4.9 yards per carry, and 8.6 yards per carry, adding to his 4 TDs in these four games. There are some minor concerns for Chandler with Aaron Jones signing as a free agent, but Chandler is so cheap in drafts it is extremely low-risk high upside. Aaron Jones turns 30 this season, and for a running back with his frame (coming off a 6 games-missed season), there is fair reason to believe Chandler could get a ton of usage as Jones’ backup. To top it all off, Aaron Jones hasn’t operated in a bell cow backfield in years. He will split work with Chandler, and Chandler’s efficiency could make him a viable fantasy option as the year progresses.

Downs’ 2023 was very slept on for a 3rd round rookie receiver. He put up 770 yards and 2 touchdowns on 68 receptions last year. His talent prevailed enough to garner 98 targets, a great number considering his status in the league. After playing essentially all of last year with Gardner Minshew, we are excited for Downs to get a full season with Anthony Richardson. Richardson’s play style was very rush/scramble-heavy. Slot receivers are not only heavily relied upon for younger quarterbacks, but fit the scramble-heavy quarterback very well. They are frequently the first option for young quarterbacks to target when facing pressure and are also the first to break from their routes on a scramble. Downs could see a ton of targets in his second year, and we believe he will take a massive step up in a year with a fully healthy Anthony Richardson.