Shedeur Sanders Headlines These Dynasty Fantasy Football Sleepers to Target in 2026

Breaking down four under-the-radar rookie dynasty sleepers.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) could emerge as the Browns starting quarterback if he continues to impress in training camp. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Finding league-winning value in dynasty fantasy football often comes down to identifying talented players hidden behind ambiguous depth charts, draft-day falls, or quiet rookie campaigns. Whether you are looking for late-round rookie targets, low-cost trade acquisitions, or upside stashes for the back of your roster, these four players offer immense return on investment relative to their current market price.

1. Demond Claiborne, RB: Minnesota Vikings

Possessing elite, high-end speed and explosive big-play ability, Claiborne offers home-run potential whenever he gets into open space. During his collegiate career at Wake Forest, Claiborne operated in the Demon Deacons' slow-mesh offense which is a system that required him to press the line, manipulate second-level defenders, wait patiently for blocking schemes to develop, and explode through the lane with precise timing. That mental maturity and vision translates seamlessly to NFL zone-and-gap-scheme concepts.

While his smaller frame (188 lbs) and pass-blocking limitations likely cap him as an explosive committee back rather than a high-volume workhorse, his pure speed, proven red-zone efficiency, and practically zero-risk acquisition price makes him an ideal high-reward stash for dynasty owners.

2. De'Zhaun Stribling, WR: San Francisco 49ers

Stribling represents one of the most intriguing wide receiver investments in dynasty formats. The San Francisco 49ers selecting Stribling at pick No. 33 overall signals a major organizational commitment from head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch.

Standing 6'2" and 207 lbs with 4.36 speed, Stribling fits the classic 49ers wideout archetype: dynamic run-after-the-catch (YAC) potential combined with a dominant physical blocking presence. Receivers who excel at perimeter blocking stay on the field in Shanahan's run-heavy scheme, and Stribling proved to be an elite, physical blocker against top-tier SEC defensive backs during his time at Ole Miss.

Because Stribling did not post eye-popping 1,000+ yard counting stats in college, some casual fantasy managers wrote him off as a draft-day reach at No. 33. That narrative has created a premier buying window in dynasty drafts, allowing you to secure top-35 NFL draft capital in a high-powered Shanahan offense at a fraction of the cost of other early-round rookie wideouts.

3. Gunner Helm, TE: Tennessee Titans

Tight ends typically face a steep learning curve transitioning to the NFL, but Helm quieted skeptics by turning in a surprisingly productive rookie campaign. Helm set the Titans' franchise rookie record for receptions by a tight end (44 catches) while boasting an efficient 80% catch rate.

With Chig Okonkwo departing in free agency, the tight end room in Tennessee has opened up completely for Helm to take over TE1 duties. Entering Year 2 alongside young quarterback Cam Ward, Helm benefits from established baseline chemistry. He consistently converts short-to-intermediate targets into third-down conversions, making him a reliable safety valve and a high-floor target in PPR formats.

Tight end is often the most frustrating position to stream in dynasty leagues. Helm costs almost nothing in trades or startup drafts (typically priced around TE26-TE28), yet he steps into a projected starting role with proven target volume and an ascending Year 2 trajectory.

4. Shedeur Sanders, QB: Cleveland Browns

After a wild draft-day fall into the 5th round, Sanders' trade value hit rock bottom. When given the opportunity to command the offense, Sanders proved he isn't afraid to push the ball downfield. His breakout Week 14 against the Titans showcased exactly what he can do when given starting volume.

Known from his Colorado days as a poised, highly accurate pocket passer, Sanders offers high-end upside if he continues to sharpen his processing speed and clean up turnover issues. With an open training camp competition alongside Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel, Sanders has a clear path to earning quality snaps. In Superflex and 2QB dynasty formats, a starting-caliber passer with this level of arm talent available at a suppressed cost is a high-upside gamble worth making.