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6 Fantasy Football Sleeper Wide Receivers To Target Late In Drafts

By Dominic Cintorino

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 07: Marquez Valdes-Scantling #83 of the Green Bay Packers tries to escape the tackle of Cre'von LeBlanc #34 of the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 7, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 07: Marquez Valdes-Scantling #83 of the Green Bay Packers tries to escape the tackle of Cre'von LeBlanc #34 of the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 7, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) looks on during the NFL game between the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers on November 12, 2018 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) looks on during the NFL game between the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers on November 12, 2018 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

6 Fantasy Football Sleeper Wide Receivers To Target Late In Drafts

Sterling Shepard, New York Giants

The trade that sent Odell Beckham Jr. to the Browns was one of the most unexpected, and exciting moves this offseason. The Giants did bring in Golden Tate, but nobody will be able to completely replace OBJ. This leaves fourth-year wide receiver, Sterling Shepard in a very interesting spot. In the past two years when OBJ was absent, Shepard averaged just over eight targets per game. Even with the addition of Golden Tate, we should still expect Shepard to take a step forward. The departure of Beckham leaves over 120 targets available. All of these targets came in just 12 games, too.

Shepard is currently being selected in the eighth round of Fantasy Football drafts according to FantasyData as the WR35. Considering that he finished last season as WR30, this is a great value at this point. Especially with his role expanding in this offense. We should expect a career-high volume of targets that could surpass 110, and an increase in both yards and touchdowns. The presence of Saquon Barkley should play into Shepard’s favor as well. This is a Giants offense that will revolve around Barkley, and defenses will be well aware.

Playing his fourth NFL season, Shepard will be just 25 years old. We have yet to see him eclipse 1,000 yards receiving, but this could be the year. Shepard should be the Giants top receiving option, regardless of how the quarterback situation pans out. Outside of Golden Tate, there are no other wide receivers who will be pushing him for targets.

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