Download Sleeper Picks
Baldomero Cramer
As we enter into the heart of fantasy football draft season, the ESPN Fantasy Football experts are here to bring you their latest sleepers, busts and breakout players for the 2023 campaign. Interpretations of the terms can vary for each, but for our purposes, they are defined here:
Each analyst named a sleeper and a bust for each of the major offensive positions, as well as one breakout candidate. You can find their picks below and their analysis and insight on a selection of players they felt most passionate about in each category.
Penny's injury history has to be discussed here. He has played in just 18 games over the past three seasons. But given his current ADP (RB40) and the offensive fit in Philly as a zone runner with big-play juice, Penny is an ideal sleeper candidate. If healthy and available on game days, Penny could emerge as an early-down back for a run-oriented Eagles team behind one of the league's top offensive fronts. And that means rushing volume with scoring opportunities inside the low red zone area of the field.
It can be tough to find sleeper tight ends given that history has shown us a lack of depth at the position is a consistent theme, but Okonkwko is a good one. While his raw rookie numbers might not catch the eye (32 catches, 450 yards, 3 TDs), a deeper dive underscores just how athletic he is; his 14.1 yards per catch led all tight ends in 2022, while over 20% of his catches (seven) went for at least 20 yards. The per-catch metrics suggest he just needs more opportunity, something he should be afforded with Austin Hooper departing in free agency. I love Okonkwo's game.
With the All-MLB Team presented by MGM Rewards announced Saturday night during the inaugural All-MLB Weekend in Las Vegas, we turn our attention to 2024 and ask: Which players could be sleeper picks to be named to their first All-MLB squad next year?
Okonkwo was on plenty of sleeper lists this summer, and that already goes down as a loss. We're into the middle of December and Okonkwo still doesn't have a touchdown, and the Titans are not a proactive passing team. But say this for Okonkwo, he's become the team's second-most important target, averaging four catches for 51 yards over the last three games.
Mullens has been around the block; he's logged 17 starts over a seven-year career, and he's been inside the Minnesota building for almost two years. His time in San Francisco wasn't bad: 16 starts, 25 touchdowns, 22 picks, a 7.7 YPA. Kevin O'Connell is something of a quarterback whisperer, and Minnesota has legitimate downfield weapons. Cincinnati has been a top-10 defense to target with respect to fantasy points allowed. Maybe Mullens can come through with a holiday miracle.
NOTE: Sleepers are players taken in the later rounds who can vastly outperform their average draft position. They can be young players who have scratched the surface or more experienced players who have performed well in the NHL before but remain underrated or overlooked in fantasy for any reason(s). Sleepers below are listed in order of NHL.com fantasy rank. These picks are a collaborative effort by Pete Jensen and Anna Dua.
As we draw nearer to the 2024 season, gym fans everywhere are preparing for their fantasy drafts. From freshmen to transfers and injury returners, it can be hard to keep track of all of the gems out there. We rounded up 10 picks who might be flying under the radar that you might want to add to your draft and help your team shine come January.
With that, members of our staff have each picked a long shot. The hope is, of course, we help you with your own weekly picks, whether those are for a low-stakes office fantasy league, or (legal!) big-bucks bets with a sportsbook.
Sleeper pick: Padraig Harrington, +10,000. The two-time Claret Jug winner has been burning up the senior circuit, made the cut in the past two majors and has been hitting the ball about as well as he has during any point in his career. Heck, not even sure if he qualifies as a sleeper!
Signing up for an account is easier than doing something that is very easy, like drinking water from a glass. All you have to do is follow a few steps and you are ready to start making Over/Under picks and drafting teams.
Our team came up with a list of the best pillows for side sleepers. These selections are based on our own product research and hands-on testing. We evaluate pillows using a detailed methodology that takes multiple factors into account. Key performance areas during these tests include shape retention, moldability, temperature control, and conforming. Our team also takes weight, firmness options, and ease of cleaning into account.
Side sleepers usually feel most comfortable on thick pillows that fully support the head and neck. We recommend the Saatva Latex Pillow because the adjustable loft can be customized to your ideal thickness, and the bouncy feel of the latex generates plenty of support.
Most side sleepers feel comfortable using high-loft pillows because added thickness ensures adequate head and neck support. However, some who favor this position prefer low- to medium-loft instead. The Saatva Latex Pillow has an adjustable design that served all side sleepers on our test team regardless of their loft leanings.
All the side sleepers on our team enjoyed the soft to medium feel of the Loft Pillow, regardless of their body type. The pillow measures 8 inches thick when completely filled, which is considered a high loft. Thick pillows are helpful for side sleepers, since it keeps the head supported and properly aligned with the neck and spine. However, you can remove fill at any time to achieve a lower loft if this feels more comfortable. Each pillow comes with a bag of shredded fill to use as needed.
Our testing found the down alternative construction and medium feel a great option for side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, as well as back sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds. People in higher weight categories may find their heads sink too deeply, which may cause neck strain, while stomach sleepers will likely find the pillow too firm and thick.
While the pillow was thick enough for most side and back sleepers on our team, the fill may flatten over time. Whenever this occurs, you can re-expand the shape by placing the pillow in any household dryer. The entire pillow is fully machine-washable, so cleaning is a quick and easy process. Simply wash on a cold, gentle cycle and tumble dry on low.
The latex offers natural cooling properties, so hot sleepers on our team favored this pillow. You can pick between two loft levels. The 4-inch option is a mid-range profile that is most suitable to back sleepers but could also benefit combination sleepers who switch between the side and back positions. If you sleep exclusively on your side, you should opt for the 6-inch loft. The thicker profile offers ample support by filling in the space between your neck and the bed surface. Both thickness options carry the same sticker price.
Each density level has a distinct feel. Most side sleepers on our team preferred the firm density for its exceptional support. This design compresses very little, ensuring ample cushioning to fill the space between your head and downward-facing shoulder. Some of our side sleepers also felt comfortable with the medium-density pillow, whereas the soft design earned its highest ratings from back and stomach sleepers.
Many foam pillows we test trap too much heat for many of our hot sleepers, but the Layla Kapok Pillow is a notable exception. Cooling infusions, airflow through the shredded foam and kapok fiber fill, and a breathable cover kept the pillow cool throughout testing.
The pillow measures 4 inches thick, which we rate as medium loft. The side sleepers on our team enjoyed the loft because it provided excellent cushioning for the head and neck without sinking too deeply or feeling too tall. For many, this results in even spinal alignment. We found the pillow was highly moldable and snuggly, making it a good option for people who prefer cuddling with a pillow while they sleep. Our testers also enjoyed using the pillow beneath the legs or between the knees.
When we test a pillow, we collect data across nine major performance categories and combine these results with real-world feedback. We use tools and tech to monitor qualities like conforming, temperature control, and heat retention. In order to ensure our findings are inclusive of all sleepers, our team consists of people with varying body types and sleep positions.
The most popular pillow sizes are standard, queen, and king. However, some manufacturers offer additional sizes to accommodate sleepers with different preferences. The following table lists facts and figures for the five most common pillow sizes. For the dimensions column, please note these are average measurements that will differ from brand to brand.
Choose the Right Mattress: The best mattress for side sleepers will provide ample cushioning to the shoulders and hips in order to align the spine and alleviate pressure in different areas. Most side sleepers on our test team prefer mattresses with softer feels that conform closely to the body without sinking too much beneath their heavier areas.
Use a Pillow Between the Knees: A pillow between the knees can also improve spinal alignment and reduce pressure in the lower back and hips. Pillows filled with down/feathers, shredded foam, and other moldable materials tend to be most comfortable. You may also find more comfort and pressure relief by placing the pillow beneath your legs.
Invest in a Mattress Topper: A topper is a single layer of cushioning material placed on top of your mattress. Toppers can measure up to 4 inches thick, so using one can make your mattress feel significantly softer or firmer. For side sleepers, the right topper can mean closer conforming, better spinal alignment, and less pressure.
Riddick's sleeper picks were Texas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, LSU defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy, Michigan State receiver Jayden Reed, Tulane running back Tyjae Spears and Iowa cornerback Riley Moss.
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