In what amounted to a disappointing season for the New Orleans Saints, sophomore wide receiver Rashid Shaheed would emerge as a bright spot and a potential fantasy football sleeper. With Michael Thomas continuing to miss time and fading out of the target share when on the field, Shaheed would more than double his year-to-year targets (34-to-71) en route to a WR49 finish in half-PPR points per game (8.4).
Below, we’ll take a look at how Thomas’ departure and the installation of a new offensive coordinator might affect Shaheed in 2024. Shaheed is currently coming off the board with an average draft position (ADP) of 12.09. As the WR59 in drafts, he has several ways to outkick his current ADP, making him a fantasy football sleeper in PPR and non-PPR leagues this season.
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Rashid Shaheed WR Profile
Coming out of small-school Weber State as an undrafted rookie, Rashid Shaheed had trouble seeing the field much in his first year. A healthy inactive through the first five weeks of 2022, he was used as a special-teamer from Weeks 6-10 more than an offensive threat.
Two explosive plays in the middle of that season earned up more playing time in the back end: a 44-yard touchdown run and a 53-yard receiving score. The UDFA would eventually get the starting nod for the Saints’ final five games, accruing a 20-324-1 stat line on 23 targets and setting the table for his sophomore outing.
Shaheed would have a much better second half of the 2023 season, producing a 26-393-3 line in eight healthy games while scoring 14+ half-PPR points on three occasions. Though his speedy, slender frame profiles him as a boom-or-bust fantasy option, a healthy Derek Carr and some changes to the offense could result in more of the former and less of the latter.
*Take a look at Justin Edwards’ full player profile here*
Fantasy Football Sleeper: An ADP Bargain
Currently coming off of 2023 fantasy football draft boards at 12.09 as the WR59, drafters are proceeding with caution because of the ambiguity of the Saints wide receiver situation. But with the lack of competition now in New Orleans, Shaheed could be taking a far bigger load heading into his third season. 4for4 currently has Shaheed projected for a 55-829-5.1 receiving line, pointing toward his ability to make splash plays.
There is downside for Shaheed in an offense that looked out of sync at times last season, but we could be in store for some big spike weeks throughout the season.
*Check out 4for4’s Award-Winning Rankings Here*
You can check out Justin Edwards’ complete write-up on Rashid Shaheed at 4for4:
What is a fantasy football sleeper?
A fantasy football sleeper refers to a player who is typically undervalued or overlooked during the drafting process but has the potential to exceed expectations and provide significant fantasy production.
Who are some other wide receiver fantasy football sleepers for the 2024 season?
Some running back sleepers for the 2024 fantasy football season include breakout candidates, rookie players who could have a significant impact, and players who are expected to take on larger roles in their respective backfields.
What factors should I consider when evaluating a fantasy football sleeper?
When evaluating a sleeper for fantasy football, you should consider factors such as their potential role in their team’s offense, their past performance and production, any changes in their situation (such as a new team or coaching staff), and their overall talent and skill set.
Is it a good strategy to target fantasy football sleepers in drafts?
Targeting sleepers in fantasy football drafts can be a good strategy, as it allows you to potentially find undervalued players who can provide significant fantasy production. However, it is important to also balance your roster with more established and consistent players.
How can I identify potential fantasy football sleepers 2024?
To identify potential sleepers in fantasy football, you can research players who have the potential for increased playing time, those who are in favorable offensive systems, those who have had strong performances in previous seasons, and those who may be flying under the radar due to various reasons.
Who is wide receiver Rashid Shaheed?
Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is a rising star in the NFL, known for his explosive speed and playmaking ability. In his rookie season in 2022, he quickly made a name for himself as one of the league’s top pass-catching receivers.
With impressive yards per reception and yards after contact per catch, he quickly became a favorite target for his quarterback. Despite being on a crowded depth chart, he managed to find the best fantasy play opportunities and finished as a top-20 fantasy starter on many occasions. Still only 26 years old, he has room to grow and is poised for even more success in the upcoming fantasy football 2024 season.
Who are some current RB fantasy football sleeper candidates going outside of the top ten rounds?
Some options for fantasy managers might include Jerome Ford, Trey Benson, or J.K. Dobbins.
Who are some other top fantasy football wide receiver sleepers in PPR leagues?
Some sleeper wide receiver picks for fantasy leagues include Curtis Samuel, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Joshua Palmer.
*Check out 4for4’s Award-Winning Fantasy Football Rankings Here*