Today, I'll break down AFC South sleepers in the third part of my series, finding a sleeper for every NFL team, one division at a time. If you missed out on the start of this series, make sure to go and read the first article here!
The AFC South isn't the flashiest division in the league, but it's home to many undervalued fantasy players in 2025. With major roster changes, emerging young talent, new coaching staffs, and constant competition, the AFC South is primed to have sleepers that can win you your fantasy league.
So get ready, as I break down the AFC South sleepers, finding late-round gems and secret weapons for deep fantasy football playoff runs.
Brenton Strange
Jacksonville Jaguars - TE
With the departure of lead tight end Evan Engram, the starting role in the Jaguars’ offense is being filled by third-year tight end Brenton Strange.
This transition into the lead role makes Strange a primary target in the Jaguars' offense, as offensive coordinator Grant Udinski noted Strange’s improved route running and ability to take a larger role in training camp.
Strange looks to replicate the production he had last year in the absence of Engram, where he had four top-ten tight end performances in weeks 2,3,5, and 15.
With Strange having an ADP of 184, there is immense value in using your late-round pick on him, as he has an improved offensive scheme and looks to have a more prominent role in the offense.
Strange’s familiarity with starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence (who propelled former starter Evan Engram to two top-five finishes in 2022 and 2023) bodes well for Strange to produce at a high level this season.
As the Jaguars look to rebound from a lackluster season in 2024, expect to see Strange as a crucial piece in Liam Coen’s new offense, making him a must-grab player in 2025.
Jaylin Noel
Houston Texans - WR
The Texans’ receiving room has changed immensely since last season, with Tank Dell out for the entirety of the 2025 season and Stefon Diggs heading to the New England Patriots in free agency.
Due to these changes, the Texans heavily pursued the receiver position in the 2025 NFL Draft, adding Jayden Higgins in the second round and Jaylin Noel in the third round.
Noel has been impressing throughout camp and has been praised for his energy and tempo when he plays, while showcasing his elite speed and hands in his preseason debut.
Noel’s college production showcases his explosive ability, as he posted 1,194 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns in 2024, while also making elite special teams contributions, earning him the Big-12 Special Teams Player of the Year award.
With new offensive coordinator Nick Caley being hired this offseason, the Texans are built to spread the football out, and Noel offers himself as a dynamic receiving threat who's primed to take over the Texans’ slot receiver role.
With Noel currently being taken as the WR81, with an ADP of 240 on Sleeper, Noel’s upside is potentially league-winning value if he can win the slot receiver role from Christian Kirk.
Noel fits the classic late-round, high upside sleeper pick that wins leagues every year, and should be a must-grab at his current value.
Michael Pittman Jr
Indianapolis Colts - WR
While 2024 wasn't a great season for Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr, he’s still thoroughly entrenched as the Colts' WR1, being under contract until 2026.
As mentioned earlier, Pittman's 2024 season was lackluster, finishing with 69 receptions, 808 receiving yards, and 3 touchdowns, but context is crucial in his situation.
Pittman played through a serious back injury in 2024, limiting his ability to play at a high level and crippled his efficiency.
Even through this injury, Pittman commanded a 22.6% target share, solidifying his importance to the team, and looks to bounce back to his 2023 season, where he finished as the WR13 overall.
Before 2024, Pittman finished as a top-20 wide receiver in the previous three seasons, as @PPRFantasyTips on X says in this post.
Due to his down year, Pittman’s ADP has fallen heavily and has settled at 117, making him a late ninth-round pick at the moment.
This value for Pittman offers league-winning upside if either Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones propel this offense to the next level.
Pittman’s value comes through his volume, as we can expect a 90% snap share this upcoming season, paired with a similar target share as last season, which would give Pittman high WR2 upside.
Look to grab Pittman late in your drafts, as he’s locked in as a WR1 with an elite workload and is primed for a return to his former self in 2025, making him a steal at his ADP.
Tyjae Spears
Tennessee Titans - RB
Former third-round pick Tyjae Spears is poised for a larger role in the Titans’ offense this season, after showing flashes of elite production to end the 2024 season.
Spears has had a lackluster NFL career to date, as he has been plagued by injuries and has struggled to fight his way up the depth chart, backing up both Derrick Henry and Tony Pollard to start his career.
Heading into the 2025 season, head coach Brian Callahan is looking to spread out touches in the Titans’ offense more equally, boding well for Spears’ fantasy production.
Spears impressed at the end of the 2024 season, averaging 20.7 fantasy points per game from weeks 15-17, with Tony Pollard limited due to his injury.
While Tyjae suffered an injury before preseason, it was found to be a high-ankle sprain, and Spears should be healthy for week 1, meaning his value should remain similar.
Spears is currently going off the board in the middle of the eleventh round, offering immense upside as a high-end flex option, with potential to reach RB2 levels if he takes over the Titans’ rushing attack.
Final Thoughts
While the AFC South might not have the flashiest names in the NFL, it offers a goldmine of underrated fantasy talents, which I outlined with the four names above.
All of these players offer league-winning upside in 2025, and should be targets heading into your 2025 fantasy football drafts.
If you missed the first two articles of this series, make sure to go read the AFC North and NFC North articles on the site!
Next up in the series is the NFC South, so make sure to come back and see what sleepers can help you win your league in 2025!