Fantasy Football: 9 Sleeper Wide Receivers to Target in 2018

Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys

If Michael Gallup continues performing the same way he did in the preseason opener, he might not stay a sleeper for long, but for now, he's available in the 13th round of 12-team PPR mock drafts. And while there's risk drafting a rookie wide receiver on a Dallas Cowboys team that is projected to be a run-heavy offense, Gallup is a possible candidate to absorb a meaningful portion of the targets and opportunities left over by Dez Bryant and Jason Witten.

Each of the last three seasons saw Bryant and Witten combine for at least 175 targets (175, 191 and 219) and at least 6 touchdowns (6, 11, 11).

There have been recent reports indicating the team's desire to use Ezekiel Elliott more in the passing game, but during his 15 seasons as an offensive coordinator or head coach, Scott Linehan's top running back has received a below-league-average target share eight times, including each of Elliott's first two seasons. Barring a substantial philosophy change, Zeke appears unlikely to take over a significant number of the targets previously allocated to Witten and Bryant.

Allen Hurns is the current favorite to be the team's number-one wideout based on the contract he signed, and incumbent contributors Cole Beasley and Terrance Williams still remain as threats to play consistently. This means that preseason usage and snap counts will critical to monitor as we approach the start of the year.

In preseason game one, Gallup was the leader in the clubhouse among these four, playing 24 of the team's 60 snaps. And while the 30-yard touchdown was eye-catching, the constant presence and three total targets provide an even better outlook for the rookie.

Linehan's second wideout has averaged a 16.6% target share during his three seasons with the Cowboys, and Dak Prescott has averaged 475 attempts across his two seasons in the NFL. That equates to roughly 78 targets for the player in that role, and that's well worth a draft pick in the 13th round.

Dallas' target share is totally up for grabs, and it'll be interesting to see how it plays out. At a minimum, Gallup looks to be a worthwhile dart throw who should see the field a good amount as a rookie. And there's upside for more if he hits the ground running. - Matt Wispe