Fantasy sports leagues are often dominated by big-name stars, but the real winners are those who can identify breakout players before the rest of the competition catches on. Underrated players—also known as differential picks—can give you a massive advantage, especially in large fantasy leagues where having unique selections can set you apart. Here’s how to spot hidden gems before they explode in popularity.
Look Beyond Traditional Stats
Most fantasy players focus on basic stats like runs, goals, or wickets, but these don’t always tell the full story. Instead, dive into advanced metrics that can reveal hidden potential:
- Fantasy points per match (FPPM) shows players who are consistently scoring well despite low ownership.
- Expected goals (xG) and expected assists (xA) in football highlight players who are creating chances but may not have turned them into stats yet.
- Strike rate vs. economy rate in cricket can reveal bowlers who may not take many wickets but control games effectively.
- Touches in the final third (football) or boundary percentage (cricket) indicate players who are frequently involved in attacking plays.
A player who ranks highly in these stats but isn’t widely picked yet is likely to be a great differential.
Identify Players Benefiting from Injuries or Tactical Changes
One of the best ways to find underrated fantasy players is by identifying those who have recently moved into a more important role. This often happens due to:
- Injuries to key players, which open up opportunities for backups to shine.
- Tactical shifts, where a coach or manager moves a player into a more attacking or central role.
- Promotion in batting order, where a lower-order batter suddenly starts opening or batting higher up, increasing their chances to score points.
These changes often go unnoticed at first, but once a player starts delivering, their ownership skyrockets. Getting them early gives you an edge.
Watch Preseason and Domestic League Performances
Many fantasy players ignore lower-tier competitions, but domestic leagues and preseason matches are where future stars emerge. A player who performs well in domestic cricket or lower-league football often carries that form into the main season.
- In cricket, players coming off a strong domestic T20 season often get picked for international squads or franchise leagues.
- In football, preseason friendlies show which young players are getting more game time and could break into the starting lineup.
If you track these performances, you can pick up players before they become mainstream fantasy selections.
Check Ownership Percentages in Fantasy Leagues
Fantasy platforms often show ownership percentage, which indicates how many users have selected a particular player.
- High-performing but low-owned players are the best differentials.
- If a player has been consistently scoring points but remains under 5 percent ownership, they are likely to be a hidden gem.
- Players with dropping ownership despite improving performances may be overlooked due to past biases.
Combining ownership stats with recent performances can help you find undervalued picks before the masses catch on.
Follow Insider News and Manager Interviews
One of the best ways to stay ahead in fantasy sports is by tracking team news, press conferences, and insider reports. Managers often drop hints about which players are in form, who will get more minutes, or who is about to be given a bigger role.
- In football, watch for mentions of players “looking sharp in training” or “deserving more game time.”
- In cricket, coaches often talk about young players stepping up for future matches.
- Look for players who are heavily praised but not yet getting regular game time.
This type of information isn’t always reflected in stats immediately, but it can help you make a move before others react.
Be Ready to Act Fast
Underrated fantasy players don’t stay underrated for long. Once a player starts scoring big, their ownership shoots up, and their value might increase in leagues with price fluctuations.
- If you see a trend forming, such as a player getting more game time, improving stats, or a manager hyping them up, add them before everyone else does.
- Many fantasy leagues allow free transfers or wildcard changes at set points in the season—this is the best time to bring in hidden gems.
- Even if a player doesn’t perform immediately, having them before their breakout performance gives you a competitive edge.
Final Thoughts
Fantasy sports rewards those who can see value before everyone else. By looking beyond basic stats, tracking team news, and analyzing tactical shifts, you can identify players before they become mainstream picks.
The best fantasy players aren’t just those who pick the stars—they’re the ones who pick the next big stars before they explode. Keep an eye out, stay ahead of trends, and you’ll soon find yourself climbing the fantasy sports leaderboards.