A sleeper is a team or player under the radar — not highly rated and receiving little media attention — but with the potential to outperform expectations.

Sleepers are attractive for bettors because odds are often favorable when the market has not yet recognized the team’s true potential.

• Example: A mid-tier NFL team expected to lose might be a sleeper if underlying stats or matchup indicators point to a possible upset.

• Betting note: Betting on sleepers can be rewarding but requires careful research; look for hidden strengths, favorable matchups, or recent improvements that the market has overlooked.