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Fantasy Football Week 2: Best Sleeper from Each Game

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Need to find a fantasy football sleeper to put you over the edge? Find one from every game being played in Week 2.

In fantasy football, a sleeper is a golden ticket. Its the player you can use as the ultimate wild card to win your matchup, to collect some nice cash in DFS, or as a way to show off your football genius to the plebs on Twitter.

After one week of action, the fantasy football landscape seems to be in disarray. A couple of players got hurt, a few players didn’t feature heavily in their team’s gameplans, and others came out of nowhere to produce strong weeks.

Who is legit? Who was a one-hit wonder? And who has a chance to take the fantasy world by a storm in Week 2?

We like to boil the NFL down to matchups, but it is important to remember that these matchups aren’t one-on-one. No, football is far more complicated than that, because if it weren’t, we’d just have to look at stats to make decisions (things would operate more like baseball).

Keep this in mind whenever you pick a sleeper, because NFL players don’t line up against the same individual on every play, nor do they operate independently of their offense.

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) celebrates with wide receiver Eli Rogers (17) after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers vs Bengals: Eli Rogers, WR (Steelers)

Identifying a sleeper in this game wasn’t easy, but I’ve decided to select a chain-moving slot receiver who can get some receptions for your PPR team. He caught a somewhat fluky touchdown pass against the Washington Redskins, but there’s always a chance he laps up another one.

The Steelers passing attack is based on airing it out, but the Bengals have traditionally done a great job of keeping the deep ball under wraps. Even without Reggie Nelson, they are still incredibly talented at the safety position, and I could see Ben Roethlisberger having to check down to Rogers more often than you might think.

After an encouraging debut, Rogers could have a favorable matchup on tap. Remember, the Bengals allowed just 9.95 yards per completion to a Jets offense that is known for aggressive downfield plays, because they kept Nos. 1 and 2 receivers Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall under wraps.

They won’t do the same to Antonio Brown, but the Steelers offense can support many mouths in the passing game. Even though Markus Wheaton will suit up, I think Rogers is worth rolling the dice on, especially if you don’t have suitable options at wide receiver.

Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) runs the ball in the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. the Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts by the score of 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Lions vs Titans: Marvin Jones, WR (Lions)

Look, I get it. How can a team’s most-targeted wide receiver from Week 1 be regarded as a fantasy sleeper? Not only do I want the opportunity to talk a little bit about a wide receiver I enjoy watching, but I also feel like he’s being undervalued relative to the opportunity in front of him this week.

Although the Lions  have multiple options and won’t force-feed Jones, it is worth noting that the Minnesota Vikings were able to get a 100-yard performance from Stefon Diggs in Week 1. He torched a Tennessee Titans pass defense that is among the worst in the NFL and just might be the worst at defending the deep ball.

Jones is the Lions best big-play threat, and the whole world saw that in their 39-35 win over the Indianapolis Colts. He is currently ranked 25th for this week as a consensus in the fantasy football industry, but that’s just too low.

Maybe Matthew Stafford and Jones still don’t have the best connection, but I like his chances of reeling off a couple of big plays. Plus, he has touchdown upside, even with the likes of Golden Tate, Eric Ebron, and Anquan Boldin infringing on his TD chances.

The only worry is that this game could get ugly too quickly, cutting off Jones’s potential to rack up enough yardage.

Sep 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) carries the ball as tight end Dennis Pitta (88) blocks Buffalo Bills strong safety Aaron Williams (23) during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens won 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Browns vs Ravens: Mike Wallace, WR (Ravens)

Mike Wallace is one wide receiver who could make you some money this week, because the Cleveland Browns have, like, no cornerbacks. They don’t care about winning this season, and they want you to know that you can throw it against them with reckless abandon. If you think Carson Wentz and his merry band of Nelson Agholor, Jordan Matthews, and Zach Ertz did some damage to Cleveland in Week 1, then wait until you see what Joe Flacco‘s gang has in store.

It seems like Steve Smith Sr. is still shaking off some rust, so you had better believe that Wallace is ready to pick up the slack. After proving me wrong by showing game-changing wheels on his 66-yard TD reception, Wallace will be ready to score some more in Week 2.

I like his chances of picking up another long touchdown, and I just don’t think there’s anyone on the Browns who can stop him in the red zone. For as much as Wallace is praised for his deep speed, some of us tend to forget just how good he is at those end zone fades. Look for him to lead the Ravens receivers in Week 2, unless if Smith comes charging back after a tame Week 1.

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson (25) is congratulated by quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys vs Redskins: Chris Thompson, RB (Redskins)

I know a few people who are already scraping the bottom of the barrel, looking for a somewhat respectable running back option in Week 2.

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The Washington Redskins have the worst running game in the NFL, and it’s something Kirk Cousins will be held back by until someone steps up. I can’t tell you who that will be or if that will happen, but I do think the Redskins running game has a chance to be at least somewhat average against Dallas.

More importantly, Thompson is the Redskins starting running back. Sure, Jones had more touches last week, and, in general, that’s what counts in fantasy. However, Thompson had the touchdown, more receiving yards, and simply looked like the better player. And oh yeah, the speedy pass-catching back out-snapped the heck out of Jones.

If you are in a bind at running back, start Thompson against a team that is subpar against the run and barely average at covering RBs.

Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive back Reggie Nelson (27) pushes New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) out of bounds after a catch in the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Saints vs Giants: Michael Thomas, WR (Saints)

During the pre-draft process, I did my best to pump up Michael Thomas’s stock, and I said some somewhat hyperbolic things about him after the draft.

Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead absolutely destroyed the Oakland Raiders secondary in a 35-34 loss, but I think this is Thomas’s week to shine. We all saw how the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants gave us an epic fest of scoring in 2015, and many of us expect the same this year. I mean, both offenses only got better.

There will be multiple displays of dominance in the Saints passing attack, and while the cat is already out of the bag on Cooks and Snead, there are still those who don’t understand just how good Thomas is. Beyond the fact that he’s a slippery beast after the catch, Thomas is one of the NFL’s best route-runners. Yes, I understand he’s just a rookie, but he has the technique of a ten-year veteran.

Thomas caught six passes for 58 yards last week, as none of the targets Drew Brees sent his way fell incomplete. I see bigger plays on the horizon for Thomas, who is smart enough to take advantage of the times Janoris Jenkins will inevitably gamble. Considering how often Thomas faced the RCB last week—he barely lined up in the slot—I see some entertaining matchups with Jenkins on the horizon.

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess (17) against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

49ers vs Panthers: Devin Funchess, WR (Panthers)

There are a lot of ways we can try and unearth a sleeper in this tilt between the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers, but what’s more important to me is the space underneath that the Panthers can exploit against San Francisco.

I think Cam Newton needs Devin Funchess to become a more consistent chain-mover for this offense, because he has the size to pick up critical first downs. The first week of Funchess’s purported breakout season was a flat-out disaster, because he caught just one pass on four targets for nine yards.

That said, he was also playing against the NFL’s best pass defense in the Denver Broncos. The San Francisco 49ers are not in that stratosphere (duh), and I just don’t like their CB depth.

I also don’t think they will be able to handle the size mis-match Funchess brings to the table. I also like Funchess’s TD upside, and this is a great chance for a talented player to right the ship.

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins vs Patriots: LeGarrette Blount, RB (Patriots)

The more I think about it, the more I realize that LeGarrette Blount is the NFL’s most underrated back. People just don’t seem to appreciate how important a bulldozing back can be, particularly in an offense that relies so much on shorter passes. Without Blount, the Patriots offense isn’t as multi-dimensional as you might think, and New England knows that Jimmy Garoppolo‘s best friend is a powerful running game.

Blount keeps defenses honest, and I think he should be ranked higher than 25th as the Pats head into this week’s tilt at home against the rival Miami Dolphins.

He has no role in the passing game and is not terribly efficient, but Blount is capable of scoring touchdowns and chewing clock. Those two things will come in handy in what should be a close game against a better-coached Miami team that won’t whittle and die. Yes, they blew it at the end against the Seattle Seahawks, but it sure was impressive to see how closely they played an elite Seattle team.

Miami allowed the most fantasy points per game to running backs last year, and it only takes one touchdown for Blount to have a tidy fantasy week.

Sep 1, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Chris Conley (17) high fives young fans before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs vs Texans: Chris Conley, WR (Chiefs)

The Chiefs don’t usually dial up deep passes with Alex Smith under center, and when they do, they usually call for star Jeremy Maclin to come up with the play. Maclin did this twice in the Chiefs come-from-behind win over the rival San Diego Chargers in Week 1, but it is worth noting that Kansas City also tried to get second-year pro Chris Conley involved on a couple of deeper passes.

Conley, who boasts a 45-inch vertical, came into the season as a mildly hyped-up player. In Week 1, he tied a career high with seven targets, and I wonder if he could be in store for a similar workload in Week 2. If so, I think there’s a good chance he makes it count, because the Houston Texans don’t have the fastest cornerbacks or the best coverage safeties.

A risky play, Conley has the playmaking ability to be worth a deep flier. Everybody knows how deadly Will Fuller can be, so if you want a young sleeper receiver in this Chiefs-Texans game, don’t ignore Conley, who is locked in as the Chiefs No. 2 wideout.

Sep 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) is pursued by Miami Dolphins free safety Michael Thomas (31) during a NFL game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Seahawks vs Rams: Tyler Lockett, WR (Seahawks)

Unless if the Rams wise up and finally decide to start Tyler Higbee over the undistinguished Lance Kendricks, there’s no point in hoping Los Angeles will pull through with a sleeper. The best thing you can do is roll the dice on Tyler Lockett and hope that one of the NFL’s most electrifying players turns in a bounce-back display.

Lockett struggled in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, catching just three passes for 17 yards on eight targets. If it weren’t for Kenny Stills‘s egregious drop and the need for people on Twitter to be racist, Lockett’s day would have been talked about more often as a disappointing fantasy outing from a wide receiver.

Then again, you can be smart and see the silver lining, which is the fact that Lockett earned eight targets. Jermaine Kearse had the much better game with five catches for 57 yards, but Lockett did have more targets.

The Rams might not have an answer for Lockett’s speed and fluidity, and it will be interesting to see how often the Seahawks line him up in the slot.

Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Charles Sims (34) reacts with quarterback Jameis Winston (3) after scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers vs Cardinals: Charles Sims, RB (Bucs)

It’s always a risk to play a running back whose touches aren’t guaranteed, seeing as how Charles Sims earned just four carries and had just nine yards against the Atlanta Falcons. However, as his touchdown pass showed us, Sims has real playmaking ability in space. And as his 51 receptions, four receiving touchdowns, and 4.9 yards per carry in 2015 displayed, Sims has real talent when he is given the opportunity to shine.

Last season, the Arizona Cardinals gave up 9.8 yards per reception to running backs, which means that they were susceptible to good pass-catching RBs making plays against them. Sims has a chance to do some damage here against a stingy defense with an upgraded pass rush. I have trouble envisioning the Cardinals linebackers doing a solid job of covering Sims in the passing game, so consider him a sneaky potential play at the running back position for Week 2.

Sep 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) goes after Jacksonville Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon (24) during the second half of a football game at EverBank Field.The Green Bay Packers won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Jaguars vs Chargers: T.J. Yeldon, RB (Jaguars)

Even though he had a lousy, inefficient Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers, don’t give up on T.J. Yeldon just yet. The Jacksonville Jaguars second-year back out of Alabama is locked in as the Week 2 starter with Chris Ivory ruled out for a second straight game, and he won’t have to face No. 3 overall pick Joey Bosa either.

The San Diego Chargers gave up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to running backs in 2015, and it looks like they got worse. Spencer Ware had no problems with bringing the pain against San Diego last week, putting up 70 yards and a TD on just 11 carries.

Yeldon isn’t an elite pass-catching back, but the consensus is that he’s solid in this department and can take what the defense gives him in the passing game. Just last week, he caught four passes against Green Bay.

Ware had 129 receiving yards and a touchdown against San Diego, so let’s just say that Yeldon could give fantasy owners a bonus in the passing game.

Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons vs Raiders: Matt Ryan, QB (Falcons)

This is another game that doesn’t have an obvious sleeper, since I’m sure most of you are starting running backs Devonta Freeman and Latavius Murray this week.

Matt Ryan tends to get more hate than he deserves, but even if you are one of his critics, you have to remember that separating real-life and fantasy analysis is important.

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As far as I’m concerned, Ryan is an excellent streaming option in fantasy, because the Falcons defense tends to get itself into shootouts. Last week, Atlanta couldn’t help but embarrass itself defensively against Jameis Winston‘s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, continually allowing wide receivers to get open vertically or simply failing to tackle a running back on a dump-off pass.

Ryan will, once again, have plenty of work to do, because the Oakland Raiders launched an aerial assault in Week 1. While that’s quite easy to do against the New Orleans Saints, watching Derek Carr and Amari Cooper carve a team wide open was entertaining.

In Week 1, Ryan crushed 334 yards and two touchdowns. Even though Drew Brees had no problem dismantling the Raiders defense, I can’t see how a unit that fields David Amerson, Sean Smith, and Reggie Nelson is worse than the Buccaneers secondary.

That said, with Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu by his side, Ryan finally has two wide receivers with the athleticism necessary to support a high-volume passing attack that won’t necessitate him taking unnecessary risks just to get the ball to a wide receiver who cannot gain separation. Yes, that is a Roddy White reference.

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Virgil Green (85) against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Colts vs Broncos: Virgil Green, TE (Broncos)

If you want to go with an obvious sleeper, then do yourself a favor and start Indianapolis Colts deep threat Phillip Dorsett, whom I briefly profiled here. Now, if you want to go deeper and need to start a tight end, then perhaps you might like to give Virgil Green a try.

With Jeff Heuerman set to return, starting Green could be risky, but I doubt Heuerman gets much playing time, seeing as how he would be making his regular season debut after a lengthy absence (more than one year) due to injuries.

Green is not a very good player, but he can block, he didn’t embarrass himself as a pass-catcher in Week 1, and he can score touchdowns.

It’s hard to find good tight ends in fantasy, and if you are already desperate for TE help, Green is an OK touchdown-dependent option. The Colts defense hasn’t exactly been great at defending tight ends, as Eric Ebron caught all five of his targets last week with a touchdown.

With Demaryius Thomas set to play on an injured hip and a subpar, weak-armed quarterback at the helm, the tight end will take on greater importance in the Broncos ball-control offense.

Sep 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) scores a touchdown over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Davon House (31) during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Packers vs Vikings: Davante Adams, WR (Packers)

It was either this or Adam Thielen, and I’m not prepared to go that route either. Davante Adams caught a touchdown pass that was mostly due to the miraculous pocket mobility, arm strength, and sheer athleticism that Aaron “GOAT” Rodgers displayed, but give props to Adams for not dropping the pass. It was a difficult grab, and Adams turned it into six points.

Quietly, Adams also led the Packers with four deep targets, which is something to watch for as he gets ready to face a Vikings defense that will lack Sharrif Floyd and Xavier Rhodes on Sunday.

Randall Cobb should have the biggest day of the Packers pass-catchers, and Jordy Nelson remains the team’s best touchdown threat. However, Adams is capable of scoring, too, and I think he could find some soft matchups against the Vikings. Adams has become a frequent punching back, but he’s a starter in the Packers offense right now and will continue to command targets. Against a slightly hobbled Vikings secondary, Adams has a chance to rack up some more stats, even if he will likely continue to be inefficient with his targets.

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor (17) is tackled by Cleveland Browns Jamar Taylor (21) after making a catch during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Bears vs Eagles: Nelson Agholor, WR (Eagles)

After a disastrous rookie season, Philadelphia Eagles 2015 first-round pick Nelson Agholor looked like a capable wide receiver in Week 1, catching four of Carson Wentz’s passes for 57 yards. One of those receptions came from a beautifully-thrown 35-yard ball that went for six, and just one of Agholor’s targets fell incomplete.

It looks like the Bears have depth problems at the wide receiver position, and they had problems stopping Will Fuller from making big plays after the catch. Agholor looks like the Eagles best threat after the catch, at least if you don’t count running back Darren Sproles.

Jordan Matthews is, of course, the Eagles money wide receiver, especially with Zach Ertz’s Week 2 status completely up in the air. However, Agholor is the Eagles best sleeper receiver, and I wonder how many targets he’ll see over the middle of the field against this defense.

Wentz at quarterback looks like the best thing that could have happened to Agholor’s career, so we’ll see if he carries that momentum against a beatable Bears secondary.

Then again, it all may have just been the Browns defense, since he beat a shell-of-his-former-self Joe Haden for his touchdown catch.

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