Thankfully, the opening week saw relatively few impact injuries (save for JK Dobbins and Aaron Rodgers), but if you're seeking to replace an underperforming starter, our Week 2 fantasy sleeper list is here to give you an edge over your leaguemates. While it's crucial not to overreact to the season's first data point, we recognize the desire to replace an opening-week disappointment with a budding sleeper like Gus Edwards, Jordan Love, Zack Moss, Nico Collins, or Luke Musgrave.
We always stress that any of our sleeper picks could disappoint in Week 2. We try to take some chances with our sleeper picks because recommending a bunch of "must-starts" doesn't benefit anyone. You shouldn't start our sleeper picks over proven, early-round studs, but if your roster is already loaded with stars, then you don't need our advice anyway. If nothing else, our sleeper picks can help you find DFS values, as the prices of these players should be affordable.
Our season got off to a so-so start, with our biggest hits being Anthony Richardson and Puka Nacua, but overall, we had more whiffs than hits. We're focused on bouncing back in Week 2 and think this week's crop of sleeper picks will hit at a higher rate.
WEEK 2 FANTASY: Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
Secure your path to victory by utilizing our Week 2 sleeper picks.
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Week 2 Fantasy Sleepers: Running backs
Zack Moss, Colts @ Texans (Sloan Piva). Deon Jackson was terrible last week, totaling just 28 yards on 18 touches, and preseason darling Evan Hull (knee) is now on the IR. If Moss returns for Week 2 against the Texans, he's a borderline must-start. Houston surrendered the most rushing yards and TDs to RBs last season, and the Colts might be extra careful with rookie QB Anthony Richardson after he took a beating in Week 1. If Moss's arm is ready, be ready to fire him up.
Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs at Jaguars (Vinnie Iyer). This is the classic Andy Reid overcorrection of using his running game and his best overall back more after a tough Week 1 loss. Pacheco punched around the Jaguars in two meetings last year (177 yards), and he's a good bet to score this time.
Gus Edwards, Ravens @ Bengals (Matt Lutovsky). Justice Hill got the short TDs last week, but Edwards is the superior rusher, shown by his career 5.1 yards per carry. We expect him to assert his dominance in this backfield with JK Dobbins (Achilles) out for the year. Cincinnati allowed 142 rushing yards (4.3 yards per carry) to Cleveland’s RBs last week, so we think Edwards will find room to work.
WEEK 2 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Week 2 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Quarterbacks
Brock Purdy, 49ers @ Rams (Piva). Let's just face it, America: Brock Purdy is a damn good quarterback. He just went into Pittsburgh and put up 220 passing yards, 20 rushing yards, and two TDs, finishing as the QB10 in fantasy leagues. Now he draws a Rams secondary that PFF ranks last in the NFL. Sounds Purdy, purdy, purdy good to me.
Jordan Love, Packers at Falcons (Iyer). Here’s a similar pass defense matchup to the one Love enjoyed in Week 1 with good protection and favorable matchups for his wideouts and tight ends with the chance Christian Watson (hamstring) returns. Aaron Jones also will open up things for him on the ground and be key in the passing game again.
Daniel Jones, Giants @ Cardinals (Lutovsky). We know, we know – we watched Sunday night’s game, too. But remember, the NFL is all about matchups, and Jones is going from as tough as it gets to as easy as it gets in the span of a week. He’ll bounce back against a Cardinals’ defense that allowed a pair of TDs (one passing, one rushing) to Sam Howell last week.
WEEK 2 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Week 2 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Wide receivers
Mike Williams, Chargers @ Titans (Piva). Williams struggled last week against the Dolphins, getting banged up and struggling to find separation. This weekend presents a good bounce-back opportunity for him, as the Titans had the worst pass defense in the league last year and gave up some big pass plays last week against New Orleans.
Gabe Davis, Bills vs. Raiders (Iyer). Davis faced the brutal Jets secondary in Week 1, but now he'll enjoy a shot at some big plays against favorable coverage while Josh Allen has plenty of time to find him downfield.
Nico Collins, Texans vs. Colts (Lutovsky). Collins led the Texans with 80 yards and 11 targets last week, and this week he gets a softer defense that just allowed 241 passing yards and two passing TDs. He’ll volume his way to a WR3-caliber showing.
Week 2 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Tight ends
Hunter Henry, Patriots vs. Dolphins (Piva). Mac Jones quietly ranked second in QB fantasy points in Week 1, thanks in large part to his favorite target, Henry. The veteran made a couple of sick catches against the Eagles, including this one-handed snag in traffic, and finished with five catches for 56 yards and a TD. Meanwhile, Miami allowed Chargers tight ends to combine for five catches, 42 yards, and a score. Henry makes for a solid stream at home.
Luke Musgrave, Packers at Falcons (Iyer). Musgrave had only four targets against the Bears but made them count with three catches for 50 yards in his rookie debut. Now he faces a Falcons defense that gave up a 5-41-1 line to Hayden Hurst.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Titans vs. Chargers (Lutovsky). Okonkwo was shut out on just two official targets last week, but that was against a perennially tough TE defense. This week he faces a Chargers defense that was just shredded for 466 passing yards. Most of that damage was done by Miami’s talented wide receivers, but Okonkwo often lines up in the slot and has WR-like speed, so he can take advantage, too.
Week 2 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Defense
Atlanta Falcons vs. Packers (Piva). Atlanta produced three turnovers while limiting Carolina to 10 points and 3.9 yards per play last week. Now they draw a home game against Jordan Love and the young, upstart Packers at home? Sign us up.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Browns (Iyer). There’s a fair chance they were dropped in some leagues after not looking good against the 49ers, but that was the 49ers. Deshaun Watson wasn’t exactly clean against the Bengals, and now he doesn’t have Jack Conklin in pass protection. Also, expect a prime-time desperation bump.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Bears (Lutovsky). When in doubt, keep picking on Justin Fields. Chicago yielded four sacks and two turnovers at home last week, and Tampa generated two sacks and three takeaways on the road. The early trends line up nicely for Tampa owners.
