Many of you play in very deep leagues, and there are several big injuries with impact players sitting out in Week 2. While these players aren’t ideal plays if you’re looking for a deep sleeper, here are a few to consider.
QB Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders
Carr wasn’t highly desirable for fantasy this season, outside of leagues that start two quarterbacks or superflex formats. The Raiders did an excellent job protecting Carr in Week 1 against the Broncos, as he didn’t even get hit. Carr was 22-for-26 for 259 yards with a touchdown. The game script with be different this week with Carr trying to keep up the with the explosive Chiefs’ offense. It will lead to more plays for Carr. The Chiefs allowed Nick Foles and rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew to combine for 350 yards and three touchdown passes last week.
RB Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots
The Patriots always tend to surprise us, and they did last week with the usage of Rex Burkhead. Rookie running back Damien Harris was inactive, and Burkhead played 46 percent of the snaps last week in a blowout of the Steelers, 33-3. There were times when Burkhead was used in the backfield with James White. Burkhead had eight carries for 41 yards and caught five of his eight targets for 41 yards. His role could change from week to week, but the Patriots are 18.5-point favorites on the road against the Dolphins, and he could have a similar workload to last week if the Patriots have a big lead late.
RB Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers
The running back position can change quickly in the NFL. Mostert was on the roster bubble heading into training camp. In Week 2, he’s going to play a significant role behind starter Matt Breida after Tevin Coleman suffered a high-ankle sprain last week. Mostert had nine carries for 40 yards, one reception, forced five missed tackles and had a touchdown called back due to a penalty last week against the Buccaneers. Mostert should be in line for double-digit touches against the Bengals.
WR Travis Benjamin, Los Angeles Chargers
Benjamin becomes an even better play if Mike Williams is out. Williams has a knee injury and didn’t practice Thursday, and it appears he will miss the game. Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said he’s concerned about Williams and the team added wide receiver Anthony Johnson to the practice squad. Benjamin was the No. 3 receiver in Week 1 and played 48.4 percent of the snaps. While Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler could see more targets, tight end Hunter Henry is out, and Benjamin should benefit with more targets. The Lions pass defense was one of the worst last season and struggled in Week 1 against the Cardinals.
WR Mecole Hardman, Kansas City Chiefs
Hardman was quiet in Week 1 with one target and no receptions. He did play 78 percent of the snaps and was likely not a big part of the game plan with the team healthy going into the game. Then Tyreek Hill injured his clavicle and will miss about four-to-six weeks. That opens up more opportunity for Hardman, who runs a 4.33 40-yard dash. Hardman has big-play potential, especially with Patrick Mahomes throwing him the ball.
Trey Quinn, Washington Redskins
Terry McLaurin got most of the headlines among Redskins wide receivers after Week 1, and it was deserved. Quinn didn’t have a big game in Week 1 with four receptions for 33 yards with a touchdown on six targets. The matchup is good for Quinn this week against the Cowboys, who struggle defending the middle of the field and slot receivers. Giants tight end Evan Engram had 11 receptions for 116 yards against Dallas last week. The Redskins should be passing often in this game if the Cowboys offense looks as good as last week.
TE Vernon Davis, Washington Redskins
Tight end is a difficult position to fill if digging deep. There was hope Jordan Reed would return from his concussion this week, but reports on Friday indicate there’s less optimism Reed will return. If he’s out, Davis can be streamed. Davis had an impressive hurdle over an Eagles defender last week on his way to scoring a touchdown. He had four catches for 59 yards on seven targets last week and gets a solid matchup against Dallas.
