Week 1 Fantasy Football Sleepers
The NFL season is just around the corner, and with it, Week 1 of fantasy football is here.
But let’s be honest—Week 1 is the wildest and most unpredictable week of the NFL season. Fantasy managers are left guessing how teams will operate, how specific players will be utilized, and how new coaching staffs will adjust the play-calling. What if you start someone who ends up riding the bench all game? What if all those glowing training camp reports were misleading?
Don’t worry too much. In Week 1, it’s all about minimizing risk. You want to lean on players with the most secure roles and avoid unnecessary gambles. Of course, not every team has the luxury of such stability, and some situations will require a bit more insight. To help you out, here’s a look at a few Week 1 Fantasy Football Sleepers to start to kick off the 2024-25 NFL season.
Baker Mayfield (QB) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
You are probably only considering Baker Mayfield if you’re in a 2 QB League. He’s not a top-12 option, and Week 1 is all about starting your strongest players. However, if you’re in a pinch, Mayfield could surprise.
The Washington Commanders were the league’s worst pass defense last season, allowing the most passing yards and touchdowns. While the departure of offensive coordinator Dave Canales might hinder the Buccaneers’ offense, Week 1 presents a prime opportunity for Mayfield and the Bucs to exploit a weak Commanders’ defense.
Jerome Ford (RB) Cleveland Browns
In Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, Jerome Ford is set to handle a substantial workload.
Given the Browns’ uncertainties at offensive tackle and Dallas’ formidable pass rush, Cleveland is expected to lean heavily on their ground game. The Cowboys’ defense, which ranked 15th in yards per carry allowed last season, is vulnerable enough to make the running game a focal point for the Browns.
D’Onta Foreman poses a threat at the goal line, which limits Ford’s ceiling to a mid-tier flex play. Despite this, his strong PPR potential, with 44 receptions last season, makes him a viable starter in deeper leagues.
J.K. Dobbins (RB) Los Angeles Chargers
J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman all came to the Los Angeles Chargers this season. The rotation between Dobbins and Edwards remains uncertain. However, Dobbins was the main back in Baltimore when both were healthy.
Dobbins’ injury history is a major concern, particularly his recent Achilles tear from Week 1 of the 2023 season. Achilles injuries can be career-altering for NFL running backs, and it’s unclear if Dobbins will return to form. In Week 1, when Dobbins faces the Las Vegas Raiders, managers in deeper leagues should consider starting him, albeit with tempered expectations as he returns from a significant injury.
Dontayvion Wicks (WR) Green Bay Packers
Philadelphia’s revamped secondary is the key question for those rostering Green Bay Packers receivers in Week 1.
The truth is, we’re venturing into the unknown. Philly’s defense should improve from last year’s dismal performance (ranking 31st in passing yards allowed) with the arrival of new defensive backs and Vic Fangio as the defensive coordinator.
This uncertainty makes Packers wideout Dontayvion Wicks an intriguing option in deeper leagues. Additionally, Wicks showed promise as a rookie, racking up 581 yards and 4 touchdowns, and he has the potential to become a key target for Jordan Love in 2024. I included Wicks as a league-winning pick in the latest FullTime Fantasy Podcast.
Rashid Shaheed (WR) New Orleans Saints
Shaheed is gearing up for a favorable Week 1 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Managers should be licking their chops at this one, despite the Panthers quietly holding their own against receivers last season. Even with the potential for a positive game script, the Saints are likely to keep their offense aggressive against this division rival, giving Shaheed ample opportunities to make an impact downfield.
Expect the Saints to target Shaheed with some big plays early, setting the tone from the get-go. While he may not be a volume target this season, his ability to deliver explosive plays makes him a high-upside WR3/FLEX option.
Pat Freiermith (TE) Pittsburgh Steelers
One of the major coaching changes in the league is coordinator Arthur Smith, who historically runs a tight-end friendly offense. Pat Freiermuthh will be the beneficiary if that’s how the season plays out. Pat Freiermuth has a favorable matchup against Atlanta’s defense.
Freiermuth ranks 10th among TEs in PFF receiving grade. Additionally, he’s facing an Atlanta defense that ranked 32nd in yards per route run allowed vs TEs last year. Therefore, you should feel free to start Freiermuth if you don’t possess one of the elite tight ends.
