The highly anticipated Week 1 of the NFL season is here, which means the start of another equally important season: fantasy football.
Especially in Week 1, you’re likely starting all your big-name guys, not super worried about matchups. And if you are looking at matchups, maybe you’re shelving a defense to play next week instead and are on a one-week commitment.
I used to write a weekly Start Em, Sit Em with Sleepers and Busts at another publication, but I have brought my talents to RSJ and am revamping the launch of that series. Let’s be honest, do you really need to be told to start Justin Herbert in a likely shootout with the Dolphins? Or to start the Commanders’ defense at home against Arizona, who has no quarterback?
But you may need that extra oomph to start someone you’re on the fence with. You also may have taken a gamble in the draft and feel depleted at a position and are looking to slyly slide someone in this week. And let’s be honest, this happens most weeks.
To help you out, this article contains my top five sleepers of the week and why.
TYLER HIGBEE, TE, LOS ANGELES RAMS
AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS, 4:25 P.M. EST
Cooper Kupp (hamstring) has already been ruled out for the season opener, leaving many question marks about how the Rams will move the football. Right now, L.A. has Van Jefferson and Tutu Atwell slated as its two starting receivers. They’re decoys for Tyler Higbee. Matthew Stafford has to throw to somebody, and it should be Higbee. Seattle has been notoriously bad across the last few seasons in defense against tight ends, including the second-worst last season. Could the secondary’s job be easier this week, knowing its real tests are Higbee and running back Cam Akers? Maybe, but I don’t expect the Seahawks’ defense to break a trend overnight, especially in Week 1.
JAHAN DOTSON, WR, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
VS ARIZONA CARDINALS, 1:00 P.M. EST
Terry McLaurin is fine, but Jahan Dotson will still shine against a broken Cardinals team. Safety Budda Baker and defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter are about the only two guys worth mentioning on Arizona’s defense until proven otherwise. Even in Sam Howell’s second career start, Dotson should have a rapport with him that leads to points, even if Washington takes the lead early and never looks back. Dotson corralled seven targets from Howell in his preseason finale against Baltimore, including some important grabs, in arguably the best game of the preseason. And if, let’s say, Washington wants to ease in McLaurin (toe) from his minor injury, Dotson would reap the benefits.
JOSH DOWNS, WR, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
VS JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS, 1:00 P.M. EST
Isaiah McKenzie this, Isaiah McKenzie that. Well, Isaiah McKenzie has been passed on the depth chart by rookie Josh Downs. I’m going to believe that Downs’ special teams return ability, mixed with his immaculate slot play, won him the starting job against divisional opponent Jacksonville in the season opener. Most leagues now feature scoring categories for kick/punt returns, and I’ll take any sort of bonus points I can get from someone who plays on offense and special teams. Downs should also be a dump-off, emergency option for Anthony Richardson, who’s making his first career NFL start. This amplifies Downs just a bit more in half and full PPR.
KHALIL HERBERT, RB, CHICAGO BEARS
VS GREEN BAY PACKERS, 4:25 P.M. EST
This divisional opener should be nothing but running from these two squads. I’m not too sure how many times we’ll be able to say Khalil Herbert is the featured back for Chicago. But for Week 1, it makes sense. Herbert has also succeeded against the Packers, including when he was a rookie. He had 97 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown on the ground in a game against them in 2021. The Bears have a fair amount of new offensive pieces, and having someone Justin Fields has played with before, will only help him succeed.
DEREK CARR, QB, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
VS TENNESSEE TITANS, 1:00 P.M. EST
The Saints’ running back room is a bunch of shoulder-shrugging heading into Week 1, which isn’t coming at a good time against a stout Titans’ rushing defense. Alvin Kamara is suspended, and Kendre Miller is injured, leaving Jamaal Williams the only experienced back likely available. Can he handle a full workload? Probably, even though the leading touchdown-getter from last season shared duties with D’Andre Swift in Detroit. But, his matchup is bad in his first game dawning the gold and black. Carr, however, should have breakout candidate Chris Olave, veteran Michael Thomas, and sneaky Rashid Shaheed available this week. He will likely be forced to throw more than usual and need to be crafty in a matchup that may see minimal rushing yards from the Saints.
It’s not always runaway matchups that produce quality sleeper candidates on a weekly basis. Remembering to think of teams chasing points, lopsided run and rush defenses, and depth chart movement are all key factors to look at when attempting to gain an edge in fantasy football.
Have a player Kayla should analyze in the coming weeks? Reach out to me on Twitter at @oldbayqueen74 or to Roto Street Journal on Instagram.
