Although we rely on the big-name players to guide our fantasy football teams to victory, knowing how to locate the sleepers in a given week could be what pushes your team over the edge. Here are some of our favorite fantasy football sleepers for Week 2.
Week 2 fantasy football sleepers | Running backs
These RBs are flying under the radar as sleepers for Week 2 in fantasy football.
Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles
Gainwell rushed 9 times for 37 yards and a touchdown against the Falcons. He also caught 2 of 3 targets for 6 additional yards. Gainwell played 35.2% of the snaps and surpassed Boston Scott in Philadelphia’s pecking order. As a reminder, Scott averaged 7.2 opportunities (rushing attempts plus targets) per game last season. He also had four games with 10+ opportunities.
Gainwell only had 7 fewer touches than starter Miles Sanders. The 49ers’ defense gave up the most PPR fantasy points (49.4) to running backs in Week 1. Gainwell is a solid RB3 or flex against San Francisco in Week 2.
AJ Dillon, Green Bay Packers
Dillon only accumulated 16 total yards on 6 touches against the Saints. Considering the circumstances in the matchup, he played well behind starter Aaron Jones. One of my takeaways from Dillon’s performance was that he was targeted 2 times as a receiver out of the backfield.
This was encouraging because Dillon’s predecessor, Jamaal Williams, averaged 11 opportunities per game from 2017 to 2020, playing behind Jones. Dillon could see 10+ opportunities against a Lions’ defense that allowed running back Elijah Mitchell to accumulate 104 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 rushing attempts. He’s an RB3 with upside.
Wide receivers
As deep as the talent pool has ever been, these WR sleepers could get their 2021 season off to a quick start.
Jakobi Meyers, New England Patriots
Meyers caught 6 of 9 targets for 44 yards against the Dolphins. It was not the season debut that fantasy managers had in mind. However, Meyers played 98.7% of the offensive snaps. Additionally, he had a touchdown called back.
Although rookie quarterback Mac Jones targeted seven different players 3+ times, the 24-year-old Meyers led the Patriots in targets and receptions. Clearly, the rapport that Jones developed with Meyers during the preseason is still there. The duo has a favorable matchup against the Jets’ defense in Week 2. Meyers can be viewed as an upside WR3.
Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals
There are better games ahead for Boyd. He only caught 3 of 4 targets for 32 yards against the Vikings in Week 1. Yet, Boyd faces a Bears defense that allowed the fifth-most PPR fantasy points (56.3). Rookie Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will command a ton of defensive attention. This should allow Boyd to prosper from the slot.
Week 2 fantasy football sleepers | Tight ends
Which TE should be on the sleepers list for Week 2 in fantasy football?
Jared Cook, Los Angeles Chargers
Cook isn’t a fantasy tight end that gets managers excited. Nevertheless, he is still productive. Cook caught 5 of 8 targets for 56 yards against the Washington Football Team in Week 1. He finished with the third-most targets and receptions on the team.
Cook now faces a Dallas secondary that was eviscerated by tight end Rob Gronkowski on opening night. The matchup between the Chargers and Cowboys should be a high-scoring affair. Thus, Cook has the potential to finish as a top-five fantasy tight end in Week 2.
Pharaoh Brown, Houston Texans
Pharaoh Brown outplayed fellow tight end Jordan Akins with 4 receptions for 67 yards against the Jaguars. Brown even came down with a smooth one-handed catch.
He’s a dynamic player for the Texans and seemed to have a good rapport with starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Brown is a complete tight end who can block and catch, and his role should only increase moving forward. Cleveland has a tough defense, but it’s a plus matchup for Brown in Week 2.