Welcome back to Week 2 of this series, where we break down fantasy football sleepers. Week 1 of the NFL season was a roller coaster. Not really a fun roller coaster, especially if you have Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, or Patrick Mahomes. Or most of the players expected to be fantasy gold in 2023, for that matter. Needless to say, Week 1 was a truly bizarre week for fantasy football.

On the plus side, we all know that the cream will rise to the top. Mac Jones won’t be a top 3 quarterback on the season and Burrow likely won’t lay another egg again like he did in Cleveland. However, this column isn’t for the obvious picks. In fact, this column is to help you find those deep, deep sleepers that can often be the difference between fantasy glory and crushing defeat.

Fantasy Football Sleepers for Week 2

In our Week 1 fantasy football sleepers article, we hit on one big name. Los Angeles Rams rookie sensation Puka Nacua sizzled in his debut. He seemed to always be open and was clearly Matt Stafford‘s best friend in the Rams’ surprising 30-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Unfortunately, Nakua may not maintain this level of success going forward. Especially once Cooper Kupp returns, we are really only looking for week-to-week help here. Anything more than that is fantasy gravy!

With all of this in mind, let’s take a look at Week 2 and see if we can find any sleeper plays!

5. Calvin Austin (WR) Pittsburgh Steelers

It was an absolutely brutal season opener for the Pittsburgh Steelers. A sexy pick for post-season glory, the Steelers underwhelmed in virtually every aspect of the game. In all fairness, they ran into a defensive buzzsaw in the San Francisco 49ers. However, there was little positive to take from the 30-7 loss.

One of the positives, however, was the play of Calvin Austin. The diminutive second-year player pulled in all six of his targets for 37 yards. It should be noted that target hog Diontae Johnson is set to miss several weeks with a soft tissue injury, opening up targets for the shifty Austin. Currently rostered at 1% on Yahoo and ESPN, Austin provides dynamic upside at a bargain basement price. Not to mention, a decent stash in dynasty leagues where he might even be available.

4. Melvin Gordon (RB) Baltimore Ravens

I don’t like this any more than anyone else does, but Melvin Gordon has a real path to fantasy goodness as soon as this Sunday. Yes, I know Gordon looks washed, and I know he will allegedly be playing behind Justice Hill and Gus Edwards. However, he has a proven track record of success and has an undeniable nose for the end zone.

Personally, I’m not buying the Hill hype. We have seen who he is, and who he is isn’t good. A one-week sample doesn’t sway me. As for Edwards, he should lead the team in snaps. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Gordon parties like it’s 2017 and leads the team on the ground Sunday against the Bengals. Gordon currently is rostered in a whopping 0% of Yahoo and ESPN leagues, so pick him up for free and reap the rewards.

3. Rashaad Penny (RB) Philadelphia Eagles

Kenneth Gainwell is dealing with a rib injury and has been declared out for the Thursday night tilt with the Minnesota Vikings.  Subsequently, everyone is declaring D’Andre Swift season, and who could blame them? After all, Penny was a healthy scratch in Week 1 and appeared to be the odd man out of the Eagle backfield.

Now, with a Thursday night game looming, who would be the freshest back on the team? That would be the explosive Penny. Thursday night games are hard on a player’s body, and Swift isn’t exactly the most durable player to begin with, so Penny should see plenty of action against a weak Viking defense. Even though he is owned in 65% of Yahoo leagues and 69% of ESPN leagues, if you are sitting on Penny, feel confident sliding him into your Flex. If he is available and you are already dealing with injuries at running back, snag Penny and feel good about fresh legs on a Thursday night.

We broke down the entire Thursday Night Football matchup with our favorite player prop bets, here.

2. Joshua Kelley (RB) Los Angeles Chargers

This is truly a risky call. Austin Ekeler is currently dealing with an ankle injury as well as the death of his agent. While the injury and the grieving process may hamper Ekeler’s ability against the Titans, would it shock anyone if he overcame injury and dedicated a week-winning performance to his agent?

Kelley played 48% of the snaps last week and was very productive, carrying the ball 16 times for 91 yards and a touchdown. The Chargers have been searching for a legitimate backup to Ekeler for years. Players like Isaiah Spiller and Larry Rountree haven’t worked out, and for the early part of Kelley’s career, it appeared he wouldn’t either. However, the UCLA grad seems to have found his groove in Kellen Moore’s new offense, and if Ekeler is down or significantly hampered, the team could turn to the thumping Kelley for considerable carries. Kelley is only owned in 9% of Yahoo leagues and 11% of ESPN leagues, so if he is out there, pick him up, and if he is occupying the end of your bench and you need flex help, feel confident plugging him in.

1. Kadarius Toney (WR) Kansas City Chiefs

Perhaps the most hated and polarizing player after Week 1, Kadarius Toney, deserves a second chance. OK, maybe this is his 10th chance. However, the talent and opportunity are there for a breakout in Week 2. The Chiefs face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, and while it is too early to say “must win,” it doesn’t get much more important for the reigning Super Bowl champs.

Thursday night against the Lions, no other Chief player stepped up and asserted themselves as a defacto WR1. While Travis Kelce should be back this week and should garner double-digit targets, the upside for Toney is he won’t be the focal point of the offense.

Clearly, Toney wilted under the bright lights Thursday night, with drops and constant mistakes. However, with Kelce back and Toney not feeling the pressure to carry the passing corp, he should loosen up and redeem himself against the Jags. Additionally, the talent is undeniable, and the player is healthy. If Toney can stay focused and play within himself, we just might see the first-round talent from Florida everyone expected last year. Toney is currently rostered in 51% of Yahoo leagues and 55% of ESPN leagues. However, my hunch is he is available for cheap and will pay off big down the road.

There you have it! Five deep sleepers for Week 2. While there are some recognizable names here, they are underachieving names and most likely could be had for next to nothing. Choose wisely, and reap the rewards of research and analysis, but most importantly, have fun. If you hit big, let your league mates know it, but if we are wrong here, we will be back next week with a fresh batch of five deep sleepers.

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