Sleeper Fantasy Football Players For Week 1 of NFL Season

Week 1 of the NFL season is finally here, and with it comes the excitement of both real football and fantasy football. If you’re playing fantasy football, now is the time to make sure your lineups are set and that you’re up to date on the latest news and matchups.

Week 1 can be unpredictable, and some players might surprise you with standout performances. To help you prepare, here are the top fantasy football sleepers for Week 1.

1. Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Coming off a solid Pro Bowl season, Baker Mayfield enters 2024 with momentum. Though there are questions about the Tampa Bay offense and whether or not they can repeat their performance, Mayfield has a favorable matchup against a Washington Commanders defense that may need time to hit its stride under new head coach Dan Quinn. With the Bucs’ passing game likely to feature heavily in Week 1, don’t be surprised if Mayfield delivers an impressive performance and posts strong fantasy numbers.

2. Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions

Williams has had a rocky start to his NFL career, with injuries and suspensions limiting his production so far. However, the young wide receiver enters 2024 healthy and ready to contribute to the Lions’ offense. While Amon-Ra St. Brown remains the top option for quarterback Jared Goff, Williams could emerge as a deep-threat standout in Week 1 against a Rams secondary that’s thin on talent. He’s a sleeper to watch, especially in big-play leagues.

3. Christian Kirk, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Kirk enjoyed a productive 2023 season and remains a key target for Trevor Lawrence in the Jaguars’ offense. Though he might not be an automatic starter in every fantasy league, Kirk is a solid flex option for Week 1. Despite facing a strong Dolphins secondary, he is expected to see plenty of targets and could be a difference-maker, especially in PPR formats.

4. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers

Entering his fourth NFL season, Freiermuth could be in for a breakout year in fantasy football. While he hasn’t been a top fantasy tight end to date, he has shown steady improvement and could see an expanded role in the Steelers’ offense. In Week 1, he faces the Atlanta Falcons, who allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends last season. With a favorable matchup and potential for increased targets, Freiermuth could surprise in Week 1.

5. Jerome Ford, RB, Cleveland Browns

Ford has earned the starting role in the Browns’ backfield, and he could be poised for a big performance in Week 1. Ford showed flashes of brilliance in 2023, and with Nick Chubb sidelined, he will get the majority of the touches against a Cowboys defense that ranked 18th in the league last season, allowing 114.1 rushing yards per game. Ford’s potential to produce solid fantasy points makes him a sleeper pick, and if he starts hot, he could become a top-10 fantasy running back.

These players might not be the most obvious choices for Week 1, but they have the potential to provide strong fantasy performances. Keep them in mind as you set your lineups and look for an edge to start the season off right.