Week 1 has barely begun in fantasy football and we are already dealing with injuries. When this happens fantasy managers often are scrambling to fill holes in their starting lineups. Here are some deep sleepers for the opening weekend.
Deep Sleepers For Fantasy Football Week 1
What do I mean by deep sleepers? These are players that are an absolute long shot to do anything but there is a sliver of opportunity that could pay huge dividends. In 12-16 team leagues especially, chances have to be taken on when injuries happen as the waiver wire is often slim pickings. Onto the list!
WR Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers
There are a lot of things against Reed. First off he is a rookie which is always a risk. Second, he is primarily a slot receiver meaning that he won’t be on the field for all snaps. However, he could benefit from some injury issues in the wide receiver room. Both Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are dealing with hamstring injuries. While both still have a chance at playing on Sunday, if they don’t Reed could see some increased opportunities in both the passing game and the running game on jet sweeps.
WR Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
Cooper Kupp isn’t playing and might be sidelined for a while. Matthew Stafford has to throw the ball to someone. The fifth-round pick caught three passes for 32 yards and a touchdown in the opening preseason game and could get some looks in the passing game. Van Jefferson and Tutu Atwell are there as well but I don’t feel confident that either one is going to see a huge target share. The Rams are likely to also be in a lot of passing situations in 2023. If you’re desperate, Nacua isn’t a bad play this week.
TE Logan Thomas, Washington Commanders
This one is all matchup-based. I wouldn’t necessarily feel good about Thomas throughout the season but the week 1 matchup is too good to pass up. The Arizona Cardinals are likely to be the team you want to start as many of their opponents’ players as possible in 2023. However, the tight end position specifically should be lucrative. They gave up more catches and touchdowns to the position than any other defense in 2022. Only the Seahawks gave up more fantasy points. If you need him for a week, you could do worse than Thomas.
That is my list of fantasy football deep sleepers for the inaugural week of the season. Good luck to all in the opening weekend of the season!
