Finding the right fantasy football RB sleepers can make a huge impact in Week 1, especially for managers dealing with injuries, difficult matchups or tough start-sit decisions. Aside from the obvious weekly starters, several running back sleepers could be positioned for increased opportunities this week.
Each week, we highlight five running backs who have a path to outperform expectations because of their role, matchup, recent usage or opportunities in their offense. These picks can help season-long fantasy football managers looking for a sleeper or FLEX option, while DraftKings salaries are included for players who are also in good spots to provide DFS value.
Best Fantasy Football RB Sleepers for Week 1
Here are five fantasy football RB sleepers to consider for Week 1. Quick analysis for each running back is below.
- Woody Marks, Houston Texans ($5,000)
- Tyler Allgeier, Arizona Cardinals ($4,900)
- MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers ($4,800)
- Keaton Mitchell, Los Angeles Chargers ($4,800)
- Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints ($4,000)
Woody Marks, Houston Texans ($5,000)
Why he’s a Week 1 fantasy football sleeper: Marks is expected to split time about 50-50 with David Montgomery ($6,000) against the Bills, who allowed the eighth-most FPTS to RBs last season. The second-year back has very nice PPR upside and is looking to build on a strong preseason.
Tyler Allgeier, Arizona Cardinals ($4,900)
Why he’s a Week 1 fantasy football sleeper: Allgeier is expected to work in tandem with rookie Jeremiyah Love ($6,400), who is questionable due to a high ankle sprain. If Love is limited at all, Allgeier could step into enough work to be an interesting pivot play, even though the matchup is less than ideal against a stout Chargers D.
MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers ($4,800)
Why he’s a Week 1 fantasy football sleeper: Lloyd is likely to be the most popular fantasy football RB sleeper of the week as he takes over as lead back for the Packers with Josh Jacobs on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. He’ll probably share time with Kaleb Johnson ($4,400) and Chris Brooks ($4,500), but Lloyd is expected to get the first chance to lead the timeshare.
Keaton Mitchell, Los Angeles Chargers ($4,800)
Why he’s a Week 1 fantasy football sleeper: The Chargers brought in Mitchell as a free agent, and since offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel likes to rotate his running backs, Mitchell could earn playing time behind Omarion Hampton ($6,800). Mitchell was dealing with a hamstring issue recently but does not have an injury designation, which gives him a chance to pick up playing time if the Chargers play from ahead against Arizona, who allowed the third-most FPTS to RBs last season.
Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints ($4,000)
Why he’s a Week 1 fantasy football sleeper: Miller is lined up to be the Saints’ second RB in what could be a high-scoring game against the Lions in a dome in Detroit. Alvin Kamara ($4,900; knee) is officially questionable but is not likely to play very much even if he is available, leaving Miller the change-of-pace option behind Travis Etienne Jr. ($5,900), who doesn’t typically take all the snaps.
Fantasy Football RB Sleepers FAQ
Who are the best fantasy football RB sleepers for Week 1?
Woody Marks, Tyler Allgeier, MarShawn Lloyd, Keaton Mitchell and Kendre Miller are five running backs to consider as fantasy football sleepers for Week 1.
What is a fantasy football RB sleeper?
A fantasy football RB sleeper is a running back outside the most obvious weekly starters who has an opportunity to outperform expectations because of factors such as an expanded role, increased targets, injuries, recent usage or a favorable matchup.
Can these RB sleepers also be used in DraftKings DFS lineups?
Some fantasy football RB sleepers can also provide DFS value when their DraftKings salary does not fully reflect their projected role or upside. DraftKings salaries are included above to help identify players who may be useful in both season-long fantasy football and DFS contests.
