Finding the right fantasy football TE 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 tight end sleepers could be positioned for increased opportunities this week.
Each week, we highlight five tight ends 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 TE Sleepers for Week 1
Here are five fantasy football TE sleepers to consider for Week 1. Quick analysis for each tight end is below.
- T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings ($3,300)
- Gunnar Helm, Tennessee Titans ($3,200)
- Darren Waller, Carolina Panthers ($3,200)
- Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders ($2,900)
- Charlie Kolar, Los Angeles Chargers ($2,500)
T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings ($3,300)
Why he’s a Week 1 fantasy football sleeper: Hockenson had a quiet year after a delayed start to the year due to injury, but this year, he’s been working with the starting offense throughout training camp and the preseason. Kyler Murray ($5,500) has always relied on his tight end, and in his first start with the Vikings, he could give Hockenson plenty of work against the Packers.
Gunnar Helm, Tennessee Titans ($3,200)
Why he’s a Week 1 fantasy football sleeper: Helm takes over as the team’s clear top tight end after Chig Okonkwo ($4,000) signed with the Commanders. Last year as a rookie, Helm showed a good connection with Cam Ward ($5,100), totaling 44 catches for 357 yards and two touchdowns, and this year, he’ll look to continue to grow with the rest of the Titans young offense, starting with a favorable matchup against the Jets.
Darren Waller, Carolina Panthers ($3,200)
Why he’s a Week 1 fantasy football sleeper: Waller ran with the team’s top offense after signing less than a month ago, and he could be the team’s primary pass-catching tight end in Week 1 vs. the Bears. Waller caught six touchdowns in just nine games with the Dolphins last year, averaging 9.9 FPTS per contest, so the upside is still there if he gets consistent looks.
Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders ($2,900)
Why he’s a Week 1 fantasy football sleeper: Since Brock Bowers (knee) isn’t expected to play, Mayer will step into a huge role in a dream matchup against the Dolphins, who allowed the third-most FPTS to TE last season. Mayer averaged doubl-digit FPTS in his four games without Bowers last year.
Charlie Kolar, Los Angeles Chargers ($2,500)
Why he’s a Week 1 fantasy football sleeper: Kolar is listed as the Chargers starting TE ahead of Oronde Gadsden II ($3,500) and David Njoku ($3,000), even though Gadsden and Njoku are more proven pass-catchers. The Chargers value his all-around skill set, and if he leads the team in snaps at the position, he has huge upside due to his great matchup against the Cardinals, who allowed the second-most FPTS to TE last season.
Fantasy Football TE Sleepers FAQ
Who are the best fantasy football TE sleepers for Week 1?
T.J. Hockenson, Gunnar Helm, Darren Waller, Michael Mayer and Charlie Kolar are five tight ends to consider as fantasy football sleepers for Week 1.
What is a fantasy football TE sleeper?
A fantasy football TE sleeper is a tight end 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 TE sleepers also be used in DraftKings DFS lineups?
Some fantasy football TE 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.
