Fantasy Football RB Sleepers for Week 2: Five Running Backs to Consider

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 2

Here are five fantasy football RB sleepers to consider for Week 1. Quick analysis for each running back is below.

1. Woody Marks, Houston Texans ($4,500)
2. Braelon Allen, New York Jets ($4,200)
3. Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens ($4,200)
4. Raheim Sanders, Cleveland Browns ($4,000)
5. Deejay Dallas, Minnesota Vikings ($4,000)

Woody Marks, Houston Texans ($4,500)

Why he’s a Week 2 fantasy football sleeper: Marks actually played one more snap than his teammate David Montgomery ($6,500) in Week 1, but Montgomery had 28.0 FPTS since he got all three RB touchdowns. Marks had a better per-carry average with nine carries for 42 yards and one catch for -2 yards on his way to 5.0 FPTS. With Nico Collins (hamstring) out, he could be more involved at receiver and his timeshare hints at more potential production this week against the Bengals.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets ($4,200)

Why he’s a Week 2 fantasy football sleeper: Allen and the Jets played from ahead against the Titans, and as a result, they went run-heavy, involving Allen as a nice complement to RB1 Breece Hall ($6,200). Allen had 10 carries for 40 yards and didn’t haul in his only target, finishing with 4.0 FPTS but showing good potential if he keeps getting double-digit touches per game. The Packers defense struggled against the Vikings last week, allowing two RB touchdowns.

Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens ($4,200)

Why he’s a Week 2 fantasy football sleeper: Hill was the clear second back in Baltimore behind Derrick Henry ($7,200), and he got a healthy share of mop-up work against the Colts, taking six carries for 18 yards and adding a 10-yard reception. He played 46% of snaps, mostly after the game was decided, but he brings good upside if he gets similar work this week against the Saints, who struggled with Jahmyr Gibbs in Week 1.

Raheim Sanders, Cleveland Browns ($4,000)

Why he’s a Week 2 fantasy football sleeper: With Dylan Sampson (knee) on IR after an early exit in Week 1, Sanders should be the team’s primary backup behind Quinshon Judkins ($5,400) in Week 2 against the Bucs. Sanders has shown big-play potential on special teams and caught three passes for 25 yards and added one yard on his one carry to total 5.6 FPTS in Week 1. In Week 2, he should mix in as a change-of-pace option and could even grow into a passing-down specialist in a Browns’ offense searching for playmakers.

Deejay Dallas, Minnesota Vikings ($4,000)

Why he’s a Week 2 fantasy football sleeper: Dallas was signed from the practice squad this week after Jordan Mason (thumb) ended up on IR. Dallas and rookie Demond Claiborne ($4,000) will back up Aaron Jones Sr. ($5,100) this week against the Bears, who gave up the seventh-most FPTS to RBs in Week 1. Dallas is more trusted in pass protection than the rookie Claiborne, so I give him a slight advantage in Week 2, although Claiborne has more dynasty-league appeal once he earns playing time.

Last Week’s Fantasy Football RB Sleeper Results

Here’s how our five fantasy football RB sleeper picks performed last week: 

• Woody Marks, Houston Texans: 5.0 FPTS
• Tyler Allgeier, Arizona Cardinals: 9.0 FPTS
• MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers ($4,800): 3.7 FPTS
• Keaton Mitchell, Los Angeles Chargers ($4,800): 0.9 FPTS
• Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints ($4,000): 9.0 FPTS

Fantasy Football RB Sleepers FAQ

Who are the best fantasy football RB sleepers for Week 2?

Woody Marks, Braelon Allen, Justice Hill, Raheim Sanders and Deejay Dallas are five running backs to consider as fantasy football sleepers for Week 2.

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.