Week 1 is here, and not a minute too soon. We’ve gotten a few games already, but Sunday afternoon’s slate is jam-packed with must-see NFL action. With 12 different games on tap, fantasy football managers are spoiled for choice. However, finding value before a single snap is easier said than done. Here are some sleeper picks that could help you win a DraftKings DFS or season-long fantasy matchup.
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Week 1 Fantasy Football Sleepers
RB Dameon Pierce, Houston Texas ($4,700)
The Texans’ backfield is a bit of a mess right now. Joe Mixon (foot/ankle) has been placed on injured reserve. In theory, the next man up will be Nick Chubb ($5,200), signed away from the Browns this offseason. Although the veteran should command a decent share of Houston’s carries, he’s not a workhorse RB1 at this point. If anyone is poised to earn a larger role in this offense, it’s Dameon Pierce.
The former fourth-round pick has shown flashes of greatness throughout his three-year NFL tenure. However, the addition of Mixon last season effectively ended the 25-year-old’s chances at starting. Rookie Woody Marks ($5,200) is a trendy sleeper pick on Sunday. However, his skills translate more as a receiving back. In terms of work on the ground, Pierce appears set to split snaps with Chubb. Right now, the former of the two is being priced as an insignificant RB2. However, he easily has the highest ceiling of any available backup. Don’t be shocked if Pierce makes a few big plays vs. the Rams.
TE Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons ($4,300)
It’s only Week 1, and I’m already selling myself on Kyle Pitts. Don’t worry; I can hear the audible groan from every fantasy manager on Earth right now. Still, bear with me for a moment. We aren’t discussing the tight end’s season-long viability. It’s just this one specific matchup vs. a questionable Buccaneers pass defense. After all, Pitts did record a total of 40.9 fantasy points in two games vs. Tampa Bay last season.
That’s not the only reason to back KP on Sunday. The Bucs are weak at cornerback, which means they might double-team wide receiver Drake London ($6,500) to find separation. If Atlanta’s best pass catcher is slowed down, that should mean more work for everyone else. In terms of targets, Pitts’ biggest competition is Darnell Mooney ($5,000). The former Bears standout is a good player, but he’s more of a deep play threat than a safety blanket. It’s also worth noting that Tampa Bay allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends last year. As inconsistent as Pitts can be, this is a perfect spot for him to produce.
WR Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers ($4,300)
The Packers made a splash during the NFL Draft, selecting Matthew Golden ($4,900) in the first round. While the Texas alum should make a major impact, Green Bay isn’t lacking in quality wide receivers. It’s easy to forget after an injury-plagued 2024 season, but Romeo Doubs is a reliable WR3 on any offense. Through 13 games, the 25-year-old hauled in 46 catches for 601 yards and four touchdowns. Those aren’t eye-popping statistics, but a sure-handed possession receiver is always useful. It’s also clear that he has chemistry with quarterback Jordan Love ($6,100).
As things stand, Golden and Jayden Reed ($5,400) sit atop Green Bay’s wide receiver depth chart. However, the latter of the two is dealing with a foot injury. Even if he does play, the speedster is unlikely to be at 100%. Whether or not that’s the case, Doubs is poised for a productive afternoon. The Lions, Sunday’s opponent, surrendered the second-most fantasy points to wideouts last year. At just $4,300, Doubs is a dirt-cheap option for DFS managers looking to spend big at other positions. In season-long formats, the veteran has flex potential in leagues of 12 or more teams.
