Finding the right fantasy football WR sleepers can make a difference in Week 1, especially for managers dealing with injuries, difficult matchups or tough start-sit decisions. Aside from the obvious weekly starters, several wide receivers could be positioned for increased opportunities this week.
Each week, we highlight five wide receivers 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 WR Sleepers for Week 1
Here are five fantasy football WR sleepers to consider for Week 1. Analysis for each wide receiver is below.
- Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers ($4,600)
- Dontayvion Wicks, Philadelphia Eagles ($4,100)
- Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders ($4,000)
- Devaughn Vele, New Orleans Saints ($3,500)
- Ted Hurst III, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($3,300)
Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers ($4,600)
Why he’s a Week 1 fantasy football sleeper: Coker started last season on IR but finished the campaign on a high note, hauling in nine catches on 12 targets for 134 yards and a touchdown in the team’s playoff loss to the Rams. With a new extension and a healthy start to the season, he could have a breakout year as the team’s second receiver. It starts with a juicy Week 1 matchup against the Bears, who allowed the second-most FPTS to WR last season.
Dontayvion Wicks, Philadelphia Eagles ($4,100)
Why he’s a Week 1 fantasy football sleeper: The Eagles added Wicks via trade from the Packers this past offseason, and he’s listed with the starters alongside DeVonta Smith ($6,600) and Makai Lemon ($5,100) for this week’s season opener against the Commanders. Wicks has a great chance to help replace some of A.J. Brown’s production and was impressive throughout training camp after getting inconsistent playing time and targets in Green Bay.
Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders ($4,000)
Why he’s a Week 1 fantasy football sleeper: With Brock Bowers (knee) not expected to play, Tucker has a chance to step in as the team’s top pass-catcher. Tucker was inconsistent but flashed upside last year, and new coach Klint Kubiak and new QB Kirk Cousins ($5,000) should help the offense take a big step forward, starting with this favorable home matchup against Miami.
Devaughn Vele, New Orleans Saints ($3,500)
Why he’s a Week 1 fantasy football sleeper: With Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) on IR, Vele will be the team’s second WR behind Chris Olave ($6,700) in what could be a high-scoring game vs. the Lions. Last year, Vele averaged 12.2 FPTS in his last four games, showing good chemistry with Tyler Shough ($5,600) before a shoulder injury abbreviated his season.
Ted Hurst III, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($3,300)
Why he’s a Week 1 fantasy football sleeper: Bucs’ field-stretching rookie Ted Hurst III was one of the stars of training camp with Emeka Egbuka ($6,200), Chris Godwin Jr. ($5,200) and Jalen McMillan ($4,400; knee) all limited by injuries at times. McMillan is doubtful for Week 1 vs. the Bengals, which should elevate Hurst into a starting role, and Baker Mayfield ($5,900) usually spreads the ball around.
Fantasy Football WR Sleepers FAQ
Who are the best fantasy football WR sleepers for Week 1?
Jalen Coker, Dontayvion Wicks, Tre Tucker, Devaughn Vele and Ted Hurst III are five wide receivers to consider as fantasy football sleepers for Week 1.
What is a fantasy football WR sleeper?
A fantasy football WR sleeper is a wide receiver 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 WR sleepers also be used in DraftKings DFS lineups?
Some fantasy football WR 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.
