Finding the right fantasy football WR sleepers can make a difference in Week 2, 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 2
Here are five fantasy football WR sleepers to consider for Week 2. Analysis for each wide receiver is below.
- Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens ($4,400)
- Demarcus Robinson, San Francisco 49ers ($3,900)
- DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots ($3,800)
- Jaylin Noel, Houston Texans ($3,700)
- Caleb Douglas, Miami Dolphins ($3,700)
Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens ($4,400)
Why he’s a Week 2 fantasy football sleeper: Bateman will likely have to step up as the Ravens’ top receiver this week with Zay Flowers (hamstring) doubtful and Ja’Kobi Lane (wrist) on IR. Bateman didn’t catch his one target in Week 1, but he played 80% of his team’s snaps (including 85% before halftime with Flowers and Lane in the game). He has a good chance to be the featured option with Devontez Walker ($3,400), LaJohntay Wester ($3,100) and Chris Moore ($3,300) also getting more looks.
Demarcus Robinson, San Francisco 49ers ($3,900)
Why he’s a Week 2 fantasy football sleeper: Robinson played the second-most WR snaps for San Francisco in Week 1, and with De’Zhaun Stribling (ankle) out for a while, Robinson should stay very involved alongside veterans Mike Evans ($6,600) and Deebo Samuel Sr. ($5,300). Robinson had two catches for 50 yards and a touchdown with 13 FPTS in Week 1 vs. the Rams and is in a smash spot against the rebuilding Dolphins in Week 2.
DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots ($3,800)
Why he’s a Week 2 fantasy football sleeper: A.J. Brown (ankle) landing on the IR after his injury in the season opener should open up playing time for Douglas, who has a great rapport with Drake Maye ($6,100). Douglas works out of the slot and the Steelers still won’t have Joey Porter Jr. active, leaving him in a more favorable matchup. That makes Pop a solid PPR play with big-play upside.
Jaylin Noel, Houston Texans ($3,700)
Why he’s a Week 2 fantasy football sleeper: Noel didn’t play a ton of snaps in Week 1, but the second-year slot receiver caught both of his targets for 53 yards and 7.3 FPTS against the Bills. With Nico Collins (hamstring) joining Jayden Higgins (knee) and Tank Dell (knee) on the sideline, Noel could get plenty of extra targets vs. the Bengals. He had five catches for 63 yards vs. San Francisco in his one full game without Collins last year.
Caleb Douglas, Miami Dolphins ($3,700)
Why he’s a Week 2 fantasy football sleeper: Douglas isn’t stepping up due to any injury to Miami’s WRs, but he looked like the team’s true No. 1 option in Week 1 vs. the Raiders. The third-round rookie hauled in five of his seven targets for 94 yards last week, and even in a matchup against the 49ers, his volume gives him good upside as a fantasy football sleeper WR in Week 2. His salary will skyrocket if he has another big game in Week 2.
Last Week’s Fantasy Football WR Sleeper Results
Here’s how our five fantasy football WR sleeper picks performed last week:
- Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers: 36.8 FPTS
- Dontayvion Wicks, Philadelphia Eagles: 15.3 FPTS
- Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders: 4.7 FPTS
- Devaughn Vele, New Orleans Saints: 19.9 FPTS
- Ted Hurst III, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6.6 FPTS
Fantasy Football WR Sleepers FAQ
Who are the best fantasy football WR sleepers for Week 2?
Rashod Bateman, Demarcus Robinson, DeMario Douglas, Jaylin Noel and Caleb Douglas are five wide receivers to consider as fantasy football sleepers for Week 2.
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.
