At long last, the NFL is back! A massive 12-game slate makes up the early and mid-afternoon matchups for Week 1. That means plenty of opportunity for fantasy football managers looking to hit it big on Sunday. As always, more matchups means more chances to unearth a diamond in the rough.
Which under the radar names are worth targeting? Here are three sleepers that could help you win a DraftKings DFS or season-long fantasy matchup.
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Fantasy Football Week 1 Sleepers: Best Players to Start
RB Keaton Mitchell, Los Angeles Chargers vs. ARI ($4,800)
If there’s one thing you can expect from a Jim Harbaugh-led squad, it’s an emphasis on the run game. That’s especially true with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel coming over this offseason. Omarion Hampton ($6,800) is the leader of this Chargers backfield, and it’s not particularly close. The former first-round pick should be a bellcow for the Bolts. With that being said, there’s room for someone else to make an impact on the ground in McDaniel’s high-powered scheme. Los Angeles will be hosting the Cardinals, one of football’s most feeble defensive units. An early lead could lend itself to burning clock during the second half.
If anyone other than Hampton is going to make an impact, it’s Keaton Mitchell. The former Ravens rusher spent three seasons as a backup, struggling to carve out a consistent role behind Derrick Henry ($6,700). Injuries, not ability, were the biggest hangup for the 24-year-old. He’s played in just 26 of a potential 51 NFL games. However, Mitchell remains one of the league’s most efficient tailbacks when healthy. He’s averaging a terrific 6.3 yards per carry during his brief pro career. To make things even more enticing, Arizona allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. If you’re looking for a high-ceiling play this weekend, Los Angeles’ RB2 is someone to target.
WR Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders vs. MIA ($4,000)
Brock Bowers (knee) is out this week, leaving Las Vegas’ passing game in flux. Starting quarterback Kirk Cousins ($5,000) is capable of putting up numbers, even with an uninspiring group of pass catchers. However, it remains to be seen who will emerge as his primary target. If anyone is capable of filling that role, it’s Tre Tucker. The fourth-year pro is coming off of an underrated 2025 campaign. He ranked second on the Raiders in receptions (57) and first in receiving yards (696). Coming into this season, there isn’t much internal competition. Fellow wideouts Jalen Nailor ($4,300) and Jack Bech ($3,600) are unproven at best, while Michael Mayer ($2,900) is a fill-in at tight end.
Against most opponents, Tucker would be worth serious consideration. That’s especially true this week when Las Vegas host the Dolphins. Miami has a claim as the NFL’s worst roster heading into this season, especially on defense. In 2025, the Fins allowed the fifth-most yards per pass attempt to opponents (7.1). Cousins, never afraid to stretch the field, will be looking for deep threats against a questionable secondary. That gives Tucker a golden opportunity to start this season off on the right foot.
TE Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at CIN ($3,700)
Tampa Bay’s pass catching hierarchy appears solidified on paper. Emeka Egbuka ($6,200) is an up-and-coming talent, while Chris Godwin ($5,200) is the trusted veteran. Outside of those two, it’s anyone’s guess when it comes to a potential third option. Baker Mayfield ($5,900) will take what the defense gives him, which can change in any given week. Sunday’s matchup with the Bengals might see plenty of passes over the middle of the field. Cincinnati was one of the NFL’s worst defenses, allowing the league’s second-most yards per game to opponents (382.1).
The Bengals were bad at just about everything on defense. However, guarding opposing tight ends was a notable weakness. They coughed up the most fantasy points to the position last season. Enter Cade Otton, Mayfield’s underrated safety blanket. The 27-year-old enjoyed a decent 2025 season, snagging 59 catches for 572 yards and a touchdown. Like most tight ends, his production can be hit or miss on any given week. Still, at this price, you’re hunting for upside. Otton notched double-digit fantasy points on five different occasions last season. That’s without much luck when it came to reaching the end zone. There’s no reason to think Otton can’t reach that total once more vs. Cincinnati’s lackluster defense.
