One week is in the books, and a high scoring one at that. As we enter the NFL’s second Sunday of the regular season, plenty remains up in the air. Injuries are already taking a toll on several of the league’s biggest names. To boot, ever-changing roles and snap counts across the league are making things difficult for fantasy football managers.
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 2 Sleepers: Best Players to Start
QB Carson Wentz, Minnesota Vikings at CHI ($4,600)
A concussion on his third play of the season kept Kyler Murray sidelined during Minnesota’s Week 1 win over the Packers. It was second-stringer Carson Wentz that was called into action, and he delivered. Although the veteran took some time to get going, he eventually got into a groove against Green Bay’s middling secondary. The 33-year-old threw for 133 yards and three touchdowns (19.2 FPTS). Although Wentz wasn’t asked to do much, the Vikings put him in a position to rack up passing TDs.
Another three-TD showing is asking a lot out of Minnesota’s backup QB. Still, there’s reason to believe he can put together another productive afternoon through the air. We just saw Bryce Young and the Panthers light up the Bears en route to 37 points last weekend. The team is still without several pieces in its secondary, including starting cornerback Kyler Gordon (calf). However, Chicago also features a terrific offense headlined by standout quarterback Caleb Williams ($6,800). In other words, the Vikings may need more pass attempts just to stay within striking distance. That’s the perfect recipe for another solid stat line from Wentz.
WR Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens vs. NO ($4,400)
Zay Flowers (hamstring) is trending towards missing Sunday’s contest, currently listed as doubtful. To make matters worse, rookie Ja’Kobi Lane (wrist) is also sidelined for the Ravens. That leaves a massive hole at wide receiver for these Super Bowl hopefuls. Out of necessity, Rashod Bateman is poised for an increase in usage. Last weekend, the 26-year-old failed to record a catch on just one target. However, it’s not as if there was much reason to pass during a dominant win over Indianapolis. Flowers and Mark Andrews ($4,400) were the only Ravens players to record more than two receptions.
It helps that this is an advantageous matchup for any wide receiver. For starters, MVP candidate Lamar Jackson ($7,300) is under center. While there will be plenty of attention on the run game in Baltimore, someone has to catch passes on this roster. Sunday’s opponents, the Saints, looked off last week on defense. The Lions completed 26 of 39 pass attempts, and would have thrown more if not for their stellar running game. With all eyes zeroed in on Jackson and Derrick Henry ($7,200), there should be room for Bateman to operate on Sunday.
TE Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers at NE ($3,700)
Speaking of injuries at wide receiver, Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) has already been ruled out. In theory, DK Metcalf ($5,200) should see even more volume in Pittsburgh’s passing game. With that being said, Aaron Rodgers ($5,100) is capable of feeding more than one pass catcher. However, there aren’t many proven wideouts on Pittsburgh’s current depth chart. Enter Pat Freiermuth; the sixth-year pro has been a mainstay in the Steel City. During Week 1’s victory over Atlanta, he hauled in five catches for 46 yards and a touchdown (15.6 FPTS).
Sunday’s contest vs. New England is a bit of a double-edged sword. This was one of the NFL’s elite defenses in 2025, and they showed it during Week 1’s 13-10 loss to Seattle. Of note, Seahawks tight end AJ Barner only recorded two receptions for 13 yards. Regardless, the Patriots have had their issues guarding the middle of the field. They allowed the 11th-most receptions (97) and 11th-most receiving yards (971) to tight ends last season. With star cornerback Christian Gonzalez covering Metcalf, Rodgers might opt for his 6’5″ safety blanket instead. Given his affordable price, Freiermuth is worth consideration as a high-upside TE pick.
