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Deeper Sleepers in Standard Leagues: Week 2

What's up RotoBallers. Welcome to my deeper fantasy football sleepers column for Week 2 of the NFL season. In this weekly article we are going to take a look at some deeper waiver wire sleepers who could help out your team in this upcoming week.

For reference's sake, we are looking at standard scoring leagues and will be using ownership percentage data from Fleaflicker. In order to qualify as a deep sleeper, a player must be 20% owned or less. Let's get to the picks!

Editor's Note: Purchase a full season NFL Premium Pass (including DFS Premium), and also get MLB Premium + DFS for free through the playoffs. Premium DFS research, lineup picks, expert lineups, tools and more. You can see screenshots of our NFL Premium and MLB Premium and DFS tools. What are you waiting for?

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Quarterback

Jimmy Garoppolo (NE) vs. Miami Dolphins
(Ownership: 15%)

Garoppolo, while he wasn't perfect, stood up to a tough test against an aggressive Cardinals defense on Sunday night and led the Patriots to a road win over one of the better squads in the NFC. Garoppolo leaned heavily on slot receiver Julian Edelman on short-to-intermediate routes in the game. Those are the kind of passes he should continue to find success with when they welcome the Dolphins to town in Week 2.

Miami's pass defense was one of the worst units in the league last season, ranking 29th in DVOA according to Football Outsiders. With Rob Gronkowski expected to be back after sitting in Week 1, Garoppolo is an interesting name to keep in mind, especially if you are someone who has Russell Wilson or Robert Griffin and are in the market for a replacement quarterback.

 

Running Back

Shaun Draughn (SF) @ Carolina Panthers
(Ownership: 15%)

I realize we are looking at standard leagues and Draughn is a third-down pass-catching back, but he is one of the few options available who has a clear-cut role heading into Week 2. Draughn should see plenty of opportunities to catch the ball for a 49ers offense that is likely to be playing from behind for most of the game.

The Panthers generally do a solid job of stuffing the run on defense, which will force the 49ers to use Draughn out of the backfield in attempts to move the ball. Blaine Gabbert should be looking to check down early and often in the passing game, which should lead to a solid fantasy performance from Draughn. He makes for an interesting play at RB2 or as a flex for Week 2.

 

Wide Receiver

Brandon LaFell (CIN) @ Pittsburgh Steelers
(Ownership: 19%)

LaFell was extremely efficient in his Bengals debut in Week 1, hauling in all four of his targets for a total of 94 yards. Perhaps more importantly, he operated as Cincinnati's number two option in the passing game after A.J. Green.

LaFell is known for his inconsistency, but he could turn in another useful performance in Week 2 against the Steelers. Pittsburgh ranked 22nd in the league in DVOA against opposing number two wide receivers in 2015. The Bengals employed a very pass-heavy approach in Week 1 under new offensive coordinator Ken Zampese. Look for that trend to continue against the Steelers.

 

Tight End

Jesse James (PIT) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
(Ownership: 20%)

James tallied a respectable five catches for 31 yards in the Week 1 Steelers-Redskins game. The big 6'7" tight end could emerge as a prime red zone target for a Steelers team that could use a big body down by the goal line.

James has appeal as a TE2 for the rest of the season if he continues to be a big part of Pittsburgh's passing attack. While the Bengals were stingy against tight ends in 2015, any player prominently involved in the explosive Steelers passing attack needs to be strongly considered for fantasy rosters.

 

Defense/Special Teams

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns
(Ownership: 15%)

The Ravens defense, while not what it once was, held the Bills to just seven points while sacking Tyrod Taylor twice in Week 1. They should be licking their lips for a matchup with the Browns in Cleveland. After Week 1, the Browns appear to have major issues on the offensive line as the Eagles had little trouble getting into the backfield on passing downs.

In all, Philadelphia registered three sacks against the Browns in the game, but they also knocked Robert Griffin down on several other occasions. Griffin will not play in Week 2 so the Ravens will see backup Josh McCown instead. While McCown may actually be a better fit for the Browns offense, he is also less elusive than Griffin which may help the Ravens get pressure on him.

 

 


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!




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