2013 Fantasy Football: NFL Week 2 Sleepers

By Evan Stancil

Featured Contributor

Julian Edelman should see plenty of targets in Week 2 with Danny Amendola unlikely to play. (photo by David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)

Each week during the NFL season FST brings you our Fantasy Football Sleepers of the Week column, which takes a look at lesser-known players that could deserve a start due to a favorable matchup, injury, or other circumstances. Let’s take a look at some sneaky plays for Week 2. If you have any fantasy football roster questions feel free to post them in our Fantasy Football Forum.

Quarterbacks

Terrelle Pryor OAK VS. JAC

It’s too early to start him on your fantasy team as a QB #1, but here’s a great sleeper candidate in deep 2 QB fantasy leagues. This matchup appears to favor Oakland and the running abilities of Prior provide a double threat at fantasy points. I like and possibly love this matchup.

Alex Smith KC VS. DAL

Alex Smith had a couple of TD tosses in his debut in the Kansas City Chiefs opener. He’ll have more opportunities against what appeared to be a wobbly secondary for the Cowboys. Smith is not going to be a QB #1 but he’s someone to keep an eye on for matchups and in deeper leagues as a QB #2.

Wide Receivers

Julian Edelman NE VS. NYJ

Edelman will likely find his way on to many teams via the waiver wire this week. Brady’s favorite target is a wide open one and somehow Edelman does a great job of doing that. With the unknowns in the Patriot’s offense it’s possible that Edelman could serve as a Wes Welker type in the slot and be an immediate contributor. Don’t let the Jets defense scare you out of considering Edelman as a flex play this week.

Brian Hartline MIA VS. IND

While Hartline had a game to remember in week one it’s likely he won’t replicate that against the Colts in week 2. I still like Hartline as a sleeper in a 3WR league and possible flex option. He’s got the most experience and chemistry with QB Ryan Tannehill and he doesn’t seem to complain like Mike Wallace does when he doesn’t get the ball. Good matchup for continued success for Hartline.

Running Backs

Rashard Mendenhall AZ VS. DET

After one game it appears that the Arizona Cardinals will be moving the football much more than they did last year on offense. Mendenhall saw a majority of the carries and chugged for 60 yards. The Lions were very generous to Adrian Peterson in the opener, so I think there is definite sleeper potential for the new Cardinals running back to motor.

Vick Ballard IND VS. MIA

Week one saw Ballard emerge as the primary ball-carrier for the Colts. Ballard has upside in this matchup, but don’t be surprised if he has goal line carries vultured away by Bradshaw. It appears there’s an evolving door at running back in Indy, but I think the likelihood that Ballard comes out on top is getting better.

Tight Ends

Brent Celek PHI VS. SD

High-powered offense that moves the football equals good fantasy play. Celek found the end zone in week 1, which equaled his output from all of last season. Texan’s tight end had success against San Diego in week one, so figure Coach Kelly will look to exploit that in his up-tempo attack.

Tyler Eifert CIN VS. PIT

The rookie looked solid in his debut last week. He’s undrafted in many leagues and will likely find his way onto many fantasy rosters after this game. He’s a big target with great speed and instincts that allow for mismatches all over the field. Expect Cincinnati to attack the Steelers with their 2 tight end sets and find Eifert down the middle.

Defense

Oakland Raiders OAK VS. JAC

Looking to make a gamble early in the season? This is the type of one that could pay off huge for fantasy owners. I think the Jaguars team is in a bit of disarray and Oakland will be playing in it’s home opener. Raiders nation could be in for a big day against a 2-14 team from a season ago.