The wait for the NFL regular season is over, and fantasy managers are sweating those final lineup decisions.
Looking for some players to fill your fantasy football or NFL DFS Lineup this week? We've got you with four sleepers to consider for NFL Week 1.
The beauty of Week 1 is the unknown — and we're here to help you navigate it. Every depth chart is fresh, every offense has new wrinkles, and every player carries both risk and upside.
With kickoff just days away, it’s time to separate the sleepers with real opportunity from the false hype Let’s dive into the top fantasy football sleepers and sneaky starts you should consider for Week 1.
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Panthers QB Bryce Young vs. Jaguars
Bryce Young comes into his second year under HC Dave Canales with a ton of momentum. He ended his 2024 campaign on a high note after being benched for veteran journeyman QB Andy Dalton. He finished with 31.5 fantasy points per game over his final three outings.
It was a sign of his growth in Canales’ system. The Panthers added one of the top WRs in the first round of the NFL draft — former Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan — tohelp him keep improving.
The Young to McMillan connection has already shown Panthers’ fans what is to come this preseason.
Young opens against a porous Jaguars secondary. In 2024, they were 32nd in passing yards allowed (4,605), had the fewest INTs (6), and allowed 29 passing TDs.
If there was ever a time to roll with Young as a fringe QB1 and a rock-solid QB2 in superflex leagues, Week 1 is that time.
Bryce Young Projections for Week 1
Here are Bryce Young's projections for Week 1 via the PrizePicks NFL board, where you can pick More or Less on NFL player stats every week to win real money.
- 214.5 Pass Yards
- 0.5 Pass TDs (Goblin)
- 0.5 INT
- 19.5 Completions
- 15 Fantasy Score
- 14.5 Rush Yards
Jaguars RB Travis Etienne vs. Panthers
Just as Bryce Young draws a juicy matchup, so does Travis Etienne. The Panthers were downright dreadful against the run last season, giving up the most fantasy points to opposing RBs.
Etienne should look to make an early statement and seize control of the Jaguars’ backfield that currently has a few mouths to feed, including Tank Bigsby. HC Liam Coen is confident in getting Etienne the ball in Week 1: “We've got to use him as a guy that can help make plays.”
Given what we’ve seen Coen do with RBs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White in Tampa Bay, it gives fantasy owners hope that this can be replicated in Jacksonville.
Let’s not forget Etienne is two years removed from his 2023 season with 1,484 all-purpose yards and 12 TDs. Just last year, he was a top 10 RB off the board. Don't overlook Etienne.
Travis Etienne Projections for Week 1
Here are Travis Etienne's projections for Week 1 via the PrizePicks NFL board, where you can pick More or Less on NFL player stats every week to win real money.
- 39.5 Rush Yards
- 14.5 Receiving Yards
- 9.5 Rush Attempts
Packers WR Matthew Golden vs. Lions
The Packers used a first-round pick on former Texas WR Matthew Golden. This was the first time the Packers used a first-round pick since 2002 on a WR — they finally got their guy.
Golden has been impressive in training camp and during the preseason. There are high expectations for Golden, and he could be the WR1 for QB Jordan Love in Green Bay as early as Week 1.
With the Lions down their defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn from last year, it's possible that this defense could takes a step back. They gave up the 30th most passing yards last season (4,404) while allowing 7.2 yards per attempt.
We can expect Love to pepper his shiny new target early and often. With the possibility of the Packers being without WR Jayden Reed (foot), who is questionable, and WR Christian Watson already ruled out, Golden has the opportunity to help fantasy owners in a big way in Week 1 as he draws the start.
Matthew Golden Projections for Week 1
Here are Matthew Golden's projections for Week 1 via the PrizePicks NFL board, where you can pick More or Less on NFL player stats every week to win real money.
- 4 Receptions
- 48.5 Receiving Yards
- 10 Fantasy Score
- 7 Targets
Patriots TE Hunter Henry vs. Raiders
The Patriots will begin a new phase in 2025. They now have HC Mike Vrabel at the helm and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels calling the plays.
This could set up second-year QB Drake Maye for early success. Along with him is one of his favorite pass-catching options from his rookie season, TE Hunter Henry, who’s in a perfect spot to be a big contributor in Week 1.
He draws a Las Vegas defense that allowed the second-most fantasy points to the tight end position in 2024. He should pick up where he left off after posting 12.3 PPR points in three of his final five games.
Down the stretch in 2024, Henry had at least 6 targets in six of his last eight games.
For fantasy owners who are rotating tight ends to start the season, Henry may be the answer in Week 1.
Hunter Henry Projections for Week 1
Here are Hunter Henry's projections for Week 1 via the PrizePicks NFL board, where you can pick More or Less on NFL player stats every week to win real money.
- 2.5 Receptions (Goblin)
- 32.5 Receiving Yards
- 8 Fantasy Score
- 4.5 Targets
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