Fantasy Football Sleepers Week 2-Last minute fliers

Running Back Sleepers Week 1

Lamar Miller-Miami Dolphins (FD-7,300, DK-5,500): Miller didn’t find the end zone in week 1 and only totaled 53 yards on his 13 carries.  He did add a 22 yard reception, but overall this performance was underwhelming. However, it’s important to remember Washington’s defense was good against the run last year, and Miller should be lined up for a big week in week 2 as the Dolphins take on the hapless Jaguars.  The Dolphins threw the ball a lot week 1 which limited Miller’s effectiveness, but I expect him to get a heavier workload making him a solid option in our fantasy football sleepers week 2.

Carlos Hyde-San Francisco 49ers (FD-7,000, DK-5,100): Hyde exploded in week one ripping the Vikings for 168 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the late Monday Night Football game.  He carried the ball 26 times in the opener and should continue to see as much work as he can handle since Reggie Bush is already dealing with injury issues.  His price actually went down on both FanDuel and DraftKings despite scoring more points than any other running back in almost all scoring systems. The only downside to Hyde is that he’ll be heavily owned after his breakout week 1 as the 49ers hit the road for week 2.  They’ll be on a short week as they take on the Steelers, but Pittsburgh’s defense struggled to contain little-known Dion Lewis in week 1, so look for Hyde to have room to run again in week 2.

Chris Ivory-New York Jets (FD-6,900, DK-4,700): Ivory was limited in practice all week, but he looks like he’s lined up to start this week despite a questionable tag.  His owners will have to take the risk that he’ll play on Monday Night Football and watch the inactives before gametime.  That being said, if he plays Ivory is a great option as the Jets take on the Colts on Monday Night Football.  Ivory will look to build on a strong week one in which he rushed for a pair of touchdowns against the Browns while taking 20 carries for 91 yards.  He was clearly the focus of the Jets offense and will get plenty of work on Monday if he’s healthy enough to go. If not, be ready to switch him out with Bilal Powell (later on this list).

Ameer Abdullah-Detroit Lions (FD-6,400, DK-4,500): Abdullah delivered on his sleeper buzz in week one taking seven carries for 50 yards and a touchdown while adding 44 yards on four catches.  He had the most touches of any back in the Lions’ backfield, and he should continue to see his role grow as long as he produces.  This week, the Lions visit Minnesota where they’ll take on the Vikings defense that Hyde demolished last week.  The matchup and his growing role make Abdullah a really nice play this week.

Bishop Sankey-Tennessee Titans  (FD-6,500, DK-4,500): Another option at around Abdullah’s price is Bishop Sankey of the Titans.  While many owners are still feeling the burn from last season when Sankey was over-drafted, the second-year back stepped up in week 1 finishing with 74 yards on 12 carries and 12 more yards on two catches.  He got into the end zone twice with a receiving touchdown and a rushing touchdown, and he was clearly the team’s #1 back.  While Terrance West is getting some playing time as a change-of-pace option, I expect Sankey to continue to carry the load even as the Titans face West’s former team today as they visit Cleveland.  The Browns run defense didn’t look good week one agains the Jets, so look for Sankey to post another productive line.

Bilal Powell-New York Jets (FD-5,200, DK-3,000): If Ivory is unable to go on Monday Night Football, Bilal Powell will be a great value option.  Even with Ivory healthy in week 1, Powell still got touches finishing with 62 yards on 12 carries and 16 hards on two catches.  If you need a cheap running back, you could definitely roll the dice with Powell and hope he gets a huge workload due to Ivory’s injury questions.  Even if Ivory is healthy, though, he should still get enough work to be a good value at his super-low price point.

Lance Dunbar-Dallas Cowboys (FD-4,800, DK-3,000):  Another ultra-cheap option I like this week is Lance Dunbar who didn’t get a single carry week 1 but was very involved in the passing game hauling in eight passes for a team-high 70 yards. He’s very involved in the Dallas passing attack, and Tony Romo will need targets while Dez is out.  If the Cowboys-Eagles game turned into a shootout and Dallas has to pass the ball often, look for Dunbar to put up another good line even though he’s extremely affordable

Week 1 Picks: Jonathan Stewart, Carlos Hyde, Doug Martin, Matt Jones, Benny Cunningham

Next: Wide Receiver Sleepers Week 1