10 RB sleepers to target for fantasy football week 1

6. Latavius Murray

Remember when I said “start all your Vikings”? I meant it. If we’re talking sleepers, we have to consider those players on teams who are expected to score points, but might not be the bigger names. Sam Bradford, Dalvin Cook, Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and Kyle Rudolph figure to be heavily involved against a weak New Orleans Saints defense on Sunday, but what happens if the team decides to split carries? Could there be a sleeper fantasy pick?

While Dalvin Cook has impressed this preseason and looks the part of an NFL-ready rookie, it was mostly in the absence of veteran Latavius Murray who had ankle surgery in the summer and only returned in Week 3 of the preseason – after already seeing Cook fly past him and be named the official starter in the backfield. Head coach Mike Zimmer will want to get the most out of his backup, and could use this opportunity to ease him in.

There might be a role for both of these players in Minnesota. Cook is clearly the back to own for fantasy football purposes this season, but could Murray carve out a role as the goal-line back? Or at least rotate in as the rookie grows into the every-down starter? Starting Murray against a vulnerable Saints defense could pay off.