Fantasy Football Week 1: Top 5 sleepers to consider

ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 13: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Take a risk in Week 1 and start one of these top five fantasy football sleepers.

It’s officially fantasy football season! Week 1 isn’t even over yet, and the season is already producing angry fantasy owners.

Nobody would’ve of imagined their No. 1 draft pick would end up having a bye in Week 1. Unfortunately for Mike Evans owners, you’re going to need a filler already.

If you own Alex Smith and kept him on the bench because he was playing the Super Bowl champs, you woke up in a terrible mood; he earned almost 50 fantasy points per game in most leagues.

But, isn’t that the point of fantasy football? The unknown is what we live for. Everything is a risk because at the end of the day, well, it’s fantasy!

So why not really make the best of your fantasy football team? Take some risks, start a sleeper! This week there are several players whose matchups make it impossible to start, even with their bad track records.

Week 1 is the week, go all in and start some of these top 5 sleepers.

Next: 5. This running back will regain your trust

OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 19: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams carries the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter of their preseason NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

5. Todd Gurley, RB Los Angeles Rams

If you own Todd Gurley in your fantasy football league, you either love to take a gamble, or you’re not letting last season cloud your judgment. But, we can’t blame last season 100 percent on him.

Quarterback Jared Goff just couldn’t get his offense together last season. The Los Angeles Rams were left vulnerable, and Gurley took most of the wrap.

He only managed a little over 880 yards and six touchdowns. On average, he only had 3.2 yards per carry. Those statistics are a fantasy owner’s worst nightmare.

But, Gurley and the Rams catch a break in Week 1 as they prepare to take on the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts surrendered the six most fantasy points to running backs. They also gave up 120 rushing yards per game.

This matchup is ideal for Gurley owners. Take your chance now, as it’s only Week 1 and we have an entire season ahead of us! Look for Gurley to shock everyone in the 2017 NFL season opener.

Next: 4. Remember the Titans?

4. Eric Decker, WR Tennessee Titans

I couldn’t enter Week 1 without throwing Eric Decker on my sleepers list. Although he may not be on the top of the depth chart, this week could be a game changer for fantasy football owners.

Now, Marcus Mariota will most likely be focused on Rishard Matthews, but Decker’s slot capabilities are undeniably insane. Decker also has great odds in the end zone. In his last 18 games, there were only four games where he didn’t score.

He has a high upside this week, but there are still a few red flags. He’s entering Week 1 after missing almost all the 2016 season with an injury. The Tennessee Titans also have a ton of receivers to choose from.

His Oakland Raiders matchup won’t be as intimidating as his own tteam’scompetition. But, I still believe Decker will show up this week. I am confident he will earn double-digit points, and you should definitely consider him a top sleeper pick in Week 1.

Next: 3. This Jet is going to take off

SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 11: Robby Anderson #11 of the New York Jets makes a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

3. Robby Anderson, WR New York Jets

Ironically, Robby Anderson fell right after Eric Decker on my sleeper list this week. If you don’t get the irony, Google it!

Anderson worried me entering the season. But, as his preseason showcase continued, his fantasy value increased in my book. At first glance, Anderson can be underestimated; his size alone is enough to chuckle at.

But, don’t judge a book by its cover. Anderson is quick, athletic, and has great timing. This week’s matchup is one he’s been waiting for since the schedule release.

The New York Jets take on division rivals, the Buffalo Bills. The Bills enter the season without The Ryan brothers and a secondary they’re rebuilding.

Animosity and revenge will be boiling this weekend, and I think Anderson will take the victory. Take a chance with him this week, and watch the fantasy football points role in. He has the chance to see a ton of targets this week and for most of the season. The Bills have a revamped secondary this year, and Anderson should be considered a No. 3 fantasy receiver with upside this week.

Next: 2. Ride 'em cowboy

ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 30: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after scoring the game winning touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime at AT&T Stadium on October 30, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. The Dallas Cowboys beat the Philadelphia Eagles 29-23 in overtime. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

2. Jason Witten, TE Dallas Cowboys

I am not a Jason Witten fan, but with top performing tight ends being scarce, drafting Witten is sometimes the only option. Last season, he averaged a little under eight points per game.

1. Paul Richardson, WR Seattle Seahawks

Paul Richardson is going to be the name to know this year. He’s owned in less than 20 percent of leagues, so if I can convince you to start him, he’s probably still available; especially if you have players like Jarvis Landry and Mike Evans both missing Week 1.

He’s currently listed above Tyler Lockett on the depth chart at the WR2 position. He’s worth a WR3 or flex this week as the Seattle Seahawks are battling the Green Bay Packers.

If you know anything about the Packers, it’s their offense. Why, because their defense is horrendous! The Packers led the league with most touchdowns allowed to opposing wideouts at 26.

Must Read: Fantasy Football Week 1: Top 5 Start ‘Em Picks

They also allowed the most fantasy football points per game to the position. Everything is pointing to Richardson this week, and weeks to come. We have only just begun to see his true potential. Now, close this page, and go claim Richardson before it’s too late!