Everybody knows to start Eddie Lacy, Andrew Luck and Julio Jones. In this article we will be covering deep sleepers. Guys that a lot of people may be able to find on their waiver wire. If you’re desperate for an emergency play or a cheap DFS option, this is where you find those guys. Just remember all these guys are longshots. Don’t bench your stars for them!

Quarterbacks

QB Ryan Mallett, HOU

Mallett has officially been named Houston’s Week 2 starter and could have some value. He is much more physically gifted than Brian Hoyer. While Hoyer has the experience, Mallett has a lot more upside. With DeAndre Hopkins at his disposal, there is a chance he could have a solid outing. He played well when he replaced Hoyer in Week 1.

QB Johnny Manziel, CLE

Manziel could very well fall flat on his face. Nonetheless, he did show some flashes Week 1. He had one really nice run that was brought back by an offensive penalty. His mobility gives him fantasy upside. He can break off a dynamic run or make a big play at any time. His matchup with the Titans is a pretty good matchup, too. Their secondary is decimated, and he will have opportunities to make plays. Of course, all of this could be irrelevant if Josh McCown is able to go. As of now, that does not look likely.

Running Backs

RB David Johnson, ARZ

With Andre Ellington expected to miss 1-3 weeks, Chris Johnson will be the starter. However, David Johnson could be the better play. He looked great in the preseason and had a huge touchdown reception in Week. 1. CJ2k may be the safer pick but Johnson is a nice deep sleeper option.

Wide Receivers

WR Rishard Matthews, MIA

Matthews seems to have carved out a role with the Dolphins this season. In Week 1 he caught four passes for 34 yards and a TD. Matthews even jumped Kenny Stills on the depth chart for the team’s third preseason game. If you watched over the past few seasons, there is some reason to believe that he’s a better option for the Dolphins than both Greg Jennings and Stills.

WR Jerricho Cotchery, CAR

There is no reliable veteran presence in Carolina for Cam Newton. The one man who could fill that void is Cotchery. In Week 1, Cotchery saw six targets, which was second on the team, and he also grabbed a TD. He’s only two years removed from a double-digit TD season. Cotchery could become what he was expected to be last season.

Tight Ends

TE Anthony Fasano, TEN

Fasano could be a sneaky good play this week, especially in DFS leagues. Starting TE Delanie Walker is dealing a sprained ligament in his wrist and there’s a very strong chance he won’t play this week. Fasano has actually been a pretty solid option for years now, although he gets very little credit or recognition. He was a serviceable option for both the Dolphins and Chiefs. If you’re desperately looking for a TE, Fasano could be a nice option.

TE Gavin Escobar, DAL

Escobar could be one of the men seeing his role increased significantly while Dez Bryant is out. Now he can take a few steps off the offensive line and pretty much serve as a glorified wideout. He could also be the team’s top red zone option while Bryant is out. I really like him as a waiver wire add this season.