Fantasy Football Week 2: Breaking Down Top Sleepers at Each Key Position

Every fantasy football owner faces the same challenge every week. They have a select number of must-start options and are then tasked with filling out the rest of the lineup. In order to win a championship, some sleepers will need to come through.

That's because it's virtually impossible to build a perfect roster. A few question marks are always going to remain in highly competitive leagues and, as injuries begin to mount, more arise during the season. Those who handle the situation best end up in the playoffs.

With that in mind, let's check out the top sleeper options for Week 2. These players aren't meant to start over the likes of Peyton Manning, LeSean McCoy or Calvin Johnson, but they are good alternatives at a fantasy owner's positions of lesser strength.

QB: Jake Locker (Tennessee Titans)

When healthy, Locker often flashes plenty of upside as he did in Week 1. The Titans signal-caller completed 67 percent of his passes for over 260 yards and two touchdowns. He didn't turn the ball over and led the team to an impressive road win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

It's the latest example to show talent isn't the question. If he can stay on the field, he'll provide Tennessee with some much-needed stability under center. His growth as a quarterback can be seen in comments passed along by John Glennon of The Tennessean about reading pressure.

"I see it more often now," Locker said. "I understand where it's coming from and where your problems are. I think that helps you."

The result was 19 fantasy points, ranking sixth at the position. Although it's highly unlikely he'll push to finish in the top five at the position, he could definitely put up starter-caliber fantasy numbers. Of course, it comes down to staying healthy.

There were no concerns of that nature coming out of Week 1, which makes him a strong option this week. The Titans go up against a Dallas Cowboys defense that ranked last defensively in 2013 and is likely to remain a weak point.

Others to consider: Andy Dalton, Carson Palmer

RB: Chris Ivory (New York Jets)

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Fantasy owners that were worried about the Jets backfield situation should have emerged from Week 1 optimistic. Both Ivory and Chris Johnson got enough touches to remain fantasy assets, and it's going to stay that way as New York tries to limit the amount of pressure on Geno Smith.

Ivory rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown to tally 16 fantasy points. His value is slightly diminished in PPR formats because he's not a serious factor in the passing game, but that was expected. Otherwise, the signs are positive.

He should see even more work in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. It's a defensive group that allowed Marshawn Lynch, a powerful runner like Ivory, to fight his way to 110 yards and two touchdowns.

The Jets would be wise to use a similar approach this week to avoid getting into a shootout with Aaron Rodgers and Co. Johnson is still going to get his fair share of work, but Ivory's style suggests he'll be the more effective option.

Others to consider: Carlos Hyde, Shonn Greene

WR: Brandin Cooks (New Orleans Saints)

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Last week was not a fluke. Cooks is a dynamic playmaker who's a perfect fit for a Saints offense that excels at putting receivers in positions where they can succeed. He finished his debut with seven catches for 77 yards, one carry for 18 yards and a touchdown.

He doesn't have prototypical size for the position, but his quarterback Drew Brees will be the first to say that doesn't mean everything. New Orleans found ways to get him the ball in space, and he made things happen. Will Brinson of CBS Sports summed it up:

Yes, the Saints have a lot of weapons and like to spread the ball around on offense. That means there are going to be some weeks where he might post relatively mundane numbers. But the potential reward will far outweigh the risk most weeks.

That includes Week 2. New Orleans goes up against the Cleveland Browns, who allowed the Pittsburgh Steelers to throw for 376 yards in the opener. That means Brees will have the green light on Sunday, and Cooks should be on the receiving end of those throws early and often.

Others to consider: Brian Quick, Kelvin Benjamin

TE: Zach Ertz (Philadelphia Eagles)

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Tight end is one position where owners will likely do a lot of juggling this season. Outside of Jimmy Graham, Julius Thomas and Rob Gronkowski, there are plenty of unproven options. So players like Ertz will carry extra value.

The Eagles' rising star didn't have a monster Week 1. He caught just three passes but did turn them into 77 yards and a touchdown. It showcased his ability to stretch the field while also showing he'll be a popular target when Philadelphia is in scoring range.

For now, he's still having to split time with Brent Celek. It wouldn't be the least bit of a surprise if the number of snaps starts shifting more in Ertz's favor, though. He's the far more dangerous target in the passing game.

Even if that doesn't happen right away, the tight end should be in line for a big fantasy outing against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night. The Colts allowed the aforementioned Thomas to score three touchdowns in a loss to the Denver Broncos.

Others to consider: Delanie Walker, Jared Cook