Biggest Sleepers at Every Position for Week 2 Fantasy Football 2026

If you're someone who prefers to join the waiver-wire frenzy following Week 1 rather than wait for panicky fantasy football managers to drop decent players, this week's sleeper list is for you.

Yes, it's Thursday, but it's not too late to pick up leftover gems from the free-agent pool. Plenty are still there.

A rookie wide receiver who should be rostered for the rest of the season is widely available. A first-year running back may have standalone value even though he splits touches with a league star.

Two veteran tight ends re-emerged as viable fantasy options and have streamer appeal.

Let's take a look at eight of the biggest sleeper options available in more than 50 percent of fantasy leagues, based on FantasyPros' consensus roster percentages.

QB Bryce Young at Atlanta Falcons (21 Percent Rostered)

(AP Photo/Scott Kinser

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young

Bryce Young will face a divisional opponent who has struggled against him at home. Over his last two road matchups with the Atlanta Falcons, Young has thrown for six touchdowns without an interception.

In a 59-37 Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears, Carolina played from behind for most of the game, so Young probably won't need to throw for 300-plus-yards this week. But it's noteworthy that he played well in must-pass conditions under new Panthers offensive play-caller Brad Idzik, throwing for 361 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. 

Young is usually efficient, but he may have to throw more if the Panthers struggle to stop Bijan Robinson after allowing 291 yards to the Bears on the ground last week. 

Also, Carolina could make a decision on whether to sign Young to an extension next offseason. The fourth-year signal-caller has a reason to show that he can carry the Panthers offense with his arm.

RB Kaelon Black vs. Miami Dolphins (29 Percent Rostered)

AP Photo/John Locher

San Francisco 49ers running back Kaelon Black (26)

In a blowout win over the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers rookie third-round running back Kaelon Black logged a team-leading 14 carries for 65 yards and caught a pass for five yards. He either benefitted from a lopsided contest, or the 49ers plan to utilize him as a legitimate RB2 who splits touches with Christian McCaffrey.

Looking at FanDuel's odds, San Francisco is a 13.5-point favorite over the Miami Dolphins at home. So, Black could once again see more touches because of the game script. Regardless, he's in a good spot to see at least 10 touches in a matchup against a defense that allowed 130 rushing yards to the Las Vegas Raiders last week.

On a run-heavy team under head coach Kyle Shanahan, Black should be a priority pickup this week and beyond. McCaffrey turned 30 this year. So, the 49ers may limit his workload in certain situations to preserve him for a critical late-season stretch.

If you're in need of a flex player, Black is a solid option; he could eventually be a low-end RB2.

RB George Holani at Arizona Cardinals (4 Percent Rostered)

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani

Most people in your league will overlook George Holani because he didn't have a flashy stat line in the Seattle Seahawks' season opener. He logged eight carries for just 29 yards and only saw one target.

However, lead running back Jadarian Price finished with only two more carries than Holani. The rookie first-rounder showed notable burst, but he's in a fairly even backfield timeshare. Holani generated offseason buzz as the projected pass-catching running back to see a lot of work on third downs.

Although we didn't see much of Holani on passing downs in Week 1, that could change with backup quarterback Drew Lock set to start for Sam Darnold, who's out with a glute injury.

The Seahawks aren't going to script plays for Lock to sling it all over the field. They didn't do that for Darnold either, but the game plan could be more conservative with a second-stringer under center.

In addition to eight to 10 carries, Holani will likely see a fair number of targets in the short passing game as Lock establishes his rhythm.

WR Caleb Douglas at San Francisco 49ers (20 Percent Rostered)

AP Photo/David Becker

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas (7)

As of now, Caleb Douglas is clearly the Miami Dolphins' No. 1 wide receiver and pass-catcher. In Week 1, Malik Willis completed a third of his passes to the rookie wideout in a game that the Dolphins trailed from start to finish.

The Las Vegas Raiders dominated the Dolphins without All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers. So, the playoff-caliber San Francisco 49ers should be able to do the same, which means Willis will throw to keep pace with a superior opponent.

Last week, Douglas hauled in five of seven targets for 94 yards. If the Dolphins have to push the ball downfield, the rookie wideout could easily top the century mark in receiving yards because of his big-play ability.

In college, Douglas averaged 15 yards per catch. He had an impressive offseason, all the way through training camp and nearly reached the 100-yard mark in his pro debut. 

The 6'4", 208-pound receiver could help you win your Week 2 matchup and a league title.

WR Adonai Mitchell vs. Green Bay Packers (14 Percent Rostered)

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell

Forget what you remember about Adonai Mitchell's first two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. He's made strides to become the New York Jets' No. 2 receiver with the speed to produce explosive gains in a revamped passing attack.

With an upgrade at quarterback, the Jets' passing offense can support two fantasy-relevant receivers. In a win over the Tennessee Titans, quarterback Geno Smith connected with Mitchell three times for 60 yards; one of those completions went for 40 yards.

Smith and Mitchell should be able to build on their rapport in a matchup against the Green Bay Packers, who allowed Minnesota Vikings backup quarterback Carson Wentz to throw three touchdown passes in about a 17-minute span.

After racking up 152 yards on the ground against the Titans, Gang Green will likely look to ground and pound the ball with Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, but Mitchell only needs three or four catches to produce a double-digit fantasy total in point-per-reception leagues.  

WR Mack Hollins vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (2 Percent Rostered)

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins

Mack Hollins isn't an exciting dart throw, but he's going to see more targets in the New England Patriots' passing attack as star wideout A.J. Brown nurses a high ankle sprain. 

The Patriots have placed Brown on injured reserve. So, Romeo Doubs and Hollins will move up a spot on the receiver depth chart. 

It's worth noting that quarterback Drake Maye and Doubs weren't on the same page in New England's season opener, and the latter finished with zero catches and a drop.

Meanwhile, Maye turned to Hollins late in last week's game against the Seattle Seahawks, which shows his trust in the 10-year veteran. He finished with four catches for a team-leading 51 yards.

As a 6'4", 221-pound target, Hollins could be Maye's safety blanket and a viable red-zone threat for the Patriots' depleted receiver corps.

TE David Njoku vs. Las Vegas Raiders (9 Percent Rostered)

AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku

As of Wednesday, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey's status is uncertain because of a rib injury. He led the Chargers in targets (seven) and receiving yards (82) last week. David Njoku tied with him for a team-leading five catches and racked up 58 yards on five targets.

Despite the offseason buzz about tight end Charlie Kolar's role in Mike McDaniel's offense, Njoku could emerge as the trusted pass-catching tight end over Oronde Gadsden, who's far less experienced.

Njoku has 389 receptions for 4,120 yards and 34 touchdowns in his 10-year career. Given his resume, he may be a primary target in the passing game while McConkey battles an injury.

Also, expect Justin Herbert to have a better outing after a stinker in the Chargers' home opener (17-of-27 passing for 209 yards, a touchdown and an interception), which will bode well for all of his available pass-catchers.

TE Mike Gesicki at Houston Texans (6 Percent Rostered)

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88)

In most weeks, Mike Gesicki will be the third or fourth option in the passing game behind Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown.

Last week, Gesicki led the Cincinnati Bengals in targets (seven) and receiving yards (78). He also hauled in Joe Burrow's only touchdown pass.

Eventually, Chase will erupt with a big game, but it may not be this week against the Houston Texans, a stingy defensive unit that looks to bounce back from a poor showing at home. 

That said, the Texans' pass defense struggled specifically against the Buffalo Bills' lead tight end. Dalton Kincaid caught five passes for 130 yards, which included three receptions of 20-plus yards. Among tight ends, he finished third in fantasy scoring, one spot behind Gesicki.

Like Kincaid last week, Gesicki may be able to have success against the Texans' pass defense. Burrow logged a limited practice Wednesday, so monitor his status, though we know 41-year-old backup quarterback Joe Flacco can still sling it.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.