Fantasy Football Week 1 Sleepers: 6 Must-Start Players You’re Overlooking (Ep. 2171)

September 4, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Fantasy Football Week 1: Six Underrated Players Worth Starting

The week one lineup decisions that keep fantasy managers up at night often hinge on players who weren't drafted as automatic starters. On this episode, Derrick Brown and Pat Fitzmaurice made the case for six players whose week one matchups and situations make them compelling starts—even if their season-long draft cost was modest. The key insight running through their picks: week one is about opportunity and matchup, not just a player's overall ADP.

Jordan Mason: The Volume Play in Minnesota

Fitzmaurice's first pick was Vikings running back Jordan Mason, who enters week one as what appears to be the clear lead back in Minnesota. The Vikings are leaning more on outside zone runs this season, a scheme that suits Mason's skills. With the offensive line healthier than last year—Christian Darrisaw is back—Mason could see 15 to 17 carries at home against the Green Bay Packers.

The caveat: Mason is not much of a pass catcher, so he's less appealing in full PPR leagues. But in standard or half-point formats, Fitzmaurice sees him as a legitimate flex option. Brown agreed, noting that if Mason finds the end zone, he could finish as a top-15 running back in week one. At the time of recording, Mason sat at RB38 in expert consensus rankings (ECR)—a position both analysts thought was too low.

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What you'll learn

1 (00:45) **Introduction: The Concept of a Week 1 Sleeper Start** - The hosts frame the episode around players drafted later who have great Week 1 matchups and could outperform higher-drafted starters.
2 (01:30) **Sleeper #1: Jordan Mason (RB, Vikings) vs. Packers** - Fitz argues Mason is the lead back in Minnesota and a strong flex option for Week 1.
3 (03:40) **Sleeper #2: Malik Willis (QB, Dolphins) vs. Raiders** - Debra highlights Willis's rushing floor against a weak Raiders defense.
4 (05:47) **Sleeper #3: Quentin Johnston (WR, Chargers) vs. Cardinals** - Fitz and Debra are all-in on QJ as a viable WR3/flex in a great home matchup.
5 (08:46) **Sleeper #4: Zach Charbonnet (RB, Seahawks) vs. Patriots** - The group backs Charbonnet as a clear RB2 with heavy volume to start the year.
6 (10:59) **Sleeper #5: Wan'Dale Robinson (WR, Giants) vs. Jets** - Fitz predicts a high-volume, PPR-friendly role for Robinson against the Jets.
7 (13:35) **Sleeper #6: Mark Andrews (TE, Ravens) vs. Colts** - Debra and Fitz see Andrews as a top TE1 in a favorable dome matchup.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Derrick Brown Pat Fitzmaurice

Show Notes

Week 1 is finally here, and Ryan Wormeli, Pat Fitzmaurice, and Derek Brown are breaking down six fantasy football sleepers who could outperform expectations in your starting lineup. The guys make the case for Jordan Mason against the Green Bay Packers, explain why Malik Willis’ rushing upside could propel him into QB1 territory against the Las Vegas Raiders, and discuss why Quentin Johnston could be primed for a big start against the Arizona Cardinals.

Get the Week 1 start/sit advice you need before setting your first lineup of the season. From overlooked running backs and wide receivers to a high-upside streaming quarterback and a veteran tight end with touchdown potential, these six sleepers could give you the edge you need to start your fantasy football season 1-0.

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Fitz's Sleeper Start: Jordan Mason (RB - Minnesota Vikings) - 0:00:55

DBro's Sleeper Start: Malik Willis (QB - Miami Dolphins) - 0:03:04

Fitz's Sleeper Start: Quentin Johnston (WR - Los Angeles Chargers) - 0:05:08

Start/Sit Tool Promo - 0:07:56

DBro's Sleeper Start: Jadarian Price (RB - Seattle Seahawks) - 0:08:11

Fitz's Sleeper Start: Wan’Dale Robinson (WR - Tennessee Titans ) - 0:10:22

DBro's Sleeper Start: Mark Andrews (TE - Baltimore Ravens) - 0:13:00

Outro - 0:15:43

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