This is it. The 2023 NFL season is upon us, and we have lineups to set. Just because your drafts are complete, there is no time to rest. The player pool still requires constant review. Each Thursday, we will have you covered as we go through options at both the quarterback and tight end positions. Let us dig into some Week 1 Quarterback Sleepers and Streamers along with some Week 1 Tight End Sleepers and Streamers.
Week 1 Quarterback Sleepers and Streamers
Quarterback Sleepers
Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers
As he enters his second year, Kenny Pickett looks to have taken a large step forward. The former first-round pick struggled in his debut last year despite showing flashes. Now that he has another training camp under his belt, and a true offseason, in the NFL, things are moving in the right direction for Pickett.
We do want to resist the urge to put too much stock into the preseason, but Pickett looked impressive. Big plays were plentiful, and with Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Pat Freiermuth, there are weapons to work with. The 49ers do have a strong defense, but it is a cross-country trip, and an early start, to begin the season.
If you waited on a quarterback at draft day, Pickett will be a very popular option this season and could be someone to stick with. But for now, he begins the season as one of my sleepers and streamers for Week 1.
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints
Aside from playing the matchup game, I am already sensing that there will be duplication on a weekly basis at the quarterback position when discussing sleepers and streamers.
Derek Carr is a capable veteran quarterback who has a lot to prove after a terrible year with the Raiders. Not only does he have the explosive Chris Olave to throw to, but it appears we are getting the Michael Thomas of old as well. The veteran has the backing of a strong offensive line and the comfort of beginning his Saints career at home in the dome.
Quarterback Streamers
Sam Howell, Washington Commanders
Despite being handed the starting job after a Week 18 start in 2022, Sam Howell is still an unknown commodity. While we wait for the status of Terry McLaurin to be clarified, Howell isn’t without weapons in both facets of the game.
Perhaps the bigger takeaway here though is the opponent. The Arizona Cardinals are a team clearly looking towards 2024, and their defense is ripe to be targeted. In college, Howell also showed some ability on the ground, so he could be a viable source of production. I expect him to be a matchup dependent sleeper and streamers option this season.
Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
There is a little more risk with Jordan Love when discussing sleepers and streamers for the week. While he did see some action last season, Love begins this new era of Green Bay football with a tough road matchup against the division rival Chicago Bears.
Things are even more difficult with both Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs out of practice on Wednesday, so who will Love throw to? But from a fantasy perspective, does it even matter?
Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are both capable out of the backfield, and the expectation is that rookie Jayden Reed will be busy. What this also means, is that Love will likely be forced to make something happen on the ground. And that, will generate the fantasy production.
Week 1 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | Half-PPR by Position | Flex Rankings
Week 1 Tight End Sleepers and Streamers
Tight End Sleepers
Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
If we are in on Carr, then it only makes sense to include his tight end with our sleepers and streamers. Juwan Johnson had a seven game span last season in which he caught seven touchdown passes, and that is certain to garner attention. Overall, Johnson caught 42 passes for 508 yards in 2022 as he looks to improve on that this year.
With a seemingly healthy Thomas, Johnson should be able to find openings in opposing defenses. We can also add the caveat that he did look good this summer as well.
Greg Dulcich, Denver Broncos
After having a strong stretch to his rookie season, there are mixed reviews on Greg Dulcich for 2023. The main issue is that the Broncos brought Adam Trautman over from the Saints which means new coach Sean Payton sees something.
However, the lack of attention could be good for Dulcich as the Broncos look to make up for a terrible 2022 season. With Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick out, the Broncos are also short pass catchers. Dulcich already has some chemistry built up with Russell Wilson, and I’m not sure Trautman is someone to fear.
Tight End Streamers
Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys
With Dalton Schultz further south in Houston, the Cowboys need Jake Ferguson to step up. It remains to be seen how much Dak Prescott will target his new tight end, but the potential is there.
Prescott has talked up Ferguson this summer and Schultz left a sizable void in Dallas’ offense. If you have exhausted all other tight end options, Ferguson is an intriguing sleeper and streamer possibility.
Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders
After being one of the top NCAA tight ends, Michael Mayer slipped a little in April’s draft. Mayer was still drafted in the second round, and he joins a Raiders team with target share available.
With Darren Waller now in New York, the tight end position is open for the Raiders, and Austin Hooper is not someone to fear. Rookie tight ends are often tough to project, but in this case, there is talent and availability.