Week 1 sleepers shine across QB and talent-budget targets. Drake Maye stands out as a price-savvy QB in NE, Trevor Lawrence draws a favorable matchup vs CAR, while DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown deploy upside with favorable Week 1 setups. Garrett Wilson headlines cheap Jets targets, Josh Downs fires up IND’s receiving corps, and Te Kr Pat Freiermuth plus Mason Taylor offer tight-end value on light rosters. PrizePicks angles cap the slate with three smart week-one bets.

The discussion also calls out deep bargains such as Dylan Samson and Tyrone Tracy Jr. as mid-range backfield/receiving pivots, and Mecca Ibuka as a low-cost exposure in Tampa Bay. The combo of affordable stars and high-leverage stacks gives managers a path to keep rosters flexible while hunting for opening-week edges.

Anthony Richardson’s Colts saga remains the season’s hot thread, with a quarterback battle shadowing a rebuild-fast offense. Richardson’s ceiling hinges on staying healthy and turning athletic upside into steady passing, supported by a receiving corps that features Alec Pierce, Pitman, and Josh Downs, plus Tyler Warren feeding the tight end role. The coaching staff’s patience and a more nuanced defense under Lou Anarumo should stabilize game scripts, but offensive line questions persist at center with Bordellini and the potential for a rocky start against Texans and similar defenses.

Jonathan Taylor’s 2024 volume keeps him in the fantasy conversation, even after a key error derailed momentum. The Colts lean into RPOs, which will shape target distribution: Pierce downfield targets, Downs in the slot, and Pitman as a reliable chain-mover, with AD Mitchell vying for a breakout. On defense, the upgrades at corner and safety, plus more varied coverages, could yield better overall numbers, though star power is spread. The episode settles on a cautious forecast: Richardson must play consistently for any real optimism; seven and a half wins feels about right, with upside if ARQ hits.

Josh Downs has emerged as a player with similar potential to the early career of Antonio Brown. His explosive talent was noted, particularly in light of his current role as a slot receiver, where he faces competition with other talented players like Alec Pierce.

Despite being somewhat roadblocked this season, there are expectations that he could eventually break out if the situation aligns in his favor, given his remarkable efficiency and versatility.