Immediate fantasy soccer takeaways from each sport

Estimated studying time: 80 minutes

PFF’s fantasy soccer recap focuses on participant utilization and stats, breaking down all of the important info it’s good to obtain fantasy success in 2025.

Indianapolis Colts @ Baltimore Ravens

Tyler Warren makes his Indianapolis Colts debut: Warren was the Colts’ prime goal when he was on the sector.

The Colts have utilized a ridiculous rotation at tight finish in current seasons. Last season, Mo Alie-Cox, Andrew Ogletree and Kylen Granson all performed between 430-475 offensive snaps, however not one of the three exceeded 200 receiving yards on the season. The tight finish room will look very completely different this season after the Colts used the 14th general decide within the draft on Warren, a well-rounded tight finish who ought to be able to enjoying in any state of affairs.

Warren performed all 20 snaps on the Colts’ first three drives. This was a transparent distinction from their tight finish utilization final season. In the three snaps Indianapolis used two-tight-end units, Ogletree was additionally on the sector. Warren caught three passes for 40 yards and had a fourth reception referred to as again attributable to an ineligible man downfield. It’s not stunning he acquired so many targets contemplating the Colts’ prime three large receivers didn’t play on this sport. Once he left the sport, Ogletree began enjoying extra continuously, whereas Will Mallory turned the second tight finish. Warren performed 16 snaps from a conventional tight finish alignment along with two snaps within the slot and two out large.

It’s price noting Mo Alie-Cox was among the many Colts veterans who sat out this sport, however he’s unlikely to be a risk to Warren’s enjoying time, notably in passing conditions.

While we will’t take a lot away from his stats on this sport, we could be extra assured that Warren will see play considerably extra snaps than previous Colts’ tight ends this season. We may count on him to align as a conventional tight finish extra typically than most fantasy-relevant tight ends. This isn’t stunning given his robust run blocking. If something, this sport was extra constructive than unfavourable, however it principally confirms what we already anticipated out of Warren this season.

The Colts’ backup working again battle intensifies: The Colts rotated between Tyler Goodson and D.J. Giddens at working again all through the primary half.

The Colts have gone by way of a number of backup working backs over time behind Jonathan Taylor, together with Nyheim Miller-Hines, Zack Moss, Trey Sermon, Deon Jackson and Jordan Wilkins. None of these gamers is presently on the roster. The Colts retained Goodson, signed veteran Khalil Herbert from the Cincinnati Bengals in free company and drafted Giddens within the fifth spherical in an open competitors. Taylor has missed three-to-seven video games in every of the final three seasons, so there’s a probability whoever wins the backup job will maintain fantasy worth this season.

With Taylor sitting this sport out, Goodson began. Goodson performed the primary drive and many of the fifth drive, whereas Giddens performed the remainder of the first-half snaps. The undeniable fact that Giddens is close to even with Goodson is an efficient signal that he might develop into the first backup this season. Typically, Day 3 working backs are buried on the depth chart this early within the preseason. It’s additionally good to see him enjoying each down quite than specializing in passing conditions. 

Herbert was listed fourth on the group’s first unofficial depth chart. While we sometimes can’t take a lot inventory within the unofficial depth charts, Herbert didn’t play a single snap with the offense within the first half, however he began the second half. The undeniable fact that the Colts rotated working backs, and Herbert wasn’t a part of that rotation, isn’t an ideal signal for Herbert’s possibilities of being the first backup this season. Typically, we see veterans forward of rookies at this level within the season, so Giddens enjoying forward of Herbert is fairly important. 

Keaton Mitchell was the focus of the Ravens’ offense: Mitchell carried out very equally to his rookie season.

Mitchell was wonderful over a six-game stretch in 2023 as a rookie, averaging 8.4 yards per carry over 47 carries. He suffered a grotesque knee harm, together with an ACL tear, close to the tip of 2023 and returned lower than 11 months later, however he wasn’t the identical participant. There has been a relentless constructive buzz round Mitchell this offseason, as his velocity is again.

Mitchell began the sport for Baltimore attributable to Derrick Henry and Justice Hill sitting out. Mitchell performed 100% of the first- and second-down snaps on the primary two drives, whereas Rasheen Ali took the third-down position. He ran 5 instances for 53 yards and a landing on these drives. Mitchell continued to work in all through the primary half as a result of Baltimore solely had three energetic working backs who had been on the roster for at the very least per week. He continued to rotate out on third downs. Ali wasn’t practically as efficient regardless of his important carry complete. While the extent of expertise he’s dealing with wasn’t pretty much as good as an NFL regular-season sport, this helped reinforce Mitchell because the clear third working again on the depth chart, as he displayed what he can do when he has house to run.

It will probably be near-impossible for Mitchell to have fantasy worth this season so long as Henry is wholesome. Still, if Henry had been to undergo an harm, Mitchell may very well be a must-start, as Hill would probably stay the receiving again whereas Mitchell receives many of the carries.

Miscellaneous Notes

• Colts’ head coach Shane Steichen introduced earlier within the week that Anthony Richardson would begin at quarterback and play 1 / 4 and a half, whereas Daniel Jones performed the remainder of the half. Next week, the plan is for the roles to be reversed.
• Richardson was injured on an unblocked sack on the second drive, resulting in Jones taking on at quarterback sooner. He appeared to undergo a hand harm.
• The Colts rested a number of key starters, together with working again Jonathan Taylor, large receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and Josh Downs, and tight finish Mo Alie-Cox.
• Colts backup working again Salvon Ahmed didn’t play after struggling a severe leg harm earlier within the week throughout follow. He was unlikely to make the roster earlier than the harm.
• The Ravens rested working backs Derrick Henry, Justice Hill and Patrick Ricard, large receivers Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and DeAndre Hopkins, and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. The Ravens equally rested their starters and key rotational gamers all through the preseason final season, so we shouldn’t count on them to play this preseason.
• Likely is coping with a foot fracture, and it’s questionable if he will probably be prepared for Week 1.
• Ravens tight finish Charlie Kolar sometimes solely performs in blocking conditions, however he was an every-down tight finish on this sport.
• Baltimore sixth-round rookie large receiver LaJohntay Wester achieved an 87-yard punt return for a landing. That might assist him earn the punt return job within the common season. Deonte Harty, Tylan Wallace, Steven Sims and Desmond King II all returned punts for Baltimore final season, however none of them had 87 punt return yards complete final season.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Philadelphia Eagles

Samaje Perine mixes in with the Bengals’ starters: Perine returned to his common position because the Bengals’ third-down again.

Chase Brown ended final season constantly enjoying over 80% of Cincinnati’s offensive snaps as soon as Zack Moss was injured, and the group didn’t place confidence in Khalil Herbert or the opposite backups. The Bengals surprisingly moved on from Moss final week regardless of restructuring his contract three months in the past. Cincinnati introduced in reinforcements this offseason, bringing again Perine, who had served as a passing-down again below this regime from 2020-2022, and sixth-round rookie Tahj Brooks.

Brown began the sport and performed 12 of 16 snaps with the starters. Perine took the one third down of multiple yard, in addition to three different performs in clear passing conditions. Brooks didn’t play with the starters, however he was the clear runner with the second group. Perine continued to play sparingly with the backups on third downs.

This was largely excellent news for fantasy managers, besides these anticipating manufacturing out of Perine. It was clear Brown wouldn’t play as a lot this season, and dropping snaps on third downs, the place he would hardly ever get focused, is the perfect case. The different chance was him dropping snaps on early downs, which might result in extra misplaced touches. This additionally confirms that Brooks is already Brown’s handcuff. Brooks in all probability will not have fantasy worth this season and not using a Brown harm, however the preseason utilization suggests Brooks could be a one-for-one substitute for Brown if he suffers an harm.

Will Shipley was forward of A.J. Dillon tonight: Shipley performed in every of the group’s first 14 snaps tonight.

The Eagles’ backup working again spot is up for grabs. Longtime Eagle Kenneth Gainwell left for the Pittsburgh Steelers in free company. The competitors is between 2023 fourth-round decide Shipley, who didn’t play as a lot on offense as a rookie, and former Green Bay Packers working again A.J. Dillon.

Shipley performed the primary two drives earlier than being changed by Dillon, who has reportedly been forward of Shipley at instances throughout coaching camp. Dillon is understood for being an early down again, and Shipley is understood for his receiving, so if Saquon Barkley suffers an harm, this may very well be a two-man backfield. Throughout Nick Sirianni’s time with the Eagles, he’s rotated working backs by drive through the preseason however not by state of affairs, in contrast to how he makes use of working backs within the common season. We’ve additionally seen the order of the rotation change from one week of the preseason to the subsequent.

It is simply too early to take something away from the working again rotation tonight. If Shipley continues to play forward of Dillon in future preseason video games, we could be extra assured that Shipley is forward of Dillon on the depth chart.

Miscellaneous Notes

• Tight ends Mike Gesicki, Noah Fant and Erick All Jr. didn’t play for the Cincinnati Bengals. Gesicki is coping with a minor harm and would have been questionable had this been a regular-season sport. Fant has solely been on the group for per week and continues to be studying the playbook. All suffered an ACL tear final season. He’s anticipated to overlook the season, however the Bengals positioned him on the bodily unable to carry out listing as an alternative of injured reserve, so it’s not assured he’s out for the yr.
• Tee Higgins took a number of performs off on every of the 2 drives. Andrei Iosivas took over in two-receiver units and Charlie Jones did so in three-receiver units. There isn’t a lot to learn into as a result of that is the preseason, however it’s price monitoring.
• Second-year large receiver Jermaine Burton has acquired some buzz throughout coaching camp, however he didn’t play any first-team snaps, and Jones performed properly with the second group at large receiver. That isn’t an ideal signal that Burton will play many snaps this season, however it’s excellent news for Jones.
• Eagles large receiver Jahan Dotson solely performed on the Eagles’ first drive. His night time was completed earlier than the remainder of the Eagles’ starters from this sport.
• The Eagles’ Grant Calcaterra is presently holding off new challengers for the Eagles’ backup tight finish job. He performed seven of eight snaps in 11 personnel on the primary two drives whereas sharing time with free agent addition Harrison Bryant in two-tight-end units. Fellow free agent addition Kylen Granson didn’t play his first offensive snap till the third drive.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Seattle Seahawks

Jack Bech is clearly WR4 for now: Dont’e Thornton Jr. began for the Raiders, whereas Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker solely performed one drive.

The Raiders appeared to have the least depth at large receiver final season after they traded Davante Adams. Meyers was the clear star of the group, whereas Tucker was an every-down starter, and playersl ike D.J. Turner and Terrace Marshall Jr. performed a number of the snaps in three-receiver units. The Raiders reloaded on the place within the draft with Bech within the second spherical, Thornton within the fourth and Tommy Mellott within the sixth. It’s attainable that whoever wins the second large receiver job may have worth this season.

Immediately after the draft, it appeared like Meyers and Bech could be the highest two large receivers, however early stories steered Thornton was forward of him on the depth chart. Thornton is a transparent X receiver, whereas Bech is extra of a Z and slot, much like Meyers.

The Raiders began the sport with Thornton because the X receiver, Tucker because the Z, and Meyers within the slot. After the primary drive, Bech changed Tucker because the Z receiver, and Alex Bachman took over within the slot. Thornton was taken out after the third drive, whereas Bech performed the remainder of the primary half. While Bech has some expertise within the slot, he was very constantly enjoying on the surface. This suggests Thornton’s beginning job is safe, so Bech is competing with Tucker for snaps. We have seen a number of rookie large receivers fourth or decrease on the depth chart within the first preseason sport who attain the beginning lineup by Week 1, so it’s nonetheless attainable Bech earns a job in three-receiver units.

Even if Bech does develop into a starter, he won’t play a lot in two-receiver units. The Raiders lived in 11 personnel on this sport, however Brock Bowers solely performed one snap. We don’t understand how a lot 12 personnel the Raiders will run this season with Bowers and Michael Mayer.

The Raiders’ backup working again spot is large open: Ashton Jeanty is the clear Raiders starter, however the backup spot isn’t totally determined.

The Raiders’ backfield was ever-changing final season, as Alexander Mattison, Ameer Abdullah, Zamir White and Sincere McCormick all performed important snaps. Las Vegas moved on from the 2 veterans, added Jeanty with the sixth general decide within the draft and added veteran Raheem Mostert, who has a historical past with new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.

Jeanty began the sport and performed the primary 10 performs. That was just a little longer than many of the Raiders’ starters on offense, however it’s not that odd contemplating he’s a rookie. Mostert completed off the second drive, whereas White took the third drive. McCormick began the fourth drive, whereas each White and Mostert got here again into the sport. Any one of many three might win the backup job, the third string job, and it’s attainable any one of many three may very well be off the roster in the event that they solely maintain three working backs.

When you think about the order of the working backs from oldest to youngest, which is frequent for the preseason, we in all probability can’t learn a lot into the order during which these working backs performed. It’s additionally attainable that if Jeanty suffers an harm, the Raiders use a committee to exchange him, making it so not one of the backups can have fantasy worth this season.

Seahawks tight finish battle turns into extra sophisticated: Eric Saubert was the Seahawks’ beginning tight finish, rotating with Elijah Arroyo.

The Seattle Seahawks utilized a three-man rotation at tight finish final season, together with Noah Fant, fourth-round rookie A.J. Barner and Pharaoh Brown. Brown left in free company and Fant was launched two weeks in the past, whereas the group drafted Arroyo and signed Saubert for brand spanking new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Saubert performed below Kubiak in 2022 with the Denver Broncos.

Barner had the night time off, whereas Saubert and Arroyo rotated by state of affairs. Saubert was an early-down tight finish and Arroyo performed on passing downs, whereas the 2 had been typically on the sector collectively for two-tight-end units. Kubiak has expertise with each every-down tight ends like Tyler Conklin in 2021 with the Minnesota Vikings and George Kittle in 2023 with the San Francisco 49ers. He additionally has expertise with this sort of rotation that they used on this sport. Last season with the New Orleans Saints, Foster Moreau performed extra on early downs whereas Juwan Johnson performed on passing downs. Similarly, his 2022 Denver Broncos had Saubert and Eric Tomlinson as blockers, and Greg Dulcich as a receiver.

Saubert stopped enjoying on the finish of the primary quarter, which isn’t stunning contemplating his expertise. Arroyo was utilized in some performs out of 21 personnel within the second quarter. It was good to see the Seahawks getting him expertise in these conditions as a result of his best-case situation is being an every-down tight finish as a rookie quite than only a passing-down specialist.

Anything is feasible by the tip of the season, however it could not be stunning if that is an unsightly three-man rotation to start out the season. Barner is clearly on the prime of the depth chart for the time being, however it may very well be much like Moreau being on the highest of the Saints’ depth chart final season. It’s additionally attainable that Barner is the every-down tight finish. The rookies had been comparatively low on the depth chart, so there may be nonetheless time for Arroyo to work his manner up. 

If something, this sport ought to be a reminder that it’s not simply Barner and Arroyo competing for enjoying time, and that Saubert, who already has familiarity with Kubiak, might play important snaps as a blocker this season.

Miscellaneous Notes

• The Seahawks rested a number of gamers on offense. This included working backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, large receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and tight finish A.J. Barner.
• The Seahawks’ rookies are typically additional down the depth chart than we’d count on in Week 1. This contains Drew Lock enjoying forward of Jalen Milroe, George Holani enjoying forward of Damien Martinez, Valdes-Scantling resting regardless of Tory Horton not too long ago enjoying forward of him in follow, and Eric Saubert and Barner forward of Elijah Arroyo.
• The Seahawks used quite a lot of personnel groupings within the first quarter, calling seven performs out of 11 personnel, 5 out of 12 personnel, 5 out of 21 personnel and three out of twenty-two personnel. The Seahawks ran 11 personnel on 77% of their offensive snaps within the first quarter of video games final season, so that is probably slicing their 11 personnel utilization in half this season.
• While the Raiders performed their starters, tight finish Brock Bowers solely performed one snap. It was oddly the second play quite than the primary, however it’s not unprecedented for a participant to play only one snap in a preseason sport. Geno Smith, Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker solely performed one drive.

Detroit Lions @ Atlanta Falcons

Isaac TeSlaa scores for the Lions: TeSlaa continues to point out he deserves at the very least some enjoying time with the starters as soon as the common season hits.

The Lions rested their prime 4 large receivers on the depth chart for a second straight week. Similar to the Hall of Fame sport, TeSlaa and Tom Kennedy had been the 2 major receivers. TeSlaa once more performed the X receiver position, whereas Kennedy performed each the Z position and the slot. Seventh-round rookie Dominic Lovett was the slot receiver final week, however an harm is predicted to price him time. This left Kennedy shifting to the slot extra typically, whereas undrafted rookie Jackson Meeks took over because the Z in three-receiver units. Meeks made probably the most of his enjoying time with a 68-yard go, however TeSlaa additionally confirmed up on the scoreboard with a landing close to the tip of the half. It’s unlikely we’ll see how a lot TeSlaa may play within the common season till Week 1 hits. The Lions may play their starters one or two drives this preseason. If TeSlaa does earn enjoying time, it can probably come at Tim Patrick‘s expense.

The Falcons rested most of their group: Most gamers anticipated to make the group didn’t play, however the Falcons will want a 3rd working again.

Atlanta’s coaches have adopted the Sean McVay strategy of resting all their notable gamers within the preseason. The Falcons additionally spent their 2025 draft class on protection, that means there’s a lack of notable rookies to keep watch over of their offense. The most exceptional a part of the Falcons’ offense is the battle for the third working again spot. Atlanta has 4 undrafted free brokers presently under Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier on the depth chart.

Carlos Washington Jr. is the favourite for the job as a result of he spent Week 18 on the Falcons’ energetic roster, enjoying 11 snaps on particular groups. However, he hasn’t been working towards for an undisclosed motive and wasn’t in uniform for the sport. Elijah Dotson began the sport and rotated with undrafted rookie Nathan Carter. The two mixed for seven carries for 4 yards within the first half.

While there’s a probability the one who wins the job may very well be fantasy-relevant if Robinson and Allgeier each undergo an harm, it’s probably the Falcons would add a veteran free agent quite than depend on the third again.

Miscellaneous Notes

• The Atlanta Falcons rested working backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, large receivers Drake London, Darnell Mooney,  Ray-Ray McCloud III and KhaDarel Hodge, and tight ends Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner and Teagan Quitoriano. The Falcons equally rested not solely their starters however key backups through the preseason final season. We shouldn’t count on any of them to play within the subsequent two preseason video games.
• Mooney can also be coping with a shoulder harm and is predicted to overlook one other few weeks of follow. There continues to be optimism round him enjoying in Week 1.
• Veteran D.J. Chark didn’t play till the second half, however it’s comprehensible he’s low on the depth chart contemplating he’s been on the group for lower than two weeks.
• The Lions rested working backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, large receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond, and tight ends Sam LaPorta and 
• Brock Wright each final week and this week.
• Lions’ second-year working again Sione Vaki was coping with a hamstring harm. While he’s returned to follow, he’s but to play in a preseason sport.
• Lions backup quarterback Kyle Allen performed the primary half of the Hall of Fame sport, and Hendon Hooker performed the second half. This week, Hooker began, whereas Allen took over late within the second quarter.

Cleveland Browns @ Carolina Panthers

Tetairoa McMillan is already the highest Panthers large receiver: McMillan caught two passes for 43 yards in his restricted time with the starters.

The Panthers spent final season utilizing Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen, Jalen Coker and David Moore, relying on who was wholesome. All had been finest fitted to a Z or slot position, main the group to spend a top-10 decide on Tetairoa McMillan whereas including veteran Hunter Renfrow. While McMillan is predicted to steer the receiver room, it’s conceivable that any of the opposite receivers might emerge because the clear second passing choice within the offense and probably develop into fantasy-relevant.

McMillan began for Carolina and performed each snap on the Panthers’ first two drives as their X receiver. Typically, early first-round large receivers are instant starters, so this isn’t an excessive amount of of a shock, however it’s constructive information for many who have or will draft McMillan. Legette began on the Z receiver spot and performed every of the primary six snaps with the starters earlier than a struggle led to him getting ejected from the sport. Coker took his place for the remainder of the time with the starters. Thielen performed 100% of the snaps when the Panthers had been in 11 personnel, however he performed no snaps in two-receiver units. This is much like how Legette was used final season.

McMillan and Coker continued enjoying as soon as Andy Dalton entered the sport, whereas sixth-round rookie Jimmy Horn Jr. took over because the slot receiver.

The solely large receiver with a safe job is McMillan. It seems Legette and Coker are competing for the Z position. While Legette began this sport with the lead, getting ejected and Coker instantly scoring a landing on the identical drive might shut the hole. Thielen solely enjoying in 11 personnel isn’t nice for his worth, and he might probably lose time to Renfrow, who primarily performed out of the slot earlier in his profession. He missed this sport attributable to a hamstring harm. He’s already working and slicing, however it didn’t make sense for the Panthers to play him on this sport.

Rico Dowdle elements in considerably with the starters: Dowdle performed extra snaps with the starters than Chuba Hubbard, however that shouldn’t be too regarding for Hubbard’s fantasy worth.

The Panthers introduced in reinforcements to the backfield this offseason with Jonathon Brooks out for the season and Miles Sanders signing with the Dallas Cowboys. Carolina introduced in Dowdle from the Cowboys and drafted Trevor Etienne within the fourth spherical of the draft.

Hubbard performed 5 of the primary seven performs of the sport, whereas Dowdle took every of the primary two third-down snaps. Dowdle continued to play for one more 5 consecutive performs, whereas Hubbard took the ultimate snap on third-and-goal from the five-yard line. Dowdle continued enjoying as soon as the opposite starters left the sport. It’s unlikely this can be a 50-50 cut up as soon as the common season begins, because it’s comparatively frequent for a group to drag their working again earlier than different starters in a preseason sport. It’s additionally not regarding that Hubbard got here again after Dowdle performed six straight performs.

The utilization over the primary seven performs suggests Dowdle will take the lead on third-down snaps. Last season, Hubbard performed roughly half of the snaps on third-and-3-plus yards to go, whereas Sanders took many of the different half. Hubbard solely caught six passes for 27 yards and ran seven instances for 19 yards in these conditions final season. He will nonetheless probably play in a few of these conditions this yr, so even when it goes 75-25 in Dowdle’s favor, it gained’t considerably hinder Hubbard’s fantasy worth.

Etienne didn’t enter the sport till late within the second quarter. It’s not stunning for a Day 3 rookie to be decrease on the depth chart this early within the season, so we will’t learn a lot into how he may combine on this season.

The Browns’ third large receiver spot stays open: The Browns’ prime two contenders for the third receiver spot had quiet nights.

The Browns’ large receiver room is led by Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, who had been each among the many starters not enjoying on this sport. Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore had been the opposite large receivers who performed important snaps for Cleveland final season, however neither is on the roster. The Browns signed Diontae Johnson after Johnson was below contract for 4 completely different groups final season and have 2024 fifth-round receiver Jamari Thrash competing for the third receiver spot. Thrash was listed as a starter on the Browns’ unofficial depth chart. 

Both began this sport. Thrash performed primarily out of the slot, which additional suggests he’s the favourite to be the third large receiver, as Jeudy and Tillman primarily play outdoors. While Johnson was at his finest as an X receiver, he performed the Z receiver position on this sport. We might even see performs this season with Johnson at Z and Jeudy shifting to the slot.

However, whereas they performed, Kaden Davis, who scored a landing, and undrafted rookie Gage Larvadain, who took some snaps from Johnson, led the group in receiving yards early on. It’s attainable that the participant who turns into the third large receiver isn’t on the roster, or they may depend on a rotation to fill the third receiver spot.

Miscellaneous Notes

Washington Commanders @ New England Patriots

The Patriots’ crowded large receiver room: New England has probably eight large receivers combating for 3 beginning jobs.

The Patriots have important competitors for his or her large receiver spots. DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker all return from final season, whereas the group added Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free company, and Kyle Williams within the third spherical of the draft. The Patriots are anticipated to have a greater offense this season, and Drake Maye ought to be capable to assist at the very least one, if not two, fantasy-relevant large receivers. Diggs and Douglas are anticipated to be starters. Bourne was listed because the third starter on the unofficial depth chart, however Boutte, Hollins and Williams have all acquired notable first-team reps.

Diggs and Bourne had been among the many gamers who didn’t play on this sport, probably attributable to being cautious with accidents. Diggs is coming back from an ACL tear, whereas Bourne was injured per week in the past throughout a scrimmage.

Douglas, Hollins and Boutte had been the three major receivers on the Patriots’ opening drive. New England ran one play out of 12 personnel on the drive, and Douglas and Boutte had been the 2 receivers on the play. This is important as a result of Douglas was hardly ever, if ever, enjoying in two-receiver units final season. This wasn’t the case throughout his rookie season. This ought to enable Douglas to play extra snaps this season than final, probably making him a fantasy starter. However, on the Patriots’ second drive, they performed two extra snaps out of 12 personnel, and Hollins and Boutte had been in for these performs. Williams changed Boutte for a number of performs on the second drive.

It’s not stunning Williams is a number of spots down the depth chart at this level within the preseason, however it was good for him to play some snaps with the starters. It stays attainable that anyone of Boutte, Hollins, Bourne or Williams might earn the third spot, and it might very properly be a rotation.

Both Polk and Baker didn’t begin enjoying till the Patriots’ third drive with the backups. Undrafted rookie Efton Chism III began rotating in on the similar time. That isn’t an ideal signal for both participant that Williams has already surpassed them on the depth chart, and that an undrafted rookie is getting used together with them. Polk injured his shoulder on an end-around, which additionally doesn’t assist his case to make the roster.

TreVeyon Henderson performs considerably with the starters: Henderson was already clearly forward of Antonio Gibson on the Patriots’ depth chart. 

The Patriots’ backfield had a serious shakeup this offseason, with the Patriots drafting Henderson early within the second spherical to hitch veterans Rhamondre Stevenson and Gibson. Henderson has a RB26 consensus ADP, whereas a number of specialists rank him even increased. My rating on Henderson is comparatively low attributable to Josh McDaniels. In 18 seasons as an offensive coordinator or head coach, the working again who has his group in third-down snaps has been completely different from the working again who leads the group in carries in 17 seasons. The one exception was Steven Jackson throughout his peak with the St. Louis Rams, which McDaniels inherited after Jackson had already made three Pro Bowls.

Stevenson began the sport for the Patriots and performed the primary three snaps, whereas Henderson took the subsequent three. On the second drive, Henderson took the primary two snaps, adopted by 5 by Stevenson. One of these performs included each working backs on the sector. Henderson performed the ultimate snap of the drive, which meant he took each of the third downs with multiple yard to go for a primary down.

While everybody anticipated Henderson to surpass Gibson on the depth chart by Week 1, it’s noteworthy that it’s already occurred. Henderson didn’t play with the backups, whereas Gibson was the first working again with the backups. Henderson was thrown to a few instances on his snaps and ran the ball as soon as. Stevenson ran the ball properly throughout his alternatives and ended the day with seven carries. It nonetheless wouldn’t be stunning for Stevenson to steer the group in carries whereas Henderson leads in third-down snaps. The mixture of Henderson’s expertise and alternatives ought to be sufficient to make him a borderline fantasy starter, however he might want to run the ball extra typically than he did throughout his two drives on this sport to constantly be a fantasy starter.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt begins for the Commanders: Croskey-Merritt has already labored his manner up a number of spots on the depth chart.

While the Commanders don’t have a star working again, they’ve extra depth than most groups. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler had been the principle working backs final season, however each time considered one of them was harm, Jeremy McNichols or Chris Rodriguez Jr. graded properly. The Commanders added to the room with Jacory Croskey-Merritt within the seventh spherical of the draft. Croskey-Meritt has drawn important consideration throughout coaching camp.

Both Robinson and Ekeler had the night time off, like most starters, however Croskey-Merritt began over each McNichols and Rodriguez. In the primary quarter, Croskey-Merritt performed the entire regular early down snaps, whereas McNichols performed on third downs in addition to a second-and-15. Rodriguez didn’t play his first offensive snap till the second quarter. Croskey-Merritt continued to play considerably within the second quarter. Typically, it takes extra time for a third-day working again to surpass established veterans on the depth chart, so the truth that he’s previous two gamers for early down work is spectacular.

This utilization suggests Croskey-Merritt will probably be Robinson’s direct backup, whereas McNichols will probably be Ekeler’s backup. Rodriguez appears unlikely to make the roster. If Robinson suffers an harm this season, then Croskey-Merritt could be the participant to choose up primarily based on how the working backs had been used final season. It’s at the very least attainable that Croskey-Merritt might take enjoying time away from Robinson and presumably surpass him on the depth chart sooner or later this yr.

Commanders’ stunning large receiver utilization: Ok.J. Osborn may find yourself because the Commanders’ fourth large receiver this season.

The Commanders had Terry McLaurin as their main large receiver final season, whereas Noah Brown and Dyami Brown typically performed as the opposite outdoors receiver. Olamide Zaccheaus performed each inside and outside, and third-round rookie Luke McCaffrey was a backup slot receiver. The Commanders added Osborn as soon as he was launched from the New England Patriots, however he solely spent one sport on the energetic roster and didn’t register a goal. Washington misplaced Dyami Brown and Zaccheaus in free company, traded for Deebo Samuel and drafted Jaylin Lane within the fourth spherical.

McLaurin, Samuel and Brown didn’t play. They had been the three large receivers listed on the primary group on the depth chart and can probably be the three receivers main the group in snaps. However, none of them are primarily slot receivers, and the group preferred using a rotation final season. This appeared to open the door for a slot receiver to play important snaps. McCaffrey performed there final season, and Lane performed nearly completely out of the slot throughout his final two seasons at Virginia Tech.

Osborn, McCaffrey, and veteran Chris Moore had been the beginning large receivers, however Osborn constantly performed from the slot whereas McCaffrey was constantly out large. This included Osborn solely enjoying in three-receiver units. He’s performed considerably each outdoors and within the slot throughout his profession, and 2022 was his solely season as a major slot receiver.

McCaffrey left the sport sooner than different large receivers, suggesting his spot on the roster is protected, however he’s unlikely to see a lot enjoying time this season as an outdoor receiver. When Lane entered the sport, he performed out of the slot as Osborn’s backup. There continues to be time for Lane to surpass Osborn on the depth chart and be the highest backup on the group out of the slot, however it looks like McCaffrey is unlikely to have that position.

Miscellaneous Notes

New York Giants @ Buffalo Bills

Wan’Dale Robinson was utilized in other ways at large receiver: Robinson is the Giants’ slot receiver however began this sport as an outdoor receiver for New York. 

Robinson missed a part of coaching camp with a leg harm, which made it considerably stunning that he performed on this sport. However, the Giants may need to make him a extra well-rounded large receiver. Last season, Robinson performed nearly completely out of three-receiver units, enjoying lower than 10% of 12 personnel snaps and by no means in 21 personnel. He additionally performed 78.2% of his snaps out of the slot, which is among the many highest charges within the league. His 5.1-yard common depth of goal was the bottom for large receivers with at the very least 50 targets final season.

In this sport, Robinson’s solely goal was 12 yards down the sector. Half of his snaps occurred when lined up out large, and he performed in three of the six first-team snaps out of 12 personnel. This might result in Robinson being the clear second large receiver on the group, with extra enjoying time and extra downfield targets, giving him a greater probability of being fantasy-relevant this season.

The Bills’ tight finish rotation stays unchanged: The Bills continued to rotate Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid, much like final season.

Buffalo has used a two-man rotation at tight finish, the place Dawson Knox typically performed extra on early downs, whereas Dalton Kincaid performed extra on late downs, and the 2 performed collectively in two-tight-end units. Kincaid performed 55% of the Bills’ first downs, 65% of the second downs and 74% of the third-down snaps final season, excluding video games the place he missed important time attributable to harm. On the primary two drives of this sport, Knox performed 5 snaps to Kincaid’s 4. As common, the Bills tended to go when Kincaid was on the sector and run when Knox was in.

Kincaid had missed some follow earlier in coaching camp attributable to knee soreness, which might have impacted his enjoying time. Kincaid stopped enjoying after two drives, whereas the remainder of the Bills’ first group offense, together with Knox, performed a 3rd drive. In the previous, Knox sometimes left the preseason video games earlier than Kincaid. This suggests the Bills nonetheless assume extremely of Kincaid relative to the opposite wholesome talent gamers of their offense, which might be excellent news for his potential fantasy manufacturing this season.

Regardless, it appears unlikely Kincaid will play considerably extra snaps to start out the season. While a rise in routes would assist, Kincaid had one of many highest uncatchable goal charges final season, and if that adjustments, Kincaid would rating sufficient to be a fantasy starter with this rotation. It’s attainable the state of affairs evolves because the season progresses, much like Jonnu Smith with the Miami Dolphins final season. Anyone drafting Kincaid will need to draft at the very least one different tight finish, notably early within the season.

Miscellaneous Notes

• Giants large receivers Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt all missed this sport attributable to varied causes. Nabers has been coping with a toe harm, which has left him restricted in follow. Slayton missed follow on Thursday for an undisclosed motive. There was no indication previous to this sport that Hyatt was injured, however he additionally didn’t play on this sport. They are anticipated to be three of the highest 4 large receivers on the depth chart.
• Giants fourth-round rookie working again Cam Skattebo has missed per week of follow with a leg harm and didn’t play on this sport.
• Giants backup working again Eric Gray stays on the bodily unable to carry out listing.
• While Devin Singletary acquired extra snaps with the starters, Tyrone Tracy Jr. was merely taken out of the sport earlier. He performed every of the primary 4 snaps after which returned for one different play. There is nothing to learn into relating to this working again state of affairs from this sport.
• Bills working again James Cook has been holding out in hopes of a brand new contract. This led him to not play on this sport. However, he did get in uniform and warmed up with the group for the sport.
• The Bills’ prime large receiver, Khalil Shakir, is coping with a excessive ankle sprain. He will miss the entire preseason, however there may be optimism he will probably be prepared for Week 1.
• Top backup receiver Curtis Samuel has missed important time with a hamstring harm. While he began working once more earlier this week, he wasn’t able to play on this sport.
• This left the Bills with Keon Coleman on the X receiver spot, Joshua Palmer at Z, and Elijah Moore within the slot of their three-receiver units for this sport. While this sport helped affirm there isn’t a sixth large receiver within the combine for important enjoying time, will probably be difficult to understand how a lot these gamers will rotate till Shakir and Samuel are wholesome. 
• The Bills’ snap rely chart was reduce off after two drives when Dalton Kincaid stopped enjoying. On the third drive, Bills receiving down again Ty Johnson performed each down, whereas the remainder of the beginning rotation remained the identical as the primary two drives.
• Coleman, Palmer, Kincaid and Knox all had been completed enjoying after the third drive, whereas working again Ray Davis and Moore stored enjoying on the fourth drive.

Houston Texans @ Minnesota Vikings

The Texans’ crowded large receiver room stays sophisticated: Houston rested its prime two large receivers and used six completely different gamers on the group’s first drive.

The Texans spent the offseason retooling their large receiver room, as Tank Dell is probably going out for the season, and Stefon Diggs is now on the New England Patriots. Houston retained Nico Collins, John Metchie III and Xavier Hutchinson, drafted Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel on the second day of the draft, traded for Christian Kirk, and added Braxton Berrios and Justin Watson in free company. Collins, Kirk and Higgins had been listed because the starters on the Texans’ unofficial depth chart. It is especially noteworthy that Higgins has already surpassed the returning veterans on the depth chart, which is uncommon for a second-round rookie this early in August.

During the primary two drives with the starters, Higgins and Hutchinson had been the first outdoors large receivers whereas Metchie and Watson had been the backup outdoors receivers. Noel didn’t play in two-receiver units, however he was on the sector for 5 of the six snaps in 11 personnel. Berrios was the backup slot receiver however scored on his one play with the starters on the primary two drives. On the third drive, Noel performed a number of snaps in two-receiver units with Higgins.

We count on Collins to start out, whereas Kirk performs on the surface in two-receiver units and within the slot in three-receiver units. A complicating issue is that Collins, Higgins and Hutchinson are naturally X receivers. Collins could be very more likely to play the X receiver position within the common season, as that’s the place he has excelled. In this sport, Higgins was constantly enjoying the X position when he was on the sector, whereas Hutchinson was the Z. If the plan was for Higgins to play the Z position within the common season, he presumably would have been used on this position on this sport.

Hutchinson’s spot on the roster seems to be safe, whereas Metchie, Watson and Berrios are all on the roster bubble. It will probably be exhausting to belief any large receiver on this offense, outdoors of Collins, early within the season, however it’s nice to take pictures on Kirk, Higgins and Noel, as this offense ought to be capable to assist two fantasy-relevant receivers, so long as there isn’t an excessive amount of rotation of gamers.

Lucky Jackson presently holds the WR4 job in Minnesota: The former D.C. Defenders large receiver performed important snaps with the starters.

Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor are locked into the highest three spots for the Vikings, however the prime backup spot is especially essential as a result of Addison is lacking the primary three video games of the season attributable to suspension. The Vikings added Rondale Moore in free company and Tai Felton within the third spherical of the draft, they usually had been anticipated to be the first gamers contending for that position.

Jefferson was among the many few starters who had the time without work, and Jackson took snaps in three-receiver units through the one drive with the starters. Jackson performed for Western Kentucky from 2015-2019, performed in The Spring League in 2021, the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League in 2022, and the D.C. Defenders of the XFL in 2023. This led him to the Vikings’ follow squad for the final two seasons. He performed in three video games to finish 2023 with the Vikings, enjoying totally on particular groups with three offensive snaps.

On the second drive, the Vikings changed a number of the starters, together with Addison. Felton took his place. There is loads of time for Felton to surpass Jackson on the depth chart and have a major position within the first three weeks of the season. Still, it’s additionally attainable that it’s Jackson who has some fantasy worth in very deep leagues through the first three weeks of the season. 

Moore was injured on his first punt return try for the group, and it took important time for him to get carted off the sector. As at all times, we hope Moore’s harm isn’t as dangerous because it appeared, notably after lacking all of 2024 with a knee harm.

Miscellaneous Notes

• Houston rested various its veteran gamers, together with working again Nick Chubb, large receivers Nico Collins and Christian Kirk and tight finish Dalton Schultz.
• Texans lead working again Joe Mixon has been sidelined all of coaching camp attributable to an ankle harm and missed this sport. He stays on the non-football harm listing. Dameon Pierce solely not too long ago returned after lacking most of spring and all of coaching camp attributable to a quadriceps harm. The Texans held him out, given his restricted follow time.
• Ideally, Woody Marks would have began over Dare Ogunbowale for Marks’ potential fantasy worth, however there may be nonetheless time for Marks to work his manner up the depth chart. It’s probably that Ogunbawale or Marks will play on third downs for the Texans this season.
• Texans tight ends Cade Stover and Brevin Jordan had been largely used interchangeably with the Texans’ first group. The one exception was 21 personnel, the place Stover was constantly on the sector. Stover’s run blocking will probably lead him to see extra enjoying time this season. If Schultz misses time at tight finish, it’s attainable that each tight ends would exchange his enjoying time.
• Minnesota rested a number of of its prime starters, because it did all of final preseason. This included working again Aaron Jones Sr. and large receiver Justin Jefferson.
• The Vikings solely performed a few of their starters on the primary drive of the primary preseason sport final yr, so this may very well be the final we see of any Vikings’ starters this preseason.
• Jordan Mason performed 100% of the snaps on the Vikings’ one drive with the starters, together with third downs. While Mason isn’t anticipated to be the first working again enjoying on third downs, the truth that he was used there at present quite than a backup or C.J. Ham barely will increase his odds of taking some third-down snaps this season.
• T.J. Hockenson performed 80% of the snaps in 11 personnel, 100% in 12 personnel and 0% in 21 personnel on the primary drive of this sport. His 11 personnel utilization was 90% in 2023 and 80% in 2024. While his utilization in 11 personnel resembled 2024, it was on a pattern dimension of 5 performs. The essential half is the 100% of 12 personnel snaps, as he solely performed 58% of these snaps final season as a result of Johnny Mundt took a number of of these snaps. Mundt is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, whereas the Vikings don’t have a TE3 they’re presently comfy with.
• Vikings sixth-round rookie tight finish Gavin Bartholomew stays on the bodily unable to carry out listing.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Hunter performs considerably with the primary group offense: Hunter performed each snap with the Jaguars’ firs-team offense when it utilized three-receiver units.

The Jaguars spent the second general decide of the NFL draft on large receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter. Hunter notably performed each large receiver and cornerback all through school, and it’s been clear ever since Jacksonville drafted him that he could be enjoying on either side of the sector. He initially began studying the large receiver place and was listed as a beginning large receiver and backup cornerback on the official depth chart.

Hunter began the sport for Jacksonville and performed in 11 of 12 snaps with the starters. The one play he missed was a two-wide receiver set with Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown on the sector. If this finally ends up being how he’s used within the common season on offense, he could be a constant fantasy starter. Several borderline fantasy starters solely performed in three-receiver units final season, together with Jayden Reed, Josh Downs, Khalil Shakir and Adam Thielen. The variations are that Hunter is extra proficient and the Jaguars ought to keep in 11 personnel for many of the sport. Head coach Liam Coen’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers ranked eighth in 11 personnel utilization final season at 71.9%, regardless of a number of large receiver accidents. His 2022 Los Angeles Rams led the league at 90.9%. On the primary drive, the Jaguars used it 91.8%.

Coen additionally commented that they’ve targeted at 11 personnel, and that he’s studying 12 personnel, so he might additionally begin seeing snaps in 12 personnel within the upcoming weeks.

One stunning a part of his utilization is that Hunter lined up within the slot on 5 of his 11 snaps, tying Thomas at 5 of 12 snaps. Thomas was anticipated to be the first slot receiver after main the league in yards per route run out of the slot. Hunter performed considerably out of the slot in 2023, however in 2024, he solely lined up within the slot 36 instances in comparison with 736 snaps outdoors. This is important as a result of Coen’s prime large receivers, from a fantasy perspective, have primarily performed out of the slot. This contains Chris Godwin averaging 19.7 PPR factors per sport final season, which ranked second-most within the league, and Cooper Kupp main the league in 2022 at 22.4. This is sufficient motive to boost expectations for Hunter this season whereas considerably dampening expectations for Thomas.

Hunter didn’t play the primary drive on protection, however he performed left cornerback on the Jaguars’ second and third drives, enjoying all eight snaps on these drives. Tyson Campbell was considered one of a number of Jaguars defenders who solely performed the primary drive. Jarrian Jones began the sport at left cornerback and switched to proper cornerback when Hunter entered. Jourdan Lewis, who joined the Jaguars from the Dallas Cowboys, performed as their slot cornerback, although Jones held that place final season. If Hunter performs on protection within the common season, it could probably be at Jones’ expense. This wouldn’t essentially must be in any explicit personnel groupings. 

While he may ultimately achieve extra enjoying time on protection, for now, it seems offense is his major focus. At Hunter’s present ADP, is he a price.

Travis Etienne Jr. begins for the Jaguars: Etienne performed 100% of the Jaguars’ offensive snaps on their first drive.

Jacksonville has a four-man competitors at working again, together with its two-man committee from final season in Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne, in addition to fourth-round rookie Bhayshul Tuten and seventh-round rookie LeQuint Allen. 

Etienne performed each snap on the primary drive, adopted by Bigsby enjoying on the next two drives with the backups. There have been a number of cases prior to now of groups utilizing a working again by drive within the preseason after which used a rotation by state of affairs as soon as the common season began. This will probably be the case for Jacksonville, the place Bigsby finally ends up enjoying extra on early downs and Etienne performs extra on later downs.

Allen performed his first offensive snap earlier than Tuten, which was noteworthy, whereas Allen had one play late within the first quarter. Tuten didn’t play his first offensive snaps till late within the second quarter. Typically, rookies will begin additional down the depth chart in early August. This is especially true for Tuten, contemplating he missed a while throughout coaching camp attributable to harm. There continues to be time for both Allen, Tuten, or each to complicate this backfield.

Kenneth Gainwell complicates the Steelers’ working again room: Gainwell began tonight over Kaleb Johnson, whereas Jaylen Warren had the night time off.

The Steelers made important adjustments to their working again room, retaining Warren, not bringing again Najee Harris or Cordarrelle Patterson, and drafting Johnson and signing Gainwell. It’s not all that stunning that Johnson is presently third on the depth chart, as most groups sometimes have their rookie working backs transfer up the depth chart all through August. It’s OK to count on Johnson to obtain extra carries than Gainwell as soon as Week 1 begins. 

However, Gainwell solely performed on the primary 4 snaps earlier than his night time was over earlier than the remainder of the offense. This speaks to how extremely the Steelers view Gainwell. He’s not fairly on the similar degree because the gamers who received the night time off, however it’s comparatively shut. This means we should always count on Gainwell to play a major quantity of snaps this season. Ideally, will probably be in two-back units, much like how Patterson typically lined up at large receiver. Gainwell in all probability gained’t play sufficient to be a viable fantasy choice, however he might play sufficient to complicate Johnson and probably Warren’s fantasy worth.

The battle for the third receiver spot in Pittsburgh: The Steelers used a number of large receivers with their first-team offense, exhibiting how large open the competitors is.

The Steelers made a number of adjustments to their large receiver room in comparison with final season. They added D.Ok. Metcalf in George Pickens‘ place, and introduced in veteran Robert Woods whereas shifting on from veteran Van Jefferson. They additionally retained Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, Brandon Johnson and 2024 third-round decide Roman Wilson, who spent most of final season injured.

Metcalf and Austin each sat out this sport. Wilson performed probably the most over the primary two drives, adopted by Johnson, whereas Lance McCutcheon, Miller, Woods and Skowronek all combined in. Wilson, Skoronek and Miller all performed considerably out of the slot. Johnson was sometimes the X receiver when he was on the sector. While this implies he’s unlikely to be a top-three receiver on the group, as that’s D.Ok. Metcalf’s position, it does imply he may very well be extra more likely to maintain a roster spot than most different gamers.

This additionally factors to Wilson being the more than likely third large receiver, or probably second if he can overtake Austin. This means Miller, Skowronek, Johnson and McCutcheon are all combating for one or possibly two roster spots.

Miscellaneous Notes

• Mike Tomlin acknowledged earlier within the week that quarterback Aaron Rodgers, working again Jaylen Warren, large receiver D.Ok. Metcalf and tight ends Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth wouldn’t play on this sport.
• Steelers large receiver Calvin Austin III is coping with an undisclosed harm, which induced him to overlook this sport. He is presently listed because the second large receiver on the Steelers’ unofficial depth chart.
• Jaguars tight finish Brenton Strange performed the clear majority of snaps with the Jaguars’ first group whereas not enjoying with the second group. He took three performs off later within the drive, which was comprehensible given the drive took half the primary quarter. While his position on this sport is unsurprising given the Jaguars’ depth chart and all of the speak round Strange within the offense, it was nonetheless good to obtain additional affirmation that Strange will play as a lot as we anticipated this season.

Dallas Cowboys @ Los Angeles Rams

A possible chief for the Cowboys’ third receiver spot: KaVontae Turpin was among the many Cowboys veterans who had the night time off, whereas Jalen Tolbert performed all through the primary three drives.

When the Cowboys launched their unofficial depth chart earlier within the week, each Turpin and Tolbert had been listed as starters for one spot, whereas CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens took the opposite two beginning spots. However, Turpin could also be within the lead, given he didn’t play on this sport, whereas Tolbert did. He and Jonathan Mingo performed all through the primary three drives, and Jalen Cropper joined them. This isn’t nice information for Jalen Brooks and Ryan Flournoy, who each began enjoying later within the second quarter. 

The Cowboys will in all probability use a rotation within the third spot like they’ve lately, however this nonetheless suggests an uptick in enjoying time for Turpin, who solely performed 27% of Dallas’ offensive snaps final season.

Bad information for the Rams’ backup working backs: Generally, the Rams relaxation anybody who they count on to play important regular-season snaps all through the preseason, however that wasn’t true for his or her backup working backs on this sport.

The Rams’ working again state of affairs has been a curler coaster lately. They constantly have one lead again within the run sport, that means whoever the starter could be very fantasy-relevant. Kyren Williams ran for 1,144 yards in 2023 and appeared like the longer term on the place, however then the Rams drafted Blake Corum within the third spherical final season. Williams ran for one more 1,299 yards final season, however then they drafted Jarquez Hunter within the fourth spherical.

Williams acquired some much-needed safety this week, securing a three-year, $33 million contract extension, which ensured he wouldn’t be traded this season and was unlikely to lose his beginning job. Williams acquired extra safety Saturday as a result of Corum and Hunter each performed. Last season, Williams, Corum and Ronnie Rivers sat out your complete preseason. Similarly, in 2023, each Cam Akers and Williams didn’t play within the preseason. This was the primary time the Rams solely rested one working again within the preseason since 2018, when Todd Gurley II was RB3, and Malcolm Brown and C.J. Anderson had been the backups.

Corum began the sport and performed practically each snap on the primary drive. He and Hunter two cut up snaps over the subsequent a number of drives, and Hunter tended to play extra in passing conditions whereas Corum was on the sector in speeding conditions. While considered one of these two backs will probably have important worth as a handcuff in case Williams suffers an harm, we shouldn’t count on both to start out taking snaps away from Williams anytime quickly.

Miscellaneous Notes

• The Cowboys had a number of notable gamers miss this sport attributable to harm, together with working again Jaydon Blue with a heel bruise, Miles Sanders with a bone bruise and beginning tight finish Jake Ferguson with an again harm that isn’t anticipated to be severe.
• The Cowboys additionally rested key gamers on offense, together with quarterback Dak Prescott, working backs Javonte Williams and Hunter Luepke, large receivers CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and KaVontae Turpin and tight ends Jake Ferguson and John Stephens.
• While Phil Mafah is probably a part of the Cowboys’ working again competitors, he performed behind Deuce Vaughn on this sport. The two may very well be competing for one roster spot.
• The Rams rested working again Kyren Williams, large receivers Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington, and tight ends Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson and Colby Parkinson. We shouldn’t count on any of them all through the preseason.

Tennessee Titans @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Monitor Tyjae Spears’ well being: The Titans’ backup working again was carted off the sector attributable to a decrease leg harm.

The Titans had Tony Pollard play each snap on the primary drive and most snaps on the second drive, whereas Spears took three snaps in the course of the drive, after which Spears performed each snap on the third drive. The Titans did one thing much like this in considered one of their preseason video games final season. If Spears is wholesome, we will nonetheless typically count on Pollard to play extra on early downs whereas Spears performs extra on later downs, quite than this rotation.

However, Spears suffered an harm, which may very well be important. The Titans have made minimal investments at working again outdoors of Pollard and Spears, as sixth-round rookie Kalel Mullings was the third-string again. When Spears missed 4 video games in the course of the season, Pollard noticed his enjoying time enhance from 60-67% of Tennessee’s offensive snaps in most video games to 82-94% of the offensive snaps. He ran the ball at the very least 16 instances in every of these video games, together with two blowout losses. 

If Spears misses a number of months, the Titans could add a veteran in free company or discover a commerce accomplice to make sure Pollard isn’t overworked this season. If the harm is severe and the Titans stand pat, then Pollard could be a top-20 fantasy working again this season.

The first take a look at the Titans’ new receiver room: Tennessee spent the offseason utterly reworking its large receiver room.

The Titans utterly reworked their large receiver room from final season, whereas Calvin Ridley was the one returning participant close to the highest of the depth chart. The Titans added veterans Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson whereas drafting Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor within the fourth spherical of the draft.

The three veterans performed your complete first quarter, and the 2 rookies labored in just a little bit through the finish of Cameron Ward’s time on this sport. The group largely stayed in 11 personnel. Jefferson was the X receiver, Ridley was the Z, and Lockett aligned within the slot. All three primarily performed the Z-receiver position with their respective groups final season, however this was their more than likely utilization primarily based on their previous. When the group moved to 12 personnel, Ridley and Jefferson had been the 2 receivers. Two of Ayomanor’s snaps got here because the lone large receiver in 13 personnel, whereas one other two had been in Ridley’s place. Dike’s one snap was in Lockett’s place.

Once the backups entered the sport, Ayomanor continued to primarily play the Z-receiver position and Dike was within the slot, whereas Bryce Oliver turned the brand new X receiver. While many thought Jefferson could be the more than likely veteran of the three to get benched, he’s additionally the veteran who has the least competitors from a rookie primarily based on how they lined up.

We ought to see the 2 rookies play some snaps every week, however it may be a while earlier than one of many rookies begins on this offense.

Changes to the Titans’ tight finish room: Chig Okonkwo performed each snap with the starters whereas Josh Whyle fell to fourth on the depth chart.

Last season, the Titans had Okonkwo and Whyle rotate in passing conditions, whereas Nick Vannett was their blocking tight finish. As the season progressed, Okonkwo earned extra enjoying time whereas Whyle’s enjoying time dipped. The Titans didn’t retain Vannett, however they drafted Gunnar Helm within the fourth spherical. When the Titans launched their unofficial depth charts earlier within the week, Helm had already surpassed Whyle.

Okonkwo performed all 15 snaps on the Titans’ first two drives. He is on the smaller aspect for tight ends and has at all times been a part of some rotation. Last season, he was additionally rotated out considerably with the starters within the preseason. He was already a sleeper tight finish in deeper leagues, however now, he may be at some extent the place he’s price drafting in a typical league.

Helm joined Okonkwo in two-tight-end units, and 2024 undrafted tight finish David Martin-Robinson joined them in three-tight-end units. Helm turned the first tight finish on the third drive, whereas Martin-Robinson joined Helm in two-tight-end units. Whyle didn’t play his first offensive snap till the kneel down to finish the half. This suggests Whyle gained’t make the roster except they maintain 4 tight ends.

Monitor Rachaad White’s well being: The Buccaneers’ backup working again suffered a groin harm and didn’t return.

Bucky Irving is the Bucs’ clear starter and had the night time off. This left White because the Bucs’ beginning working again on this sport. White performed the primary 10 snaps for the Buccaneers offense over their first drive and the beginning of their second drive. He left the sport and was dominated out, though anybody who suffers any form of harm in a preseason sport sometimes doesn’t return, notably when your roster spot is safe like White’s. Sean Tucker took over at working again as soon as White left the sport. If the White harm occurs to be severe, then Bucky Irving would probably see his ADP rise. Irving ought to play the overwhelming majority of snaps on early downs, in short-yardage and goal-line conditions. However, if White misses time, that might imply extra snaps on third downs and through the two-minute drill.

Emeka Egbuka makes his Buccaneers debut: Egbuka and Jalen McMillan had been the Buccaneers’ major outdoors large receivers to start the sport.

The Buccaneers had a deep receiving room final season, they usually introduced in additional competitors. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and McMillan had been the starters, whereas Sterling Shepard, Trey Palmer, Rakim Jarrett and Ryan Miller all performed a notable quantity of snaps. The Buccaneers spent their first-round decide on Egbuka and their seventh-round decide on Tez Johnson. This means at the very least two of those gamers will probably be left off the roster, if not three. Any group in search of a large receiver on cut-down day ought to be taking a look at who the Buccaneers launch.

Evans had the night time off whereas Godwin continues to be recovering from his 2024 harm. Egbuka and McMillan had been the 2 major large receivers over the primary 10 performs, whereas Shepard joined them in three-receiver units. While Egbuka was generally known as a slot receiver in school, he was enjoying the X-receiver position on this sport, which is usually Evans’ job. McMillan performed his common Z position, whereas Shepard performed within the slot, as he did final season when Godwin was injured.

This was just a little stunning, as Godwin is predicted to overlook the beginning of the season. It would make sense for Egbuka to follow extra within the slot if that’s the place he’ll play to start out the season. It had appeared just like the Egbuka addition would solely harm Godwin or McMillan’s fantasy worth, however now there’s a probability Egbuka might take some snaps from Evans.

The White harm could have spooked the Buccaneers, because the three large receivers and left sort out Charlie Heck all exited the sport on the similar time White did. Rakim Jarrett, Ryan Miller and Kameron Johnson turned the first receivers at this level.

Miscellaneous Notes

• The Buccaneers didn’t play their prime starters, together with quarterback Baker Mayfield, working again Bucky Irving, large receiver Mike Evans and tight finish Cade Otton.
• Buccaneers star large receiver Chris Godwin stays on the bodily unable to carry out listing. There is a powerful probability Godwin missed the beginning of the common season.
• Buccaneers backup large receiver Trey Palmer missed this sport attributable to a hamstring harm.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Arizona Cardinals

Arizona’s potential new WR2: Zay Jones performed extra offensive snaps with the first-team offense than Michael Wilson.

The Cardinals stored the identical prime 4 large receivers as final season. Marvin Harrison Jr. and Wilson had been the 2 every-down receivers. Greg Dortch began the yr because the group’s slot receiver whereas Jones was suspended. Jones performed extra because the season progressed. Harrison and Wilson each performed round 80% of Arizona’s offensive snaps over the course of the season. Jones performed round 37% of the snaps by the tip of the season regardless of solely catching eight passes for 84 yards on the yr, whereas Dortch was right down to 25%, catching greater than eight passes in December alone.

In this sport, Harrison and Wilson performed 100% of Arizona’s snaps in 11 personnel, whereas Jones took 4 of six, and Dortch performed two of six. Jones overtook Wilson with 12 personnel. The group performed 11 snaps out of 12 personnel with the starters. Harrison performed all 11, whereas Jones performed seven, Wilson performed three, and Dortch performed one. If this sort of utilization carries on into the common season, we will count on Wilson and Jones to be near even by way of enjoying time. Wilson was a late-round choice at large receiver, given his enjoying time, however this makes it even more durable to think about Wilson in fantasy drafts.

A possible new member of the Chiefs’ large receiver rotation: The large receiver utilization on this sport suggests Skyy Moore won’t make the roster this season, whereas Tyquan Thornton will.

Chiefs large receiver Rashee Rice is coping with a minor groin harm, which stored him out of this sport. Hollywood Brown has been lacking follow attributable to a lower-body harm. This meant Xavier Worthy and JuJu Smith-Schuster had been two of the starters for the sport Saturday. Both stopped enjoying by the center of the primary half. The third starter was Thornton quite than Moore. Thornton had signed to the Chiefs’ follow squad final November, when he was launched by the New England Patriots.

Veteran Jason Brownlee additionally performed a snap with the starters. Once the second group started enjoying, fourth-round rookie Jalen Royals was the subsequent large receiver on the sector. Skyy Moore was the sixth large receiver to enter the sport, suggesting he’s presently eighth on the depth chart. To be honest, Moore has been coping with a hamstring harm. However, sometimes, an harm means a participant both isn’t enjoying within the preseason or is enjoying fewer snaps. Moore merely performed later within the sport. Rice, Worthy and Brown’s spots on the roster are safe because the starters, as is Royals’ spot given his rookie standing. Smith-Schuster seems to be a lock after getting pulled concurrently Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. This leaves, at most, one roster spot, or two assuming Rice is suspended for a number of video games. That spot seems to be going to Thornton, or probably Nikko Remigio, for his return talents.

Chiefs give minimal perception into their backfield: The Chiefs used a rotation by drive quite than by state of affairs, largely counting on seniority.

The Chiefs backfield will probably be a topic of dialog all season. The Chiefs paired Isiah Pacheco with Kareem Hunt final season, however neither working again was notably efficient. Kansas City added former San Francisco 49ers runner Elijah Mitchell, in addition to seventh-round rookie Brashard Smith. There is an opportunity any considered one of them might begin sooner or later this season. All are extra typically used as early down backs quite than third-down backs, additional complicating the state of affairs.

The Chiefs merely used a rotation by drive, which is unlikely to be occur within the common season. Pacheco performed the primary drive and Hunt was on the sector for the second. Carson Steele, who is understood primarily as a fullback who can play halfback, took the third drive, as he’s been on the group longer than the newcomers. Mitchell and Steele shared time over the remainder of the primary half, whereas Smith was the first again to start out the second half.

There is an opportunity Steele is an even bigger a part of the working again rotation this season, however nothing from this sport suggests the Chiefs know who their third-down again is, or how properly or how a lot Pacheco will play.

Miscellaneous Notes

• There ought to be no concern round James Conner or Trey McBride from this sport. McBride performed all eight snaps on the primary drive, whereas Conner performed seven of eight. Conner’s day was completed earlier than the remainder of the starters after the primary drive, whereas McBride performed the primary play of the second drive earlier than he referred to as it an evening.
• Chiefs large receiver Xavier Worthy excelled within the playoffs partly because of an elevated position enjoying within the slot. All 5 of Worthy’s snaps on the primary and second drive of this sport occurred as an remoted outdoors large receiver.
• While rookie large receiver Jalen Royals is considered Rice’s potential substitute whereas he’s suspended, Royals was primarily used as an X receiver on this sport, enjoying some snaps out of the slot.

New York Jets @ Green Bay Packers

Breece Hall performs 50% of the Jets’ first-team snaps: Hall was the Jets’ starter, however he was instantly a part of a rotation.

The Jets retained the identical prime three working backs as final season in Hall, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis. The Jets have a brand new teaching workers, coming from the Detroit Lions, which used a two-man committee at working again. The teaching workers has additionally mentioned it needs to make use of all three backs, and there was current speak of Allen having a bigger position this season.

Hall performed the primary two snaps of the sport, and Davis got here in on third down. Hall returned for the fourth play of the drive however was instantly changed by Allen for 2 performs. Davis performed the next snap and was then changed by Hall for 2 performs. Davis took the ultimate third down of the drive. This means that Hall will share early down snaps with Allen, whereas Davis is the group’s third-down again this season. Hall is clearly forward of the opposite two, as he solely performed on the primary drive whereas Allen and Davis continued for the remainder of the half. While Allen tends to play on early downs whereas Davis tends to play on later downs, this wasn’t a strict rule.

While the Jets had been rotating working backs each one or two performs, this gained’t essentially be the rotation as soon as the common season hits. There was a sport the place the Detroit Lions did one thing comparable with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs in a preseason sport, after which they settled into their regular-season rotation.

There is an opportunity that future preseason video games will give us a clearer image of what this rotation finally appears to be like like. For now, it seems the Jets will keep true to their phrase and provides all three working backs notable enjoying time. It will probably be difficult for Hall to complete as a top-15 fantasy working again if the Jets use something near this rotation.

The Jets have a second large receiver: Josh Reynolds joined Garrett Wilson as the one large receivers to go away the sport concurrently Justin Fields.

The Jets have one of the vital unsettled depth charts at large receiver, past their prime receiver, Wilson. The Jets added free agent Reynolds, who has familiarity with the brand new teaching workers, and likewise signed Tyler Johnson from the Los Angeles Rams. Additionally, they drafted Arian Smith within the fourth spherical. They be a part of Alen Lazard, Xavier Gipson and Malachi Corley in a contest for beginning jobs and roster spots.

On the primary drive, Wilson and Reynolds had been the one two constantly on the sector. Reynolds took the X-receiver position, which he performed for the Detroit Lions. Wilson lined up all over, together with within the slot half the time when the Jets used 11 personnel. Johnson joined for all three-receiver units that had been passing performs, whereas Lazard joined for the three-receiver units that had been run performs. Smith’s one snap with the starters got here from 21 personnel, taking a snap from Reynolds.

On the next drive, Lazard was the first X receiver, Johnson was once more at Z, and Corley was within the slot, whereas Smith once more combined in on the surface. Gipson missed this sport attributable to harm, however he might additionally think about.

The Jets will probably transfer on from at the very least one large receiver. This will probably be Gipson, Corley, given his enjoying time on this sport, or Lazard, given his wage relative to his enjoying time.

The first take a look at Matthew Golden: The Packers’ first-round decide performed each snap with the first-team offense.

The Packers invested closely of their large receiver room within the draft with Matthew Golden within the first spherical and Savion Williams within the third spherical. They be a part of Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks in a strong competitors for enjoying time. Christian Watson will even be a part of that competitors sooner or later through the season as soon as he’s off the bodily unable to carry out listing.

Reed, Wicks and Williams all missed this sport attributable to harm, so we couldn’t choose how a lot Golden may rotate out and in this season. However, it was good to notice Golden was a transparent Z receiver for Green Bay, whereas Doubs performed his common X position. This probably signifies that Golden will rotate with Wicks and Watson as soon as he’s wholesome. It’s additionally attainable a type of receivers strikes from Z to X to compete with Doubs. At least for now, it seems Doubs’ spot within the Packers offense is safe.

This sport shouldn’t change anybody’s opinion on Golden, however it was barely excellent news for Doubs and dangerous information for Wicks.

Miscellaneous Notes

• Jets rookie tight finish Mason Taylor is coping with a excessive ankle sprain and can miss at the very least a while, together with this preseason sport. He is presently listed second on the Jets’ depth chart, however the expectation is that he’ll ultimately be the starter.
• Jets backup large receiver Irvin Charles stays on the bodily unable to carry out listing.
• Packers working again Josh Jacobs performed the primary offensive snap, after which his day was completed. The Packers did one thing comparable with Aaron Jones at instances when he was on the roster.
• Packers backup working again MarShawn Lloyd missed this sport attributable to a groin harm, which isn’t nice contemplating he missed most of his rookie season attributable to varied accidents. Emanuel Wilson was additionally out attributable to harm.
• The Packers added veteran Mecole Hardman, however he was the backup slot receiver, behind Malik Heath, who was the slot receiver with the starters. If Hardman makes the roster, it could probably be due to particular groups, not as a result of he’s making an offensive influence. He was listed because the second-string kick returner and third-string punt returner on the preliminary depth chart.

Denver Broncos @ San Francisco 49ers

RJ Harvey begins over J.Ok. Dobbins: Harvey acquired the entire carries with the primary group, whereas working extra routes.

The Broncos had one of the vital sophisticated backfields final season, with Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime and Tyler Badie. The Broncos moved on from Williams however added R.J. Harvey within the second spherical of the draft and J.Ok. Dobbins in free company.

Harvey and Dobbins performed with the first-team offense, which is a typically constructive signal for the common season. Harvey performed 12 of 13 snaps on first and second downs, whereas Dobbins took all 5 snaps on third downs. If it carries on into the common season, this is able to be wonderful for Harvey’s fantasy worth this season.

Marvin Mims Jr. sees a standard beginning workload: Mims performed 16 of 19 snaps with the starters and left the sport concurrently Bo Nix.

The Broncos utilized a major large receiver rotation final season. Courtland Sutton and Lil’Jordan Humphrey typically performed on early downs, whereas Sutton, Troy Franklin, and Devaughn Vele performed in three-receiver units, and Marvin Mims Jr. combined in an increasing number of continuously in each state of affairs as final season went on. The Broncos not have Humphrey, however they spent a third-round decide on Pat Bryant and added veteran Trent Sherfield Sr.

In 12 personnel, the Broncos constantly used Sutton and Mims, aside from one play the place Franklin took Mims’ spot. In 11 personnel, each Sutton and Mims performed 11 of a attainable 13 snaps. The different snaps had been cut up between Vele and Franklin. Bryant’s two snaps with the starters had been instead of Sutton.

Mims constantly lined up on the surface, whereas Vele and Franklin took the slot snaps. Mims has 2.57 profession yards per route run from the slot in comparison with 1.57 out large, so this was considerably regarding. However, the rise in enjoying time in comparison with final season might make Mims a weekly fantasy starter.

The undeniable fact that Bryant solely performed in Sutton’s place with the starters and constantly performed the X receiver position with the backups suggests he won’t play a lot this season, aside from when Sutton wants a break. Sherfield didn’t play a single offensive snap till late within the second quarter, which can also be a great signal for the highest 4 Broncos large receivers on the depth chart.

Evan Engram makes his Broncos’ debut: Engram was a part of a two-man rotation at tight finish with Adam Trautman.

Sean Payton has a protracted historical past of utilizing a rotation amongst their talent gamers, and that’s sometimes the case at tight finish. Engram performed 74% of Denver’s offensive snaps with the starters, which is a slight lower in comparison with what he’s used to. Engram performed 9 of 13 snaps out of 11 personnel, and 5 of six out of 12 personnel. Trautman and Engram had been cut up on 11 personnel on first and second downs, however Engram was constantly on the sector on third and fourth down. The Broncos had a higher-than-usual fee of third-and-medium or lengthy on this sport, main Engram’s route totals to succeed in barely increased charges than we should always count on.

In the previous, when Engram was off the sector, it was sometimes for two-tight-end set run conditions, quite than early down snaps in 11 personnel, so he’ll probably run fewer routes this season than prior to now. Engram has a top-10 fantasy tight finish ADP heading into this season. In order for him to succeed in that on his present enjoying time, he’ll want a really excessive goal fee. While that’s actually attainable, on this sport, he was held and not using a goal.

The 49ers’ potential new beginning large receivers: San Francisco is coping with a number of accidents at large receiver, which might influence the beginning of the season.

The 49ers’ large receiver room is in flux after shifting on from Deebo Samuel in a commerce this season. Starting large receiver Brandon Aiyuk stays on the bodily unable to carry out listing and is predicted to overlook the start of the season. Fellow beginning large receiver Jauan Jennings has been out two weeks attributable to a calf harm. He can also be in search of a brand new contract or a commerce.

This leaves former first-round decide Ricky Pearsall on the prime of the 49ers depth chart. San Francisco added former Los Angeles Rams receiver Demarcus Robinson in free company, and he’ll probably be one other starter. Last yr’s fourth-round decide Jacob Cowing, fifth-round rookie Jordan Watkins and seventh-round rookie Junior Bergen are competing for enjoying time. The 49ers have each introduced in and launched a number of veteran gamers over the past two weeks. Robbie Chosen is the brand new veteran presently on the roster.

Pearsall had the night time off with the opposite starters. Robinson was one of many starters, taking the Z-receiver position. This might imply the beginning lineup for San Francisco Week 1 is Jennings because the X receiver, the place he ended final season, Robinson at Z and Pearsall within the slot. Robinson was the primary large receiver who performed Sunday night time to go away the sport, suggesting he’s above the remaining. Watkins was the X receiver for this sport. It seems he would begin if Jennings additionally misses time in the beginning of the yr. Russell Gage Jr. performed within the slot with the starters. Gage hasn’t performed in a regular-season sport since 2022, however there’s a probability he makes the roster, given the state of the large receivers on the group.

Miscellaneous Notes

Miami Dolphins @ Chicago Bears

Luther Burden III begins far down the depth chart: Burden III performed all through the primary half whereas different large receivers exited the sport early.

When Burden was drafted, he was anticipated to be the Bears’ third large receiver behind D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze. However, he missed two months throughout OTAs attributable to a hamstring harm, so he’s had a slower begin than most rookies. The Bears sat starters and key backups, which included Moore, Odunze and free-agent addition Olamide Zaccheaus. It’s at the very least attainable Zaccheaus is the Bears’ third large receiver in Week 1.

Burden began this sport together with backups Tyler Scott and Devin Duvernay. Over the primary 14 offensive performs, Burden solely performed in three-receiver units. Sometimes a participant solely performs in three-receiver units as a result of they’re the slot receiver, however on this case, it was as a result of Burden was decrease on the depth chart. Burden was the first slot receiver, however Scott additionally performed a number of snaps out of the slot on performs the place Burden lined up out large. Duvernay stopped enjoying on offense halfway by way of their second drive, and at that time, Burden began enjoying in two-receiver units in addition to three. 

There is loads of time for Burden to work his manner up the depth chart, however at this level, he must surpass Zaccheaus, Scott and Duvernay for enjoying time this season. That is actually attainable, however anybody drafting Burden shouldn’t count on instant returns on their funding.

Malik Washington poised to make a bigger influence: Washington was the focus of the Dolphins’ offense at the beginning of the primary drive.

Washington was the Dolphins’ clear third large receiver final season however averaged lower than two receptions per sport. The Dolphins introduced in competitors in former Tennessee Titans’ starter Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Tyreek Hill sat out this sport attributable to an indirect harm. Jaylen Waddle additionally didn’t heat as much as play, though it’s much less clear why he was absent. This led Washington and Westbrook-Ikhine to be the starters, with Dee Eskridge becoming a member of them for 3 receiver units.

Washington performed every of the primary 5 performs, and the final three had been a three-yard reception, a four-yard reception and a six-yard reception. He took two performs off, which is comprehensible for any receiver after a number of consecutive catches. He returned for a five-yard reception, took one other play off, after which took an end-around for six yards. His day on offense was over at that time, ending with a ridiculous 5 touches on seven snaps. A excessive utilization fee with the starters gained’t assure Washington the next utilization fee as soon as the common season begins, however his utilization to start out this sport, together with an early exit roughly concurrently De’Von Achane and earlier than Tua Tagovailoa, actually doesn’t harm.

Miscellaneous Notes

• The Bears rested a number of starters and key backups for this sport. That included quarterback Caleb Williams, working again D’Andre Swift, large receivers D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze and Olamide Zaccheaus and tight finish Cole Kmet.
• Bears backup working again Roschon Johnson is coping with a foot harm, which led him to take a seat out. There is a few concern in regards to the severity of the harm, contemplating the Bears not too long ago introduced in a number of working backs for a go to and are anticipated to signal one.
• Bears seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai is third on the depth chart and will transfer as much as second. While we will’t inform his odds of shifting to second on the depth chart from this sport, it was at the very least good to see that he’s clearly forward of Travis Homer, and that the Bears are comfy making an attempt him in all conditions.
• The Bears’ first-round decide, tight finish Colston Loveland, performed the primary six performs earlier than his day was completed sooner than the remainder of the Bears, who began this sport.
• Dolphins tight finish Darren Waller stays on the bodily unable to carry out listing, however he was already listed first on the Dolphins depth chart.
• Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold additionally missed this sport as a result of he’s within the concussion protocol.
• Dolphins working again De’Von Achane performed every of the primary 9 offensive snaps, after which his day was completed earlier than the remainder of the starters.
• While Alexander Mattison and Ollie Gordon II performed late into the sport, it’s nonetheless attainable that one or each of those working backs make an influence this season. Miami solely has 4 halfbacks on the roster, so it needed to play these working backs late within the sport. Jaylen Wright received stuffed on the objective line for 3 straight performs, and Mattison and Gordon are greater backs. Mattison scored on a goal-line stick with it the next drive. It’s attainable considered one of them would take the goal-line touches as soon as the common season begins.

New Orleans Saints @ Los Angeles Chargers

Kendre Miller stays the favourite for the backup working again job for now: Miller began and took each snap on the primary two drives.

The Saints have struggled to seek out an ample backup working again for Alvin Kamara since dropping Mark Ingram II in his prime. The Saints retained Miller, who has missed important time with harm, added veterans Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Cam Akers, and drafted Devin Neal within the sixth spherical of the draft. Unfortunately, Neal is predicted to overlook a number of weeks attributable to a hamstring harm.  Missing the preseason and a part of coaching camp will make it tough for him to play important snaps early within the season.

Miller began the sport, working the ball six instances and catching a go. Akers took over on the next drive, and Miller returned to the sport for the fourth drive. If this weren’t a contest, we’d have anticipated Miller’s day to be completed after two drives. In competitions like this, the incumbent participant sometimes holds the lead early within the preseason. While Miller may need a slight edge for the backup job, this competitors will stay ongoing.

Tyler Conklin performs however doesn’t begin: The former New York Jets tight finish performed three of the primary 4 performs.

The Chargers have a crowded tight finish room with returning tight ends Will Dissly and Tucker Fisk, rookie Oronde Gadsden, and Conklin, who was the one one of many 4 to take a seat out the Hall of Fame sport. Los Angeles rested much more gamers this week than within the Hall of Fame sport, together with working again Omarion Hampton and tight finish Dissly. This made it odd that Conklin was the alternative.

Gadsden and Fisk began the sport in 12 personnel, whereas Conklin changed Fisk on the second play. The third play was out of twenty-two personnel with Fisk and Conklin because the tight ends. Conklin’s remaining play was out of 21 personnel. Fisk took a 21-personnel snap on the fifth play of the drive, whereas Gadsden performed the one-third down snap. The subsequent a number of drives consisted of Gadsden and Fisk rotating. Gadsden tended to play in passing conditions whereas Fisk performed in speeding conditions, much like the Hall of Fame sport as soon as Dissly left.

It’s unattainable to take something concrete out of the Chargers’ first drive from this sport and the primary drive from the Hall of Fame sport with out seeing Dissley and Conklin collectively, and Conklin probably solely enjoying the three performs Sunday, no matter what occurred after these performs. However, it’s price noting that Gadsden has performed in two of three snaps out of 11 personnel, and all three snaps out of 12 personnel through the drives the place Conklin and Dissly performed. The one play out of 11 personnel the place he wasn’t on the sector was on the six-yard line, so it’s attainable they wished a greater run blocker on the sector.

This suggests Gadsden would be the Chargers’ receiving tight finish this season, however he would want to play in each 11 and 12 personnel to have an opportunity of being fantasy-relevant. This will stay a state of affairs to look at, and ideally, we are going to achieve extra info of their preseason sport subsequent week.

Miscellaneous Notes

• The Chargers rested quarterback Justin Herbert and large receiver Quentin Johnston, as they did within the Hall of Fame sport.
• Saints tight ends Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau stay on the bodily unable to carry out listing.
• Star large receiver Chris Olave is coping with a minor ankle harm, which left him out of this sport.
• New Orleans additionally rested a few of their starters, together with working again Alvin Kamara and large receiver Rashid Shaheed.
• The Saints used two working backs on the sector on the similar time 4 instances early within the sport. Velus Jones Jr. was the second working again. Head coach Kellen Moore tried this eight instances with the Philadelphia Eagles final season with Will Shipley because the second working again, and half of these performs got here in Week 1 final yr.
• Moore’s offense sometimes highlights the slot receiver, however there was minimal dialogue round who the first slot receiver will probably be. It appears unlikely to be Brandin Cooks, who performed on the primary drive of this sport and took six snaps out large in comparison with two from the slot. Projected backup Cedrick Wilson Jr. performed the vast majority of slot snaps. This leaves both Olave or Shaheed.
• Chargers working again Najee Harris stays on the non-football harm listing after a watch harm from a Fourth of July incident.
• Star large receiver Ladd McConkey has been held off form not too long ago however returned on Friday. However, the Chargers nonetheless held him out of this sport. Newly signed Keenan Allen additionally didn’t play.
• Chargers working again Kimani Vidal began the sport however rotated with Hassan Haskins for the primary three drives, and Nyheim Miller-Hines on the fourth drive. Vidal is the favourite for the third working again spot, however the competitors isn’t over.
• The Chargers proceed to make use of KeAndre Lambert-Smith as an X receiver and Tre Harris as a Z receiver. This suggests Lambert-Smith will probably be Johnston’s major backup, whereas Harris will probably be Allen’s backup. This makes it unlikely Harris will earn sufficient enjoying time to be price drafting in a typical redraft league.

Table Notes

• Snaps embrace performs referred to as again attributable to penalties, together with offensive holding or defensive go interference. The different three stats have these performs eliminated.
• Targets could differ from official NFL sources. The more than likely discrepancy could be from a transparent thrown-away go, the place the NFL could give the goal to the closest receiver, whereas this information won’t.
• Carries are solely on designed performs. Quarterback scrambles gained’t rely for the overall variety of carries within the sport.