Preseason News and Notes: Week 2
Mon Aug 18 10:50am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Dart continues to really impress
Another preseason week is in the books and there is a lot to digest. But don’t worry, we are here to help and make it easy for you. So here is the latest fallout from the happenings of this past week. . . . .
The Seahawks new running game is looking fantastic. Kenneth Walker was held out of this week’s game as a precaution because of an injury, giving Zach Charbonnet the start. Charbonnet rushed for 45 yards and a touchdown on just five carries. He is a must handcuff for any Walker owners, considering his huge potential in a starting role for the Seahawks. And whoever is starting, Seattle could have one of the top rush offenses in football.
Dolphins running back De'Von Achane is expected to miss some time this preseason after sustaining a soft-tissue injury to his lower body. He was held out of this week’s preseason game and has been out of practice the last few days. This is a bit of a concerning injury but head coach Mike McDaniel downplayed it and said he expects Achane to be ready for Week 1.
Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson continues to turn heads in the preseason. He wasn’t in there long this week but ran four times for 20 yards and a touchdown. He also returned a kick for 26 yards and was targeted once in the passing game. Henderson is shooting up draft boards right now and looks to be a huge fantasy factor in year one with his electric play.
Another Patriots rookie is turning heads. Wide receiver Efton Chism caught all six of his targets for 71 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's game. He was an undrafted player but getting plenty of buzz in camp. He is playing his way into a roster spot and could earn a regular role in the receiver rotation if he keeps up his current play.
Chargers receiver Quentin Johnston suffered a scary injury this weekend, taking a big hit after a missed pass. He was motionless on the ground after the hit. He was diagnosed with a concussion and is likely going to miss some time. He was competing for a depth role at receiver for the Chargers, so this setback doesn’t bode well for him to earn a lot of playing time early in the year. He could get passed up by some other options.
The Giants have to be happy with what they are seeing from rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. He continues to look really good, bringing speculation that he could even find his way into the starting lineup this year. Dart was 14-of-16 for 137 yards and scored two touchdowns. Dart looks like the real deal for the Giants, finally finding their franchise quarterback.
Steelers rocking running back Kaleb Johnson looked better this week, rushing 11 times for 50 yards. He also caught a pass for nine yards. He is in the mix to split carries with Jaylen Warren but got off to a bit of a slow start in camp and preseason action, causing concern for him to play a big role in the Steelers offense early in the season. Johnson still carries some fantasy concerns but his was a step in the right direction this week.
It is looking more and more like rookie back Jarquez Hunter will be the top backup for the Rams. He is looking good, rushing 15 times for 55 yards. Hunter has played a big role each of his first two preseason games and produced with his chances. He should be the handcuff to grab for Kyren Williams owners.
Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett continues to take big steps forward this year. He had a great game, going 28-of-40 for 324 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Bennett looks like a different quarterback this season. He might not be the top backup for the Rams with Jimmy Garoppolo around but seems to at least be the future of the team. The Rams might have found a gem in Bennett.
Lions rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa continues to make a strong case to be the No. 3 receiver for the Lions. He had four catches for 41 yards and a touchdown this week. TeSlaa is having a great camp and looks to be a big part of the Lions offense in year one. He could be worth a late-round grab for fantasy owners in this explosive offense.
The Jets starters struggled, especially quarterback Justin Fields. He was just 1-of-5 for four yards before leaving the game. Fields has been up and down all camp. He is going to be a wild card for fantasy teams. You just don’t know what you will get from him in this offense. New York does look to be really run-heavy, though, with a West Coast passing attack (short, quick throws).
Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel got his chance to start and played decent, going 13-of-18 for 143 yards and an interception. Gabriel also lost a fumble, giving him two turnovers in the game. Gabriel showed some promise at times, though, so he should still be in the mix for the starter’s job in Cleveland. You still have to think veteran Joe Flacco is the favorite for the job at this point.
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson might have jumped to the lead in the race to start in Indy. He didn’t start in this one but probably outplayed Daniel Jones. Richardson was 6-of-11 for 73 yards and led the Colts on a long-touchdown drive. Jones was 7-of-11 for 101 yards and was unable to lead the Colts on any scoring drives.
Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon is another rookie turning some heads. He is making a push to be the top backup for the Dolphins. He ran 10 times for 50 yards and caught two passes for nine yards. Gordon is taking advantage of his playing time. And with Achane battling an injury already, Gordon’s fantasy stock is starting to rise.
The Panthers first-team offense struggled this week. Bryce Young was just 0-of-2 and the first-team offense failed to put up any points. It was an uninspiring performance for an offense with high expectations. It is a little concerning seeing Young struggle some this preseason after his strong finish to last year. Young remains an intriguing QB2 this year but is far from a sure thing at this point.
Denver got some great play from rookie receiver Pat Bryant. He had four receptions for 70 yards. It would not surprise to see Bryant emerge as the No. 2 receiver for the Broncos this season, especially if he keeps playing like this.
Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty showed why the team made him their franchise back in this year’s draft. He was much better than his first preseason game. He had seven carries for 33 yards and a touchdown. He showed his great power in the game, running over a defender during one of his runs. Jeanty is going to be a big problem in the NFL.
The Saints gave rookie quarterback Tyler Shough the start but he didn’t do a whole lot. He was 9-of-12 for just 66 yards. Spencer Rattler was much better, finishing 18-of-24 for 199 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He moved the offense much better than Shough. It is looking more and more like Rattler is the clear favorite to start in New Orleans to open this season.
San Francisco gave many of their starters playing time in their game this week and receiver Ricky Pearsall looked great. He wasn’t out there long but was the clear favorite target of Brock Purdy. Pearsall had three receptions for 42 yards on four targets. He has a chance to take a big step forward in year two.
The Bears offense was really clicking this week. It sure looks like quarterback Caleb Williams is starting to really figure this offense out. He was 6-of-10 for 107 yards and a touchdown. There was a lot of panic for Williams early in camp and preseason but this game should give fantasy owners hope going forward. He could have a huge second season with new head coach Ben Johnson running the show.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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- Dolphins not thinking of trading Tyreek Hill right now
- Titans coach Brian Callahan admits he didn't know rule on botched challenge
- Raiders expect 'way better' version of RB Ashton Jeanty in Week 2
- Texans TE Cade Stover (foot) out indefinitely
- Status of Chiefs WRs Xavier Worthy, Jalen Royals unclear for Sunday vs. Eagles
- Giants still rolling with QB Russell Wilson in Week 2
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The Paur Report
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason was very involved in his Vikings' debut, playing 54% of snaps and leading the team with 15 carries. He turned those carries into 68 rushing yards and converted his only target into a seven-yard reception. Mason didn't find the end zone, while his backfield-mate Aaron Jones Sr. scored on a key catch in the fourth quarter. Mason and Jones split the playing time just about evenly, although Jones' touchdown made him the better fantasy performer in Week 1. Both will be viable flex plays in Week 2 against the Falcons on Sunday Night Football. J.J. McCarthy ran the offense well enough that both running backs will have touchdown-dependent RB2 upside against Atlanta.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift didn't have huge totals against the stout Vikings defense on Monday Night Football, but the good news for his fantasy value is that he was clearly still the featured back. He took 17 carries for 53 rushing yards, while no other running back received even one carry. Roschon Johnson (foot) was sidelined, and rookie Kyle Monangai only played nine snaps, getting one target and no carries. Swift had five targets and hauled in three catches for 12 yards, but he wasn't able to get into the end zone to put his fantasy production over the top. His role as the featured back is encouraging, though, for his value going forward. He and the Bears head to Detroit to face the Lions in Week 2, after Detroit allowed Josh Jacobs to take 19 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. Swift will be touchdown-dependent, but he's lined up for enough work to still be a starter in most standard leagues.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai was the team's primary backup for Week 1, with Roschon Johnson (foot) ruled out before kickoff. However, the seventh-round rookie from Rutgers was not very involved in the Bears' game plan. He played just 13% of the team's snaps compared to 81% for D'Andre Swift, and Monangai didn't get a single carry in his NFL debut. He did avoid the dreaded bagel by hauling in his only target for an 11-yard reception on the Bears' opening drive. His only other appearance in the stat sheet was a declined holding penalty, which isn't a great way to earn more playing time. Monangai still has the potential to grow into an expanded role down the road, but for now, he doesn't appear to be involved enough to be more than a handcuff to Swift.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. found the end zone for the Vikings in their comeback win on Monday Night Football over the Bears. He finished with three catches for 44 yards and a touchdown and added 23 rushing yards on his eight carries. While the touchdown and receiving production kept his Week 1 production solid, he ended up with fewer snaps and carries than Jordan Mason. Mason played 30 snaps and took his 15 carries for a team-high 68 rushing yards, while Jones played 28 snaps and ran more routes than Mason. It looks like a fairly even timeshare overall, making both backs usable but also touchdown-dependent moving forward. Jones and Mason's next matchup will be another primetime contest against the Falcons on Sunday Night Football in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze got off to a great start to his sophomore season on Monday Night Football. He led the Bears with six catches on his team-high nine targets and totaled 37 receiving yards along with a touchdown. His fourth-quarter touchdown brought the Bears back to within three points, but they weren't able to finish their rally, falling 27-24 to the Vikings. Odunze showed a strong connection with Caleb Williams and looks ready to take on a featured role in new coach Ben Johnson's offense. Next week, Williams and Odunze will go on the road to Detroit for another divisional contest. Odunze should remain very relevant for fantasy as long as he keeps getting so many targets, especially near the goal line.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (hamstring) is expected to be fine moving forward, but coach Pete Carroll said he was dealing with some tightness last week, especially in the second half. Smith looked sharp overall, throwing for 362 passing yards and a touchdown while adding 10 rushing yards on two carries. He relied heavily on tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, along with Jakobi Meyers, who was the clear top wide receiver after the retirement of Amari Cooper. He'll need to mix in some of the young receivers going forward as well, but Smith looks to be in a good spot, starting once again for Carroll after their years in Seattle. Smith will get an extra day to rest his hamstring as well since the Raiders host the Chargers in the second game of Week 2's Monday Night Football doubleheader.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson had 44 receiving yards on four catches and a touchdown in a 27-24 win against the Bears. Jefferson earned a team-high seven targets, but was unable to get touches early in the game as quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggled. The offense started moving the ball better and sustained some drives in the second half. Jefferson caught a laser beam from McCarthy for a 13-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Jefferson uncharacteristically dropped a pretty well-placed ball from McCarthy on a deep over, although McCarthy was a tad late. There should be better days for Jefferson as he and McCarthy continue to build rapport and gain more reps together. He is still locked in as one of the three best wide receivers in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams completed 21 of 35 passes for 210 yards with one touchdown in a 27-24 loss against the Vikings. He also rushed for 58 yards on six carries with a touchdown. It was a smooth start for Williams and the new Bears offense under head coach Ben Johnson as they marched down the field for a touchdown on their opening drive. However, their offense scored only three points over their next nine drives. The run game with D'Andre Swift was largely inefficient, and Williams mostly took what the defense gave him. Williams found Rome Odunze for a touchdown right late in the fourth quarter to close the lead to three, but it was not enough. On a positive note, Williams looked very smooth and fast as a runner tonight, which is a key part of his fantasy appeal. It was a decent season debut for Williams as he builds his understanding of Johnson's offense, and he should be viewed as a low-end QB1 for fantasy purposes with his dual-threat ability.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy went 13 of 20 for 143 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, leading his team to a 27-24 win against the Bears in his NFL debut. McCarthy looked overmatched early as the Vikings' stagnant run game left him facing frequent third-and-long situations. He had just 48 total yards at the half while taking two sacks, and then threw a pick-six early in the second half to put Minnesota down 17-6. McCarthy bounced back remarkably well after his costly mistake, delivering his best play in the fourth quarter when he accounted for all three of his touchdowns. The Vikings' run game picked up on the subsequent drive and set up McCarthy for 13-yard touchdown strike to Justin Jefferson. He later hit Aaron Jones for a 27-yard touchdown on a wheel route on a really well-placed ball between two defenders. Finally, he showed off his athleticism and impact as a runner with a 14-yard touchdown run on a read option to essentially ice the game. There will be plenty of growing pains for the 22-year-old signal caller, but he showed some positive signs in this game. McCarthy will be set to make his home debut next Sunday night against Atlanta.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten is expected to handle increased opportunities going forward after the team traded Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles. Tuten only rushed three times for 11 yards in Week 1, but he should earn more carries as he goes from No. 3 to No. 2 on the depth chart. The larger role is enough to justify keeping tabs on Tuten in fantasy football, but he's not a fantasy starter quite yet. Travis Etienne Jr. asserted himself as the Jaguars' only fantasy-relevant running back on Sunday as he totaled 156 scrimmage yards. For now, Tuten, a rookie, should be left on the bench in dynasty and redraft leagues.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson (shoulder) suffered an AC joint sprain during Sunday's win over the Houston Texans. Parkinson briefly exited the game before returning to play through the injury. It's too early to tell whether he'll be available in Week 2, but it's worth noting that Los Angeles has no incentive to rush him back from injury. The Rams have one of the deepest tight end rooms in the NFL with Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, and Terrance Ferguson.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets have signed wide receiver Tyler Johnson to their active roster. He had been on the practice squad, but the Jets had room to elevate him after placing Alijah Vera-Tucker on injured reserve. Johnson did appear in the season opener, catching two passes for 31 yards. He'll fill a low-volume depth role going forward. As a result, fantasy managers should leave him on waivers in all leagues. Garrett Wilson remains the only Jets receiver who should be rostered in all formats,
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers have signed running back Pierre Strong Jr. to their practice squad. The 26-year-old spent last season with the Cleveland Browns, totaling 108 rushing yards and 104 receiving yards. He also got involved on special teams, returning 11 kicks in 2024. Strong remained with the Browns organization until the end of August, when the team released him with an injury designation. He'll remain a mere depth option in Green Bay, especially since he's reporting to the practice squad. The former fourth-round pick provides additional insurance in case Josh Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson, or Chris Brooks gets hurt.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp had two catches for 15 yards in a loss to the 49ers. Dynasty Analysis: It was as bad as it looks. Sam Darnold locked on to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kupp didn't seem to remotely be part of the game plan. Things should get better moving forward but Kupp belongs on fantasy benches as a player whose injuries may have honestly just caught up to him at this point.
Dynasty | Ravens running back Derrick Henry had 169 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a heartbreaking loss to the Bills. Dynasty Analysis: Unfortunately, his night will be remembered more for a critical lost fumble that seemed to give Buffalo life as they came back from 15 points down with less than four minutes to play. Still, Henry looked as explosive as ever and averaged almost ten yards per carry on the night. One of the toughest runners in history, he looks poised to be a strong candidate to rush for up to 2,000 and make a play as the overall RB1 in dynasty this year. In other words, he's quite the target for a contending team.
Dynasty | Bills receiver Keon Coleman had eight catches for 112 yards and a touchdown in Buffalo's win against Baltimore. Dynasty Analysis: Even better, Coleman led the team with 11 targets. There has been some buzz about Coleman taking a second year leap and now there's real evidence it could happen. He's not quite a lineup lock at the moment but anyone who endured his disappointing rookie season has to be thrilled. His ADP and ranking should be on the way up.
Dynasty | Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers had seven catches for 143 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Buffalo. Dynasty Analysis: Flowers led the team with nine targets, five more than any other player. With Mark Andrews looking a little over the hill and few others really pushing him, Flowers could provide sneaky WR1 value this season. This was a huge start and Flowers should be in the top 15 in terms of receiver rankings moving forward, despite being part of a run-first attack.
Dynasty | The Jacksonville Jaguars have traded running back Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles. Dynasty Analysis: Travis Etienne had one of the more surprising performances on Sunday and the Jaguars apparently saw enough to split up their dynamic duo after just one week. The Jags were on record saying they didn't want to keep four running backs and now they're down to Etienne, Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen. As for Bigsby, he should compete with Will Shipley to be the backup to Saquon Barkley but this puts a major pin in his short-term value balloon.
San Francisco 49ers FB Kyle Juszczyk may receive a bigger role in the offense while TE George Kittle (hamstring) is sidelined, in the opinion of ESPN.com's Nick Wagoner.
From TheHuddle
The Atlanta Falcons will work out a variety of kickers and could look to replace Younghoe Koo, according to head coach Raheem Morris. While Morris confirmed that Koo is the Falcons' kicker "right now," he explained that they'll bring in young kickers and veteran kickers for an audition. Practice squad kicker Lenny Krieg, whom Morris described as a "developing prospect," will also have a chance to compete for the kicking job. At the peak of his career, Koo was one of the most dependable kickers in NFL history. However, his accuracy has started to decline. He missed nine field goals last season and went 2-for-3 in Sunday's season opener, missing a potential game-tying kick against the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From RotoBaller
