Preseason News and Notes: Week 3

Mon Aug 25 1:01pm ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Sutton has big finish to preseason


Well, another preseason is in the books. Now the fun begins. But before we get to the regular season, let’s take a look at all the info we gained from this last week of the preseason. Here is the latest. . . . .

Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson continued his ho-hum preseason, rushing five times for 24 yards. He caught a pass for two yards. Right now, it seems Jaylen Warren is the clear No. 1 back for the Steelers with Kenneth Gainwell serving as the top backup. Johnson is going to get some weekly work but has some work to do to move up the depth chart and get a larger role in this offense.

It was another solid showing for Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. He was 6-of-12 for 81 yards and a touchdown without an interception. He also had a 23-yard run. He had quite the showing in the preseason and could be the starting lineup for the Giants sooner then later, especially if Russell Wilson has any struggles. Dart looks to be the real deal, finally solving the Giants franchise quarterback issue of the last several seasons.

Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo returned to action from his hamstring injury and ran three times for 12 yards. Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary were both rested in this game, indicating they are both likely ahead of Skattebo on the depth chart right now. Tracy seems pretty entrenched as the starting back for the Giants.

Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue ran nine times for 25 yards and a touchdown, but suffered a sprained ankle in the game. He could miss some time with this one. The bigger story might be Javonte Williams was rested along with the other starters for Dallas, meaning he is likely to open the season as the starting back for the Cowboys. It is his job to lose right now.

The Titans seem to have a battle on their hands for the other starting spot at receiver opposite Calvin Ridley. Elic Ayomanor had a strong camp and preseason, putting him in the mix to start. He had three catches for 25 yards this week. Van Jefferson is having an up-and-down preseason but came up big in this game, catching three passes for 102 yards and a touchdown. He might have the upperhand to start right now but nothing is certain. The Titans seem to like what they have in Ayomanor.

The Chiefs played their starters a good chunk of the game and Patrick Mahomes looked in mid-season form, going 8-of-13 for 143 yards and a touchdown. He used the ball down the field often, which might be a sign of things to come for this offense. Rookie Brashard Smith didn’t do a whole lot but got some run with the starters. He ran two times for a yard and caught a pass for 12 yards on three targets. Smith seems to be carving out a role in the offense his rookie season.

Bears receiver Rome Odunze had another strong showing, catching three passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. Odunze seems poised to take a big step forward in year two in the Bears new offense. He is building a nice rapport with quarterback Caleb Williams.

The most interesting aspect of the Commanders game this week was who didn’t play. The team rested most of their starters and rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was one of those players resting. It seems he has earned a big role his rookie season, especially after the team traded Brian Robinson.

It really is anyone’s guess how the Browns depth chart might shake out at quarterback after Joe Flacco. It seems the team is going to keep four quarterbacks on their roster. Dillon Gabriel had the better game than Shedeur Sanders this past week. Gabriel was 12-of-19 for 129 yards and a touchdown. Sanders was just 3-of-6 for 14 yards, playing with the third and fourth stringers.

Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. was getting playing time with the starters and had two receptions for 16 yards and a touchdown. He is getting rave reviews in camp and seems to have earned a role with the team his rookie season. He could cut into the playing time and targets of starter David Njoku.

The Lions seemed to have found something with rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa. He capped off his big preseason with two receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown. TeSlaa has a real shot to be the No. 3 receiver in this explosive offense to open his rookie season. He just made plays all preseason with his chances.

Houston is another team that rested nearly all their starters for their last preseason game. And one of those players on the bench was running back Nick Chubb. He seems to be the favorite to start for the Texans while Joe Mixon is sidelined. Chubb could have some early-season value for fantasy teams.

The Saints still haven’t named a starting quarterback and the last preseason game didn’t do much to solve that question. Rookie Tyler Shough played better but still wasn’t anything special, going 12-of-20 for 102 yards. He did run in a score, rushing two times for 20 yards and a touchdown. Spencer Rattler didn’t play as much, finishing 5-of-8 for 43 yards. It still seems Rattler has the slight lead here but who really knows?

Denver gave their starters plenty of action to end the preseason. Bo Nix and Courtland Sutton put on a show. Nix was 10-of-14 for 110 yards and a touchdown. Sutton had four receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown. This duo could be a big problem for the rest of the season this year. Rookie running back RJ Harvey got some chances with the first-team offense but didn’t do much, rushing three times for four yards. It sure looks like JK Dobbins is going to be the starter for the Broncos to open the season.

It sure looks like Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon earned the No. 2 running back job with his strong finish to the preseason. He had eight carries for 43 yards. The Dolphins aren’t shy to rotate backs, so Gordon could have a decent role offensively his rookie season. He is a player on the rise.

The Raiders are looking for a new backup quarterback. Aidan O’Connell broke his wrist and is going to be out the next six-to-eight weeks. Look for the Raiders to make a move at quarterback this week, bringing in a veteran backup to Geno Smith.

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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Player Notes
Matt Gay Sep 7 7:30am CT
Matt Gay

Washington Commanders kicker Matt Gay (illness) was recently cleared to suit up for Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants. Gay was brought in during the offseason on a one-year, $4.25 million deal. He has bounced around in the league, but had pretty decent success in 2024. Gay knocked down 31-of-37 field goal attempts while hitting 33-of-33 extra point attempts during the 2024 campaign with the Indianapolis Colts. He's not an elite fantasy option, but should get plenty of chances in Washington. Gay is a viable streaming option against the shaky Giants defense in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Renfrow Sep 7 7:00am CT
Hunter Renfrow

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow has an opportunity to be a factor in Week 1, but many uncertainties surrounding his situation makes him difficult to start right away against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 29-year-old missed all of 2024 with ulcerative colitis and was initially waived by Carolina, who signed him to the active roster only after dealing Adam Thielen to Minnesota and placing Jalen Coker (quadriceps) on IR. That places Renfrow as Carolina's projected top option in the slot, where he did most of his damage during his stint with the then-Oakland Raiders. The veteran has a 103-catch season to his name, but that was four years ago at this point. For now, Renfrow is mostly a DFS home-run swing or a stash in deeper dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller

Jaxson Dart Sep 7 6:20am CT
Jaxson Dart

According to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the New York Giants could use rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart as early as Week 1. Rapoport reported that the Giants have a package of plays ready to go for the rookie from Ole Miss, which they are ready to deploy as soon as their season-opening game Sunday against Washington. The Giants signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to be their immediate starter, but the drumbeat is already going for Dart, who impressed during the preseason. The Giants traded back into the first round to select the rookie early this year, and the dynamic will be worth watching this season in Superflex and dynasty formats, especially.

From RotoBaller

Zavier Scott Sep 6 11:50pm CT
Zavier Scott

Minnesota Vikings running back Zavier Scott (ankle) has officially been ruled out for his team's road tilt with the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. The former undrafted free agent picked up an ankle injury in the Vikes' preseason finale and did not log even a limited practice session ahead of their regular season opener. It's unfortunate timing for Scott, who flashed as a pass-catcher this summer and might have challenged to be Minnesota's third option out of the backfield. Teammates Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason figure to handle the bulk of the running back opportunities on Monday night, with Ty Chandler potentially rotating in for a few touches behind them.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Sep 6 11:20pm CT
Jameson Williams

The Detroit Lions and wide receiver Jameson Williams have agreed to terms on a three-year, $83 million extension, according to multiple sources. NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported the news. Per Schultz, the deal includes $67 million in guaranteed money. It's an excellent move by Detroit, who picked up the wideout's fifth-year option back in April. The deal will tie the University of Alabama product to the organization through 2029. Williams is fresh off his best professional season, and the team has indicated he'll be more involved during the 2025 campaign. There was no doubt heading into this year that he'd operate as Detroit's clear-cut No. 2 option, though the extension should quell any lingering fears surrounding him in dynasty.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Sep 6 9:29pm CT
Javonte Williams

Dynasty | Cowboys running back Javonte Williams had 54 rushing yards, two catches, ten receiving yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the Eagles on opening night. Dynasty Analysis: This is bound to be one of the bigger storylines of the week in terms of short-term fantasy league impact. Williams had 17 touches, while Miles Sanders had five and Jaydon Blue was a healthy scratch. The touchdowns mask the fact he only averaged 3.6 yards per carry but this was a big day for Williams as he attempts to resurrect his career. It will be very interesting to see if Blue is activated next week and if he overtakes Sanders, who had a costly fumble in the game. Williams could be a quick trade candidate if you're in a dynasty league and know you're not a contender as his value will be on the rise after this performance.

George Pickens Sep 6 9:28pm CT
George Pickens

Dynasty | Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens had three catches for 30 yards in his Dallas debut. Dynasty Analysis: Any idea that Pickens (four targets) would compete with CeeDee Lamb (13) for looks on a weekly basis was likely squashed in this one. Still, you would expect he'd have better days moving forward. He remains a solid flex play but his production could be pretty up and down this season and his first game was a bit of a disappointment.

Marquise Brown Sep 6 9:28pm CT
Marquise Brown

Dynasty | Chiefs wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown had ten catches for 99 yards in the Chiefs season opening loss to the Chargers. Dynasty Analysis: Brown had a whopping 16 targets on the night after the Chiefs lost Xavier Worthy to a shoulder injury. Six. Teen. This is a massive development as Worthy could miss more time and Rashee Rice is out for five more games. No other Chiefs receiver had more than five targets on the night and this performance is going to vault Brown right into weekly lineup consideration. He's also going to be a prime player to move via trade to a contending team if you're not going to be in contention because he's going to offer short-term upside but also likely fail to keep up this kind of momentum when the Chiefs get back to full strength.

Travis Kelce Sep 6 9:28pm CT
Travis Kelce

Dynasty | Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had two catches for 47 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs opening night loss to the Chargers. Dynasty Analysis: The fantasy stats for the week will have the soon-to-be Swift husband towards the top of the rankings but this performance was very concerning. On a night where the Chiefs were without both Rashee Rice (suspension) and Xavier Worthy (Kelce accidentally ran into him and knocked him out the game), Kelce still only had four targets. Despite saying all the right things about being young and rejuvenated, Kelce looks like a player well past his prime. Dynasty managers need to seriously consider what to do as the bottom may very well fall out in the coming weeks.

Chase McLaughlin Sep 6 9:10pm CT
Chase McLaughlin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin will look to keep the good times rolling after a strong 2024 campaign. McLaughlin posted a career-high 93.8 percent conversion rate on field-goal attempts last season. The 29-year-old knocked down 30-of-32 field goals and 54-of-56 extra point attempts across 17 games with the Bucs. He'll enter his third season in Tampa Bay as it appears McLaughlin has found a long term home. The Bucs have a strong enough offense to give McLaughlin plenty of opportunities. McLaughlin should be considered a strong kicking option in what could be a high-scoring game in Week 1 versus the Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Sep 6 9:03pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings RB Jordan Mason and RB Aaron Jones should see plenty of carries, especially early in the season, because a running game is 'what makes the quarterback's job easier,' according to head coach Kevin O'Connell.

Fantasy Spin: The Vikings will be breaking in quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and O'Connell has made it clear he plans to lean on his running backs while McCarthy finds a comfort level. As last year's starter and the more versatile back, Jones has the safer floor among the duo. However, Mason has been an efficient runner throughout his career and has potential as a flex option.

From TheHuddle

Jimmy Garoppolo Sep 6 9:00pm CT
Jimmy Garoppolo

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay views quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo as a "starting-caliber" option. Matthew Stafford is in line to start on Sunday versus the Houston Texans. However, with the veteran signal-caller battling a lingering back injury, the Rams are confident Garoppolo can fill in admirably if necessary. From a fantasy standpoint, Stafford has had a better career. Still, with concerns about his health, Garoppolo may get a chance to start at some point moving ahead. The 33-year-old played for the Patriots, 49ers, and Raiders before arriving in Los Angeles in 2024 to suit up for the Rams. In 82 regular-season contests, he's thrown for 15,828 yards, 96 touchdowns, and 52 interceptions off 67.4% passing while also leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2019. All things considered, Garoppolo doesn't have much fantasy value at the moment. If Stafford goes down this season due to the nagging back issue, Garoppolo could prove useful for those participating in deeper SuperFlex formats, especially with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams at his disposal.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Heyward Sep 6 8:23pm CT
Cameron Heyward

Pittsburgh Steelers DL Cameron Heyward agreed to terms on a revised deal that includes $3.2 million in incentives tied to the playoffs and playoff wins, according to league sources.

From TheHuddle

Vita Vea Sep 6 7:43pm CT
Vita Vea

Tampa Bay Buccaneers DT Vita Vea (foot), who is listed as questionable, is likely to play against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.

From TheHuddle

Travis Hunter Sep 6 6:40pm CT
Travis Hunter

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter is expected to be an every-down wideout and situational corner for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. Finally, fantasy managers get some clarification on how the Jags plan to handle Hunter's workload. The assumption is that his workload on defense will increase as he continues to learn and develop. The Jags are limited in terms of offensive weapons with Brian Thomas Jr. being their primary weapon last season. The fact that Hunter will be an every-down wideout is intriguing for fantasy managers heading into the season opener. The upside is too high here to keep Hunter on the bench for a plus-matchup in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Sep 6 6:30pm CT
Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders made the active roster to open the regular season. Despite that, Sanders is reportedly unlikely to see the field this season. Joe Flacco will begin the season as the starter with rookie Dillon Gabriel serving as the backup. Sanders will be on the roster, but it appears he's only going to be used as the emergency quarterback. Browns' general manager Andrew Berry believes there is a place for Sanders on the roster. It sounds like things would have to go very sideways for the Browns to bring Sanders onto the field. The 23-year-old is worth stashing in dynasty leagues, but isn't likely to play right away.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Johnson Sep 6 6:10pm CT
Tyler Johnson

New York Jets wide receiver Tyler Johnson was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday. Johnson failed to make the 53-man roster and was added to the practice squad. Now, Johnson will be elevated to the active roster ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last season, Johnson hauled in 26 receptions for 291 receiving yards and one touchdown across 15 games with the Los Angeles Rams. He'll provide depth to the wide receiver room, but is unlikely to make a significant impact during Sunday's game. Johnson can be avoided in fantasy formats for the moment.

From RotoBaller

Jack Stoll Sep 6 5:40pm CT
Jack Stoll

New Orleans Saints tight end Jack Stoll was elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Stoll was brought back to the practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster. Now, Stoll will head to the active roster as depth behind Juwan Johnson and Moliki Matavao. The 27-year-old has been barely involved on the field over the last two seasons. Stoll has a total of seven receptions over the last two years. He'll serve as depth for Sunday's contest, but won't offer any fantasy value.

From RotoBaller

Jake Haener Sep 6 5:30pm CT
Jake Haener

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener was cut by the organization on Saturday. Haener was waived by the team last week after falling behind Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough on the depth chart. Haener was brought back on the practice squad, but released again in order to sign defensive end Fadil Diggs. It's unclear if the Saints plan to bring back Haener again. He completed 18-of-39 passing attempts for 226 yards with one touchdown and one interception during the 2024 campaign. The 26-year-old might return to the Saints again if he clears waivers, but isn't worth rostering in fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Sep 6 4:30pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Robinson Jr. is expected to suit up Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Acquired in a late-August trade from Washington, Robinson was brought in to solidify the RB2 role behind Christian McCaffrey. With McCaffrey dealing with a calf issue, Robinson could see an expanded workload, even though he hasn't had many first-team practice reps. The Seahawks' run defense was middle-of-the-pack last season, creating a decent opportunity if Robinson gets touches. Still, his fantasy outlook is tied directly to McCaffrey's status; Robinson will likely be relegated to a depth role. For now, he's best left on the bench, particularly as a handcuff option for McCaffrey managers.

From RotoBaller