Fantasy
8/14/23
21 min read
Week 1 Fantasy Football Takeaways From Every Game
With the first week of preseason football in the books, it's a good time to look at what we've learned in regard to fantasy football. We'll cover a few storylines from every game that took place this past weekend.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
Texans
Rookie QB C.J. Stroud played the first two drives with the starters, minus veterans. He finished two of four for 13 yards and one interception and took a significant sack resulting in a loss of 15 yards. He looked how one would expect a rookie quarterback to look in their first NFL action.
Tank Dell was the star of the show. He commanded eight targets on 16 first-half pass attempts (5/65/1 first-half receiving line). Dell also returned punts for the Texans, which should keep him active on game day regardless of how the wide receiver depth chart shakes out.
He demonstrated his versatility, playing wide (“Z”) and in the slot (“Y”). Assuming continued growth, Dell could push John Metchie and Robert Woods for snaps early in the season. Dell is in a position to benefit from an injury to any of the three starting receivers.
Patriots
Pierre Strong Jr. was the Patriots' starting running back with Rhamondre Stevenson inactive. He played two of the first four drives, having each drive completely to himself. Kevin Harris and J.J. Taylor split the remaining drives, making it appear likely that Strong has the inside edge for change of pace duties behind Stevenson.
Tyquan Thornton started and played the entire first half with Bailey Zappe at quarterback. Kendrick Bourne, who is said to be having a better camp than Thornton, did not play (neither did DeVante Parker and Juju Smith-Schuster). It appears likely Bourne has the inside track to the starting “Z” WR role for the Patriots to open the season.
Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks
Vikings
Ty Chandler dominated work in the first quarter, finishing with five carries for 27 yards and two receptions for 12 yards. DeWayne McBride rushed for zero yards on one carry in the first quarter. Chandler showed a complete skill set and appears to be the de facto change of pace back – or, at least until the Vikings bring in another body. The Vikings hosted free agent RB Kareem Hunt the day after the game, who left without receiving a contract.
Jordan Addison made a spectacular sideline catch on the second drive of the game, which was incorrectly ruled an incomplete pass. He looked ready to contribute from day one, regardless of the final box score.
Seahawks
Zach Charbonnet was active after his injury saga leading up to the game. He split time with DeeJay Dallas in the first quarter, but it’s best not to read too much into this one as Dallas will probably operate in a confined third-down role. It was good for the rookie back to get some NFL game action under his belt.
Green Bay Packers at Cincinnati Bengals
Packers
Jordan Love and the Packers performed as expected – brilliant at times and off-kilter at others. Love played the first two drives of the game, missing Christian Watson deep to end the first and hitting Romeo Doubs on a nice touch pass for a touchdown on the second.
Watson also showed exactly what we would have thought. He struggled through double teams but was given manufactured looks. The double teams were most interesting, particularly considering Watson has yet to experience alpha treatment from opposing defenses fully. Watson will have some immense blowup weeks this season but could also experience games where he’s largely erased through doubles.
Doubs operated as the true No. 2 receiver and capitalized with a touchdown on a play where Watson was bracketed. It’s not outside the realm of possibility that Doubs challenges Watson for the team touchdown lead this year.
Luke Musgrave saw three targets on 10 Love pass attempts through two drives, including two first-read looks (also a designed screen). He played every offensive snap with Love, reinforcing the training camp buzz he is ready to contribute on Day 1. Musgrave could be one of the hidden gems at tight end.
Bengals
The Bengals' offense largely looked anemic outside of RB Chris Evans and WR Andrei Iosivas. Evans had seven carries for 49 yards, compared to just 12 yards on eight carries for rookie Chase Brown. Trayveon Williams was held out because of an ankle injury, making this backfield competition appear wide-open behind Joe Mixon.
Iosivas amassed a whopping 10 targets on a night when no starters played, but it’s difficult to read too far into the usage considering the Bengals' makeup. In other words, it is highly likely the remaining starting pass-catchers pick up most of the slack should one of Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase or Tyler Boyd miss time.
Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins
Falcons
The Falcons' lone bright spot on offense was Godwin Igwebuike. He gained 70 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries. That said, Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson did not play. It appears Arthur Smith’s propensity to favor the run game will continue into 2023, reinforcing Robinson’s inflated average draft position in early drafts.
Dolphins
De’Von Achane was held to 2.5 yards per carry on 10 carries but led the team in receiving, catching all four targets for 41 yards. On a night where all starters rested, Achane played deep into the game and mixed in for early-down work.
It’s difficult to get a good read on the reasoning for the extended reps other than Achane being a rookie. There was not much else to gain from this game with no starters playing on either side.
New York Giants at Detroit Lions
Lions
Jameson Williams played almost the entire game, showing the good and the bad. On one hand, he did well to generate separation downfield consistently. On the other, he dropped a would-be touchdown with the defender in his back pocket. He also continues to struggle with route shaping and body positioning. Overall, he appears to have significant room for growth before he can realize his full potential in an offense that desperately needs a consistent downfield threat.
Rookie RB Jahmyr Gibbs gained 19 yards on six carries and caught his only target for 18 yards. The reception came on a broken play, but he had no designed work in the passing game. That said, his passing game role is likely to increase as the preseason moves on.
Giants
Isaiah Hodgins was the only presumed starter for the Giants to start and play. Whether that means something or not remains to be seen. There wasn’t much else to gain from this game.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Steelers
Kenny Pickett and the rest of the Steelers starters played the opening drive, resulting in a 33-yard touchdown catch from George Pickens on a slant over the middle of the field. Pickett completed six of seven passes for 70 yards on the drive, but the biggest takeaway is that Matt Canada’s scheme remains confined to short area work through the air.
Diontae Johnson was targeted on half of his routes on his lone drive of work. He ended with three catches on three targets for 32 yards and was routinely generating significant separation. He looked the part as Pittsburgh’s top pass-catcher after averaging 153.3 targets per year in the previous three seasons.
Calvin Austin gave the offense a legitimate downfield weapon after the starters departed, catching a 67-yard touchdown and seeing two jet sweeps, which resulted in 23 yards. His speed could be a problem for opponents, but will Canada integrate it into the offense successfully?
Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield played the first four series, completing eight of nine passes for 63 yards and one touchdown. Most of his work was confined to the short-intermediate areas of the field, which offensive coordinator Dave Canales alluded to earlier this offseason.
Mayfield targeted a running back on four of his nine pass attempts, reinforcing the fantasy appeal of RB Rachaad White. White is set up well to see significant work through the air for as long as he remains healthy and Mayfield remains Tampa Bay's starting quarterback.
Washington Commanders at Cleveland Browns
Commanders
Sam Howell played the first three series for the Commanders. He led a touchdown drive on his final set of downs and finished nine for 12 for 77 yards and the one touchdown. He added eight yards on his lone carry. Howell appears entrenched as Washington's starting quarterback with just two more preseason games left.
Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel put on a clinic in this one. All three were routinely open, and Dotson was the receiver for Howell’s lone touchdown. It feels like all he does is find the end zone, and he continued that trend this weekend.
If Howell is simply an average passer, there is a lot to be excited about as far as the fantasy expectations go, especially considering the talent present and the addition of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
Antonio Gibson, thought to be taking the “J.D. McKissic role” this season, mixed in with Brian Robinson for early down work in addition to obvious passing downs. This backfield is a true timeshare between two talented backs. The only thing holding them back is an offensive line expected to be bottom five in the league.
Browns
As for the Browns, Deshaun Watson played just one series after sitting out the Hall of Fame game. TE David Njoku played, as did Elijah Moore, but we’re likely going to have to wait another week before we get a true glimpse of what to expect from this offense in 2023.
Denver Broncos at Arizona Cardinals
Cardinals
Colt McCoy played just one drive, indicating he is in line to start the season at quarterback while Kyler Murray remains out. Corey Clement and Ty’Son Williams split the running back snaps. However, that means little considering both James Conner and Keaontay Ingram were held out. Marlon Mack was brought this week to offer a veteran depth presence but immediately suffered a season-ending injury. The backup running back battle will be one to watch out of Arizona.
Confirming earlier suspicions, WR Rondale Moore gave way to rookie Michael Wilson in two-wide sets. If Moore is only going to play from 11 personnel, it's highly likely his early ADP is too high. On the flip side, Wilson could be an early draft steal as a largely undrafted player.
Broncos
Russell Wilson looked shaky in his first three possessions but settled into the offense on the fourth, leading a 57-yard touchdown drive punctuated by a 21-yard catch and run from Jerry Jeudy. Jeudy enters the season primed for eruption as the lone player capable of generating consistent separation.
Courtland Sutton showed off his trimmed frame, catching three of five targets for 35 yards. Consider Sutton a legitimate bounce-back candidate in 2023. Somewhat surprisingly, new TE Adam Trautman played as the every-down tight end while Greg Dulcich was utilized on third downs and heavy packages. If that utilization holds, Dulcich is being substantially over-drafted.
Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears
Titans
QB Malik Willis remains the favorite for the No. 2 role over 2023 second-round pick Will Levis. Levis finished the game on a rough note, throwing a game-ending interception.
Sophomore TE Chigoziem Okonkwo was inactive, indicating his status as the No. 1 tight end is secure. Fellow 2022 draftee, slot receiver Kyle Philips logged just two snaps and is in line for the No. 3 role.
Rookie RB Tyjae Spears is the clear-cut No. 2 back and battled No. 3 RB Hassan Haskins for kick return duties. Haskins’ late-June aggravated assault arrest, coupled with his poor preseason Week 1 performance (2.0 yards per rushing attempt) should mean more work for Julius Chestnut, whose 26-yard run set the game-high.
Bears
QB Justin Fields completed all three of his passing attempts for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Fields demonstrated development under pressure, finding Khalil Herbert for a 56-yard score after escaping the pocket.
Offseason-trade-acquisition WR DJ Moore dusted defenders on a 62-yard screen pass, bagging Fields another touchdown. Fantasy managers should elevate all Chicago passing-game players on draft boards.
Fourth-round rookie WR Tyler Scott’s training camp hype was derailed via a lost fumble.
Running backs D’Onta Foreman and Trestan Ebner took three rushing attempts apiece before rookie Roschon Johnson and Travis Homer were let loose. Among 19 running backs with at least eight rushing attempts this past weekend, Johnson’s 3.92 yards after contact per attempt ranked fourth. Johnson led all Chicago pass catchers with three second-half targets. His arrow is pointing upward.
Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills
Colts
Anthony Richardson was under center for all 26 first-quarter snaps. The starting role is Richardson’s to lose, though No. 2 quarterback Gardner Minshew played well.
Offseason acquisition Isaiah McKenzie operated as the first-team slot receiver ahead of third-round rookie Josh Downs. McKenzie and X-receiver Michael Pittman Jr. combined for seven of Richardson’s 12 targets. Downs’ promising 4.14 yards per route run (YPRR) and 100 percent cate rate (two targets) should help his quest for first-team deployment.
Second-year WR Alec Pierce was the No. 2 first-team perimeter receiver.
Fifth-round rookie RB Evan Hull impressively earned a 33.3 percent targets per route run (TPRR) on six routes for a team-high 13 yards after the catch per reception. Still, third-year RB Deon Jackson (5.8 yards per rushing attempt) split first-team snaps with Hull (2.3 yards per rushing attempt) and soundly out-produced Hull through the first quarter.
Questions remain as to the tight end pecking order. Jelani Woods (hamstring) and Mo Alie-Cox (ankle) were inactive.
Bills
CB Dane Jackson was downed at the Indianapolis 13-yard line following Richardson’s interception. Second-year RB James Cook was given three straight handoffs, culminating in a three-yard touchdown. Buffalo’s next drive started similarly with a pair of Cook runs up the middle.
Free agent-signee Damien Harris (injured) was inactive, but Cook’s (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) first-team, early-down usage instead of Latavius Murray (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) indicates high dual-threat usage for Cook.
WR Deonte Harty played ahead of incumbent Khalil Shakir as the primary slot receiver, though Shakir responded positively with 2.08 YPRR on four targets.
First-round TE Dalton Kincaid was in on all four first-drive offensive snaps before coach Sean McDermott bubbled wrapped him. Veteran TE Dawson Knox played three first-team snaps before also being pulled.
New York Jets at Carolina Panthers
Jets
Embattled third-year QB Zach Wilson (102.7 passer rating) played well as the team’s first-half starter.
Running backs Michael Carter, Israel Abanikanda and Travis Dye operated as offensive focal points. The three combined for eight receptions on eight targets and 90 yards receiving, each averaging more than 10 yards after the catch per reception.
The table below reflects the New York backfield’s passing-down snap totals. “third/fourth-&-Long” refers to third and fourth down with three or more yards to go.
| NYJ 1st-Half Passing-Down Snaps | 3rd/4th & Long | 2-Min. Drill |
| Michael Carter | 2 | 0 |
| Israel Abanikanda | 2 | 6 |
| Travis Dye | 1 | 1 |
Abanikanda was knocked as a fragile ballcarrier in college but produced 4.42 yards after contact per rushing attempt, ranking No. 2 among 24 preseason Week 1 running backs with at least eight rushing attempts.
Wide receivers Malik Taylor and Jason Brownlee continue to intrigue as late-round, deep-league options.
Seventh-round rookie Zack Kuntz has a ways to go before ousting Nos. 1 and 2 tight ends Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah but securing two-of-two targets for 17 yards receiving aids his cause. Kenny Yeboah remains a dynasty stash.
Panthers
WR DJ Chark was first-round rookie QB Bryce Young's preferred target, whose day ended after just three routes run. Young’s outing was largely uneventful.
Veteran WR Adam Thielen and second-round rookie Jonathan Mingo rounded out the starting three-wide receiver set, relegating Terrace Marshall Jr. to No. 4 wide receiver duties.
Free agent-signee Hayden Hurst is the unquestioned No. 1 tight end.
No. 2 RB Chuba Hubbard got the start with Miles Sanders (groin) inactive. Dr. Jeff Mueller notes here Sanders’ prior soft-tissue issues make Hubbard an important fantasy football bench stash. Hubbard handled passing-down duties while active.
Backup running back Spencer Brown surprisingly played ahead of Raheem Blackshear who had received positive training camp reports thus far.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Dallas Cowboys
Jaguars
QB Trevor Lawrence threw an interception on the second play from scrimmage. Still, he bounced back with a 12-play scoring sequence on the ensuing drive that included a successful two-point conversion to Zay Jones.
X-wide receiver Calvin Ridley (3.50 YPRR) and slot receiver Christian Kirk (3.00 YPRR) combined for 10 routes run, four receptions on four targets and 33 yards receiving, including a nine-yard touchdown from Kirk. Jones notably played ahead of Kirk in two wide receiver sets though.
TE Evan Engram got the start but was held without a catch. Second-round rookie Brenton Strange had a small but strong start, catching two of three targets for eight yards receiving (37.5 percent TPRR).
Travis Etienne has a tenuous grasp on the lead role. The table below compares Etienne and third-round rookie Tank Bigsby’s first-team usage.
| JAX 1st-Team RB Usage | Travis Etienne | Tank Bigsby |
| Total Snaps | 9 | 15 |
| Rush Att. | 5 | 9 |
| 3rd/4th & Long Snaps | 0 | 2 |
| Green Zone Snaps | 0 | 3 |
Etienne started, and coach Doug Pederson will surely want to preserve Etienne’s health, but Bigsby’s snap share, playing alongside Lawrence is significant.
Cowboys
No. 2 QB Cooper Rush was his typically efficient self (83.3 percent completion rate), playing through the first quarter.
WR Jalen Tolbert fizzled in his X-wide receiver audition, earning just one target on 13 routes.
In an effort to fend off second-round rookie Luke Schoonmaker, incumbent TE Jake Ferguson seized the day by catching all three of his targets for 38 yards receiving. Schoonmaker (one catch on one target for eight yards) failed to catch up.
RB Rico Dowdle played well behind Malik Davis despite positive reports on Dowdle in the preceding weeks. Davis earned a first-team high four targets while Dowdle took two catches for 24 yards receiving. Davis edged a two-to-one snap victory on first-team passing downs.
Sixth-round rookie RB Deuce Vaughn stole the second-half show. Among 24 preseason Week 1 running backs with at least eight rushing attempts, the 5-foot-5, 180-pound Vaughn ranked No. 1 in both yards per rushing attempt (6.3) and yards after contact per rushing attempt (5.83).
He also scored a four-yard touchdown. Vaughn efficiently tacked on three receptions (on three targets) and six yards receiving on 10 routes run.
Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens
Eagles
The first-team passing offense did little to excite.
Nick Sirianni largely funneled the offense through the backfield. Free agent-signee Rashaad Penny took nine rushing attempts for 34 yards and earned one target on nine routes. D’Andre Swift was bubble-wrapped after six snaps.
He carried for 24 yards rushing on two rushing attempts. Trey Sermon successfully operated as the red zone rusher, scoring from Baltimore’s two-yard line. He has a leg up on Kennedy Brooks.
Former Denver Broncos WR Tyrie Cleveland’s 10 targets led all teammates by five.
Ravens
John Harbaugh gave Josh Johnson the start over 2022 Pro Bowler Tyler Huntley. Both men completed eight passes while throwing for at least 45 yards and one touchdown. Huntley also ran for 13 yards.
First-round rookie WR Zay Flowers, plus veterans Devin Duvernay and Tylan Wallace took first-team reps. Flowers failed to earn a target and was limited to just a one-yard rushing attempt. Only two Baltimore wide receivers posted double-digit yards receiving.
No. 2 tight end Isaiah Likely was held to five routes run on Saturday, indicating his status as a high-volume 12-personnel contributor is secure.
While J.K. Dobbins was held out, Justice Hill got the start. His three-rushing attempt day was punctuated by a 37-yard long gain. No. 2 RB Gus Edwards maintained his trademark 5.0-plus yards rushing rate.
Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams
Chargers
The Chargers’ quality backup quarterbacks showed their strengths. No. 2 QB Easton Stick ran the first-half offense, connecting with seven different pass catchers.
First-round rookie Quentin Johnston notched an eight-yard touchdown pass and didn't play in the second half. Johnston’s six targets tied for No. 5 among 110 rookie wide receivers. Among 30 NFL wide receivers to earn at least five targets this week, Johnston’s 50.0 percent TPRR led the field by 3.8 percent.
The Chargers populated their roster with two of Johnston’s 2022 TCU teammates: QB Max Duggan and WR Derius Davis. Duggan ran the second-half offense, totaling 19-yard passing and 20 yards rushing. Davis caught two-of-two targets for 21 yards receiving but earned just an 11.8 percent TPRR.
Nos. 2 and 3 tight ends Donald Parham and Tre’McKitty failed to separate from one another, each earning one target on 10 routes run.
Three of four Chargers' running backs averaged more than 5.0 yards rushing per attempt in the battle to win the No. 2 role. Joshua Kelley played well as the starter but undrafted free agent rookie Elijah Dotson is pushing to supplant him.
The table below compares Kelley and Dotson’s rushing production.
| LAC RB | Joshua Kelley | Elijah Dotson | Isaiah Spiller |
| Att. - Yds - TD | 9 - 54 - 0 | 6 - 92 - 2 | 5 - 27 - 0 |
| Yards/Rush Att. | 6.0 | 15.3 | 5.4 |
| Yards After Contact/Rush Att. | 2.89 | 1.67 | 2.40 |
Spiller added two receptions for 11 yards receiving. Dotson is now a high-end dart throw in fantasy football drafts.
Rams
Fourth-round rookie QB Stetson Bennett replaced Brett Rypien (56.3 NFL passer rating) after three ineffectual drives. Bennett (89.9 NFL passer rating) threw for a top-five weekly yardage tally (191 yards passing), linking up with Puka Nacua for an 11-yard touchdown.
Nacua (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) profiles as a Cooper Kupp-ian (6-foot-2, 208 pounds) inside/outside route-running technician. Signs (31.3 percent TPRR and 2.00 YPRR) point toward early-career contributions. Nacua should be drafted in both dynasty and re-draft formats.
Lance McCutcheon failed to repeat his stellar 2022 preseason debut.
Running backs Ronnie Rivers and Royce Freeman split passing-down roles with Rivers handling primary two-minute-drill duties and Freeman taking third- and fourth-and-long snaps.
Sixth-round rookie RB Zach Evans (34 yards rushing on eight rushing attempts) remains a contender for the No. 2 role, but his failure to separate outright is problematic.
Kansas City Chiefs at New Orleans Saints
Chiefs
Wide receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore, Justin Watson and second-round rookie Rashee Rice took first-team snaps. Richie James Jr. dominated second-team play, producing exceptional efficiency (50.0 percent TPRR and 7.33 YPRR) before finding the end zone.
Rice and Justyn Ross cleared 23.0 percent TPRR; the latter en route to scoring a 15-yard touchdown receiving.
Undrafted free agent rookie RB Deneric Prince hogged two-minute-drill snaps and contributed as both a rusher and kick returner. Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s role is insecure.
Saints
New Orleans manufactured a 14-play scoring drive featuring two-tight end sets. Recently suspended RB Alvin Kamara (35 scrimmage yards and two receptions) and TE Juwan Johnson (29 yards receiving on two receptions) led the first-team offensive charge.
Long-time preseason star Keith Kirkwood received starter treatment, contributing a four-yard touchdown receiving on the opening drive.
Early returns on the lanky sixth-round rookie wide receiver A.T. Perry (6-foot-5, 205 pounds) are extremely promising. Perry led New Orleans pass catchers in all major counting statistics, catching six-of-six targets for 70 yards receiving and one touchdown receiving. He is a must-draft player in dynasty formats and a worthy late-round dart throw in re-draft.
Rookie RB Kendre Miller slipped in the 2023 NFL Draft due to a late-season Grade 2 MCL sprain. After a tumultuous training camp, Miller suffered an unspecified knee sprain against Kansas City and the team worked out veteran Darrel Williams on Monday.
Given Miller’s situation, Jamaal Williams profiles as a fantasy football RB1 during Kamara’s Weeks 1-3 suspension and appears startable as an RB2 after that. Miller is more of a dynasty/2024 play at this point.
San Francisco 49ers at Las Vegas Raiders
49ers
Trey Lance (111.0 NFL passer rating) played well in Brock Purdy’s stead, prompting a Purdy endorsement from general manager John Lynch.
Third-round rookie TE Cameron Latu flashed run-after-catch traits coveted by coach Kyle Shanahan on a nine-yard reception and seventh-round rookie WR Ronnie Bell led the team in both targets (six) and air yards per target (16.50).
RB Jordan Mason started instead of 2022 third-round pick Tyrion Davis-Price. Neither player out-played the other, maintaining the status quo with Mason as the No. 3 back. The 5-foot-11, 223-pound Mason offers size lacked by McCaffrey (5-foot-1, 205 pounds) and Mitchell (5-foot-10, 200 pounds), which can be utilized in a standalone green zone and short-yardage role.
Raiders
Among 27 NFL preseason Week 1 quarterbacks with at least 15 passing attempts, fourth-round rookie Aidan O’Connell’s 83.3 percent completion rate ranked No. 2.
Second-round rookie TE Michael Mayer was inactive, indicating his role as a high-volume contributor is already secure.
Third-round rookie WR Tre Tucker failed to make good on his training camp hype, recording just one reception despite playing into the second quarter. Second-year RB Zamir White is the lead rusher if No. 1 running back Josh Jacobs’ holdout continues into the regular season.
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