It’s only Week 1 of the NFL preseason — no one’s winning championships in August — but fantasy managers can still find meaningful clues about usage, depth chart movement, and player readiness. This isn’t about overreacting; it’s about identifying trends and spotting the players who are stacking positives before the games truly matter.
Shedeur Sanders – Browns
Perhaps the most buzzed-about rookie in the league, Sanders impressed in his debut: 14-of-23 passing for 138 yards, two touchdowns, and 20 rushing yards on four carries across 45 snaps. His composure and command stood out. That said, fantasy managers should temper expectations for 2025 redraft leagues — he’s still behind Dillon Gabriel, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett, and late-round draft capital means a tough climb.
Justin Fields – Jets
Forget the practice drama and minor injury scare — Fields looked sharp, leading a 10-play, 79-yard scoring drive capped by a 13-yard rushing touchdown. His passing remains inconsistent, but his rushing ability keeps him firmly in fantasy relevance.
Jordan Love – Packers
Love’s opener was shaky — 1-of-5 for seven yards — and the bigger worry may be the supporting cast. Jayden Reed is in a walking boot, Christian Watson is still sidelined, and Dontayvion Wicks has been inconsistent. Without a clear WR1, Green Bay’s offense could be volatile.
J.J. McCarthy, Vikings: 4-for-7, 30 yards, plus an 8-yard rushing conversion. Three completions went to Jordan Addison — encouraging for Addison and Justin Jefferson’s fantasy outlook.
Jaxson Dart, Giants: 12-of-19, 154 yards, one TD, plus 24 rushing yards. Aggressive and athletic, Dart could be a late-season riser if given a chance.
RJ Harvey – Broncos
Ignore the “RB5” label. Harvey started for Denver, played 63% of snaps with the starters, ran a route on 45% of passing plays, and handled 100% of the carries while J.K. Dobbins was active. His usage — not the stat line (7-for-25) — is the real story.
Braelon Allen – Jets
Eight carries for 33 yards doesn’t pop, but the physical, downhill running style was evident. At 6’1” and 235 pounds, Allen could force a timeshare with Breece Hall.
Sean Tucker – Buccaneers
With Rachaad White exiting due to injury, Tucker stepped in and delivered: 13 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Todd Bowles wants him more involved, which could boost his role immediately.
Kyle Monangai – Bears
Though running with the second team in practice, Monangai started for Chicago, logging six carries for 30 yards. A fumble-free college career adds to his appeal as a complement to DeAndre Swift.
Blake Corum, Rams: Two TDs vs. Dallas, clearly the No. 2 behind Kyren Williams.
TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots: RB2 duties plus a kickoff-return TD highlight his big-play ability.
Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins: Eight carries, 33 yards, and a TD with heavy goal-line work after Alexander Mattison’s injury.
Travis Hunter – Jaguars
Played both sides of the ball in his debut. Offensively, he saw three early targets on 10 snaps; defensively, he logged eight snaps. Jacksonville plans to feature him, and his fantasy stock as a WR is rising.
Tetairoa McMillan – Panthers
Two catches for 43 yards, including a deep shot and an end-zone look. With Xavier Legette ejected and Adam Thielen aging, there’s room for a strong rookie year.
Calvin Ridley – Titans
Ridley caught three passes for 50 yards and looked like the focal point of Cam Ward’s passing attack. Minimal competition could mean a major fantasy bounce-back.
Tampa Bay’s Young WRs
Jalen McMillan and Emeka Egbuka both impressed. McMillan’s 25-yard grab and Egbuka’s contested catch ability may earn them early-season roles, especially if Chris Godwin’s status is uncertain.
Tyler Warren – Colts
Three catches for 40 yards while working with both Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson. One of the rookie TEs who could make an immediate fantasy impact.
Marvin Mims Jr., Broncos: Locked in as the No. 2 WR in Denver.
Jordan Watkins, 49ers: Three catches for 56 yards, positioned to step up with injuries in the WR corps.
Isaac TeSlaa, Lions: Two catches for 18 yards and a TD — continuing to flash in back-to-back weeks.
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