NFL Preseason Week 1 is in the books, so it is our duty to overreact about everything from a fantasy football point of view. Be sure to check out our 2021 Fantasy Football Rankings & Big Board and our Fantasy Stock Watch for increased detail throughout the rest of preseason and beyond.
Justin Fields started slow but finished strong
Following a few boring drives, Justin Fields found his footing and looked like the QB1 we all thought he’d be. From the fourth drive on, Fields completed 11-of-13 passes for 130 yards and a score. He also housed an eight-yard run and finished with another 30 on the ground. Fields is a league-winner.
QB1 🚀 pic.twitter.com/BXtscAiUk8
— Roto Street Journal (@RotoStJournal) August 14, 2021
Trey Lance showed flashes
The numbers didn’t look great (5-for-14, 128 yds, 1 touchdown), but Trey Lance’s pass-catchers did him no favors (four drops). On the positive side, he found Trent Sherfield on an 80-yard touchdown pass. Lance looked a bit overwhelmed at times, but he should see the field sooner rather than later.
Trevor Lawrence found his rhythm
The No. 1 pick was sacked on his first-ever drop back, but quickly got in a rhythm and looked as advertised. Lawrence targeted Marvin Jones Jr’s way a bunch (more on him below) and finished 6-of-9 for 71 yards.
Zach Wilson looked solid
It’s tough to complain about Zach Wilson’s preseason debut. He completed 67 percent of his passes and averaged seven yards per attempt. Wilson also converted all three third-down pass attempts.
“He looked comfortable, especially on third down,” Robert Saleh said, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “[He] made some good throws, directed the offense really well. He got in and out of the huddle and moved it very well. It was a good first day.”
Mac Jones arrived as advertised
The former Alabama QB took what the defense gave him and made quick decisions. His numbers and yards per attempt (4.6) would have looked better if one of his receivers came down with a 40-yard dime that would have scored. It shouldn’t shock anyone if Jones took over within the first couple of weeks.
- Tua Tagovailoa looked sharp until his final throw of the day — a forced red zone interception
- Is Drew Lock good? 5-for-7 for 151 yards and two beautiful touchdown passes, highlighted by an 80-yard touchdown strike
RUNNING BACKS
Malcolm Brown starts; Myles Gaskin nosedives
The most significant “stock down” occurred in Miami, where plodding Malcolm Brown started over Myles Gaskin. Not only did Brown start, but he played 16-of-23 first-team snaps, was the goal-line back, and even played on passing downs. Meanwhile, Gaskin only played 7-of-23 first-team snaps and even played with the second-team offense into halftime. After remaining unscathed, or so we thought, through the draft and free agency, Gaskin was once considered an offseason winner. Now saddled in a committee, or even an RB2 role, Gaskin will plummet from our RB21. On the other hand, Brown will get a huge boost up from RB59.
Same ‘ole Antonio Gibson usage
WFT reporters claimed Antonio Gibson was set for a three-down role this season. However, the former collegiate wide receiver did not play on any third down during the team’s matchup with the Patriots. Just like last year, JD McKissic owned third down. Gibson is still a stud and could eventually work into a three-down role, but one would expect the kinks to be worked out during preseason. The Wolf might have to bump Gibson down from RB9.
Urban Meyer’s backfield is gross
James Robinson got the start and led the backfield with seven of the team’s 15 first-team snaps. Travis Etienne played five of those snaps and Carlos Hyde got in for three first-team snaps. Will this remain a three-headed committee? Probably not. But it shows Meyer likes all three backs and he will find a way to make this an annoying fantasy backfield. Right now, Robinson could have the most value out of the three due to his falling ADP and likely goal-line role.
Damien Harris is the Patriots’ clear RB1
Although Rhamondre Stevenson shined during the preseason opener, the Patriots’ backfield still belongs to Damien Harris. The third-year running back strictly ran with Cam Newton and the first-team offense. He secured all eight early-down snaps with the starters and only came off the field on obvious passing situations for PPR monster James White. Meanwhile, Michel didn’t play a single snap with Newton and Stevenson didn’t play until the second half. He’s a sixth-round steal.
Pump the brakes on Michael Carter
The rookie has some serious fantasy upside, but Michael Carter was unable to separate himself from Ty Johnson (Tevin Coleman did not play) during the first preseason game. Carter only played 9-of-22 first-team snaps and Johnson was also the team’s third-down and short-yardage running back. Carter might be a life-long committee member, as he was in college, but this situation is definitely something to keep a close eye on over the next few weeks.
Buy all of the Phillip Lindsay stock at his current ADP
With Deshaun Watson lining up at safety and a chaplain calling the shots, the Texans are the NFL’s greatest dumpster fire. Still, there is some talent on the offense and we have to take advantage of undervalued fantasy players. Phillip Lindsay started over David Johnson and out-snapped DJ 8-to-2 during the team’s 10 first-team snaps. In best ball or redraft, take advantage of Lindsay’s 121 overall ADP, which places him among the likes of Nyheim Hines, Chuba Hubbard, Rashaad Penny, and Tevin Coleman. Stay away from DJ at 91 overall, especially since he’s going around James Conner and Gus Edwards territory.
The Bucs’ committee is a mess
Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones, and Gio Bernard split the Bucs’ six first-team snaps evenly. Lenny looked gross and plodded for two yards, RoJo got back to the line of scrimmage, and Gio caught both of his targets for 16 yards. Good luck deciphering this one.
Darrynton Evans is Derrick Henry’s clear handcuff
Second-year back Darrynton Evans played 8-of-10 first-team snaps with Derrick Henry out of the lineup, meaning he’s the clear handcuff above Jeremy McNichols. He even ripped off a 15-yard scamper and logged 26 rushing yards on four carries. Factoring in Henry’s high touch totals over the past two seasons, Evans is worth the late-round stab in best ball and redraft at his very minimal price tag. Plus, the great Justin Boone told us he could be 2021 fantasy’s Mike Davis or James Robinson.
Others RB notes:
- Trey Sermon is the clear RB2 (10-of-12 first-team snaps) behind Raheem Mostert, who did not suit up
- Xavier Jones is officially Darrell Henderson’s backup (9-of-14 first-team snaps) and finished with six carries and two receptions
- Melvin Gordon (groin) did not play; Javonte Williams (10-of-17 first-team snaps) excelled between the tackles
- Javian Hawkins is Atlanta’s RB5; don’t waste roster space
- Kenny Gainwell played zero first-team snaps
- Justin Jackson is the Chargers’ RB2
- Devontae Booker is Saquon Barkley’s handcuff
WIDE RECEIVERS
We can now confirm Marquez Callaway is the Saints’ WR1 sans Michael Thomas
Marquez Callaway played all 20 first-team snaps with Taysom Hill and saw four targets. He finished with 61 receiving yards on three receptions (15.8 aDOT). Even when Thomas and Tre’Quan Smith return, Callaway could still start. Take a shot on Callaway late in redraft and best ball.
Mecole Hardman is likely a fugazi… again
We were told Mecole Hardman would be the Chiefs’ WR2. But per usual, we were deceived and Hardman can’t be trusted. Hardman only played 5-of-11 first-team snaps behind Demarcus Robinson (10) and Tyreek Hill (5). He also only out-snapped Byron Pringle by one snap. To make matters worse, he played 0 percent of snaps in two-receiver sets. He was in there for 100 percent of three-receiver set snaps, but it’s still discouraging that he can’t beat out Robinson as WR2.
According to PFF, only JuJu Smith-Schuster ranked in the top 20 for fantasy points of receivers who played over 60 percent of their snaps in the slot.
Jakobi Meyers is a full-time first-teamer
Jakobi Meyers played all 12 snaps with the Patriots first-team offense. Not only will he likely start in the slot, but he could also be a full-time starter in two-tight end sets, which the team will definitely deploy with Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. Yes, Nelson Agholor was sidelined, but Meyers will still be a fixture in the offense and should lead all wide receivers in targets — hopefully Mac Jones targets.
Terrace Marshall Jr is still undervalued
With DJ Moore and Robby Anderson sidelined, Terrace Marshall Jr immediately looked comfortable in Joe Brady’s offense. He was moved all over the Panthers’ offense during his preseason debut. Phillip Walker targeted Marshallfive times and hauled in three receptions for 88 yards (including a 60-yard bomb) with a 14.8 aDOT. Impressive stuff from the former LSU Tiger.
Terrace Marshall Jr: 88 yards on 3 receptions for the rookie #notbad
pic.twitter.com/JHFBqlMoGS— Roto Street Journal (@RotoStJournal) August 15, 2021
Other WR notes:
- The Raiders sat their starters and Bryan Edwards sat alongside Henry Ruggs and Hunter Renfrow *eyes emoji*
- Diontae Johnson (5-of-5 snaps) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (3-of-5) started in two-receiver sets over Chase Claypool (2-of-5)
- Marvin Jones led the Jags’ WRs in first-team snaps and saw a first-team-high four targets from Trevor Lawrence
- Corey Davis played nine of the first 11 first-team snaps and was targeted four times; he’s a steal at 148 ADP.
- Eagles’ WR Quez Watkins is electric with the ball in his hands and could push to start over Jalen Reagor or Travis Fulgham
TIGHT ENDS
Adam Trautman might not be that guy
Adam Trautman, who played 16-of-20 first-team snaps, only ran six routes on 13 passing plays. To make matters worse, he was utilized as an in-line tight end and didn’t touch the slot — where Jared Cook used to play. Trautman was not targeted once and was deployed mostly as a blocker. Targets will be available in the Saints offense, but it looks like the targets will be spread out amongst the receivers and running backs.
Anthony Firkser disappoints in same role
With Jonnu Smith out of town, most thought Anthony Firkser would be a fantasy sleeper as the Titans’ top tight end. Firkser trailed Luke Stocker (five snaps) and Tommy Hudson (four snaps) and did not play a single down in 11-personnel. It’s good that he manned the slot, but as a situational pass-catching tight end, he’s not going to return consistent fantasy value.
- Add Rams TE Jacob Harris in dynasty; he was created in a lab and led all Rams’ with seven targets
