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With the NFL preseason in full swing, Josh Constantinou previews every player to watch for fantasy football analysis in preseason Week 1 Thursday and Friday games.
Welcome to the NFL preseason Week 1 edition of our fantasy football matchups and Start Em, Sit Em column. We hope everyone had a great offseason and we cannot wait for 2022 to get underway!
Before football officially kicks off though, we have three weeks of NFL preseason to enjoy. I'll be analyzing these games each week providing you with names and positional battles to monitor so you can crush your drafts and assemble a championship-winning team!
For preseason Week 1, I'll be covering the Thursday and Friday games. Join me as I preview the most important players to watch. If you have any additional questions, follow me on Twitter @JoshCon and feel free to ask away. Let's dive in!
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Matchups Analysis - Thursday Games
New York Giants at New England Patriots
Spread: Giants -2
Implied Total: Giants (18) vs. Patriots (16)
2021 NFL Finish: Giants (4-13 record, finished 4th in NFC East, missed the playoffs) vs. Patriots (10-7 record, finished 3rd in NFC North, missed the playoffs)
Must-Watch Players:
Daniel Jones (QB, NYG)
Jones has been subpar for the Giants over his first three seasons, committing far too many turnovers with poor decision-making. Some of this can be attributed to the inconsistency and inadequacy of the coaching staff he's dealt with but he also deserves much of the blame. Yet, the addition of former Bills' offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has restored optimism for Jones and this offense, making his performance in the preseason important to monitor. We'll be looking to see how he commands the offense and most importantly, his ability to take care of the ball.
Giants WRs
The Giants have invested a ton of money and draft capital into their receiving core, which has thoroughly disappointed to date. They continued down this path in the draft, adding rookie Wan'Dale Robinson with the 43rd overall pick. The camp hype for Robinson and sophomore Kadarius Toney has been positive but veteran Kenny Golladay still projects to be an integral part of the offense. Determining the depth chart and where they'll line up this season will be crucial for fantasy, which is what we're hoping to find out in the preseason.
Mac Jones (QB, NE)
Jones is by no means competing for his job this year or beyond, but it will interesting to see if the praise head coach Bill Belichick provided, matches his play on the field. Jones is not a mobile quarterback so cracking the top 12 will be difficult, but he projects as an upside streamer or second quarterback in two-quarterback and superflex leagues.
Patriots Receiving RB
Damien Harris produced 15 rushing touchdowns last season, as the lead back with the goal-line role. While Rhamondre Stevenson is receiving a lot of camp hype and could earn more carries, it's unlikely he steals that role from Harris. What remains a true question mark though, is who will take over the receiving role?
This has long been automatic for James White, however, he recently announced his retirement. Stevenson profiles as a better receiver but there is also speculation rookie Pierre Strong could earn some catches. In a system that so heavily targets the backfield, this will be a huge factor for fantasy.
Other Players:
Giants TEs
The Giants signed free agent Ricky Seals-Jones to be their starting tight end, however, they also drafted rookie Daniel Bellinger 112th overall, who has been making a real impression on the coaching staff during camp. While it's difficult to predict just how big a leap this offense will take in 2022, they will improve from last season, which could make whoever locks down the starting role a valuable streamer to keep on your radar.
Giants Backup RB
Saquon Barkley is primed for a massive workload as the unquestioned lead back but after that, it's pretty wide open. The Giants brought in journeyman Matt Breida who has flashed at times but never shown the ability to manage a large workload and stay healthy. They also have sophomore Gary Brightwell and rookie Antonio Williams, neither of whom project to be elite but someone will take the backup role, which is worth knowing in case Barkley gets injured.
Patriots WRs
The Patriots traded for DeVante Parker, locking him in as their true No. 1. After that though, it is very murky as to who the team wants on the field. Jakobi Meyers has been with the team the longest and has the most familiarity with the system, but the team gave sizable contracts to both Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor last offseason and just drafted rookie Tyquan Thornton 50th overall, much higher than expected.
If Jones can live up to the praise he's receiving and this offense is more potent, then someone other than Parker will warrant a roster spot and perhaps even a pick in your draft, depending on how involved they are.
Starters Being Rested:
Mac Jones
Damien Harris
DeVante Parker
Injuries:
Sterling Shepard (Achilles)
Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens
Spread: Ravens -3.5
Implied Total: Ravens (17.5) vs. Titans (14)
2021 NFL Finish: Ravens (8-9 record, finished 4th in AFC North, missed the playoffs) vs. Titans (12-5 record, finished 1st in AFC South, lost to the Bengals in divisional round)
Must-Watch Players:
Ravens Backup RBs
The one-two punch of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards was missed last year after both suffered season-ending injuries in the preseason. They are both still sidelined with question marks about their availability for Week 1, although the outlook for Dobbins is currently more positive. The Ravens have Justice Hill, newly signed Mike Davis, and rookie Tyler Badie competing to be behind their big two. Determining the pecking order for these three is a necessity for fantasy, recognizing that they could start the season as the No. 2 option if Dobbins or Edwards were to miss time.
Titans Backup RBs
Derrick Henry consistently receives a mammoth amount of carries each season, often pushing for the league lead. However, he suffered a Jones fracture in 2021 that cost him nine games before returning for the playoffs. This adds a level of excitement for the backup running back in Tennessee that has not previously existed, which is why it'll be critical for fantasy to watch veteran Dontrell Hilliard compete with rookie Hassan Haskins.
Treylon Burks (WR, TEN)
Burks has been a hot topic this offseason, dealing with breathing issues, being unavailable at times, receiving positive camp hype, and running with the second-team offense. Burks was drafted with the 18th overall pick that the Titans received from the Eagles in their trade for A.J. Brown. We know Robert Woods will be on the field and it's clear Burks has the talent to be the 1B, even the 1A for this offense, but he still has a long way to go.
Other Players:
Ravens WR2
Rashod Bateman is cemented atop the depth chart with several unproven receivers behind him. Devin Duvernay, James Proche II, and Tylan Wallace will all have the opportunity to earn that No. 2 role. While it's possible none of them really establish themselves, reducing their fantasy value in an already run-heavy offense, it will be worth seeing how it plays out.
Ravens TE2
The Ravens' rushing attack requires the use of multiple tight ends, providing playing time for a second tight end after Mark Andrews. The Ravens elected to draft two rookie tight ends including Charlie Kolar and Isaiah Likely, both in the fourth round. Kolar is currently recovering from hernia surgery, while Likely has received ample praise from the coaching staff, leaving him to battle with veteran Nick Boyle for that No. 2 role.
Malik Willis (QB, TEN)
Willis was highly touted entering the draft but fell all the way to the third round before the Titans ended his slide. Willis does not figure to challenge Ryan Tannehill for the starting role in Year 1 but it will be intriguing to watch how he performs in his first NFL action.
Starters Being Rested:
Derrick Henry
Mark Andrews
Injuries:
J.K. Dobbins (knee)
Gus Edwards (knee)
Charlie Kolar (hernia)
Matchups Analysis - Friday Games
Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions
Spread: Falcons -2.5
Implied Total: Falcons (17.5) vs. Lions (15)
2021 NFL Finish: Falcons (7-10 record, finished 3rd in NFC South, missed the playoffs) vs. Lions (3-13-1 record, finished 4th in NFC North, missed the playoffs)
Must-Watch Players:
Marcus Mariota (QB, ATL) vs. Desmond Ridder (QB, ATL)
The Falcons signed Mariota to a two-year deal worth $18.75 million, to make him their starter. They then drafted rookie Ridder with the 74th overall pick, calling it an open competition. Mariota has the clear edge thus far but will need to continue playing well to hold off Ridder entering the season. Mariota possesses sneaky rushing upside, so if he can lock down the role, he'll have hidden value as a streamer or second quarterback in two-quarterback and superflex leagues.
Tyler Allgeier (RB, ATL)
Allgeier was drafted 151st overall, which typically would be too low for him to become the starter this early in the preseason. However, because the Falcons backfield consists of 31-year-old Cordarrelle Patterson and 30-year-old Damien Williams, there is reason to believe he could supplant the veterans. Additionally, it would be helpful to get an idea of the level of production we could expect from him if he were to earn that role. This week's matchup will provide him with a platform to showcase his talent.
Other Players:
Lions WRs
The Lions signed D.J. Chark to pair with sophomore Amon-Ra St. Brown as their top tandem for 2022. They also drafted rookie Jameson Williams, however, he does not appear likely to suit up for Week 1. Josh Reynolds and Quintez Cephus are battling for that third spot currently, making the usage of these receivers worth watching.
Drake London (WR, ATL)
London was drafted 8th overall, as the first receiver off the board. He is a big, strong receiver that has impressed in camp and should see a huge target share in 2022. It will be interesting to watch him compete against NFL defenders for the first time.
Starters Being Rested:
None
Injuries:
Jameson Williams (knee)
Robert Woods (knee)
Kadarius Toney (hamstring)
Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars
Spread: Browns -1.5
Implied Total: Browns (17) vs. Jaguars (16)
2021 NFL Finish: Browns (8-9 record, finished 3rd in AFC North, missed the playoffs) vs. Jaguars (3-14 record, finished 4th in AFC South, missed the playoffs)
Must-Watch Players:
Browns WR2
Even though the Browns traded very little to acquire Amari Cooper from the Cowboys, he will be their No. 1 receiver to open the year. Behind him though, is a competition between Donovan Peoples-Jones, rookie David Bell and possibly sophomores Anthony Schwartz and Demetric Felton Jr. Peoples-Jones has operated as more of a field stretcher for the offense, creating an opportunity for Bell, Schwartz, or Felton Jr. to see increased volume. Obviously, the value of these pass-catchers depends greatly on what happens with Deshaun Watson but until we know more information about his suspension, it's beneficial to identify the role each receiver will have.
Jaguars RBs
James Robinson suffered an Achilles injury in December, seemingly ending his chance to be ready for this season, with concerns about when he might return. As few could have imagined, he has been practicing consistently and may, not only be ready for Week 1 but challenge Travis Etienne for the starting role. Seeing both of these backs on the field and healthy will be important for our confidence in drafting them.
Other Players:
D'Ernest Johnson (RB, CLE)
Johnson is clearly the No. 3 behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt but he's been highly productive when given his shot. Hunt requested a trade and held out of practice but has since returned to the field, seemingly having moved past this concern, at least for the time being. Johnson sits one injury away from standalone fantasy value with massive upside if both starters went down.
Harrison Bryant (TE, CLE)
The Browns signed David Njoku to a huge four-year deal, worth $54.75 million, locking him in as their starter. However, Bryant is very talented and showed flashes last season that could earn him a role in this offense, particularly given the murkiness in the wide receiver depth chart.
Starters Being Rested:
None
Injuries:
James Robinson (Achilles)
Leviska Shenault (hamstring)
New York Jets at Philadelphia Eagles
Spread: Jets -1.5
Implied Total: Jets (18.5) vs. Eagles (17)
2021 NFL Finish: Jets (4-13 record, finished 4th in AFC East, missed the playoffs) vs. Eagles (9-8 record, finished 2nd in NFC East, lost to the Buccaneers in the wild-card round)
Must-Watch Players:
Jets Rookies
Two of the most exciting rookies for fantasy, Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson, landed in New York. Both are presumed to become the starter in their respective position, however, that has yet to be seen. Michael Carter poses less threat to Hall than Elijah Moore does to Wilson but does possess solid receiving skills, which could limit Hall's involvement as a pass-catcher. Moore, on the other hand, could hold off Wilson entirely, remaining the lead receiver.
Jets TEs
The Jets loaded up at the tight end position, handing out monster contracts to both C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin, plus adding rookie Jeremy Ruckert in the draft. Conklin has received the most hype and Ruckert is the least likely to earn the starting role, but all three have a shot to win the job.
Eagles RBs
Much has been made about what to do in your draft with Miles Sanders, especially since he himself told fantasy managers not to draft him. Head coach Nick Sirianni did confirm Sanders is "the guy," however, it is difficult to have faith in him this year. The Eagles' offensive link is ranked No. 1, which bodes well for whichever running back is pounding the rock. With veteran Boston Scott, the sophomore Kenneth Gainwell, and quarterback Jalen Hurts all involved, it would be helpful to get some semblance of what the workload distribution will be.
Zach Wilson (QB, NYJ)
It is impossible to overstate how many fantasy managers are praying for Wilson to improve so they can go all-in on Hall, Wilson (WR), and Moore for fantasy. Wilson struggled with injury and ineptitude in his rookie year, raising a lot of red flags. The path to confidence will begin in the preseason, where he will hopefully demonstrate further growth and development.
Other Players:
Jalen Hurts (QB, PHI) & A.J. Brown (WR, PHI)
It would be reassuring to see this connection thriving early, as an indication of a promising season, especially for Brown, who is new to this offense and still carries a high ADP.
Starters Being Rested:
None
Injuries:
DeVonta Smith (groin)
Boston Scott (concussion)
Arizona Cardinals at Cincinnati Bengals
Spread: Cardinals -1.5
Implied Total: Cardinals (17.5) vs Bengals (16)
2021 NFL Finish: Cardinals (11-6 record, finished 2nd in NFC West, lost to the Rams in the wild-card round) vs. Bengals (10-7 record, finished 1st in AFC North, lost to the Rams in the Super Bowl)
Must-Watch Players:
Cardinals RB2
The Cardinals had their choice of Chase Edmonds or James Conner and decided to commit to Conner. Edmonds left in free agency, opening the door for Eno Benjamin until they drafted rookie Keontay Ingram and signed free-agent Darrel Williams. The No. 2 option in this offense could have weekly flex value and would be a must-draft insurance back behind Conner. Camp reports have changed multiple times, with Benjamin leading the way at the moment.
Bengals RB2
Joe Mixon had a fantastic year, finishing as the RB3, in a half-PPR scoring format. What was frustrating for managers though, was Mixon frequently being taken off the field on third down. While this is likely to continue to be an issue for Mixon managers, it does create a role for either Samaje Perine or Chris Evans, who are battling to be the backup worth targeting in your draft.
Other Players:
Rondale Moore (WR, ARI)
Moore had an abysmal rookie season but enters with an opportunity to emerge in his second year. A.J. Green is 34 years old, DeAndre Hopkins is suspended for the first six games, and Marquise Brown is new to the offense plus dealing with hamstring and off-the-field legal concerns. Moore needs to make his mark in the preseason and camp to warrant believing in him for 2022.
Trey McBride (TE, ARI)
McBride was the first rookie tight end drafted, taken 55th overall by the Cardinals. Zach Ertz proved he can still perform last season and won't easily be overtaken by McBride. It is possible though, that both could co-exist, especially while Hopkins is out, and if Moore or Green. His utilization will be worth observing.
Started Being Rested:
None
Injuries:
*DeAndre Hopkins (suspension)
Joe Burrow (appendix)
Tee Higgins (shoulder)
Kyler Murray (wrist)
Tee Higgins (shoulder)
Marquise Brown (hamstring)
Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers
Spread: 49ers -1
Implied Total: 49ers (17) vs. Packers (16)
2021 NFL Finish: 49ers (10-7 record, finished 3rd in NFC West, lost to the Rams in the conference title game) vs. Packers (13-4 record, finished 1st in NFC North, lost to the 49ers in the divisional round)
Must-Watch Players:
Packers WRs
Losing a player with the level of talent Davante Adams has is difficult for any organization to endure, never mind one whose depth chart was already questionable. Much of the offseason has been spent trying to dissect this situation, knowing that Aaron Rodgers will throw for 4,000-plus yards and 35-plus touchdowns. The current options are veteran Randall Cobb, journeyman Sammy Watkins, rookie Romeo Doubs, and long-time Packer Allen Lazard. Lazard is the favorite to be the No. 1, but after that, it's very difficult to project.
49ers RB2
Elijah Mitchell immediately snagged the lead-back role in Week 1 after Raheem Mostert suffered a season-ending knee injury. He is the consensus starter entering 2022 but behind him, there are several interesting options, including veteran Jeff Wilson, sophomore bust from last year Trey Sermon, and rookie Tyrion Davis-Price. Running backs in the Shanahan system are incredibly valuable, so knowing the role of each back will be paramount.
Other Players:
Trey Lance (QB, SF)
After a wild sixteen-month rollercoaster ride, we have arrived at Lance being named the undisputed starter. Having only started two games in 2021, seeing him showcase his big arm and athleticism would provide additional confidence in his ability to be elite for fantasy.
Starters Being Rested:
Injuries:
Robert Tonyan (knee)
Christian Watson (knee)
Randall Cobb (foot)
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