Don't Draft Yet! 10 Must-Know Preseason Fantasy Football Takeaways (Week 2 Recap)

Antonio Williams has seen an uptick in usage, only recently earning reps with the first-team offense. While he played 58.3% of his snaps out wide in the preseason, four of his six targets came from the slot, suggesting he will function as a 50/50 split player between the slot and perimeter. The source compares his build and playstyle to Amon-Ra St. Brown.

The source notes that Ben Sinnott is among the drafted players the Commanders' coaching staff is currently failing to integrate into the offense.

The source uses Brandon Aiyuk's peak usage as a historical benchmark to describe the high-volume target diet a specific player is receiving in the preseason. The source compares Deon Stribbling's high target volume early in the game to the 'full Brandon Aiyuk diet' seen during Aiyuk's peak performance.

The source remains skeptical of Bryce Young's passing volume and overall efficiency, which creates hesitation for drafting his pass-catchers. However, there is an expectation that the offense will need to increase its pass rate to remain competitive, which should lead to more 'easy button' throws for Young.

Christian Kirk is currently dealing with an injury and has ongoing health concerns, which the source notes contributes to the overall uncertainty surrounding the team's wide receiver depth chart.

Christian Watson continues to deal with recurring hamstring issues that have plagued his availability, leading the source to jokingly suggest the team's medical staff needs an overhaul.

The source expresses little concern regarding Chuba Hubbard's role, characterizing him as one of the least efficient backs who has failed to put together back-to-back successful seasons. The source argues there is no reason for Hubbard to be a significant factor in the offense if Jonathan Brooks is healthy.

Darius Slayton appears to have been surpassed on the Giants' depth chart by rookie Malachi Corley, as evidenced by Corley receiving starter treatment while Slayton played the full game in the preseason.

Deebo Samuel is considered a great buy in fantasy drafts. He is currently healthy and looking fit, though the source notes his weight can fluctuate. He is utilized as an underneath, manufactured-touch player.

The source identifies Demario Douglas as the primary slot receiver for the Patriots when they utilize three-receiver sets.

Deshaun Watson is considered "cooked" and appears stiff in the pocket, struggling with poor decision-making and staring down first reads. His preseason week two performance was "really rough," featuring a "god awful" interception and a poor throw to Gage Lardine. The source suggests he has lost the starting quarterback competition to Shedeur Sanders.

The source references Drake London's usage as the model for the 'Drake London diet,' which involves smart, designed slot looks to help a receiver win against nickel corners or linebackers.

The source uses George Pickens as a statistical comparison for a player who historically plays almost exclusively out wide rather than in the slot.

The source praises his preseason performance, noting he has annihilated competition, particularly against man coverage on the outside, and possesses a 20.4 A-dot.

James Connor is likely to play for a different team by Week 1, though he has yet to practice for the Cardinals during training camp, which complicates potential trade scenarios as he must pass a physical to be moved.

The source references Jauan Jennings' specific role as a standard for the versatile, multi-faceted usage being demanded of a player in the current offense. The source notes that Deon Stribbling is being asked to perform 'Jauan Jennings stuff' in addition to his other wide receiver duties, indicating a multifaceted role.

Jonathan Mingo is seeing significantly increased slot usage in the preseason, currently at a 40-45% rate compared to his 88% out-wide usage last year. The source suggests the team is implementing a 'Drake London diet' to manufacture easy-button targets for him.

Jonathan Brooks is viewed as a legitimate three-down back who is fully healthy 21 months post-ACL surgery. He acted as the bellcow during his preseason snaps with Bryce Young. The source is highly bullish on his potential, comparing his 'glider' running style to Alvin Kamara or Melvin Gordon, and remains above consensus on his ADP, consistently ranking him around RB26-RB27.

Jordan Love is the primary quarterback for the Packers, with MarShawn Lloyd playing nine of 14 snaps alongside him during week two of the preseason.

The source expresses concern that Josh Jacobs' heavy volume is taking a toll on his body, noting he looked like a shell of himself last year. Additionally, there is uncertainty regarding potential legal troubles.

Justin Fields demonstrated an expanded route tree in Mobile, including digs, deep crossers, and out routes, while showing comfort moving around the formation as a Z or big slot receiver, addressing concerns about his previously limited linear, vertical college route tree.

The source suggests the Patriots should consider trading Kayshon Boutte for a day-two pick given his contract status as a free agent after this year, noting he is a better route runner than his current role as a field stretcher suggests.

The source distinguishes Jonathan Brooks' running style from Kenneth Walker's, noting Brooks is not a twitchy back who makes people miss in the backfield.

The source expresses frustration with the Commanders' coaching staff, noting that despite drafting him, they are not currently utilizing Luke McCaffrey in the offense.

Malachi Corley is receiving 'starter treatment' from the Giants and was bubble-wrapped during preseason week two, indicating he has surpassed Darius Slayton on the depth chart; he is projected to play the X-receiver role.

Malik Nabers is clearly the Giants' WR1, though he is being managed carefully while returning from injury; he is expected to rotate between Z and slot positions to manufacture touches, serving as a shifty, route-running complement to the X-receiver. His presence on the field will prevent Justin Fields from facing double teams, creating an easier environment for Fields to capitalize on his opportunities.

MarShawn Lloyd is a high-upside prospect labeled as the source's RB2 in the 2024 draft class. He is physically healthy and displays significant 'juice' and explosiveness, particularly on stretch zone runs. He is projected to carve out a standalone role as the 'lightning' to Josh Jacobs' 'thunder,' potentially seeing 7-9 touches per game, and would become a workhorse bellcow if Jacobs misses time.

Mike Evans is currently dealing with a recurring hamstring injury. The source expresses concern that if he continues to tweak the hamstring, it could open a path for Deon Stribbling to compete for the wide receiver one role.

Mike Washington Jr. has looked fantastic in the preseason, validating his pre-draft profile as a high-upside athlete with improved vision, patience, and pass-catching technique. In a 15-carry sample, he recorded 7.07 yards after contact per attempt, building on a college resume that included ranking 33rd in yards after contact per attempt and 17th in breakaway percentage. He is a size specimen with a three-down skill set and the athleticism to beat linebackers and safeties on wheel routes; if Ashton Genty misses the season, he becomes an automatic top-20 fantasy running back. He is a more fluid athlete than Omar Hampton, possessing superior lateral quickness and better pass-catching technique.

The source uses Nico Collins as a statistical comparison for a player who historically plays almost exclusively out wide rather than in the slot.

Ricky Pearsall is out for the remainder of the year due to injury.

The source identifies Terry McLaurin as a starting receiver for the Commanders, noting that he is not typically used for manufactured touches or screen plays.

Xavier Legette has not yet earned enough trust within the Carolina offense to secure the dynamic, ball-in-hand role the team initially envisioned for him when they drafted him.