6 BIG Preseason Trends: Mike McDaniel's Chargers are ready to COOK

Ian Hartitz references Aaron Rodgers as a veteran quarterback who has historically expressed a preference against turning his back to the defense, providing context for why some teams avoid play-action schemes.

Ian Hartitz continues to recommend Brock Bowers as a mid-to-late round target, noting his value is further enhanced in tight end premium formats that reward receptions.

Charlie Kolar is noted as a key addition to the Chargers' roster, with Ian Hartitz observing that he looks ready to play as the team increases its usage of multi-tight end formations to 37% in the preseason.

Ian Hartitz acknowledges that Daniel Bellinger is competent in his specific role, but notes that Brian Daboll's preference for playing him over younger, higher-upside options like Gunner Helm is a concerning trend for the Giants' offensive ceiling.

Ian Hartitz notes that Daniel Jones stands to benefit from the Giants' improved offensive line performance, which could lead to cleaner pockets and increased opportunities for his run game usage.

David Njoku is identified as a new addition to the Chargers' offense who is actively receiving starter snaps as the team shifts toward a more tight-end-heavy offensive philosophy.

Ian Hartitz expresses concern that Gunner Helm, who has generated excitement as a potential seam-stretcher, is being blocked on the depth chart by Brian Daboll's preference for Daniel Bellinger.

Ian Hartitz identifies Ja'Marr Chase as a primary target for Joe Burrow, suggesting that the Bengals' offensive production has historically relied more on Burrow's individual talent throwing to Chase and Tee Higgins than on complex scheme designs.

Ian Hartitz highlights a positive schematic shift for Joe Burrow and the Bengals, noting that the team increased their play-action rate to 35% during the preseason—the fourth-highest mark in the league—after ranking dead last at 17% last season. Hartitz views this as a promising data point that he hopes will continue into the regular season.

Ian Hartitz notes that the Chargers' shift toward heavy pre-snap motion, increased play-action usage, and a higher rate of multi-tight end formations is 'music to the ears' of those who drafted Justin Herbert, as the team aims to become a top-scoring offense under the new scheme.

Ian Hartitz suggests that the Chargers' adoption of high-frequency pre-snap motion and play-action is a positive development for Ladd McConkey's fantasy outlook this season.

Ian Hartitz believes Michael Mayer could have a borderline full-time role as a secondary tight end in an offense lacking wide receiver depth, potentially finishing third on the team in receiving yards, making him a viable target in round 18 or later for managers in formats that reward receptions.

Ian Hartitz identifies Omarion Hampton as a strong round-two draft pick, noting that the Chargers' transition to an outside zone run scheme—increasing from 17% to over 56% usage—is a better fit for his talents and positions him for significant fantasy production as the lead back.

Quentin Johnston is highlighted as a beneficiary of the Chargers' modernized offensive scheme, which emphasizes play action and pre-snap motion, following a notable preseason touchdown reception from Justin Herbert.

Ian Hartitz mentions Tee Higgins as a primary target for Joe Burrow, noting that the Bengals' past offensive success was largely driven by Burrow's ability to deliver accurate passes to Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase.

Ian Hartitz suggests that while Wan'Dale Robinson serves as a nice PPR cheat code, relying on him for 140 targets is not the recipe for a high-functioning NFL offense.