Another week of preseason football is upon us. Some position battles have been decided, others are still up for grabs and a few players are making returns or debuts that are must-see TV for studious fantasy football managers.
With the preseason shortened to just three games, this weekend might be the last look at many starters before the NFL season officially kicks off 20 days from now. With that in mind, here are five players to keep an eye on this week.
Kyle Trask, QB, Buccaneers
Tampa Bay is home to the league’s last remaining quarterback battle. With a good performance Saturday against a Jets defense that hounded No. 1 pick Bryce Young last week, perhaps Trask can keep the fight alive. But anything less than that will likely seal the deal for Baker Mayfield, who started the preseason opener for the Buccaneers and seems to have the upper hand over the third-year pro.
Sam Howell, QB, Commanders
Scott Galvin/USA Today Sports
Howell will head into Monday night’s game against the Ravens as Washington’s starter. The second-year signal-caller has one career start under his belt but his performance in the preseason opener and joint practices was enough to beat out veteran Jacoby Brissett. Howell looked sharp last week, so look for him to build on that outing, and keep an eye on his connection with Jahan Dotson, who he found for a touchdown.
Bijan Robinson, RB, Falcons
The most hyped running back prospect since Saquon Barkley is expected to take the field Friday night against the Bengals. Look no further than Robinson’s top-10 average draft position to understand just how high managers are on Atlanta’s first-round pick. It’s unlikely he plays all that much, but a game-breaker like Robinson doesn’t need more than a few plays to make an impact. A pedestrian performance shouldn’t be read into all that much, but if he wows then his draft stock could continue to soar.
Javonte Williams, RB, Broncos
Williams is making his highly anticipated return to the field Saturday against the 49ers for the first time since he tore his ACL in October. Coach Sean Payton said the third-year back will be in for 10-12 snaps, roughly half of what the starters are expected to play. Williams was a popular breakout pick heading into 2022 before his injury and fantasy managers are cautiously optimistic about what he can do this year in Denver. The quick return from injury is encouraging but all eyes will be on Williams to see just how comfortable he looks in live game action.
Skyy Moore, WR, Chiefs
Moore ran with the starters in the preseason opener but didn’t record any catches. The second-year receiver has an opportunity to assert himself as the WR1 in the NFL’s best offense with Kadarius Toney (knee) sidelined. Justyn Ross and Richie James both snagged touchdowns and rookie Rashee Rice played a few snaps with the starters last week. After Travis Kelce, it’s a crowded group of pass-catchers with veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling also figuring into the mix. Moore has a shot to break out as a sophomore and his usage is already encouraging. Let’s see what he does Saturday against the Cardinals.
