While NFL preseason stats ultimately don’t matter in the quest for a fantasy football championship, that’s not to say it those numbers are entirely useless to track. Exhibition action gives us a glimpse into unearthed gems and allows gamers to recalibrate late-round flier rankings. After all, just getting an opportunity to showcase one’s talent can be the difference in making a roster or not, which creates an inroad for a chance during the regular season.
With that established, here’s a spin around the noteworthy performances — good and otherwise — over the final week of the preseason. Since the NFL splits the games up over several days, be sure to check back multiple times for updates.
As you can tell below, most teams rested key players, so we weren’t left with much for fantasy implications this week.
Sunday, Aug. 25 notables
QB Will Levis, Tennessee Titans: One of my favorite draft targets, Levis missed only one of his eight passes and averaged a ridiculous 14.8 yards per attempt on his way to 118 gains through the air. He didn’t find the end zone but led a TD drive with Tony Pollard punching one in from a yard out. A new system as well as improved weapons and an upgraded line will help Levis shine in 2024.
RB Audric Estime, Denver Broncos: The rookie managed just 18 yards on his five attempts for a subpar 3.6-yards-per-carry average, though Estime displayed his likeliest path to fantasy utility with a 3-yard scoring plunge. Barring a surprise on Tuesday’s cut day, he’s a quality RB5/No. 6 selection for those trying to find cheaply priced fill-in candidate.
QB Drake Maye, New England Patriots: The unsettled quarterback situation may have fully tipped in Maye’s favor after a 126-yard, 1-TD performance at Washington. He was charged with a pair of fumbles but recovered both. Given the gap has considerably narrowed, Maye should have the inside track to start sooner than later.
Saturday, Aug. 24 notables
QB Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers: Finishing 6 of 8 for 70 yards and a touchdown, the second-year pro didn’t play long but made the most of his snaps on the opening drive as Young orchestrated a 12-play, 85-yard scoring march. Head coach Dave Canales and improved weaponry around the 2023 No. 1 pick offer hope for a fantasy-relevant ascension.
QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers: Each played sparingly, and each led scoring drives. Unless something dramatic changes, we’re still expecting Wilson to enter Week 1 as the starter, but his leash will be short.
RB Cam Akers, Houston Texans: While he really won’t matter in fantasy barring a catastrophe, it’s nice to see Akers rebound from two devastating injuries and still have some pep in his step. He averaged a spry 7.6 yards per carry on seven attempts and pitched in 19 more on his three grabs. His latest effort could be enough to secure a roster spot on the 53.
RB Israel Abanikanda, New York Jets: This is entirely meaningless for fantasy without a Breece Hall injury — and even that may not be enough. Abanikanda, who is fighting for a roster spot, did himself a solid with a 45-yard touchdown rumble through heavy traffic. He finished with an explosive 9-83-1 line on the ground and a 6-yard catch.
Friday, Aug. 23 notables
QB Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: Looking to rebound from a poor showing in 2023, Lawrence came out firing in this one vs. Atlanta. The former Clemson standout found his mark at an 80% clip on his 10 attempts, including a pair of scoring strikes to tight end Evan Engram. Lawrence also rushed for a 9-yard gain, and he looks to be in regular-season form. Trust him as a midrange QB1 in this multifaceted offense.
TE Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars: There’s always the specter of past injury woes coming back to haunt Engram — fair or otherwise — given his early-career durability issues. After playing each game the last two seasons, the former New York Giant deserves the benefit of the doubt. In Week 3 preseason action, Engram caught all four targets for just 28 yards but found paydirt twice. Don’t get overly excited on that front — volume is his bread and butter after scoring a modest eight total times in the past 34 contests.
RB Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers: Listed as the co-RB2 on the unofficial depth chart, Mason has done well for himself this preseason. The young pro rushed 14 times for 76 yards (5.4 YPC) and scored twice in two preseason outings. Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) has missed another contest, despite returning to practice midweek, so it could have simply been precautionary rest vs. wanting to see what Mason can do. It will be interesting to see how this shakes out after roster cuts given that Christian McCaffrey‘s definitive backup arguably is the most important handcuff in fantasy.
Thursday, Aug. 22 notables
QB Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts: It was a mixed bag for Richardson, who ran only once for three yards, was charged for fumble that his team recovered, threw a Pick-6 interception, and completed 57.1% of his throws. However, the second-year pro did toss a touchdown pass to rookie Adonai Mitchell on his opening drive to cap of a 7-for-8, 65-yard passing performance. Expect plenty of up-and-down performances from Richardson in what effectively is still a rookie season ahead.
WR Jermaine Burton, Cincinnati Bengals: The rookie scored again, collecting four of five targets for 56 yards. Cincy let Tyler Boyd walk, and Burton has done well in his attempt to ease the concerns. Expect erratic returns, but there’s serious upside if something keeps Tee Higgins or Ja’Marr Chase off the field.
RB Velus Jones Jr., Chicago Bears: The receiver/return man was moved into the backfield this offseason and made the most of his 13 carries, going for 111 yards and a score vs. Kansas City. Jones added two grabs for 11 more yards. The Tennessee product was a third-round pick in 2022, so it makes sense to see what the regime can get out of him before cutting bait, and there’s a small crack of light shining through after his performance.
