NFL Preseason Week 3 Takeaways For Fantasy Football: Chris Bell, Emmett Johnson Trending Up

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts rested many of their starters, but the offensive line played the first series.

Quarterback

• Daniel Jones rested.
• Anthony Richardson started and played three drives and went 7 of 10 for 80 yards against the Lions' backup defenders.

Running Back

• Jonathan Taylor did not play.
• Seth McGowan was the RB1 over the first two drives with the starting offensive line, securing an 83% snap share and handling 80% of the attempts. DJ Giddens, who didn't play last week, played behind McGowan. Takeaway: McGowan is TRENDING UP as the RB2 to draft late in Indianapolis.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Alec Pierce (ankle), Josh Downs (calf) and Tyler Warren (groin) did not play.
• Keenan Allen started and managed a 67% snap share with a 75% route participation rate. He was targeted once, securing a 24-yard reception. But the big news came after the game, when Allen was arrested on misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence (DUI). A first-conviction offense carries a three-game suspension. It probably won't happen at the start of the year given the legal process, and it could even be delayed until 2027. Takeaway: Allen was already going ahead of my ranks, but with the potential for a three-game absence, he moves down to WR6 territory. He could still add an early-season spark if you drafted younger WRs like Makai Lemon and De'Zhaun Stribling, who could begin in part-time roles.

Offensive Line

• Starters Played:5 of 5 played one possession. 

Chicago Bears

The Bears rested their starters.

Running Back

• Roschon Johnson started the game with Salvon Ahmed (groin) missing the game. Johnson is the favorite to start the season as the RB3, which could be the RB2 early in the season if Kyle Monongai's knee keeps him out. Takeaway: Johnson could be the early-season handcuff to D'Andre Swift in a swole Bears offense.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Zavion Thomas started and had a 67% route share with Tyson Bagent over the first four series. He was targeted three times by Bagent (18%). The rookie WR remained in the game into the third quarter, finishing the game with a 25% TPRR, operating from the slot on 25% of snaps. He was in motion 22% of plays—the most on the Bears. His final stat line was juicy with 5 receptions for 140 yards and a TD. Most of his damage came on a blown-coverage 96-yard house call. Thomas is currently the WR4 behind Kalif Raymond, who rested with the starters. Takeaway: Thomas is a speed demon who the Bears could integrate into the offense as a change-of-pace WR. He is a dart-throw in very deep formats and could be a waiver wire option if Luther Burden III or Kalif Raymond miss time.
• Sam Roush started and notched a 67% route participation rate with Bagent, with Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet out. This aligns with camp reports, with the Bears' Round 3 pick as the likely TE3 to begin the year.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans rested most of their starters and key backups. 

Running Back

• Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears did not play.
• Nicholas Singleton started and saw a 73% snap share, handling 78% of the rushing attempts over the first four series before kicking his feet up and chilling. Michael Carter rotated in on obvious passing downs. Singleton looks like the RB3 and could have late-season appeal if the Titans struggle and decide to look ahead to 2027. Singleton might already be the early-down cuff to Tony Pollard, but Tyjae Spears could also just take on a near every-down role. Takeaway: Singleton is only draftable in very deep leagues, but is a name to remember on the waiver wire—especially if the Titans pile up losses early.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Calvin Ridley (injury) and Wan'Dale Robinson did not play. Robinson was evaluated for a concussion during practice last week but was cleared. The team decided to play it safe with their two veterans.
• Carnell Tate played one drive before retiring to the sideline.
• Elic Ayomanor started opposite Tate, with Chimere Dike getting slot reps. Ayomanor and Dike were done after two drives and are locked in as the top reserve WRs for the Titans.

Friday NFL Preseason Week 3 Takeaways

Washington Commanders

The Commanders rested their starters and key depth pieces.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Antonio Williams rested. He has been a backup at the Z and slot positions in camp.

Treylon Burks rested with the starters after getting the start last weekend with the first team.

Jaylin Lane also rested, while Luke McCaffrey played the first half.

Stefon Diggs did not play, but with Burks potentially playing a starter role outside, if McCaffrey were cut, it could indicate a slot role for Diggs, as we saw last week.

Takeaway: Terry McLaurin is locked in as the WR1 and Diggs should rank second in routes, but it might not be a full-time role. The rest of the WRs will likely rotate in the WR3/4 roles.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens rested their starters and key depth players.

Quarterback

Tyler Huntley played one series.

Running Back

Rasheen Ali, who is currently listed as the RB3 on the depth chart, worked ahead of Adam Randall. Both players played through halftime.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Ja'Kobi Lane rested with the starters. Takeaway: Lane is TRENDING UP and is worthy of a Round 11-12 pick in fantasy leagues.

Elijah Sarratt played but entered the game late in the first quarter into the fourth quarter.  

Josh Cuevas held a slight edge over fellow rookie Matthew Hibner for the second consecutive game. Durham Smythe, the No. 2, rested. 

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons played most of their starters for three possessions against the Dolphins' backups.

Quarterback

Tua Tagovailoa played three series, going 8 of 7 for 95 yards (11.9 YPA) against second- and third-string options for Miami.

Running Back

Bijan Robinson rested.

Brian Robinson Jr. handled 86% of the snaps with the first team, rushing for 14 yards on five attempts, including a TD. Takeaway: Robinson is Bijan's clear-cut handcuff.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Drake London played the first drive before calling it a night.

Jahan Dotson started opposite London and played 100% of snaps with the starting unit. He secured three targets (38%) for 27 yards. He left the game with the starters. Takeaway: Dotson is a late-round best ball flier, but his grip on starter reps is fragile. We could see a rotation. 

Olamide Zaccheaus played more than Zachariah Branch. Neither played a large role. Takeaway: Branch could become a waiver wire option but only a late-round dart throw in deep leagues.

Kyle Pitts played the first three drives and secured all 3 of his targets (50%) for 59 yards, including a 37-yard gain on a screen. However, he rotated heavily with Charlie Woerner. Pitts had a 64% route participation rate in Week 3 of the preseason. He played all the reps in 11 personnel but left the field in 12 personnel looks, with Woerner and Austin Hooper getting more work. Stefanski has a history of rotating TEs, but we saw him give Harold Fannin Jr. a full-time role last year. I expect the same for Pitts. All reports from training camp point to a focal-point player, but he might not repeat his otherworldly 92% route participation rate from 2025. Takeaway: Pitts is HOLDING STEADY as a mid-range TE1 with upside.

Offensive Line

Starters Played: 5 of 5 played the first drive. 4 of 5 played three drives. 

 Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins rested their starters.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Caleb Douglas and Malik Washington rested with the starters.

Chris Bell played 100% of the snaps over the first three drives and led Miami with five targets (63%). He played all over the formation, securing 2 catches for 22 yards with an average route depth of 7.1 yards. Bell is currently battling for the WR3 role, but I expect him to push for starter reps quickly. He is a fantastic fit for the Dolphins' play-action-centered offense where he can attack the interior of defenses on in-breaking routes and add YAC. Takeaway: Bell is TRENDING UP and is a late-round target in fantasy drafts.

Greg Dulcich and Will Kacmarek rested with the starters.

Houston Texans

The Texans rested their starters and key backups. No takeaways.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers rested their starters.

Running Back

Trevor Etienne started the game but left with an injury. AJ Dillon was up next.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Ja'Tavion Sanders played while Mitchell Evans and Tommy Tremble rested. Sanders is on the roster bubble, but he could be moved via trade.

Darren Waller did not play. He isn't a lock to make the roster, but might have the leg up on Sanders at the moment.

New York Giants

The Giants rested some starters, but several key rotational players and backups faced the Panthers' backups.

Quarterback

Jameis Winston played four possessions, two with the starting offensive line.

Running Back

Cam Skattebo did not play.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. started the game but rotated with Najee Harris with the starting offensive line. Tracy played 39% of the snaps, with Harris getting 62%. Harris handled 71% of the attempts, with Tracy playing more in the pass game, besting Harris with a 50% route participation rate vs. 39%. Tracy received more reps off as the game went on and ultimately didn't return after getting evaluated for a concussion on the fifth drive. Over the first four drives, the split was 55% vs 45% in favor of Harris. Takeaway: We could see a rotation at the RB2 spot behind Skattebo. Tracy offers the better change-of-pace skill set, but Harris could be the handcuff to Skattebo's early-down role.

Najee Harris: See Tracy above.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Malachi Fields rested with the starters. He is the favorite to get the most reps opposite Malik Nabers, but it could be a rotation with Darnell Mooney, Darius Slayton and others. Takeaway: Fields is TRENDING UP and is my favorite Giants' WR target late.

Odell Beckham Jr. started with Darius Slayton. It sounds like OBJ has a shot to make the team.

Offensive Line

Starters Played: 3 of 5 played two drives. Rookie Francis Mauigoa remained in for an additional possession.

New York Jets

The Jets rested their starters and top depth options.

Quarterback

Cade Klubnik started and played the first three drives.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Adonai Mitchell, Omar Cooper Jr, and Isaiah Williams all rested.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers rested their starters, but some backups played.

Running Back

Sean Tucker got the start, playing all the snaps on the first drive. But he rotated with Josh Williams before leaving the game in the third quarter. Williams played into the fourth quarter. Tucker is reportedly on the roster bubble or could get moved. It is hard to know if he played so much to give other teams a look or if he is slightly ahead of Williams now. Takeaway: Tucker is still a decent late-round pick in deep leagues—a new landing spot could work in his favor.  

Takeaway No. 2: If Tucker is gone, it is a plus for Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell. Irving could pick up more rushing TDs, and the contingent value of both backs is improved if Tucker isn't there to divide up the work. 

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Ted Hurst did not play. The team opted to keep him safe from harm with Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan recovering from injury. Tampa Bay might need the rookie in Week 1. The rookie was impressive in joint practices with the Jaguars. Takeaway: Hurst is TRENDING UP as a late-round option in deep leagues. He has a chance to establish a role with a strong start.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars rested all of their starters and most of the key backups. Takeaways: None.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints rested their starters.

Running Back

Kendre Miller started over Audric Estime and handled 59% of the snaps before Estime left with an injury. With Alvin Kamara (MCL) out, Miller looks like the RB2 to start the season. Takeaway: Miller is TRENDING UP and is a last-round stash option in deep leagues.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Barion Brown and Bryce Lance had 100% route participation rates over the first five drives with the starters resting. Brown had four targets (33%). He secured two receptions for 28 yards. The Round 6 rookie added two attempts for 19 yards, including a seven-yard TD run.

Oscar Delp did not play due to a hamstring injury.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys rested their starters and key backups.

Running Back

Malik Davis and Jaydon Blue rested. Davis is the favorite to earn the RB2 role, but Blue could mix in if Williams misses time. Takeaway: Davis is TRENDING UP and is a late-round handcuff in deep leagues.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals rested their starters. Takeaways: None.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers rested their starters. Takeaways: None.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks rested their starters. Takeaways: None.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs played their healthy starters against the Seahawks' backups. The starting offensive line played one drive.

Running Back

Kenneth Walker did not play (foot).

Emmett Johnson handled 78% of the snaps and 88% of the attempts over the first three drives. He also had a 70% route participation rate. That last part is of note because Johnson was a good receiving option in college but worked behind Emari Demercado and Brashard Smith over the first two weeks for those snaps. Recent camp reports have touted Johnson as the next-man-up after Kenneth Walker in drills. Smith has looked fantastic in preseason play mostly against backups. Takeaway: Johnson is TRENDING UP as the RB2 and could be more than the early-down handcuff. He is an RB5/6 handcuff option.

Emari Demercado played ahead of Brashard Smith as the RB3. Smith played into the fourth quarter.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Rashee Rice posted a 100% route participation rate over the first two drives before leaving the game to rest. Rice wasn't targeted, but his 2.3 route depth matched his historical role where the team has spammed him with targets. Takeaway: Rice is HOLDING STEADY as a great Round 3 target in PPR leagues. We can make a case for him in the middle of Round 2, but thanks to ADP we don't have to.

Xavier Worthy played the first two drives before calling it a night. He had a 100% route share. His average route depth was 12.7, and the Chiefs have discussed lightening his load around the line of scrimmage. His lone target came 20 yards downfield. Takeaway: Worthy is HOLDING STEADY as a boom-bust WR5.

Tyquan Thornton operated as the WR3 with a 67% route participation rate while Rice and Worthy were still in the game.

Cyrus Allen did not play with the starting WRs in the game. He might not have a role in Week 1, but given the shaky nature of the Chiefs' WR corps (performance and injury history), Allen could challenge for work as the season progresses. All reports indicate that he has been one of the stars of camp and could be their best option against man coverage. Takeaway: Allen is HOLDING STEADY as a later-round WR pick, but we might need patience.

Offensive Line

Starters Played: 4 of 5 played one possession.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals rested their starters.

Running Back

Samaje Perine rested with the starters. He is the RB2. Takeaway: Perine is a last-round option in deep leagues as an under-the-radar handcuff.

Tahj Brooks drew the start. He is the RB3.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Colbie Young started and might be the WR4. He had a 23% target share and played mostly from the outside with a vertical route tree.

Erick All rested and is a sneaky bet to surprise with a larger-than-expected role in 2026 in a weak TE room. Takeaway: All is a late-round dart throw in TE premium formats and should be rostered in dynasty.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles rested most of their starters, but Makai Lemon got some work after missing much of camp with a hamstring injury.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, and Hollywood Brown did not play.

Makai Lemon played 81% of the snaps and notched a 100% route participation rate over the first four drives. He dominated targets with five (39%), but was only able to gain three yards on three receptions. He operated from the slot on 41% of snaps with an average route depth of 6.2. He was in motion 24% of routes and 80% of his targets were on play action. Those are things that could make Lemon a centerpiece of Sean Mannion's offense when the season kicks off. He played only 20% of the snaps in 12 personnel despite playing with backups, so he might not have an elite route participation rate. But given the depth chart, the Eagles' best talent deployment is probably three-WR sets. Takeaway: Lemon is TRENDING UP and should not be falling to Rounds 8-9 of fantasy drafts as a Round 1 NFL talent. I have drafted him in four of four drafts this week over on RT Sports—where all of my guests have also been in on him at that price.

 Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings rested their starters.

Running Back

Demond Claiborne got the start and played 97% of the snaps over the first five possessions before heading to the bench. He handled 80% of the rushing attempts and stayed on the field for passing reps with 79% route share. Takeaway: Claiborne is HOLDING STEADY as a sneaky late-round option in deep leagues in a fragile RB room with a good scheme/o-line. 

Denver Broncos

The Broncos rested their starters.

Running Back

J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, and Jonah Coleman did not play.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Pat Bryant rested with the starters while Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims Jr. played. This matches camp reports of Bryant as the clear-cut WR3. Takeaway: Bryant is a WR6 option in deep leagues.

Marvin Mims Jr. exited the game with a foot bruise.

Thursday NFL Preseason Week 3 Takeaways

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers rested their starters. 

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Roman Wilson rested with the starters. This matches camp reports listing Wilson as the lead for the No. 3 role.

Germie Bernard played with the backups for the first half, securing a TD on a quick pass, eluding defenders. Takeaway: The Round 3 NFL pick is not a starter at the moment, but has flashed this preseason. He could challenge Wilson quickly.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills rested their starters and key backups.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Skyler Bell played the entire game, leading the backups with a 27% target share. He caught 7 balls for 49 yards, operating mostly underneath. He aligned mostly out wide but played from the slot 38% and was in motion 26% of the time. Takeaway: The Round 4 pick is currently down the depth chart, but could surface at some point in 2026.

New England Patriots

The Patriots rested their starters and top backups.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Kyle Williams played the first two series, catching 2 of 2 targets for 55 yards and a TD. Williams has had an amazing preseason with 7 receptions for 176 yards and 3 scores. He is firmly behind A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, but could force a committee with the next layer of the depth chart. Takeaway: Williams is a name to remember if the Patriots suffer an injury at WR.  

Cleveland Browns

The Browns rested their starters and key backups. Takeaways: None.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers rested their starters. But several of the top backups played against the Raiders' top defenders for two possessions.

Quarterback

Mac Jones played two drives behind the backup offensive line.

Running Back

Kaelon Black handled 100% of the snaps over the first three drives. The RB the 49ers had No. 2 on their draft board ran for 28 yards on four attempts. He also had an 88% route participation rate and had 1 target. Playing ahead of Jordan James in this game aligns with recent camp reports. Takeaway: Black is TRENDING UP and moves into handcuff territory behind an aging Christian McCaffrey. He is an RB5/6.

James entered the game in the second quarter and played into the third. He was also effective, but against the Raiders' backups rather than their starters. Takeaway: James is likely the RB3 to start the season.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders played many of their starters for two drives against backup defenders for San Francisco.

Quarterback

Kirk Cousins played 20 snaps and dropped back 11 times over the first two drives. He aligned under center on 55% of snaps and used play action on 27% of dropbacks. Cousins finished 8 of 11 for 51 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt (YPA).

Fernando Mendoza played the next five drives and struggled. He finished 7 of 14 for 57 yards. He was under pressure on 35% of dropbacks, with two turning into sacks. The No. 1 overall pick also tossed an INT. He did scramble once for 7 yards and had one designed rush attempt. 

Running Back

Mike Washington Jr. played 80% of the snaps with Cousins and handled 89% of the attempts. The rookie averaged 6.1 yards per attempt with 49 yards on 8 totes. Washington has looked great this preseason, showing off more burst than what we saw in college—matching his amazing combine performance. Early in the season, Washington could handle a larger workload as Ashton Jeanty recovers from an ankle injury. Recent reports suggest Washington could have a larger role than originally expected even when Jeanty is ready. Takeaway: Washington is TRENDING UP and is now a target in Rounds 10-11 of fantasy drafts.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Tre Tucker has an 82% route participation rate this season with Cousins on the field. He leads the team with a 36% target share. He has played more from the slot (39%) than we have seen over his career. He has also been in motion a whopping 44% of the time. Tucker is playing the role many thought Jalen Nailor might get. His talent profile isn't great, but he is getting the easy-button scheme looks. Takeaway: Tucker is a WR6 option in deep leagues.

Nailor has a 12% target share on a small sample with Cousins this preseason. He has aligned wide most plays and is not getting motion treatment. His average route depth is double Tucker (9.2 vs. 5.5). Takeaway: Nailor is headed for playing time, but his role isn't designed for easy targets.

Jack Bech has served as the top slot option among the starters. But we could see plenty of two-TE looks with Bowers and Mayer. Bech has a 47% route participation rate with Cousins.

Brock Bowers played one drive before getting placed in bubble wrap. 

Michael Mayer played 82% of snaps with a 60% route participation rate on the first drive with Bowers still in the game. Mayer might be the best receiving option on the team behind Bowers, which could equal more 12 personnel in 2026. He has a 24% targets per route run rate (TPRR) on snaps with Cousins this preseason. Takeaway: Mayer is a late-round flier in 20-round TE premium leagues like the FFPC.  

Offensive Line

Starters Played: 5 of 5 played one drive. 4 of 5 played two series.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams rested their starters. Their backups faced the Chargers starting unit for two possessions.

Quarterback

Ty Simpson played into the early stages of the fourth quarter. He finished with 119 yards and a TD, going 18 of 23. Over the first two drives against the Chargers starters, he was 4 of 5 for 20 yards.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers played their starters for the first two drives against the Rams' backups.

Quarterback

• Justin Herbert played the first two possessions, hitting the Rams' backup defenders over the top for a 65-yard TD to Quentin Johnston. It looked like a busted coverage, but Herbert chucked it 57.6 yards—the longest pass ever for Mike McDaniel in his time with Miami or San Francisco. Takeaway: Herbert is HOLDING STEADY as a strong QB1 target in 2026.

Running Back

• Omarion Hampton played 100% of the snaps with the starters but didn't touch the ball.
• Kimani Vidal was the RB2 with Keaton Mitchell dealing with an injury.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Quentin Johnston saw his first action of the preseason and collected that 65-yard bomb for a TD from Herbert. Johnston projects as one of the top two WRs who should see plenty of playing time in 2026. Under Mike McDaniel, there could be untapped upside. Takeaway: Johnston is HOLDING STEADY as a mid-range WR3 with more head room.
• Ladd McConkey played only six snaps with Herbert this preseason. He played all three snaps where the offense went to 12 personnel. There isn't much to add: he figures to play a lot, and camp reports have him as the move WR in the offense. Takeaway: McConkey is HOLDING STEADY as a WR2 option in fantasy.
• Tre Harris and Brenen Thompson did not play due to minor injuries.
• Charlie Kolar operated as the lead TE once again with a 100% snap share with the starters. He was targeted once. He has played 6 of 7 snaps with Herbert this preseason. He has run a route on 3 of 5 dropbacks by Herbert and has been targeted twice. Kolar's role could fluctuate depending on game script—Oronde Gadsden is the better option in obvious passing situations. But when games are close or when the Chargers are leading, we should expect Kolar to play the most. Takeaway: Kolar is a late-round best ball dart.
• David Njoku was the TE2 again over Gadsden.
• Oronde Gadsden II has seen his role evaporate in a scheme that prefers better blocking TEs. He should still get reps in obvious pass situations, but the goal of the Chargers offense is to remain unpredictable and balanced. Takeaway: Gadsden is TRENDING DOWN and is only a late-round dart throw in deep formats.

Offensive Line

• Starters Played: 4 of 5 played the first two drives.

Glossary

• Snaps: Percentage of snaps the player played with the starters.
• Rush Att: Percentage of rushing attempts with the starters.
• Routes: Route participation with the starters.
• Targets: Target share with the starters.
• TPRR: Targets per route run with the starters.
• SDD Snaps: Percentage of short-down-and-distance (short yardage) with starters.
• LDD Snaps: Percentage of long-down-and-distance snaps (obvious passing downs) with starters.
• Two-Minute Snaps: Percentage of snaps in the two-minute offense with the starters.
• Catchable: Percentage of targets deemed catchable with the starting QB per PFF.
• aDOT: Average depth of target with the starters.
• Air Yards: Percentage of the team's air yards with the starters.
• 3rd/4th Down Targets: Percentage of targets on 3rd and 4th down with the starters.
• 11P: Percentage of snaps played in 11 personnel (1RB, 3WR, 1TE) with the starters.
• 12P: Percentage of snaps played in 12 personnel (1RB, 2WR, 2TE) with the starters.
• 21P: Percentage of snaps played in 21 personnel (2RB, 2WR, 1TE) with the starters.
• Slot Snaps: Percentage of snaps from the slot.