Preseason Week 2 Fantasy Football News: Jaxon Smith-Njigba And More Utilization Takeaways
Fantasy

Preseason Week 2 Fantasy Football News: Jaxon Smith-Njigba And More Utilization Takeaways

Dwain McFarland goes game by game to highlight the most important utilization takeaways for fantasy football from every Preseason Week 2 game.

Below is a summary for each team from Week 2 of the NFL preseason. The primary focus is on player utilization and usage with the starting offense.

Typically, starters are determined by drives played with the starting QB. Some instances differ depending on who started, as outlined in each team's position section. You can find definitions for all the table abbreviations at the bottom of this article.

Updates will occur throughout the weekend as data from each game becomes available.

Use code Dwain for 20% off a FantasyLife+ subscription to access the Utilization Report data and more!

Preseason Week 2 Recap: Bengals vs Commanders MNF

CIN_bengals-logo.svgCincinnati Bengals

Quarterback

Running Back

  • Chase Brown played 89% of the snaps on the first drive before getting the rest of the night off. He toted the rock five times for 16 yards and cashed in one of his two attempts from inside the five-yard line for a TD. The third-year back was on the field for 75% of the pass plays. Brown looks like he is headed for a monster role, similar to what we saw late in 2024.
  • Samaje Perine saw one snap on the first drive with Brown on a third-and-three play. He was the primary back on the second drive with three snaps, and played the obvious passing downs on the third drive while Tahj Brooks handled the rushing duties. Perine is probably the No. 2 pass-down option and No. 3 rushing option on the depth chart.
  • Tahj Brooks was the RB3, playing on the final drive with the starters. He played 75% of the snaps and saw 100% of the rushing attempts. He notched a 67% route participation, but Perine rotated on pass downs. Brooks looks like the No. 2 rushing option and No. 3 pass-down option.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Jermaine Burton (undisclosed) and Mike Gesicki (hamstring) did not play.
  • Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins played the first drive before resting.
  • Andrei Iosivas played all three drives with Burrown, notching a 79% route participation. He played from the slot 50% on the first drive with Chase and Higgins, but kicked outside after their departure.
  • Charlie Jones entered the game on the second drive. In his two drives with Burrow, he was targeted three times (33%). He left the game after the fourth drive. He caught two balls for 17 yards and a touchdown. Jones has a 31% TPRR on 13 routes with Burrow this season; he is the favorite for the WR4 spot.
  • Mitchell Tinsley entered the game on the second drive and played into the third quarter. He is currently a third-string WR based on the depth charts at Ourlads. He was an undrafted WR out of Penn State in 2023, but played 73% of the pass plays with Joe Burrow with Burton out. Tinsley didn't receive any targets from Burrow. He played six total drives, notching 23% target share with five receptions for 73 yards and two spectacular touchdowns. Tinsley isn't likely to see the field much in 2025 without a rash of injuries, but it's great to see a behind-the-scenes player show out on a Monday Night in front of everyone—clearly his teammates loved it!
     

Offensive Line

  • Starters Played: Five of four starters played three drives with Burrow. Jalen Rivers entered the game for Lucas Patrick (RG), who left midway through the second drive with an injury.

WAS_commanders-logo.svgWashington Commanders

Quarterback

  • Jayden Daniels played one drive (four snaps). He only dropped back to pass once and scrambled for 14 yards.
  • Josh Johnson was the QB2.
     

Running Back

  • Brian Robinson Jr. (trade rumors) and Austin Ekeler (rest) did not play.
  • Chris Rodriguez Jr. started and played 100% of the snaps with Daniels. He had two attempts for 41 yards on that drive. He finished the night with 62 yards on six totes. Rodriguez left the game after three drives. Talk about a left hook out of nowhere. Rodriguez, who has been an afterthought on this roster the last two years, was prioritized over Jacory Croskey-Merritt. On the one hand, it doesn't match camp buzz. On the other hand, Rodriguez is a similar archetype to Robinson, so taking over his role makes some sense. We could have a three-way committee in Washington, regardless of the status of Robinson. Rodriguez is a late-round dart throw in deep leagues.
  • Jacory Croskey-Merritt entered the game on the second drive and played eight drives (into the third quarter). The seventh-round rookie finished the game with 46 yards on 11 carries, with most of his yards coming on a 26-yard touchdown run. Merritt playing behind Rodriguez and remaining on the field well after Rodriguez is notable for two guys battling it out on the depth chart. The problem is, we had no clue this was any sort of battle based on camp reports. The thing I go back to here is this: Why is Robinson Jr. unhappy? The most likely reason for that is the emergence of Croskey-Merritt, squeezing his playing time. Robinson has easily played ahead of Rodriguez the last two years with the Commanders, even releasing Rodriguez at one point. We could have a nasty three-way committee regardless of Robinson's status, but Merritt is the bet I want to make on this backfield. He is a borderline RB3 who could surprise with an RB2 season.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Terry McLaurin (contract), Zach Ertz (rest), and Noah Brown (injury) did not play.
  • Deebo Samuel played all of the snaps—operating exclusively from the slot—on the first drive with Daniels before retiring to the bench. He had one rushing attempt for 19 yards, getting to the corner and getting downhill quickly. Deebo has been THICC for years, y'all. Don't buy the fat Deebo clickbait. Based on the touches this man gets, he needs size! He could still be washed, but Samuel is the clear-cut WR1 in a scheme tailored for his skills. Deebo getting screens, easy looks from the slot, and rushing attempts could be fun. Samuel is a borderline WR3 with WR2 upside.
  • Jaylin Lane was on the field for all the snaps with the starters and remained in the game until the seventh drive (third quarter) alongside McCaffrey. Lane dominated targets with a 46% share. He finished the game with three catches for 42 yards. Lane kicked inside on 41% of his routes. The 2025 fourth-rounder left the field on two-WR sets. Lane is worth a late-round dart throw in 20-round drafts.
  • Luke McCaffrey played all the snaps with Daniels. He remained in the game until the third quarter, but left without a target. The 2024 third-round pick remained on the field in two-WR sets 100% of the time. The WR2 role in Washington is wide open with McLaurin waiting on a new contract or a trade. McCaffrey is in the mix and is a late-round option in large leagues.
  • John Bates got the start at tight end, with Ben Sinnott rotating in after.
     

Offensive Line

Preseason Week 2 Recap: Sunday Games

JAC_jaguars-logo.svgJacksonville Jaguars

Quarterback

  • Trevor Lawrence played two drives in the first quarter. He completed eight of 10 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown.
  • Nick Mullens was the QB2.
     

Running Back

  • Tank Bigsby handled 53% of the snaps and 29% of the attempts in two drives with the starters. He remained on the field for 50% of the pass-down work, but left the field on obvious passing downs. The third-year did take a screen for 19 yards.  He took 50% of the rushing work on the first drive. Jacksonville's backfield is a highly fluid situation—last week, Bigsby didn't get a snap with the starters. This rotation could tie heavily to the game script and the matchup. Expect Bigsby to be in the mix to handle up to half of the early-down workload. He is a touchdown-dependent RB4.
  • Travis Etienne played 47% of the snaps with the starters and accounted for 43% of the rushing attempts. He entered the game on the first drive to handle obvious passing downs and then took over the rushing workload in the second drive. Like Bigbsy, he was done after the second drive. Last week, Etienne handled 100% of the snaps with the starters. This rotation could be highly game-script and matchup dependent, but we should expect a 1A-1B scenario. Etienne is my preferred option because he has a three-down skillset that provides a) bad-game script protection and b) the higher upside should things go his way. He is an RB3.
  • Bhayshul Tuten rotated with LeQuint Allen on the third through sixth possessions. Over that span, Tuten notched 45% of the snaps, 71% of the attempts, and 22% of the pass-down work. Tuten has work to do on pass-downs, but offers upside in that capacity if he can progress through the season. Today, if the Jaguars lost a starter, Tuten would likely have to deal with Allen rotating on pass downs. Tuten is an RB6 stash.
  • LeQuint Allen entered the game on the third drive with Tuten. He played 55% of the snaps and was on the field for 56% of pass plays. He only accounted for 14% of the attempts. Allen isn't rosterable in fantasy at the moment, but his presence could keep this backfield a three-way committee if a starter goes down.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Travis Hunter (upper-body injury) and Dyami Brown (rest) did not play.
  • Brian Thomas Jr. was on the field for 90% of the pass plays and led the team with four targets (40%). He accounted for 58% of the air yards. Thomas finished the day with two catches for eight yards.
  • Parker Washington and Austin Trammell were the other two starters with Hunter and Brown out.
  • Brenton Strange garnered a 70% route participation over the first two drives. He tallied two targets (20%). The former second-round pick finished with two catches for 22 yards. He retired to the sideline with the starters. Strange is a sneaky low-end TE1 option with a consensus ADP of TE17.
     

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: Anton Harrison (RT) - undisclosed injury.
  • Starters Played: Four of five starters played two drives with Lawrence. Patrick Mekari (RG) played four drives.

NO_saints-logo.svgNew Orleans Saints

Quarterback

Running Back

  • Alvin Kamara rested.
  • Kendre Miller started and played three drives. He handled 100% of the rushing attempts on a 77% snap share. He toted the rock six times for 21 yards. He wasn't targeted, but had a 55% route participation. He didn't play many of the LDD snaps. Miller looks like the RB to target behind Kamara if you are looking for the handcuff.
  • Cam Akers was the RB2 in this one. He entered the game for one snap on the first drive and was done after four possessions.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Brandin Cooks (rest) and Juwan Johnson (groin) did not play.
  • Chris Olave registered a 100% route participation over the first three drives before calling it a night. Over that stretch, he led the team with four targets (44%). He caught two balls for 12 yards. We saw more underneath throws in the Kellen Moore offense. Olave finished the night with three short targets and an aDOT of 8.5. This offense could be bad, but Olave has the talent to make it worth betting on as the WR36 off the board.
  • Rashid Shaheed played 100% of the pass plays and garnered three targets (33%) on his three drives. He was targeted around the line of scrimmage much more often with a 3.0 aDOT. Shaheed could smash ADP as the WR53 off the board—even in a bad offense.
  • Cedrick Wilson Jr. was the WR3 with Cooks resting. Kevin Austin Jr. and Mason Tipton were the next WRs to enter the game.
     

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: Trevor Penning (RT) - turf toe; Erik McCoy (C) - rest.
  • Starters Played: Three of five starters played. Two played three drives and one played four.

BUF_bills-logo.svgBuffalo Bills

Quarterback

Running Back

  • James Cook (rest) and Ty Johnson (hamstring) did not play.
  • Ray Davis got the start and played 100% of the snaps on the first three drives. Davis is the RB2 behind Cook, but Johnson could still have a role on pass downs.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: All.

CHI_bears-logo.svgChicago Bears

Quarterback

  • Caleb Williams played the first two drives, dropping back to pass on 10 of 13 snaps. He completed six of 10 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. The Bears used play-action rollouts, quick passes, and kept Williams clean long enough to throw downfield. This was against mostly the Bills' second- and third-stringers, but it was still a positive outing for Williams.
     

Running Back

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • DJ Moore started and notched a 100% route participation rate and a 22% target share. He finished the day with two catches for 16 yards.
  • Rome Odunze started and also locked down a 100% route participation with Williams on the field. Odunze finished the day with one target (11%) and zero receptions.
  • Olamide Zaccheaus worked ahead of rookie Luther Burden III, matching camp reports. He was the star of the show with two receptions on his two targets (22%), one of which he took to the house for a 36-yard touchdown. Zaccheaus operated primarily from the slot (75%). It's hard to know how long the veteran can hold off Burden for this role, but Zaccheaus is the favorite to start Week 1.
  • Luther Burden III can't be anywhere near starting lineups in Week 1, but he has the talent profile to make a splash as the season progresses—especially if he gets to work from the slot in the role Zaccheaus is playing. Burden is a stash WR6.
  • Cole Kmet played 60% of pass plays and was targeted once (11%) on two drives with Williams.
  • Colston Loveland had a 50% route participation with the starters, but was targeted on 40% of his routes, finishing the day with two targets (22%). The rookie tight end will likely start the year in a rotation with Kmet, but should push for a larger role as the season progresses. Drafters must exercise patience when taking Loveland and should consider rostering two tight ends.
     

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: Joe Thuney rested.
  • Starters Played: Four of five starters played two drives with Williams

Preseason Week 2 Recap: Saturday Games

MIA_dolphins-logo.svgMiami Dolphins

Quarterback

Running Back

  • De'Von Achane (lower body soft-tissue injury) rested.
  • Jaylen Wright started and played 100% of the plays over the first three drives with starting right guard Jonah Savaiinaea in the game. It was another rough outing with a fumble and only three yards on four attempts. Wright is the No. 2 right now in Miami, but he hasn't done anything to cement his status—bad vibes.
  • Ollie Gordon III was the RB2 and remained in the game until the fourth quarter. He toted the rock 10 times for 50 yards. He caught two passes for nine yards. Gordon is the RB3 in Miami, but the sixth-rounder has a chance to surprise with the Achane injury and Wright not seizing the moment.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: 4 of 5.
  • Starters Played: Jonah Savaiinaea (RG) played three drives (18 snaps).

DET_lions-logo.svgDetroit Lions

Quarterback

  • Jared Goff rested.
  • Kyle Allen started and played the first half (33 snaps). He completed 14 of 17 passes for 124 yards and tossed two TDs.
  • Hendon Hooker was the QB2.
     

Running Back

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, and Sam LaPorta rested.
  • Isaac TeSlaa played the first half with Allen, playing 100% of the snaps. He led the team with a 29% target share, catching four of five targets for 41 yards and a back-shoulder fade TD grab. TeSlaa's momentum is palpable. First, the Lions swap thirds and give away two threes next year to get him in the draft. Second, he impresses at camp. Third, he has played well in every preseason game. TeSlaa could force his way past Tim Patrick in the lineup as soon as Week 1. He is my favorite late-round WR in deep leagues.

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: All.

CAR_panthers-logo.svgCarolina Panthers

Quarterback

  • Bryce Young played the first two possessions (six snaps). He dropped back to pass four times. He attempted two passes and had one scramble and one sack. He completed zero of two attempts.
  • Andy Dalton was the QB2. 
     

Running Back

  • Chuba Hubbard played 67% of the snaps with the starters. He accounted for 67% of the rushing attempts played on 50% of pass plays. Hubbard gave way to Rico Dowdle on third downs. Hubbard was not a strong producer in the receiving game last year, and for the second game, we have seen Dowdle on the field on pass downs. Hubbard is not a lock to replicate his 61% route participation and 12% target share from 2024.
  • Rico Dowdle played 33% of the snaps, getting reps on both drives. He didn't register a carry but was on the field for 50% of pass plays, handling the long-down-and-distance snaps. Dowdle retired to the bench after three drives.
  • Trevor Etienne played one snap on the third drive with Dowdle and played into the third quarter.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Tetairoa McMillan notched a 100% route participation and one target (50%) with the starters. The Panthers' offense sputtered last night, but the first-round draft pick has he talent to dominate this passing attack. He is my WR17 and is a screaming value on most fantasy sites, making him a core component of my 2025 WR draft strategy.
  • Adam Thielen registered a 75% route participation with the starters. He left the field on the team's lone two-tight end (12 personnel) snap.
  • Xavier Legette was on the field for 75% of Young's dropbacks. He played three drives. Legette is penciled in as the WR2, but Jalen Coker could challenge him for reps.
  • Jalen Coker (illness) rested.
  • Hunter Renfrow entered the game with the second-team offense and played into the third quarter. Renfrow has been the source of some camp buzz. If he makes the team, he provides the team with an insurance policy for Thielen from the slot.
  • Brycen Tremayne played ahead of Jimmy Horn Jr.
  • Ja'Tavion Sanders played 83% and collected a 75% route participation with the starters. He was targeted once (50%) by Young. When Tommy Tremble returns, things could change, but Sanders is operating as the clear-cut TE1 for the Panthers right now. He is a late-round dart throw in deep leagues.
  • Mitchell Evans played 33% of snaps with a 0% route participation with the starters. The Round 4 pick is the TE2 with Tremble out.
  • Tommy Tremble (PUP) did not play.
     

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: Damien Lewis (shoulder) rested. Cade Mays started in his stead.
  • Starters Played: Four of five starters played three drives with Young.

HOU_texans-logo.svgHouston Texans

The Texans added multiple notable receivers this offseason, but the offense has significant offensive line concerns. That could lead to a more balanced attack with heavier personnel groupings, which we saw yesterday with the starters.

  • 11 Personnel: 57%
  • 12 Personnel: 21%
  • 21 Personnel: 21%
     

We shouldn't freak out about this small sample, but Nick Caley might opt for more of a Kyle Shanahan-style attack than the heavy 11 personnel one he learned under Sean McVay. That could put a strain on reps for all the receivers battling for playing time opposite Nico Collins.

Quarterback

Running Back

  • Joe Mixon (NFI - foot/ankle) rested.
  • Dameon Pierce rested. He recently returned from the PUP with a quadriceps injury. He also got the day off from Thursday's joint practice against Carolina. Pierce is battling Nick Chubb for the RB2 role, which could very easily be the RB1 role given Mixon's status.
  • Nick Chubb played 79% of the first-team snaps and bogarted 100% of the rushing attempts. Chubb ran for 25 yards on five attempts. Chubb also collected a 67% route participation rate, catching one ball for four yards. The coaching comments haven't been glowing about Chubb, but right now, Chubb is battling Pierce for the RB2 role.
  • Dare Ogunbowale handled the passing-down reps with the first team.
  • Woody Marks entered the game after Stroud departed. The hope was for an immediate passing-down role for Marks, who notched high-end receiving production in college. That hasn't happened yet. Marks played into the third quarter, finishing the night with 50 yards on seven attempts.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Nico Collins notched a 78% route participation with the starters. He hogged 38% of the targets, snaring two of three looks for 13 yards and a touchdown. Nico played 67% of the snaps in 12 and 21 personnel. Nico is an alpha and will get his looks one way or another, but come Week 1, we prefer a 90% route participation.
  • Christian Kirk played 71% of the snaps and ran a route on 78% of Stroud's dropbacks. He was targeted twice (29%). Kirk played 33% of the snaps in 12 and 21 personnel. The veteran receiver appears dialed into the WR2 role, but routes could become a challenge in some game plans. Kirk has a consensus ADP of WR55.
  • Jayden Higgins garnered a 22% route participation with the starters and collected one target (13%). Higgins' snaps came from 21 personnel, where he had a 67% snap share and 100% route participation. He played into the third quarter. Things could start slow for Higgins, but the Round 2 pick still offers considerable upside when considering his range of outcomes as the season progresses.
  • Jaylin Noel notched a 22% route participation with the starters and played into the third quarter. Like Higgins, his opportunities came in 21 personnel. He had a 67% snap share and 100% route participation rate. Noel goes way after Higgins in fantasy drafts, but they appear much closer based on playing time this preseason. He is a late-round sleeper in large formats.
  • Xavier Hutchinson worked ahead of Higgins with a 78% route participation rate with the starters. Hutchinson hasn't shown high-end ability as a target earner, but DeMeco Ryans knows him, and he could hamper playing time for Higgins and Jaylin Noel early.
  • Dalton Schultz notched a 56% route participation rate and a 57% snap share with Stroud. He was not on the field when the team went to their 21 personnel and notched a 71% route participation rate in 11 personnel. Schultz is a volume player; he is not good enough to thrive as a part-time option in fantasy—avoid.
     

Offensive Line

GB_packers-logo.svgGreen Bay Packers

After a week of joint practices and many players dealing with injuries, the Packers rested most of their starters. This team needs to get healthy soon, or we could see a disjointed, slow roll out of the gate.

Quarterback

  • Jordan Love (left thumb surgery) did not play.
  • Malik Willis started and played 18 snaps on the first three drives. He didn't have many healthy weapons, so it's hard to hold his six of 15 for 83 yards against him.
     

Running Back

  • Josh Jacobs rested.
  • MarShawn Lloyd played 56% of the snaps over the first two drives. He was the lead ball carrier with 75% of the attempts and tallied a 40% route participation. He left the field on obvious passing downs. Lloyd is battling for the RB2 role behind Jacobs, but this could be a platoon situation with another back handling passing downs.
  • Chris Brooks played 25% of the snaps over two drives with Lloyd. He accounted for 100% of the snaps on third down. Brooks' night was done after the second drive. He is the favorite for the passing-downs role to begin the year.
  • Emanuel Wilson was the third RB to enter the game.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: Four of five.
  • Starters Played: Sean Rhyan played three drives.

IND_colts-logo.svgIndianapolis Colts

Quarterback

  • Daniel Jones played the first two drives (14 snaps) and completed seven of 11 passes for 101 yards. This was a planned start for Daniels after Richardson started the first preseason game.
  • Anthony Richardson entered the game on the third drive and played until halftime. He completed six of 11 passes for 73 yards. He scrambled once for nine yards.
     

Running Back

  • Jonathan Taylor played 71% of the snaps in two drives with the starters. He left the game during the second drive.
  • DJ Giddens entered the game on the second drive after Taylor departed. He played until halftime. After playing behind Tyler Goodson last week, this is a positive data point for Giddens. This situation still feels more like a timeshare should Taylor go down, but Goodson suffered an elbow injury last night, which could make Giddens the clear-cut RB2.
  • Tyler Goodson entered the game on the third drive and scored a touchdown. However, he injured his elbow and didn't return. He was wearing a brace on his arm when he left the field.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Josh Downs (hamstring) and Alec Pierce (groin) did not play.
  • Michael Pittman saw a 100% route participation and tied for the team lead with a 30% target share with the starters. He finished the night with two catches for 31 yards.
  • Adonai Mitchell posted a 91% route participation and 10% target share with the starters. He remained in the game until halftime. He finished the night with one catch for eight yards. Mitchell has been climbing into the late rounds of drafts based on recent camp reports, but much of his playing time has come due to teammate injuries.
  • Anthony Gould stepped into the WR3 role with Downs and Pierce out.
  • Tyler Warren needs to enter the bubble wrap program; we don't need to see anything else. He notched a 91% route participation and 30% target share with the starters. He caught one of his three passes for 25 yards. Warren is my most-drafted TE inside the top 120 picks (21%) and is a key component of my strategy at the position in 2025.

Offensive Line

NE_patriots-logo.svgNew England Patriots

Quarterback

  • Drake Maye played the first two drives (15 snaps). He completed four of seven passes for 46 yards.
  • Joshua Dobbs was the QB2.
     

Running Back

  • Rhamondre Stevenson (unspecified injury) rested.
  • TreVeyon Henderson played 60% of snaps with Maye and accounted for 50% of the rushing attempts. He parlayed four totes into 20 yards and a touchdown. He was also targeted once, leading the RB room with a 43% route participation rate. Henderson is going to share this backfield—at least to start the season—but he is so talented it doesn't matter. He is my most-drafted RB inside the first 10 rounds in over 100 best ball drafts and is a key cog in my RB draft strategy. His price is rising, so don't try to play it too cute, y'all!
  • Antonio Gibson started the game over Henderson and notched a 40% snap share with the starters over two drives, with the two rotating. Gibson is the RB3 in New England.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Stefon Diggs, Hunter Henry (undisclosed injury), Kendrick Bourne (leg), and Ja'Lynn Polk (arm/shoulder) did not play.
  • Kayshon Boutte started the game and notched an 80% route participation with a 20% target share.
  • Mack Hollins started and posted an 86% route participation. He was targeted three times (50%). Hollins is a player teams love, but don't expect him to become a significant target earner—we have a long track record here. Don't buy it.
  • DeMario Douglas had a 57% route participation rate and a 25% target share with Maye.
  • Kyle Williams notched a 43% route participation with Maye, but wasn't targeted (even though he was wide open once). He did garner three grabs for 24 yards with the backups. He played until halftime. Williams isn't likely to start fast, but is a name to remember on the waiver wire—this is a weak depth chart.
  • Austin Hooper played 100% of the snaps with the first team offense with Henry out.
     

Offensive Line

MIN_vikings-logo.svgMinnesota Vikings

Quarterback

  • J.J. McCarthy rested.
  • Sam Howell started and played 13 snaps on three series. He completed one of five passes for 13 yards and tossed a pick.
  • Brett Rypien was the QB2 in this one.
     

Running Back

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: All.

CLE_browns-logo.svgCleveland Browns

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Jerry Jeudy, David Njoku, and Harold Fannin Jr. rested.
  • Cedric Tillman played two drives with a 75% route participation. Tillman is likely locked into the outside starting role opposite Jerry Jeudy.
  • Diontae Johnson played five drives. Over the first two drives with Tillman and Jamari Thrash, he had an 83% route participation and a 20% target share.
  • Jamari Thrash played five drives. With Tillman and Johnson over the first two series, he had a 67% route participation rate. He left the field in 12 and 21 personnel groupings. Thrash is vying for the starting slot role.
  • Harold Fannin Jr., sitting out without an injury, tells us that the Browns see him as a valuable piece to their offense. Fannin will see the field in two-TE sets and could challenge for reps from the slot. Fannin is a late-round dart in deep TE-premium leagues.
     

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: Four of five.
  • Starters Played: Dawand Jones (RT) played two drives.

PHI_eagles-logo.svgPhiladelphia Eagles

Quarterback

Running Back

  • Saquon Barkley and Will Shipley rested. Shipley is locked in as the RB2 behind Barkley and a great handcuff target late in drafts.
  • A.J. Dillon played in a game where almost every meaningful player was held out. That's good news for Shipley and terrible news for Dillon.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: All.

SF_49ers-logo.svgSan Francisco 49ers

Quarterback

  • Brock Purdy played one drive (11 snaps). He completed five of seven passes for 66 yards and scrambled for one yard.
  • Mac Jones was the QB2.
     

Running Back

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Jauan Jennings (calf/contract) did not play.
  • Ricky Pearsall notched an 88% route participation and hogged 57% of the targets with Purdy. He got the rest of the night off. The Niners' Round 1 pick from a year ago is headed for significant playing time early this season. He is going too late in home league drafts—you can get him in Round 8 or later on multiple sites, but he will continue to rise.
  • Demarcus Robinson is facing a DUI suspension to start the season, but he started in this game. He was in a route on 88% of pass plays and had a 29% target share. Robinson is the favorite for the WR3 role when the suspension is over until Brandon Aiyuk returns.
  • George Kittle didn't receive a target but played 100% of the snaps with the starters.
     

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: Two of five.
  • Starters Played: Three of five.
  • Note: Dominick Puni (RG) suffered a knee injury (PCL?) and could miss time.

OAK_raiders-logo.svgLas Vegas Raiders

Quarterback

Running Back

  • Ashton Jeanty started the game and played two drives. He handled 93% of the snaps and 100% of the attempts with the starters. He notched a 75% route participation and a 13% target share. After drafters had a false panic attack last weekend, Jeanty's power and explosiveness were on display in Week 2 with seven attempts for 33 yards and a touchdown. Jeanty is primed for a massive workload in Year 1.
  • Raheem Mostert played one snap with the starters on a 3rd and 8 with Jeanty out of the game momentarily with an injury. He played into the third quarter. Mostert is the RB2 for the Raiders.
  • Zamir White entered the game on the third drive and played into the fourth quarter.
  • Sincere McCormick rotated in on the fourth drive and played into the third quarter.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Jakobi Meyers played 100% of the snaps with the starters and operated from the slot full-time.
  • Dont'e Thornton Jr. notched one target (25%) target share with a 28.5 average depth of target. The Raiders played 11 personnel every play with the starters this week. Last week, Thornton rotated when they went to heavier personnel groupings. He exited the game with the starters. Thornton Jr. appears to have a firm grip on the WR3 role and is a late-round sleeper in deep leagues.
  • Tre Tucker was on the field for 100% of the pass plays.
  • Jack Bech entered the game with the second-string unit on the third drive. He was targeted 21% of the time on a 100% route share from drives three to five. He finished with two catches for 21 yards. Bech operated from outside on all of his snaps, with Alex Bachman handling the slot duties. The rookie will need to earn more work to make it into fantasy lineups, but he could challenge Tucker as the season progresses.
  • Brock Bowers had a 50% route participation and 13% target share with the starters. He shared time with Michael Mayer. Pete Carroll has a history of rotating tight ends, but he has never had a Bowers-type player, so let's just all remain calm. The team may have wanted to get some reps for Mayer, their second-rounder in 2023 with Smith.
  • Michael Mayer played 50% of the pass plays. If he rounds into form, the Raiders will have exceptional week-to-week matchup flexibility.
     

Offensive Line

  • Starters Played: All played two drives with Smith.

BAL_ravens-logo.svgBaltimore Ravens

Quarterback

  • Lamar Jackson rested.
  • Cooper Rush started and played 63% of the snaps. He threw for 198 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
     

Running Back

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Offensive Line

DAL_cowboys-logo.svgDallas Cowboys

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Offensive Line

LAC_chargers-logo.svgLos Angeles Chargers

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Ladd McConkey posted a 100% route participation on the first drive before calling it a night. McConkey played from the slot 75% of snaps. He remained on the field in two-WR sets.
  • Keenan Allen started and notched a 67% route participation rate. He played from the slot 20% of the time. Allen left the field in two-WR sets. Allen is a savvy veteran option, but the two rookies are looking pretty, pretty, pretty good.
  • Quentin Johnston started but suffered a concussion on his third rep of the game. He had two targets on three routes.
  • KeAndre Lambert-Smith entered the game after Johnston departed on the first drive. He was targeted twice (40%) by Herbert. He hauled in a 26-yard catch down the sideline, displaying exceptional ball-tracking skills. He played six drives. KLS continues to stack up positive plays. Lambert-Smith looks like one of the three best WRs on this team. He is an upside WR6 stash.
  • Tre Harris entered the game on the second drive and played through the sixth. Over that span, he led the team with eight targets (40%), snaring six balls for 85 yards. The Chargers are moving Harris around the formation and letting him win in a variety of ways. Not to be outdone by KLS, one of his catches was an amazing over-the-shoulder snare for 34 yards. Harris already looks better than Johnston, but he must contend with KLS and Allen as well. Harris is an upside WR6 stash.
  • Tyler Conklin posted a 67% route participation rate with the starters, rotating with Will Dissly, who had a 50% route participation rate.
  • Oronde Gadsden entered the game with the second string and played until the sixth drive.
     

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: Mekhi Becton (RG) - undisclosed injury
  • Starters Played: Four of five starters played one drive with Herbert.

LA_rams-logo.svgLos Angeles Rams

Quarterback

  • Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo didn't play.
  • Stetson Bennett played the whole game. He completed 28 of 40 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns. It's only a preseason game, but it's nice to see considering Stafford's health issues.
     

Running Back

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: All.

NYJ_jets-logo.svgNew York Jets

Quarterback

  • Justin Fields played two drives. He completed one of five passes for four yards. We never want to overreact to the preseason, but it would be nice to see something good from a player who has averaged 180 passing yards in games with 90%+ snaps for his career.
  • Tyrod Taylor (knee) didn't play.
     

Running Back

  • Isaiah Davis (ankle) did not play.
  • Breece Hall started and played two drives. He handled 61% of the snaps, 58% of the rush attempts, and posted a 50% route participation with the starters. While we might not have access to the 70% snap ceiling we know Hall should post, these are still substantial numbers considering Hall's pass-catching prowess. Hall is falling down draft boards, but has played a strong role in both preseason games.
  • Braelon Allen played on the first drive and rotated with Hall. He exited the game after three drives. With the starters, he played 44% of the snaps and took 42% of the reps on the ground. Last week, he shared some of that with Davis, who was out. Allen is an RB4 to RB5 option.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Garrett Wilson played 100% of the passing plays and was targeted three times (75%). Unfortunately, none of them were catchable. There is no doubt that Wilson is in line for a huge target share, but his catchable target rate is going to take a hit. Wilson is a fade for me in as the WR16 in consensus ADP. He might get to that finish, but it is closer to his ceiling, and his floor is low-end WR3 or high-end WR4. I love the player, but this is a tricky situation.
  • Josh Reynolds is the WR2. Yawn.
  • Mason Taylor started and posted an impressive 83% route participation and 25% target share in two drives before heading to the bench. Taylor is a late-round TE dart in deep leagues.
     

Offensive Line

  • Starters Played: All played for two drives with Fields. Rookie Armand Membou (RT) played three series.

NYG_giants-logo.svgNew York Giants

Quarterback

Running Back

  • Cam Skattebo (hamstring) didn't play.
  • Tyrone Tracy dominated the first-team work over the first four drives. He hogged a 75% snap share and 88% rushing attempt share. He shared the passing-down work (38% route participation) with Devin Singletary. With Cam Skattebo still recovering from injury, Tracy could start the year as the clear-cut RB1 for the Giants.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Malik Nabers (toe/shoulder), Jalin Hyatt (undisclosed injury), Daniel Bellinger (undisclosed), and Chris Manhertz (undisclosed injury) did not play.
  • Darius Slayton was questionable and missed pre-game warmups, but notched an 83% route participation before heading to the bench.
  • Wan'Dale Robinson played 31% of the snaps and notched a 63% route participation. He was targeted twice (25%). Robinson played 80% of snaps from the slot and left the field in two-WR sets.
  • Beaux Collins started in the absence of Nabers and played 88% of the pass plays. The rookie collected two targets with the starters, including one he parlayed into an 80-yard reception. Collins could be the WR4 in the Giants' offense.
  • Theo Johnson played 94% of the snaps, but his route participation lagged at 50%. He remained in to block on 19% of pass plays.
  • Greg Dulcich saw early playing time with other tight ends out of action. He caught a touchdown pass down the seam from Dart.
     

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: Andrew Thomas (Lisfranc)
  • Starters Played: Three of five starters played five drives. Four of five played the first two series.

TB_buccaneers-logo.svgTampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarterback

Running Back

  • Rachaad White (groin) did not play.
  • Bucky Irving handled 95% of the starters' snaps and hogged 100% of the attempts with the starters. With White sidelined, Irving took over everything. Even if White misses time, this sort of workload doesn't scale to a full season, BUT the big takeaway is how large the gap is between Irving and Tucker. The Bucs view White and Tucker differently.
  • Sean Tucker hardly sniffed the field with the starters despite the absence of Rachaad White. The same thing happened to Tucker down the stretch last year. Tucker is not a threat to Irving; he is a distant RB3.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: Tristan Wirfs (OT) - PUP; Charlie Heck started in his place.
  • Starters Played: Four of five played three drives with Bridgewater.

PIT_steelers-logo.svgPittsburgh Steelers

Quarterback

  • Aaron Rodgers rested.
  • Mason Rudolph started and played three drives. He completed three of five passes for 46 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
     

Running Back

  • Jaylen Warren rested.
  • Kenneth Gainwell started over Kaleb Johnson again. The veteran back handled 63% of the snaps and handled 100% of the rushing attempts. He was also targeted once on two routes. It's hard to imagine a significant role for Gainwell as the season progresses, but he could make this a murky three-way split.
  • Kaleb Johnson has played behind Gainwell in consecutive games. He only saw 38% of the snaps and 0% of the rushing attempts with the starters. These are microscopic samples, so we don't want to freak out completely. Still, Johnson's profile in the Rookie Super Model pointed to holes in his game, so this isn't ideal. Johnson drafters should be prepared to practice patience.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • DK Metcalf (rest), Calvin Austin III (abdomin), Jonnu Smith (rest), and Pat Freiermuth (rest) did not play.
  • Roman Wilson started and got loose down the seam for a 42-yard reception. He had a 100% route participation and two targets (40%). Wilson played primarily on the outside. Wilson has a clear path to playing time in an offense without much depth after DK Metcalf. He is a late-round sleeper.
  • Robert Woods didn't get to rest with the veterans and didn't enter the game until the fourth drive.
     

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: Isaac Seumalo (RG).
  • Starters Played: Four of five starters played three drives.

ARI_cardinals-logo.svgArizona Cardinals

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: All.

DEN_broncos-logo.svgDenver Broncos

Quarterback

  • Bo Nix rested.
  • Jarrett Stidham started and played 47% of the snaps. He completed 16 of 23 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns.
     

Running Back

  • J.K. Dobbins rested.
  • RJ Harvey started and accounted for 83% of the snaps and 100% of the attempts over the first two drives. Harve rushed for 18 yards on three totes—all three coming between the tackles—punching one in for a score on a run inside the tackles. He also targeted once. This will likely be a timeshare, but Harvey can still produce in the highly fruitful Sean Payton backfield. Harvey is one of my favorite backs in the middle rounds of drafts.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: All.

Preseason Week 2 Recap: Friday Games

TEN_titans-logo.svgTennessee Titans

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett rested.
  • Elic Ayomanor notched an 86% route participation and a 43% target share with the starters. He played the first four drives, remaining on the field in two-WR sets. Lockett is penciled (not inked) in as the WR2 in Tennessee but might primarily play from the slot. In an offense that is willing to play plenty of 11 personnel and some weak competition, there is room for Ayomanor to earn immediate playing time. The Round 4 NFL draft pick is a deep-league sleeper.
  • Chimere Dike matched Ayomanor's routes (86%) and saw a 29% target share with Ward. The fourth-round draft selection left the field on 12 personnel plays. Dike is also a deep-league sleeper but might not offer the same route share upside as Ayomanor if restricted to slot duties.
  • Van Jefferson started and played 71% of the pass plays. He was targeted only once, dropping a beautiful throw from Ward.
  • Chig Okonkwo played 75% of the snaps on the first two drives, but Gunnar Helm rotated with the starters on passing downs. Okonkwo finished the night with a 50% route participation rate, after posting a 100% mark last week. Okonkwo remains a late-round TE target, but we must monitor the situation with Helm.
  • Gunnar Helm played 38% of the snaps and notched a 50% route participation with Okonkwo playing on the first two drives. The fourth-round pick played until halftime and caught a sweet TD down the seam against two defenders.
     

Offensive Line

  • Left Tackle: Dan Moore Jr. started and played two drives with Ward. He missed one snap due to injury on the second drive, but returned to the game for one more play.
  • Left Guard: Peter Skoronski started and played three drives with Ward.
  • Center: Lloyd Cushenberry was activated from the PUP but rested. Corey Levin played three drives with Ward.
  • Right Guard: Kevin Zeitler rested. Blake Hance started and played 30 snaps.
  • Right Tackle: JC Latham started and played three drives with Ward.

ATL_falcons-logo.svgAtlanta Falcons

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • All of the first- and second-string receivers and tight ends rested.
     

Offensive Line

  • Starters Rested: All.
Utlization-report--NL-Feature.jpg

KC_chiefs-logo.svgKansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs played many of their first and second-string players during the first drive, making it difficult to get too many takeaways. However, I dug into who was on the field first and when they left to try and gain some clues around the depth chart pecking order.

Quarterback

Running Back

  • Kareem Hunt (quad) rested.
  • Isiah Pacheco played the first three snaps of the first drive before resting. He didn't register a carry but caught one pass for 22 yards, looking healthier than the injured version of Pacheco we saw at the end of 2024.
  • Carson Steele was the second back to enter the game on the first drive, and his night ended after the second series.
  • Elijah Mitchell was the RB3, entering the game on the first drive. He played until halftime.
  • Brashard Smith played one snap on the second drive and caught a jet motion touch pass that he parlayed into 12 yards. Smith didn't play again until the third quarter, but looked awfully slippery and explosive with three carries for 22 yards and two receptions for 16. It's hard to know how much playing time Smith will get in 2025. But this isn't a loaded depth chart. The former collegiate receiver is a perfect fit for the two-minute offense, which might unlock the door to more playing time. Smith is a deep-league sleeper.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Travis Kelce and Hollywood Brown (ankle/foot) rested.
  • Rashee Rice played a ceremonious two snaps on the first drive before calling it a night.
  • Xavier Worthy played three snaps on the first drive before resting.
  • JuJu Smith-Schuster played the first drive and exited the game.
  • Tyquan Thornton played five snaps on the first drive before resting. Thornton getting to rest after the first drive is notable considering Brown's uncertain status. The former second-round pick never showed much in New England despite his draft capital and the team's clear needs at the position. That combo makes me doubt the value we could see from Thornton in fantasy, but he can press the vertical boundary to open up the rest of the offense.
  • Jalen Royals played six snaps on the first drive and called it a night. With Brown's injury and Rice's looming suspension, there is a chance the Round 4 pick sees some playing time in 2025.
  • Skyy Moore played two snaps on the first drive but played until the fourth quarter. He had a nice punt return for a TD with less than four minutes remaining.
     

Offensive Line

SEA_seahawks-logo.svgSeattle Seahawks

The Seahawks mixed up their personnel packages on the opening drive with Sam Darnold, which is something we saw from Klint Kubiak in New Orleans (Kyle Shanahan tree). 

  • 21 Personnel: 40%
  • 11 Personnel: 30%
  • 12 Personnel: 10%
  • 13 Personnel: 10%
     

Quarterback

Running Back

  • Kenneth Walker III (foot/workload management) rested.
  • Zach Charbonnet played 100% of the snaps with the starters and went off for 45 yards and a TD (on a well-blocked play) on five attempts. Charbonnet remains the No. 1 handcuff in fantasy football and is good enough to challenge for a larger role should the team decide to manage Walker's workload differently in 2025.
  • George Holani was the RB2 in this one after getting the start last weekend with the starters out. He entered the game on the second drive and played until halftime.
     

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba posted a 100% route participation with the starters and notched a 25% target share. He was on the field for 100% of the 11, 12, and 21 personnel snaps. While this is a limited sample, this is precisely what we wanted to see from JSN—he didn't rotate on two-WR pass plays. Smith-Njigba is my most drafted WR (25%) in the first three rounds of fantasy drafts in 2025.
  • Cooper Kupp also garnered a 100% route participation with the starters and remained on the field in two-WR sets. Kupp is also one of my most-drafted WRs (14%) in fantasy this year. Yeah, he is old and looked a bit dusty late last year, but that is all priced in at his consensus average draft position of 99.
  • Marquez Valdes-Scantling was the WR3 on the first drive with Darnold. MVS played well in Kubiak's scheme last year in New Orleans, but rookie Tory Horton is nipping at his heels. Valdes-Scantling played two drives before resting.
  • Tory Horton played one snap on a run play with Darnold, but expanded his role on the second drive after the starters exited. He posted an 86% route participation on drives two and three with a 20% target share. He didn't play after halftime. Horton is a deep-league sleeper.
  • Jake Bobo played one snap with the starters on a run play. He saw a 57% route participation on the second and third drives. Bobo played into the third quarter.
  • AJ Barner played 80% of the snaps with a 75% dropback rate with Darnold. He saw one target (25%). The second-year TE was done after two drives. Barner appears to be in the driver's seat for the starting job. He is a late-round dart option.
  • Elijah Arroyo only played 25% of pass plays with Darnold and 17% with the starting offensive line (two drives). Eric Saubert handled base-down duties on the second drive. Arroyo is not draftable in re-draft formats at the moment.
     

Offensive Line

  • Left Tackle: Charles Cross (finger surgery) rested. Josh Jones started in his place and played two drives. Jones is listed as a right tackle by Ourlads, so this confirms reports that Jones is the swing tackle.
  • Center: Olu Oluwatimi (back) rested. Jalen Sundell started and played three drives.
  • Right Guard: Anthony Bradford started over Christian Haynes for the second consecutive game despite some depth charts showing Haynes as the starter. Bradford played two drives. Haynes entered the game on the third drive and played into the third quarter.
  • Right Tackle: Abraham Lucas started and played two drives.

Players Mentioned in this Article

  1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba
    JaxonSmith-Njigba
    WRSEASEA
    PPG
    18.42
    Proj
    16.18
  2. GunnarHelm
    TETENTEN
    PPG
    3.86
  3. Sam Darnold
    SamDarnold
    QBSEASEA
    PPG
    16.49
    Proj
    16.80
  4. ToryHortonD
    WRSEASEA
    PPG
    6.58