Preseason Week 2 Recap: Immediate Fantasy Football Takeaways From Saturday’s Games

The second week of the NFL preseason is in the books, and the fantasy football community is buzzing with potential sleepers and breakout candidates. While preseason games are often filled with shaky play and rotations, they offer glimpses of potential for the upcoming season. Here’s a breakdown of the key fantasy takeaways from Saturday’s action, focusing on the players who made a significant impact.

QB: The Rise of the Backup

With several starters sitting out, this week saw a lot of action from backup quarterbacks. Here’s what stood out:

• Desmond Ridder, Atlanta Falcons: Ridder had a strong showing against the Cincinnati Bengals, completing 10 of 13 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown. He also showed good mobility, rushing for 34 yards on four carries. While Marcus Mariota remains the starter for now, Ridder’s performance solidified his spot as a potential fantasy option if Mariota falters.

• Bailey Zappe, New England Patriots: Zappe continues to impress, throwing for 205 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the Carolina Panthers. Mac Jones’ return is imminent, but Zappe’s strong preseason makes him a viable option in deeper leagues or as a potential trade asset.

RB: Finding Value Beyond the Top Tier

With the top running backs mostly sidelined, Week 2 offered opportunities for fringe players to make their case.

• Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons: Allgeier, a rookie fifth-round pick, shined against the Bengals, rushing for 59 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. He showed a clear ability to break tackles and find the end zone, solidifying his position as a potential backfield workhorse in Atlanta.

• Tyrion Davis-Price, San Francisco 49ers: Despite a 10-carry, 21-yard performance, Davis-Price showed flashes of the power running style that made him a third-round draft pick. With Elijah Mitchell’s injury history, Davis-Price could be a valuable late-round pick for those seeking upside in the running back room.

WR: The Breakout Potential is Real

The receiver position always brings intrigue, and Saturday’s games were no exception.

• Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders: Dotson showcased his explosiveness, catching three passes for 57 yards, including a touchdown. He also showed good chemistry with quarterback Carson Wentz, a positive sign for his potential role in the Commanders’ offense.

• David Bell, Cleveland Browns: Bell, a second-round pick, had a productive performance against the Philadelphia Eagles, catching six passes for 70 yards. His ability to create separation and make tough catches suggests he could emerge as a reliable target in the Browns’ offense.

TE: Tight Ends Emerge as Potential Targets

Tight ends often offer valuable contributions in fantasy, and Week 2 showcased a few players worth watching.

• Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears: Kmet continued to build on a strong 2021 season, catching four passes for 59 yards and a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks. With the departure of Allen Robinson, Kmet could see an increase in targets in the Bears’ offense.

• Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens: Likely, a fourth-round pick, had a standout performance against the Arizona Cardinals, catching five passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. His size and athleticism make him a potential red zone threat in the Ravens’ offense.

Key Takeaways to Keep in Mind:

• Preseason performance is not always a guarantee: While strong performances from players can be exciting, it’s crucial to remember that preseason games are not always indicative of regular-season production. Keep in mind that starters often play limited snaps, and offensive schemes are often simplified.

• Focus on role and opportunity: Even if a player has a great performance, consider their role within their team’s offense. Is their opportunity likely to increase in the regular season? How does their role fit into the overall team strategy?

• Don’t overreact to one game: It’s important to analyze multiple games and factors to form a comprehensive view of a player’s potential. Avoid making rash decisions based on a single preseason game.

Looking Ahead: Week 3 and Beyond

While preseason Week 2 provided valuable insights, the upcoming weeks will offer even more clarity. Keep an eye on the players who continue to shine and their roles within their respective offenses. Pay attention to the key starters returning to action and how they perform alongside their backups. As we move closer to the regular season, the picture will become clearer, and the fantasy football landscape will start to solidify.

Remember, preseason football is all about opportunity and potential. Use these takeaways to guide your fantasy football research and make informed decisions for your upcoming drafts!