The Learning Curve: The Biggest Fantasy Takeaways From Preseason Week 3
Week Three of the NFL season is in the books. While there were no stunning revelations, certain blocks began to fall into place. As coaches generally rest their starters this week, players not making plays can give us just as much insight as those that are.
Ja’Kobi Lane Seals His Spot: In the Ravens last preseason game, Ja’Kobi Lane, their third round pick, was one of three WR not to play in this game. The other two? Starters Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. While Lane had been battling Devontez Walker for the WR3 spot, Walker played and Lane didn’t, indicating that he has locked down the third receiver role.
Dolphins WR1? Malik Washington: It appears Malik Washington will be Miami’s #1 WR to start the year. He only played in the first preseason game and was rested with the starters in the last two. Miami’s depth chart has him as WR1. While his name doesn’t fill you with great excitement, the #1 WR on any team deserves to be rostered.
Kendre Miller, RB2. For now.: Kendre Miller has, for the moment, emerged as the RB2 for the New Orleans Saints. With Alvin Kamara dealing with a sprained MCL, Ty Chandler being placed on IR, Devin Neal injuring his hamstring and Audric Estime just returning to practice, Kendre Miller is basically the last man standing. Miller started this week and played every snap of the first drive, before being rested.
Emmett Johnson, Walker’s Back Up?: In the Chiefs August 28 preseason game, Emmett Johnson took the majority of the snaps for the first three series. He was then pulled and rested for the remainder of the game. Emari Demarcado and Brashard Smith came in and rotated the final three quarters, indicating that Johnson is the primary back up to Kenneth Walker. Considering Walker’s injury history, targeting Johnson in the late rounds could pay off.
Pat Bryant In The Lead For #3: The Broncos rested their starters this week, including Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton. The third WR to not play? Pat Bryant. Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims, whom Bryant has been battling for that #3 spot, both played leading most to believe that Bryant will be their third wide receiver.
Chris Bell Debuts: Chris Bell, recovering from a torn ACL, made his NFL debut against the Falcons. He looked solid and, encouragingly, was targeted five times in his three drives. It will take him a while to get up to speed, but he will play a role this year.