Below is a summary for each team from Week 1 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.

Sunday Games - Preseason Week 1

Miami Dolphins

Quarterback

• Tua Tagovailoa played one drive with 15 snaps. He went five of six for 27 yards.
• Zach Wilson was the QB2.

Running Back

• De'Von Achane played the first eight snaps of the game before calling it a night.
• Jaylen Wright entered the game after Achane to finish the first drive. Wright handled 53% of the attempts over three drives as the clear-cut RB2. He also had three carries from inside the five-yard line—one of which was a score. Wright has been falling down draft boards, but appears locked into the No. 2 role in Miami.
• Alexander Mattison was the RB3. He did notch two attempts inside the five-yard line while Wright was still in the game. Reports from camp have noted a potential goal-line role for Mattison.
• Ollie Gordon didn't enter the game until the end of the third quarter.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle (oblique), and Darren Waller (hamstring) rested.
• Nick Westbrook-Ikhine led the team with a 100% route participation with the starters but wasn't targeted by Tagovailoa.
• Dee Eskridge was the WR2 with an 87% route participation and saw one target.
• Malik Washington was limited to a 40% route participation rate, but led the team with four targets (67%) with the starters.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Austin Jackson (RT).
• Starters Played: Patrick Paul (LT), Aaron Brewer (C), James Daniels (RG), and Jonah Savaiinaea (RT) played with the starters. Daniels and Brewer played one drive. Paul played three. Savaiinaea played four.
• Note: Larry Borom (LG) filled in while Savaiinaea kicked to right tackle for Jackson.

RELATED: Check out (and customize!) Fantasy LIfe's 2025 projections here

Chicago Bears

Quarterback

• Caleb Williams rested.
• Tyson Bagent started and played 30 snaps over five possessions. Bagent went 13 of 19 for 103 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Running Back

• D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson (foot) rested.
• Kyle Monangai handled 83% of the snaps and 67% of the attempts with Bagent on the field. The rookie seventh-rounder collected 30 yards on six attempts and was active in the pass game with a 60% route participation. Rumblings from camp have Monangai pushing for reps.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet rested.
• Luther Burden posted an 82% route participation and a 16% target share. However, he entered the game after Devin Duvernay and Tyler Scott.
• Colston Loveland played the first two drives, posting a 100% route participation and 50% target share. Kmet got the night off as the veteran, but expect Loveland to push for playing time early in the season.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Joe Thuney (LG), Drew Dalman (C), Jonah Jackson (RG), Darnell Wright.
• Starters Played: Braxton Jones (LT) played three drives. 

New Orleans Saints

Quarterback

• Spencer Rattler started and played 28 snaps in five drives. Rattler went 7 of 11 for 53 yards and was sacked three times.
• Tyler Shough entered the game late in the second quarter. He went 15 of 22 for 165 yards with a TD and an INT.

Running Back

• Alvin Kamara rested.
• Kendre Miller started and played 82% of the snaps over the first three drives. He also notched a 67% route participation. Miller hasn't been healthy over his first two seasons, but has a shot at the RB2 role.
• Velus Jones was on the field for the first drive and accounted for 6 snaps with Rattler on the field.
• Cam Akers handled 71% of the snaps on the three drives after Miller's night was done.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Chris Olave (ankle) and Rashid Shaheed rested.
• Brandin Cooks started and played one drive. He saw two targets on his 88% route participation. Cooks is the Day 1 favorite to operate as the WR3 in New Orleans.
• Cedrick Wilson and Mason Tipton both posted a 77% route participation rate while Rattler was on the field.
• Juwan Johnson played the first drive and posted an 80% route participation. It's only one drive, so we don't want to overreact, but it is something to monitor. Johnson has never had a full-time role, but that could change in 2025 with Taysom Hill injured.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Erik McCoy (C)
• Starters Played: Cesar Ruiz (RG) and Taliese Fuaga (RT) played one drive. Kelvin Banks (LT) and Trevor Penning (LG) played four drives.

Los Angeles Chargers

Quarterback

• Justin Herbert rested.
• Taylor Heinicke got the start and played 11 snaps on three drives. He went 1 of 5 for eight yards.
• Trey Lance was the QB2 in this one.

Running Back

• Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris (eye) did not play.
• Kimani Vidal accounted for 55% of snaps, 60% of attempts, and delivered a 50% route participation with Heinicke.
• Hassan Haskins played each drive with Heinicke as well. He finished with a 46% snap share, 40% attempt share, and a 50% route participation rate.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Ladd McConkey (undisclosed injury), Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston rested.
• KeAndre Lambert-Smith saw two targets (40%) on his 100% route participation with Henicke. KLS is likely the WR4 or WR5, but his momentum is strong. We could see him taking reps from other players at some point during the season.
• Tre Harris played 100% of the pass plays and registered one target.
• Oronde Gadsden II played 67% of the pass plays with Heinicke, but Tyler Conklin only played the first drive. 

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Joe Alt (LT), Bradley Bozeman (C), Mekhi Becton (RG), Trey Pipkins (RT)
• Starters Played: Zion Johnson (LG) played three drives.

Preseason Week 1: Saturday Games

New York Giants

Quarterback

• Russell Wilson started and played 11 snaps on the first drive. He went 6 of 7 for 28 yards.
• Jaxson Dart entered the game on the second drive and played the next four. He dropped back to pass on 21 of his 30 snaps, completing 12 of 19 passes for 154 yards and a TD. He also scrambled twice for 20 yards and rushed for four yards on a designed attempt. Dart averaged 0.60 points per dropback, showing off an alluring dual-threat upside. If Dart ever takes over the QB1 job in New York, he will offer immediate top-12 upside. He is a QB3 stash in superflex formats.
• Jameis Winston was the QB3.
   

Running Back

• Cam Skattebo didn't play due to injury.
• Tyrone Tracy started the game and played the first four snaps, but Devin Singletary mixed in as well. Tracy dominated the rushing attempts (75%), but Singletary bested him in route participation at 57% with the starters. We don't want to overreact to a small sample, but it's notable that Singletary saw work on the first drive with the starters. Tracy as an early-down option without pass-down, on a meh offense, isn't super appealing.
• Devin Singletary saw playing time with the starters and outsnapped Tracy 55% to 45% thanks to a 57% route participation rate. Singletary might not be entirely out of the mix for playing time, but it's hard to know with Skattebo sitting out. The Giants might have been trying to feature Singletary behind the starting offensive line for trade purposes. 
   

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton rested.
• Wan'Dale Robinson posted an 86% route participation on the first drive before calling it a night. It's a crazy small sample, but worth noting, Robinson didn't play his typical role as the low-aDOT slot. He worked from the slot only 38% of the time and notched a 12.0 aDOT with Wilson. He played 40% of the snaps in two-WR sets.
• Lil'Jordan Humphrey played the first five drives and might be the backup to Slayton.
• Theo Johnson garnered a 71% route participation, playing just one drive with the starters. With Nabers and Slayton out, he took advantage of the opportunity, leading the team with a 33% target share. Johnson is a Year 2 athletic freak who could surprise as the No. 2 target in the Giants' offense in 2025. Johnson is a sleeper TE option in deep leagues.
   

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Andre Thomas (RT) - on the PUP.
• Starters Played: Jon Runyan (LG), John Michael Schmitz (C), Greg Van Roten (RG), and  Jermaine Eluemunor (RT) played the first drive with Wilson.

Buffalo Bills

Quarterback

• Josh Allen rested.
• Mitchell Trubisky started and played 20 snaps over five drives.
   

Running Back

• James Cook (contract) did not play.
• Ray Davis started and played the first five drives with Trubisky. He handled 60% of the snaps and 57% of attempts. He was also active in the passing game, notching a 62% route participation and a 15% target share. Davis handled 100% of the two-minute offense—a role formerly reserved for Ty Johnson. Johnson took on the LDD work (less valuable) but, surprisingly, was the short-yardage back as well. Still, Davis is favorably positioned should Cook miss time, especially if this passing game work is for real. He is a fine RB4 to RB5 target.
• Ty Johnson mixed in with Davis and exited the game with the starting offensive line unit.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Khalil Shakir (ankle) and Curtis Samuel (hamstring) rested.
• Keon Coleman had a 100% route participation in the three drives with the starting offensive linemen. He retired after the third drive. The second-year Round 2 pick appears positioned for a full-time role. He wasn't very good as a rookie, but it looks like he will get another shot. Coleman is a WR4/WR5 option in fantasy.
• Joshua Palmer played 100% of the reps with the starters and delivered the team with a 38% target share. Palmer has never been a high-end target earner, so I don't see this trend continuing. He appears locked into a starting role in Buffalo. Palmer is a WR5 option in fantasy.
• Elijah Moore started in the slot (86%) with Shakir and Samuel sidelined. When Shakir is healthy, this role likely evaporates. However, Moore could overtake Samuel as the No. 2 slot option behind Shakir.
• Dalton Kincaid was better than the data above because he left the game after two drives. In those two drives, he posted a 60% route participation (not ideal) but had a 20% target share. He only played half the snaps in 11 personnel and operated from the slot on 50% of reps. Kincaid continues to tell the same story: notable underlying data (33% TPRR) in a part-time role (60% routes).

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Spencer Brown (RT)
• Starters Played: Dion Dawkins (LT), David Edwards (LG), Connor McGovern (C), O'Cyrus Torrence (RG) played three drives.

Houston Texans

Quarterback

• C.J. Stroud rested.
• Davis Mills started and played 10 snaps on one drive. He went 4 of 5 for 50 yards and a TD.
• Kedon Slovis was the QB3,

Running Back

• Joe Mixon (foot) and Nick Chubb (head) rested.
• Dare Ogunbowale got the start and played 100% of the snaps with Mills.
• Woody Marks entered the game on the second drive and played into the third quarter. The rookie offers a high-end receiving profile, but hasn't catapulted Ogunbowale yet on the depth chart.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, and Dalton Schultz rested.
• Jayden Higgins rotated heavily with other options despite Collins, Kirk, and Schultz sitting. He registered a 60% route participation. On a positive note, he left the game after three drives—well ahead of many of the other options that played on the first drive.
• Jaylin Noel (40% route participation and 20% target share) also left the game after only three drives, indicating he is ahead of John Metchie III and Justin Watson. This depth chart seems highly unsettled, which could make Noel a massive value. He goes undrafted on many sites.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: 4 of 5 projected starters.
• Starters Played: Aireontae Ersery (RT). The rookie second-rounder played one drive with Mills

Minnesota Vikings

Quarterback

• J.J. McCarthy played one drive. He dropped back to pass on 8 of 12 snaps. The second-year QB went 4 of 7, passing for 30 yards. He also tacked on a scramble of eight yards.
• Sam Howell was the QB2, handling the next three drives.

Running Back

• Aaron Jones rested.
• Jordan Mason handled 100% of the snaps with the starters. He ran the ball four times for 20 yards. He retired for the night after one drive.
• Ty Chandler was the No. 2 behind Mason and played until halftime.
• Zavier Scott entered the game on the third drive and remained in the game until the fourth quarter.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Justin Jefferson rested.
• Jordan Addison played every snap with McCarthy and led the team with a 50% target share. Once done with his three-game suspension, Addison will challenge T.J. Hockenson for targets as the No. 2 option behind Jefferson.
• Jalen Nailor is currently the WR3, but saw a 100% route participation with Jefferson out. Nailor's night was done after two drives.
• Tai Felton entered the game on the second drive with the backups and played into the fourth quarter.
• T.J. Hockenson posted a 75% route participation.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Christian Darrisaw (LT) is recovering from a Week 8 ACL/MCL injury.
• Starters Played: Donovan Jackson (LG), Ryan Kelly (C), Will Fries (RG), and Brian O'Neill (RT) played the first drive with McCarthy.

Dallas Cowboys

Quarterback

• Dak Prescott rested.
• Joe Milton started and played 88% of snaps. He passed for 143 yards with one TD and one INT. Milton ran for 10 yards on two scrambles and added 12 more yards on three designed run attempts.

Running Back

• Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and Jaydon Blue rested.
• Deuce Vaughn started and played the first two drives.
• Phil Mafah was the RB3. 

Wide Receiver and Tight End

1. CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson rested.
2. Jalen Tolbert started and played 100% of the snaps over the first three drives.
3. Jonathan Mingo started and played 100% of the snaps over the first three drives.
4. Luke Schoonmaker posted a 100% route participation over the first three drives.

Offensive Line

• Starters rested: All.

Los Angeles Rams

Quarterback

• Matthew Stafford (back) rested.
• Jimmy Garoppolo rested.
• Stetson Bennett started and played 91% of the snaps.

Running Back

• Kyren Williams rested.
• Blake Corum started the game and played four drives. He rotated with Jarquez Hunter. Over those four series, he led the backfield in snaps (59%), attempts (64%), and targets (13%). He split time in the SDD and LDD work. Corum only played four drives before resting. This feels like a close battle (and a potential committee if Williams misses time), but the data leans slightly toward Corum as the RB2.
• Jarquez Hunter mixed in with Corum, but trailed him in most categories in their four drives together. Hunter played into the third quarter. We will see how this plays out next week. 

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, Tyler Higbee, and Terrance Ferguson rested.
• The Rams rarely tip their hand with preseason data, and with so many starters resting, there isn't much to discuss at WR/TE.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: All.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Quarterback

• Aaron Rodgers rested.
• Mason Rudolph played two drives with 11 dropbacks. He went 9 of 10 for 84 yards and a TD.

Running Back

• Jaylen Warren rested. This will likely be a committee backfield, but Warren resting with the starters is a good sign for his standing in the pecking order.
• Kenneth Gainwell started—in true Arthur Smith fashion. He played the first four plays of the initial series and retired for the night. Gainwell and Warren are similar archetype backs, so he could be a thing if Warren misses time. Gainwell could also create a bi-furcated backfield should Warren miss time, which hurts Kaleb Johnson's contingent upside.
• Kaleb Johnson entered the game after Gainwell on the first drive and played five drives. He rushed the ball eight times for 20 yards. He posted a 69% snap share, but Warren sat out. Johnson looks like the RB2 in Pittsburgh for now, but we should see a healthy dose of both backs.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin, Jonnu Smith, and Pat Freiermuth rested.
• Roman Wilson was the WR1 with the starting offensive line in the game. He played three drives before calling it a night. Still, with so many starters out, you would expect more than a 64% route participation. Wilson looks like the WR4 in Pittsburgh, but he could rotate if the team needs WR help.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested:  Isaac Seumalo (LG)
• Starters Played: Broderick Jones (LT), Zach Frazier (C), Mason McCormick (RG), and Troy Fautanu (RT) played two drives with Rudolph.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarterback

• Trevor Lawrence played the first drive (8 snaps). He went 6 of 7 for 43 yards. Lawrence also scrambled once for 3 yards.
• Nick Mullens was the QB2.
   

Running Back

• Travis Etienne played 100% of the snaps with Lawrence. He handled 67% of the attempts and notched a 14% target share on an 88% route participation. It's important to remember that this is a one-drive sample. Coaches often begin rotations on the second or third drive. Etienne has shown every-down chops in the past, so a 70% snap share isn't outside the range of outcomes.
• Tank Bigsby didn't play with Lawrence, but played the next two drives before retiring for the evening.
• LeQuint Allen entered the game on the second drive to handle an LDD snap (third and 13). However, he didn't get much more work until the fourth quarter.
• Bhayshul Tuten took over for Bigsy in the second quarter. Tuten is behind Etienne and Bigsby, but he still offers the sort of traits that could make him a late-season breakout.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Brian Thomas Jr. never left the game when Lawrence was in, registering a 100% route participation and 29% target share.
• Travis Hunter played 88% of the offensive plays with Lawrence. He matched Thomas in target share (29%). He was primarily a low aDOT option in his first outing. Hunter played 100% of the defensive snaps on the second and third series. If Hunter plays 80 to 90% of pass plays on offense, he is going to be a steal in Round 6 of drafts.
• Dyami Brown appears locked into the WR3, matching camp reports and his contract. Posted a 75% route participation with the starters. He also called it a day after one drive.  Brown is a viable late-round best ball selection. He isn't a great talent but he will have some random days where his playing time leads to a spike game.
• Parker Washington looks like the WR4.
• Brenton Strange notched a 63% route participation and 20% TPRR on his lone drive. It's a positive that Strange left the game with the starting offense, but we need a route participation number over 70%, preferably over 80% to keep him in the sleeper TE conversation. This is a situation to monitor.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Patrick Mekari (RG).
• Starters Played: Walker Little (LT), Ezra Cleveland (LG), Robert Hainsey (C), and Anton Harrison (RT) played the first drive.

Tennessee Titans

Quarterback

• Cam Ward played 14 snaps on two drives. He completed five of eight tosses for 67 yards. He made quick throws and also showed the ability to hold the ball and find a receiver downfield. One ball should have been a pick.

Running Back

• Tony Pollard dominated work over the first two drives with a 79% snap share, 67% rush share, and a 75% route participation rate. He rushed the ball four times for nine yards and scored on one of his two attempts inside the five-yard line. If Spears misses significant time, Pollard could see a fantasy boost early in the year.
• Tyjae Spears entered the game on the second drive and suffered a high-ankle sprain on the third series. This was almost the worst possible outcome we could have dreamed. Spears was less involved than anticipated with the starters and got hurt after the other starters were gone from the game. High-ankle sprains are tricky to recover from—there is a chance Spears isn't the same the rest of the season. Spears downgrades to RB5 territory. He could start really slow.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Calvin Ridley dominated the passing attack with Ward, bogarting 43% of the targets and 56% of the air yards. He caught all three of his targets for 50 yards.
• Tyler Lockett notched an 88% route participation with most of his reps coming from the slot (89%). He left the field when the team went to two-TE sets.
• Van Jefferson is playing his annual placeholder role in camp. He had a 100% route participation with the starters. I don't think there is much to see here—expect the younger WRs on the team to challenge Jefferson for routes as the season progresses.
• Elic Ayomanor saw a little action with the starters on the second drive (13% route participation). Ayomanor looks like the WR4 for now, but could push Jefferson and Lockett off the field as the season progresses.
• Chig Okonkwo notched a 100% route participation rate with the starters. Okonkwo has flashed strong underlying talent traits. He played more as last season progressed, and the team gave him a test run as a full-time player in Weeks 16 and 17 with an 85% route participation. He averaged 14 PPG with a 27% target share. This playing time could be an extension of those performances. Okonkwo is a fantastic sleeper option at tight end.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Lloyd Cushenberry (C) is on the PUP recovering from a Week 9 Achilles injury. Kevin Zeitler missed the game for the birth of his child.
• Starters Played: Dan Moore (LT), Peter Skoronski (LG), JC Latham (RT)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarterback

• Baker Mayfield rested.
• Kyle Trask started and played 60% of snaps. He went 12 of 16 for 129 yards without a TD.

Running Back

• Bucky Irving rested because he is a stud, y'all. Just one more data point telling us he is entrenched as the RB1 for this team.
• Rachaad White started and played 100% of the snaps on the first drive. He suffered a groin injury on the second drive. We will have to monitor White's health, but the door is open for Sean Tucker to impress or for Irving to gobble up pass-down work.
• Owen Wright operated as the RB3, entering the game on the second drive with the injury to White.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Mike Evans and Cade Otton rested. Chris Godwin continues to miss time recovering from his mid-season 2024 ankle injury.
• Emeka Egbuka played one drive and lived up to his camp hype. The Round 1 NFL Draft pick was targeted twice and hauled in a reception for 21 yards. He and Trask were unable to connect on an endzone target. The consistent drumbeat for Egbuka is deafening—the days of getting him cheap could be coming to an end. He has climbed from Round 9 to Round 6 in Underdog drafts—going well before Godwin. I still love Egbuka (my most-drafted WR) and have bumped him up the ranks, but we are encroaching on territory where the value is diminished. In Rounds 8 and 9, he was a great beat as a WR4 who had paths to WR2 upside. Now we are drafting him as a WR3. There is still some room, but it's getting tight.
• Jalen McMillan started and posted a 100% route participation on the first drive. He caught one ball for 25 yards. McMillan continues to look like a big-play threat and carries contingent value should Mike Evans or Chris Godwin miss significant time.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: All.

New York Jets

Quarterback

• Justin Fields played the first drive (10 snaps). He went three-of-four for 42 yards and punched in a score on one of his two scrambles for 14 yards.
• Tyrod Taylor rested.

Running Back

• The Jets held true to their words regarding a rotation in the backfield, with all three backs playing on the first drive with the starters.
• Breece Hall led the way with a 50% snap share and 75% attempt share, but his 33% route participation was lower than historical rates. Ultimately, Hall dominated the opportunities and left the field with the starters while Allen and Davis continued on until halftime. I am going to slightly bump Hall down my ranks given the rotation, but want to stress that this is still a solid role and he is the back most equipped to handle an every-down role. Hall is my RB15.
• Braelon Allen handled 20% of the snaps and was the No. 2 rusher with a 25% share. He was last in route participation rate at 17%. If Hall misses time, Allen likely isn't a 1:1 replacement with Davis hanging around as the better pass-down option. Allen is getting a lot of love in the fantasy streets right now, and while he deserves a bump up the ranks, my guess is folks will push him too far based on clips of him running through wide open lanes. Allen is an RB4.
• Isaiah Davis is the real surprise here. Davis matched Hall's route participation (33%) and was the LDD back (100%). If Hall misses any time, Davis is well-positioned to force a committee with Allen as the primary passing-down option.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Mason Taylor (ankle) rested.
• Garrett Wilson led the team in routes (100%) and target share (25%). Wilson is a star stuck in one of the worst passing offenses in the NFL with Fields at the helm.
• Josh Reynolds looks like the WR2 (83% route participation), which matches camp reports. Reynolds retired to the sideline with Fields and Wilson after one drive.
• Allen Lazard started but injured his shoulder.
• Tyler Johnson stepped into the slot role and tied for the team lead in targets at 25%.
• Arian Smith saw a little action (17% route participation) with the first-string offense. He isn't a great prospect, but he has the speed to help stretch defenses out.
• Jeremy Ruckert notched an 83% route participation rate. He is battling Taylor for the starting TE role.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: John Simpson (LG)
• Starters Played: Olu Fashanu (LT), Joe Tippman (C), Alija Vera-Tucker (RG), Armand Membou (RT)

Green Bay Packers

Quarterback

• Jordan Love played 11 snaps on two drives. He completed one of five passes for seven yards.
• Malik Willis was the QB2.

Running Back

• MarShawn Lloyd (groin) rested.
• Josh Jacobs played one snap before retiring for the evening.
• Chris Brooks played 91% of the snaps and handled 100% of the attempts. He posted a 67% route participation rate. Brooks is the current favorite for RB2 duties in Green Bay with Lloyd continually in the trainers' room.
• Israel Abanikanda entered the game after the starters left as the RB3.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Jayden Reed (walking boot) and Dontayvion Wicks (calf) did not play.
• Matthew Golden notched a 100% route participation and 20% target share. He remained on the field in two-WR sets. Golden is simply priced too low for a Round 1 draft pick in a situation without a defined pecking order. Golden is a low-end WR3 with WR1 upside, making him one of my most-drafted players through ~80 drafts.
• Romeo Doubs continues to lock down the WR2 role (100% route participation). It's hard to get too excited about Doubs in redraft. He has never shown to be a high-end target earner for an extended period. However, he is a viable target in best ball formats where his playing time gives you a chance for spike weeks.
• Tucker Kraft garnered an 83% (fantastic) route participation after battling a recent groin injury, which is a positive. Similar to Golden, I am betting on Kraft as an emerging young talent in a passing offense looking for a superstar.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Rasheed Walker (LT)
• Starters Played: Aaron Banks (LG), Elgton Jenkins (C), Zach Tom (RG), and Sean Rhyan (RT) all played with Love. Rhyan continued to play through the sixth drive.
• Note: First-round pick Jordan Morgan (LT) started and played the first six drives.

Kansas City Chiefs

Quarterback

• Patrick Mahomes played the first drive (two snaps). He completed his only pass attempt for a one-yard TD.
• Gardner Minshew was the QB2, playing the second and third drives.
   

Running Back

• Isiah Pacheco played the first drive with Mahomes and retired for the day. It's a small sample, but Pacheco as the RB1 aligns with what we saw the last two years.
• Kareem Hunt played 75% of the snaps on the second series and handled 50% of the rushing attempts. Hunt left the game after the second drive.
• Elijah Mitchell played 25% of snaps on the second drive with the starting offensive line. He didn't have a carry but ran a route on 20% of dropbacks. Andy Reid has mentioned Mitchell in a role similar to Jerick McKinnon, which aligns with this utilization.
• Brashard Smith didn't enter the game until the third quarter and played into the fourth. This doesn't mean Smith can't climb the depth chart, but right now he is at the bottom.
   

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown rested.
• Travis Kelce played the first drive.
• Xavier Worthy played the first two drives.
• Tyquan Thornton played 100% of pass plays over the first two drives. He has been the topic of camp buzz for multiple weeks. It looks like he might be one of the top backups for the Chiefs.
• Jalen Royals secured an 83% route participation and a 20% target share over the first two drives. The rookie played through the sixth offensive series. Royals is another top depth piece for KC.
   

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: None.
• Starters Played: Josh Simmons (LT), Kingsley Suamataia (LG), and Creed Humphrey (C) played two drives. Trey Smith (RG) played one drive.

Arizona Cardinals

Quarterback

• Kyler Murray played 17 snaps over two drives. He completed seven of nine passes for 96 yards, but his one incompletion was an interception. Murray ran twice for nine yards.
• Jacoby Brissett was the QB2.

Running Back

• James Conner led the first drive with an 88% snap share and was finished for the night.
• Trey Benson played 13% of the snaps on the first drive. He handled 100% of the snaps over the next three drives. Benson gained 20 yards on a screen pass and had another long screen pass for a TD called back. We have heard more and more talk about a closer split between Conner and Benson this season, making this a situation to monitor.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Marvin Harrison Jr. led the team in routes (100%) and targets (25%) with Murray and the starters. He worked downfield (14.0 aDOT), dominating air yards (60%).
• Zay Jones worked ahead of Michael Wilson, who has been battling an injury. Recent buzz from camp placed Jones ahead of Wilson and our first preseason action matches.
• Michael Wilson might not be the WR2 in the Cardinals offense anymore. Jones worked ahead of him, which is a trend noted from camp observers as well.
• Trey McBride posted a 100% route participation on the first drive, but only played one snap on the second drive. I will monitor this moving forward, but am not sweating McBride's playing time.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: None.
• Starters Played: Paris Johnson Jr. (LT), Hjalte Froholdt (LG), Evan Brown (C), Isaiah Adams (RG), Jonah Williams (RT)

Denver Broncos

Quarterback

• Bo Nix played three series with 18 snaps. He was 6 of 11 for 31 yards.
• Jarrett Stidham was the QB2.

Running Back

• RJ Harvey dominated the backfield work with the starters despite recent reports of J.K. Dobbins as the RB1. He accounted for 67% of snaps and 100% of the rushing attempts. He gave way to Dobbins in the LDD situations, but those aren't worth much in fantasy. The backs are usually blocking and don't get many targets even when they release from the backfield because they are too far from the first-down sticks. Harvey was highly involved in the passing game with a 40% TPRR. Harvey is a high-upside mid-range RB2.
  • Editor's Note: Per Benjamin Allbright, Harvey was not supposed to start, but Dobbins "lost his helmet or something".
• J.K. Dobbins operated as the RB2 behind Harvey in the first preseason game. Rumblings from camp placed Dobbins atop the depth chart, but this data tells a different story. Given the Broncos Round 2 draft capital investment into Harvey, I have been skeptical about Dobbins as the RB1 all along. We will continue to monitor the situation, but Dobbins should be thought of as an RB4 or RB5 for now.
• Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin split the backfield on the two drives after the starters were done.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Courtland Sutton is locked in as the WR1. He led the team in routes (100%) and tied for the team lead in targets (30%).
• Marvin Mims Jr. played a near full-time role with the starters, garnering an 82% route participation. He retired to the sideline with the starters after three drives. If Mims plays this much in the regular season, he will be a massive value at ADP.
• Troy Franklin has received a ton of buzz over the last two weeks at training camp. He worked as the No. 3 option with a 64% route participation and tied Sutton with a 30% target share. Franklin remained in the game for two more drives after the starters departed. Franking is a late-round sleeper in deep leagues.
• Devaughn Vele was seeing a lot of reps in camp with the first team, but those evaporated in the first preseason game.
• Evan Engram was the clear-cut No. 1 TE with the starters, securing an 82% route participation. He retired with the starters after the third series.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: None.
• Starters Played: Garett Bolles (LT), Ben Powers (LG), Luke Wattenberg (C), Quinn Meinerz (RG), and Mike McGlinchey (RT) played all three drives with Nix.

San Francisco 49ers

Quarterback

• Brock Purdy rested.
• Mac Jones started and played three drives. He completed four of seven passes for 74 yards and one interception.

Running Back

• Christian McCaffrey, Isaac Guerendo (shoulder), and Jordan James (finger) did not play.
• Patrick Taylor played all 15 snaps with Jones.
• Corey Kiner was the RB2 for the night.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Jauan Jennings (calf), Ricky Pearsall, George Kittle, and Jacob Cowing (hamstring) rested.
• DeMarcus Robinson and Jordan Watkins led the way with most starters out or hurt. They both posted 100% route participation rates with Jones. Watkins notched a 50% target share and Robinson garnered 33%.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Trent Williams (LT), Jake Brendel (C), Dominick Puni (RG), Colton McKivitz (RT)
• Starters Played: Ben Bartch (LG) played three drives.

Preseason Week 1: Friday Games

Detroit Lions

Quarterback

• Jared Goff rested.
• Hendon Hooker started and played 23 snaps, going 7 of 10 for 38 yards. He added 27 yards on three scrambles.
• Kyle Allen finished the game with 23 snaps. He was 7 of 8 for 120 yards and 2 TDs. 

Running Back

• Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery rested.
• Craig Reynolds (57% snaps) and Jabari Small (44%) rotated while Hooker was in the game. Small saw more pass-down reps at 50%.
• Jacob Saylors was the RB3 on the night.
   

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, Kalif Raymond, Dominic Lovett (abdominal injury), Sam LaPorta, and Brock Wright sat out.
• Isaac TeSlaa played 100% of the pass plays with Hooker, notching a 20% target share. He caught a TD from Kyle Allen in the second quarter. The Lions traded three third-round picks to move up to pick No. 70 in Round 3 this year to secure TeSlaa. The 6'4", 215-pounder might currently be behind Patrick for the No. 3 WR role, but that could change quickly. TeSlaa is a late-round sleeper in deep leagues and offers significant contingent upside should the Lions suffer an injury to a primary weapon.
   

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: All.

Atlanta Falcons

Quarterback

• Michael Penix Jr. rested.
• Easton Stick started and played 72% of the snaps.
• Emory Jones played the rest as the QB2 for the night.

Running Back

• All key starters and backups rested.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• All key starters and backups rested.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: All.

Cleveland Browns

Quarterback

• Joe Flacco rested.
• Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel didn't play due to injury.
• Shedeur Sanders started and played 68% of the snaps. He finished the night with 138 yards and two TDs. He completed 14 of 23 attempts and scrambled twice for 11 yards. Sanders remains buried on the depth chart, but injuries have opened the door for him to climb the depth chart with strong play.
• Tyler Huntley was the QB2.

Running Back

• Jerome Ford rested, but it's unclear whether this is due to him being the incumbent starter or his recent return from injury.
• Dylan Sampson started and played 73% of the snaps on the first two drives before calling it a night. The fourth-round rookie handled all the RB totes and remained on the field on passing downs. Sampson is battling Ford for the No. 1 role with Quinshon Judkins' future undetermined.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and David Njoku rested.
• Jamari Thrash started and dominated slot reps, which matches recent reports from camp. It appears that Thrash is indeed the WR3 as of today in Cleveland.
• Diontae Johnson operated mostly outside and deep. He led the team with a 48% air yards share over the first four drives. Johnson is behind Jeudy and Tillman for work on the outside and is now trailing Thrash for slot work.
• Harold Fannin Jr. only played two drives, so the 42% route share above isn't 100% accurate. He was at 63% in his two drives. Still, that paints him primarily as a receiving-only TE, which is our primary concern. He operated from the slot on 67% of plays. Fannin isn't battling Njoku. He is battling Thrash and Johnson for reps as the third receiver.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: All.

Carolina Panthers

Quarterback

• Bryce Young played the first two drives and went 4 of 6 for 58 yards and a TD. He made several good throws, including a perfect drop in the bucket to Tetairoa McMillan down the sideline. With improved weapons and a solid offensive line, Young could look more like the version we remember from Alabama. Young offers upside as a late-round option in 2025 fantasy drafts.

Running Back

• Chuba Hubbard started and played the first two drives with the starters. He secured 50% of the snaps and a 60% attempt share. It's a tiny sample, but Hubbard's 43% route participation is worth watching. He was not efficient as a receiver last year, and the team could decide to spell him more often in that capacity in 2025.
• Rico Dowdle was the clear RB2, matching his contract and all reports from camp. He notched 40% of the attempts and posted a 57% route participation. He played on the first drive on third down and six (Young was sacked).
• Trevor Etienne entered the game on the fourth drive and played into the third quarter as the RB3.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Tetairoa McMillan is my WR19 (highest among our staff) for a reason, y'all. This is an alpha target earner entering an environment with low competition. Last night, we caught an immediate glimpse of the potential with McMillan never leaving the field and notching a 50% target share. McMillan is a mid-range WR2 you can draft as a WR3, but maybe not for much longer.
• Adam Thielen was second on the team in route participation (86%) and operated primarily from the slot (89%). Xavier Legette's ejection clouds how actionable these data points are, though. Theilen left the field in two-WR sets.
• Xavier Legette was ejected for fighting on the second drive, but was working as one of the starting three WRs.
• Jalen Coker entered the game on the second drive after Legette's ejection and did that thing coke heads love—he made plays. The second-year WR caught a TD pass and was targeted on 25% of his routes. Coker is currently fourth-string on the depth chart, but don't be surprised if he passes Legette or Thielen this year.
• Hunter Renfrow didn't play.
• Ja'Tavion Sanders posted a 71% route participation.
• Tommy Tremble didn't play due to injury, opening the door for Mitchell Evans to operate as the TE2.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Damien Lewis (LG) didn't play due to a shoulder strain.
• Starters Played: The other four starters played all 12 snaps with Young.

Washington Commanders

Quarterback

• Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota rested.
• Sam Hartman started and played 44% of the snaps, with Josh Johnson finishing the game with 56%.

Running Back

• Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler rested.
• Jacory Croskey-Merritt started the game and handled 100% of the attempts over the first three drives. In five drives with Sam Hartman in the game, Merritt shared reps but dominated the rushing attempts (78%). Merritt handled all the short-yardage (100% SDD) work but didn't play on pass downs (0% LDD). This data matches what we have heard from training camp—the Round 7 NFL Draft pick is the No. 3 RB in Washington. While Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are a fine starting duo, Croskey-Merritt could have what it takes to push for starting reps as the season progresses. He offers more upside than any RB on this team if things break his way. Croskey-Merritt is an excellent RB5 stash option late in fantasy drafts.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Terry McLaurin (contract), Deebo Samuel, Noah Brown, Zach Ertz, and John Bates rested.
• Luke McCaffrey started and played the first three drives, notching a 5% target share.
• Chris Moore started and played the first four drives.
• K.J. Osborn started and played five drives.
• Ben Sinnott started and played five drives, collecting a 16% target share.
• Michael Gallup and Jaylin Lane entered the game in drives 3 and 4, respectively.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: All.

Related: Create and customize your 2025 cheat sheets here!

New England Patriots

Quarterback

• Drake Maye started and played two drives (14 snaps). It wasn't a great outing with only 12 yards passing and a sack. However, he did show off those beautiful legs with two scrambles for 16 yards, including a score.
• Joshua Dobbs was the QB2, and Ben Wooldridge operated as the QB3.

Running Back

• TreVeyon Henderson handled half the snaps and dominated the passing work with a 75% route participation. Maye targeted him on 60% of his passes. Henderson also electrified the crowd with a 100-yard kickoff return for a TD on his first touch in the NFL. Yes, Stevenson got most of the early-down work, but Henderson was electric on the ground as well. The Patriots can't afford to keep this man off the field. I have been a TreVeyon bull all offseason as the highest ranker, and am now entrenched. I want this man in every draft. Henderson is a mid-range RB2 with high-end RB1 upside, and he doesn't need 60% of the attempts to do it.
• Rhamondre Stevenson bogarted 83% of the rushing attempts, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. He is the favorite to handle the bulk of early-down work early in the season. There is a world where Stevenson and Henderson are two of the top four playmakers on this offense, which would open the door for both to outperform their ADP. However, the loss of pass-down work hurts Stevenson in PPR formats—he is now TD dependent in an offense we have questions about. Stevenson is fine as an RB4 or RB5 target, but it's hard to imagine his role doing anything other than shrinking with Henderson emerging.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Stefon Diggs rested.
• Mack Hollins led the way with an 88% route participation. Hollins is a good blocker, but is highly unlikely to earn targets given his track record.
• DeMario Douglas also registered an 88% route participation with 73% of his reps coming from the slot.
• Kyle Williams didn't enter the game until the second drive and played into the third quarter. While he currently sits behind Kayshon Boutte and Hollins, Williams flashed the ability to separate over the top and underneath last night. Don't let the early-season depth chart concern you—the Williams is the best bet to make the Patriots' pass game boom. His playing should improve, and if it doesn't, this passing game isn't going anywhere anyway. Williams remains a strong WR5 target that could perform more like a WR2 as the season progresses.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Morgan Moses (RT) didn't play due to injury.
• Starters Played: Will Campbell (LT), Jared Wilson (LG), Garrett Bradbury (C), Mike Onwenu (RG)

More Preseason Week 1 Fantasy Football Takeaways (Thursday)

Indianapolis Colts

Quarterback

• Anthony Richardson started the game but only attempted three passes on six snaps before injuring his finger on a sack. This injury is the latest of many setbacks for the third-year QB. He is day-to-day.
• Daniel Jones played the rest of the first half (24 snaps) after Richardson left the game. He passed for 144 yards and zero TDs.

Running Back

• Jonathan Taylor rested.
• Tyler Goodson played the first drive, matching recent camp reports of No. 2 reps behind Taylor. He then rested until handling the two-minute offense on the final drive of the half. For now, Goodson is the RB2 behind Taylor.
• DJ Giddens worked behind Goodson. It might still be a tandem approach if Taylor misses time, but Giddens isn't the clear-cut No. 2 we hoped for after the NFL Draft.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce rested.
• Tyler Warren played the first four drives, posting a 71% route participation. He split the two-WR sets with Drew Ogletree. Warren posted a 25% target share, which was 31% but a screen play didn't count due to a penalty. The Colts' Round 1 draft pick finished the night with three catches for 40 yards. We didn't have Pittman and Downs, but expect Warren to be HIGHLY involved in this passing attack. He is a low-end TE1 with upside.
• Adonai Mitchell took advantage of the playing time, delivering a 33% target share. He hauled in two of four targets for 37 yards. The 2024 second-rounder is stuck below Pierce on the depth chart for the moment.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Bernhard Raimann (T), Quenton Nelson (LG), Braden Smith (RT)
• Starters Played: Tanor Bortolini (C) and Matt Goncalves (RG) played the first half with the starting QBs.

Baltimore Ravens

Quarterback

• Lamar Jackson rested.
• Cooper Rush started and played 12 snaps on three drives.

Running Back

• Derrick Henry and Justice Hill rested.
• Keaton Mitchell returned to his first action since 2023. He handled 67% of the snaps, 71% of attempts, and posted a 60% route participation in the drives with Rush. The third-year speedster gobbled up 68 yards on nine attempts. Two of his totes went for 20-plus yards, one of which was a 22-yard TD. Mitchell was effective on limited opportunities as a rookie, averaging 11.3 PPG on a 32% snap share in six contests. Hill is the pass-down back, but Mitchell likely carries more value if Henry misses time. Mitchell is an RB6 stash option in deep leagues.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

• Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, DeAndre Hopkins, and Mark Andrews rested.
• Isaiah Likely did not play due to injury.
• LaJohntay Wester returned a punt for a sweet touchdown and added two receptions for 41 yards. He didn't enter the game until the second quarter on the fifth drive.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Ronnie Stanley (T), Tyler Linderbaum (C)
• Starters Played: Andrew Vorhees (LG), Daniel Faalele (RG), and Roger Rosengarten (RT) played all 13 snaps with Rush.

Cincinnati Bengals

Quarterback

• Joe Burrow played 15 snaps over the first two drives. Burrow tossed the rock around the yard for 123 yards and two TDs.

Running Back

• Chase Brown played 73% of snaps and accounted for 100% of the attempts in two drives with Burrow. His route participation was 60%, but he rotated off for the lone long-down-distance (LDD) snap. It's important to note that teams often don't rotate their RB2 into the game until the third drive in the regular season. That can inflate these types of scenarios. Still, this looks a lot like what we saw from Brown to finish the 2024 campaign, which made him an RB1.
• Samaje Perine was the No. 2 back with the starters. He had a 27% snap share and 40% route participation. Perine handled the LDD role. The veteran continued to work on third downs with the second team. He didn't get a carry.
• Tahj Brooks entered the game with the second-string offense. He gave way to Perine for most of the third-down work. Despite Perine's first-team reps, Brooks is still my preferred handcuff to Brown. But it isn't a guarantee that he is the guy.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Ja'Marr Chase is still good at football. He caught all four targets for 77 yards and a TD. Please put this man in bubble wrap, Zac Taylor.
• Andrei Iosivas was the WR3. He had a 70% route participation with Burrow.
• Mike Gesicki did not play.
• Drew Sample played 80% of snaps but only ran a route on 40% of pass plays.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: None.
• Starters Played: The entire starting o-line played all 15 snaps with Burrow.

Philadelphia Eagles

Quarterback

• Jalen Hurts rested.
• Tanner McKee started and played 59% of the snaps. He played well with 252 yards and two passing TDs.
• Dorian Thompson-Robinson played late.

Running Back

• Saquon Barkley rested.
• Will Shipley played the first two drives. He compiled 48 rushing yards on seven totes, including a 38-yard touchdown. After some buzz around A.J. Dillon as the No. 2 from camp, this is a nice data point for Shipley. Sometimes teams rotate starters in the preseason. We could still have a timeshare if Barkley misses time, but Shipley is the name worth drafting late.
• A.J. Dillon entered the game on the third drive after Shipley's night was over. He played through the second quarter. Early camp reports indicated Dillon might have an edge on Shipley, but that wasn't the case in this game.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert rested.
• Johnny Wilson started and played a full complement of snaps early. He garnered a 21% target share, catching all three of his targets for 73 yards. That's my ball, punk!

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Jordan Mailata (LT), Landon Dickerson (LG), Cam Jurgens (C), Lane Johnson (RT)
• Starters Played: Tyler Steen (RG) played nine snaps.

Las Vegas Raiders

Quarterback

• Geno Smith played four snaps on one drive.
• Aidan O'Connell played into the fourth quarter as the QB2.

Running Back

• Ashton Jeanty played 100% of the snaps on the first two drives. He wasn't able to get much going with -1 yard rushing on three attempts. Chill, people.
• Raheem Mostert was the No. 2 back.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Jakobi Meyers played the first drive with Smith, primarily operating from the slot (75%)
• Tre Tucker started with Meyers and left the game after one series with Meyers and Smith. Tucker looks like the early favorite for the WR2 role.
• Dont'e Thornton Jr. also started but played through the third drive. Thornton is leading the way for the WR3 spot. I still prefer him over Tucker late in drafts, given Tucker's struggles as a target earner in a full-time role in 2024.
• Jack Bech didn't enter the game until the second drive and played until halftime. He was targeted one time (7% TPRR).
• Brock Bowers rested.
• Michael Mayer started and played two series.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: None.
• Starters Played: Kolton Miller (LT) and Dylan Parham (LG) played the first drive with Smith. DJ Glaze (RT) played two drives. Jordan Meredith (RG) and Jackson Powers-Johnson (C) played into the third quarter.

Seattle Seahawks

Quarterback

• Sam Darnold rested.
• Drew Lock started and played 59% of the snaps.
• Jalen Milroe was the QB3. He notched 27 designed rush yards and 11 scramble yards. If this man ever gets on the field, he offers the dual-threat goodness fantasy managers covet.

Running Back

• Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet didn't play.
• George Holani worked ahead of Damien Martinez. Holani handled 78% of the first-quarter snaps versus 11% for Martinez.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling rested.
• Tory Horton, who has earned recent first-team reps at practice, started and posted a 95% route participation on the first four drives before retiring for the night. On those four drives, Horton led the team with a 41% target share, snaring three passes for 31 yards and a TD. Horton is a late-round sleeper in deep leagues. He could bypass MVS for the WR3 spot.

Offensive Line

• Starters Rested: Charles Cross (LT)
• Starters Played: Grey Zabel (LG), Abraham Lucas (RT)
• TBD: Jalen Sundell started at center over Olu Oluwatimi; Anthony Bradford started over Christian Haynes at right guard.

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