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Fantasy Football: 10 things to watch Preseason Week 3

By Zachary Thompson

Aug 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) warms up prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) warms up prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston (right) and Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota do an interview on the NFL Network after finishing their workout during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston (right) and Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota do an interview on the NFL Network after finishing their workout during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Two Rookie QBs

One of the biggest stories of the season will be the development of the top two QB’s from last year’s NFL Draft.  Both Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston have been solid this preseason, but they have also struggled at times in their adjustment to the NFL.  All the receiver and running backs on the Bucs and Titans will only have value if Winston and Mariota are decent, so watch to see where those players are worth considering in your draft.

Jameis Winston has an additional element to monitor as well after sustaining a minor ankle injury in Monday Night’s game against the Bengals.  In that game, Winston showed great improvement over his shaky week 1.  He ran for a touchdown and completed 8-of-13 passes for 90 passing yards.  It was the first positives we’ve had for Winston who has reportedly struggled during his first NFL camp.

Winston’s success or failure will have a huge impact on the value of RB Doug Martin who could be primed for a bounce back season as well as WR Mike Evans who is being drafted highly as his go-to option especially in the red zone.  If Winston can finish the preseason strong against the Browns, he will improve his stock as a QB2 and also boost Martin and Evans into usable fantasy options for the Bucs Week 1 opener when they’ll host the Titans.

Leading the Titans into that week 1 clash will be Marcus Mariota who has actually looked better than Winston despite making the shift from Oregon’s spread attack to a more traditional NFL offense. He’ll face his third test of the preseason this week at Arrowhead Stadium as the Titans take on the Chiefs.

So far this preseason, Mariota has been pretty good going 12-of-16 for 153 yards, an interception, and a touchdown.  His continued growth could help some Titans emerge as sleeper options, so makes sure to watch him this week in KC to see the Titans’ first-team offense take on the Chiefs’ D.

Next: 5. Patriots WR Situation

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