Fantasy football managers, I know you're monitoring the preseason closely. You know drafts aren't always won in the first round. It's what you do with your picks in the middle of the draft that make or break your team. And when you look at the first week of the preseason, there are several players that not just earned a spot on their respective teams' rosters but also proved they'll ultimately be a depth player for your fantasy team. Here's a takeaway from every NFL team after the first preseason games.
Arizona Cardinals
Jeremiyah Love isn’t your RB1
This isn’t a knock on Jeremiyah Love at all. In fact, he’s probably going to be the soul of this offense. The Cardinals had no problem giving him plenty of touches (14) in his preseason debut. That said, the Cardinals are banged up and after losing Chase Bisontis, the offensive line took another hit. Love will be a great flex option or backup running back option, but I wouldn’t put the pressure of your production on him like Arizona is going to.
Atlanta Falcons
Stay away from the Atlanta quarterback room
I wouldn’t even consider taking a quarterback from Atlanta as an option; not a backup option, an emergency option and definitely not a starting one. Tua Tagovailoa is exactly who we thought he was and Michael Penix Jr. has yet to be cleared for 11-on-11 drills. The rest of the team — aside from their defensive line – is solid. Unfortunately, without a competent quarterback, nothing else really matters.
Baltimore Ravens
Ja’Kobi Lane is going to be a sneaky depth player
Ja’Kobi Lane had a big preseason debut and it should be noted that if he continues to trend upward, he could very well be WR2 on your fantasy football team. Monitor how he plays the rest of the preseason, but Lamar Jackson won’t be able to avoid getting him the ball if he’s proving he can be a big target, especially in the redzone.
Buffalo Bills
Injury to receivers should change your approach with Bills players
The Buffalo Bills are down Keon Coleman and DJ Moore right now. While neither injury should linger deep into the regular season, you should probably be cautious in going after one of them for now. Moore is probably your safest bet, as he'll be Josh Allen's No. 1 target. Coleman isn't a bad option to have; you just never know what he's going to do. He's been underproducing my fantasy standards since he was drafted and expecting anything more from him — even with a big 2026 preseason debut — is fools gold.
Carolina Panthers
Don’t draft their defense, it’s not worth it
The Carolina Panthers lost their sack leader from a year ago, Nic Scourton. While it might be intriguing to believe in Jaelan Phillips in the interim, the Panthers also have one of the toughest schedules in the NFL. They have to play both the NFC and AFC North divisions and then have to face the Philadelphia Eagles and the Denver Broncos. It’s going to be a long season in Carolina.
Chicago Bears
Rome Odunze is the safer option over Luther Burden III
The Chicago Bears starters didn’t play in the first preseason game but after Luther Burden III’s groin injury, which he suffered during practice, it’s clear that if you’re looking at the Bears’ young core of receivers Rome Odunze is the better option. Burden is going to have a bigger role this year with DJ Moore now in Buffalo, but with him out for at least a month, it may not be worth taking a risk on him, especially if you aren’t deep at receiver.
Cincinnati Bengals
Take as many offensive players as humanly possible
I preface this by saying, be wary of getting too many players from the same team. That said, this Bengals offense is going to be one of the best in the NFL. That doesn’t mean the team itself is going to be as good as they were during their Super Bowl run, but this offense is legit. If the pattern stays true, Joe Burrow should have a fully healthy season after being injured last year. Whether it’s Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Burrow or even Chase Brown, there’s no wrong answer on this offense for your fantasy team.
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland’s defense is still worth drafting without Myles Garrett
Yes, the Cleveland Browns parted ways with Myles Garrett, but they also recouped a high-end pass rusher while also keeping the core of this defense intact. Tyson Campbell has been getting a lot of attention this training camp and preseason as well as the secondary as a whole. Carson Schwesinger is a really talented linebacker as well. I’m not saying they’re going to be a top five defense again, but losing Garrett might not be all that bad after all.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys running back depth shouldn’t be slept on
Dallas brought Javonte Williams back this season and while he’ll be the bell cow – and potential RB2 or FLEX option for your fantasy team – you can’t sleep on the fact that there’s quite a few depth options for you to use if you need extra depth. These are waiver options at best, but Jaydon Blue and Malik Davis could be sneaky options to look at if you need some depth. Davis had a solid 2026 preseason debut, which could help him earn a roster spot and potential spot on your fantasy team.
Denver Broncos
If it ain’t defense, don’t trust it
Nothing against Denver, Bo Nix or their latest addition in Jaylen Waddle, but that defense will be one of the best again this year. There’s no need to worry about anything other than this defense if you want to compete in your fantasy league. The Broncos should be good again and how good they are will be determined by the defensive side of the ball. Nix is coming off a season-ending injury, which makes it a little risky to take him or gamble on this offense.
Detroit Lions
In Jahmyr Gibbs, you will trust
Jahmyr Gibbs earned every penny he was awarded via his contract extension earlier this training camp. Because of that, don’t worry about anything else Detroit-related if it’s not pertaining to Gibbs. Sure Amon-Ra St. Brown is an elite receiver, but you can’t go wrong with Gibbs. He should be your only focus if you’re in a position to draft him.
Green Bay Packers
Packers could have receiver depth for your fantasy team
The ball was moved around a lot on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. There were 14 receivers that were targeted in the first preseason game last week and 12 of them have at least one reception. The Packers are still trying to find their No. 1 receiver and, in the process, showed fantasy owners they’d be a good team to turn to for receiver depth this season.
Houston Texans
Don’t hold your breath for a Tank Dell sleeper pick
Tank Dell looks as healthy as he’s been since his rookie season. Consecutive injuries in his first two seasons has limited him to just 24 games since 2023. DeMeco Ryans has said that while all healthy players will be available this week versus the Las Vegas Raiders, he didn’t hint that Dell could make his first appearance since he got hurt during the 2024 season. If the Texans are this cautious in the preseason, you have more reason to be cautious drafting him as a sleeper pick.
Indianapolis Colts
Keenan Allen could be a steal
The Indianapolis Colts added Keenan Allen which was a wise move, considering their offensive weapons aren’t nearly as dangerous as they were a year ago. Allen is always a reliable fantasy football receiver so the fact that he’s on a team that needs him could be worth a late-round pick or even depth option for injuries.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Don’t plan on double-dipping with Travis Hunter
Travis Hunter was a popular name last year because his versatility as both a cornerback and receiver meant you could double-dip fantasy points. This year, that won’t be the case, at least as much anyway. Hunter will primarily be a cornerback, meaning he won’t get as many opportunities on offense. That’s not a major problem, but I would think twice before trying to snag him as a point generator.
Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty should have a bigger impact in 2026
Fantasy football owners were probably underwhelmed by Ashton Jeanty during the 2025 season, but with a year behind him, expect him to have a bigger impact on the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense than he did in 2025. Expect him to be a 1,000-yard running back and to have an even bigger role in the passing game.
Los Angeles Chargers
Omarion Hampton for running back depth is the move with the Chargers
Look at how Mike McDaniel used De'Von Achane in Miami; that's the potential Omarion Hampton has in Los Angeles in his second season. Now of course, health will be the biggest factor here after he was held to just nine games as a rookie. If Hampton can be healthy and reliable this season, he will be a big addition to your team. He's the player you go after once you've drafted the core of your team. He'll be worth it.
Los Angeles Rams
Don’t draft anything other than defense
Matthew Stafford could very well have an MVP season again, and Puka Nacua could be the next Rams receiver to get the receiver triple crown. None of that matters because they used nearly all of their salary cap allotment on their defense. No matter what, a defense with Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie is going to be top 5. Don’t miss a chance to get easy points by not taking the Rams defense.
Miami Dolphins
Malik Willis will be a solid backup quarterback option
If you’re two-QB leagues, Malik Willis will be a steal and if not, he’s a great backup option to have. I wouldn’t risk taking in the first round of quarterbacks, but if you need quarterback depth or need to use your pick, there’s a lot of value in choosing him. Though it was a small sample, he made some good plays against the Washington Commanders and proved he was worth taking a gamble on.
Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson should return to his dominant form
This is assuming Kyler Murray will have his first full, healthy season since 2023, Minnesota’s offense should look a lot better. That means Justin Jefferson should return back to the elite status he’s been, especially when he had a competent quarterback. Jefferson might not be the first receiver you take, but he probably won’t make it past the top 10. Expect him to be a massive addition thanks to a quarterback upgrade.
New England Patriots
Romeo Doubs could steal the spotlight in Patriots’ revamped receiver room
Romeo Doubs has been a solid second option on your fantasy team for years and that will remain true, even if the Patriots added AJ Brown as the face of this receiver room. What is going to take this offense to the next level is the fact that it finally has two reputable receivers to go to. Brown will be the focus and Doubs will reap the rewards. He’s averaged 10 points per game over the last three seasons; that’s more than enough reason to invest in him.
New Orleans Saints
Even with Alvin Kamara, Travis Etienne will eat
After a lackluster 2024 season, Travis Etienne worked his way back up to being a high-end producer at running back. The Saints added Etienne this offseason to go with Alvin Kamara in the backfield. Why this can work is Kamara can honestly operate in the slot as well. Kellen Moore should be able to build some packages for both to be on the field and make some plays. Etienne should be one of the best running backs available after the top-tier guys are taken off the board.
New York Giants
Malachi Fields could be a late draft/waiver wire gem
The New York Giants don’t have a lot of playmakers on their offense and the ones they do are either coming off an injury or still recovering. That is except for Malachi Fields. The former Notre Dame Fighting Irish receiver had three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown in his preseason debut. If Malik Nabers is still ailing from his torn ACL at the beginning of the season, Fields could be a player to buy stock in early and give you important receiver depth.
New York Jets
Stay away from every New York Jets quarterback
Breece Hall injured his groin and though he’ll miss the rest of the preseason, he will be back for the season opener. You can’t go wrong with him and, quite frankly, would be your only option from this New York Jets team. Don’t even think about drafting their quarterbacks, even in an emergency situation. Garrett Wilson or Omar Cooper Jr. might be tempting, but this Jets offense is going to struggle again in 2026. Putting faith in the potential of those guys isn’t worth it, considering the pros don’t outweigh the cons.
Philadelphia Eagles
Dontayvion Wicks could be Jalen Hurts’ favorite weapon
If you haven’t seen the clip of Dontayvion Wicks absolutely cooking a New England defender, look below. It’s the type of play that will not just earn him a bigger role on his new team, but the type of play that will make you consider him over Makai Lemon, who’s still dealing with a hamstring injury. DeVonta Smith is still the focus of the offense, but Wicks is the perfect depth option for your team.
DAMNNN DONTAYVION 😱
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 19, 2026
(@BKubena) pic.twitter.com/MAuzOvDEOM
Pittsburgh Steelers
Rico Dowdle is a safer option than Jaylen Warren
Rico Dowdle is coming off a second-straight 1,000-yard rushing season after entering the year as a secondary option. For now, he’s the No. 2 running back behind Jaylen Warren. As bad as the Steelers’ run game was last season and Mike McCarthy’s familiarity with Dowdle, expect Dowdle to have a bigger role than you might think. He’s not starting running back material for your fantasy team, but he is a great depth option.
San Francisco 49ers
De’Zhaun Stribling is a legitimate threat for your fantasy team
Last week, I would have said stay away from a San Francisco 49ers wide receiver at all costs because injuries are depleting that team. Now I’m amending that and saying stay away from anyone not named De’Zhaun Stribling. Without Ricky Pearsall, Stribling is quickly showing he’s WR1 material. Now he’s going to need to impress against first-team defenses, but after his preseason debut, he’s going to be a real gem if you can draft him.
Seattle Seahawks
Jadarian Price should turn into a solid running back option
Zach Charbonnet is still recovering from his torn ACL and it’s threatening the start of his 2026 season. Jadarian Price should get a lot of chances to prove he can be the starting running back. Early on, he should get a lot of reps and if he continues to show he can carry the rushing attack, he might just be a player to have as a depth option. He’s not a high pick at all, but if you need running back depth, it’s worth drafting him and seeing what can look like a few weeks into the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Emeka Egbuka will be the guy in Tampa Bay
Mike Evans was WR1 in Tampa Bay for years and now it’s time for Emeka Egbuka to take over. Egbuka proved he is WR1 quality on your fantasy team after he finished with 938 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 11 fantasy points per game as a rookie and the second option. Imagine what he’s going to do as the No. 1 option in a pass-heavy offense.
Tennessee Titans
Believe the Carnell Tate hype, with a caveat
Carnell Tate should be a lock for your fantasy team, but be wary of drafting him too high. As talented as he is, Cam Ward showed some inaccuracy problems early in his 2026 preseason debut. Surely he’ll work through that over the next month, so that shouldn’t steer you away from taking his projected No. 1 target.
Washington Commanders
Kaytron Allen could steal you some points late in the season
Bill Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White are the face of this running back with the Washington Commanders, but don’t sleep on Kaytron Allen. He was a stand out running back in this 2026 class and should work his way onto the roster and some reps if any injuries occur. He’s probably a waiver pickup rather than a player you draft, but it’s nice to know your options.
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