Another weekend of NFL preseason games is in the books, which means it’s time for fantasy players to react! Okay, yes, it’s important not to overreact, but as the fantasy industry grows sharper we’re becoming better at identifying the types of things worth factoring in to our pre-draft analysis. That’s what this weekly article series is all about — helping to teach fantasy managers how to more efficiently read the NFL news cycle.

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If that’s a topic that interests you, then you should check out the accompanying audio series “The Fantasy Football News Desk Podcast” where industry experts are brought on to break down which news and notes actually matter. Alas, let’s dive into Week 2 of the preseason.

The ever-so-kind @DaveKluge joined me to talk Justin Fields, Broncos training camp, and key takeaways from Week 1 of the preseason

Tons of sharp news + notes from one of the best in the business

Apple: https://t.co/8D7y9eFQBV

Spotify: https://t.co/fwK7NJMQdt

— Brendan Tuma (@toomuchtuma) August 19, 2021

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Big Deals

Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB – KC)
The sophomore back, a popular breakout candidate this season, suffered a “slight” ankle sprain in Friday’s preseason game against the Cardinals. “It doesn’t look like a high-ankle sprain so that’s always a good thing, but they’ll double check it,” coach Andy Reid said after the contest. CEH was heading towards elite usage for the second straight game before departing. There should be an update on his status sometime this week. We shouldn’t overreact to this injury as of now, but it’s okay to drop him a tier in your RB rankings.

Mecole Hardman (WR – KC)
More takeaways from the Chiefs game as the third-year receiver drew a whopping six targets on 18 attempts from Patrick Mahomes. It obviously needs to be noted that Tyreek Hill didn’t play in this one, but this game was a nice reminder of Hardman’s upside. It still appears as if he’s the No. 3 receiver (the Chiefs like Demarcus Robinson’s blocking abilities), but that’s okay. Hardman is an exciting target late in drafts.

Corey Davis (WR – NYJ)
The second-round rookie Elijah Moore was the Jets receiver getting all the hype for most of this offseason, which led to Davis being more of an afterthought. However, if two weeks of preseason action have taught us anything, it’s that the former No. 5 overall pick should be a priority target in drafts right now. Davis has drawn a massive 10 targets on 13 routes run. That’s insane. It isn’t sustainable, but it’s clear that rookie Zach Wilson trusts Davis and plans to feed him. Wilson, by the way, has looked impressive so far too. There’s more upside than we’d tend to think with Davis’ surrounding cast.

CeeDee Lamb (WR – DAL)
Saturday’s preseason contest marked the first time we’ve seen Lamb, Amari Cooper, and Michael Gallup all on the field at the same time. After Lamb played out wide on all 11 of his snaps last week, he bumped inside the slot on 8-of-15 snaps this time around. Cooper played 13 snaps (two in the slot) while Gallup played 11 snaps (one in the slot).

It’s clear that Cooper’s presence will shift Lamb back in the slot more often, but that’s okay. Lamb was a slot receiver on over 93% of his snaps in 2020. Saturday’s usage highlights Dallas’ intent to use him on the perimeter more often. This is good as it means he’ll be a full-time player in his sophomore campaign.

CeeDee Lamb deserves all the hype he’s getting. Draft this man. pic.twitter.com/sKREvACTbw

— Brendan Tuma (@toomuchtuma) August 22, 2021

Things To Note

• Rondale Moore continues to be fed in Arizona’s offense, receiving four touches in limited action on Friday. Moore’s expected aDOT (1.8 in Week 2) limits his ceiling, but the Cardinals clearly plan to feature him. Moore has played in the slot on 44-of-47 offensive snaps. He’s a priority target in drafts.
• Ja’Marr Chase had three drops on three targets on Friday. That’s not ideal. I’m very into the Bengals’ offense this season, so I’m willing to look past this. However, I must note that Chase has reportedly been struggling with separation during training camp practices. The rookie isn’t worth reaching for, but he’s too talented to struggle for long.
• Jakobi Meyers caught 3-of-3 targets for 56 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots’ second preseason game. He only ran nine routes, which is impressive usage. Don’t forget about him come draft day.
• Dallas Goedert played on just 66% of the first-team snaps after being on the field for just 50% of them in Week 1. Tick him down a few spots in your rankings. Zach Ertz isn’t going away.
• Washington rookie Dyami Brown saw some time with the first team on Friday night. Curtis Samuel didn’t play, but Brown had a highlight-reel catch and looked impressive.
• Chase Edmonds played 7-of-9 first-team snaps in the Cardinals’ second game of the summer. James Conner was limited to just two snaps. It was Conner’s first preseason game, so maybe they were easing him back in, but this looked promising for Edmonds truthers.
• I already mentioned that he played, but just to be clear, Amari Cooper is healthy. His ADP began falling a bit while he was on the PUP list. Buy that dip.
• Logan Thomas has been on the field for all 37 of Ryan Fitzpatrick’s snaps this preseason. He’s the ideal late-round tight end target.
• Myles Gaskin played 19-of-37 snaps with Tua Tagovailoa on Saturday. This usage was more encouraging than Week 1, but it’s a reminder that his fantasy value is so closely tied to volume. Typically, mid-round RBs like that are bad bets.

Dyami Brown tracked it beautifully 🙌pic.twitter.com/7L7cTDkiiO

— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) August 21, 2021

Miscellaneous

• Panthers rookie Terrace Marshall played all seven snaps with Sam Darnold this weekend. D.J. Moore didn’t play, but Marshall looks entrenched as Carolina’s No. 3 receiver.
• DeVonta Smith (knee) started and played 26 snaps on Thursday. We can put the injury concerns behind us.
• Speaking of the Eagles, Quez Watkins suddenly looks like the team’s third receiver. He has played in the slot on 25-of-30 snaps thus far.
• None of Mark Ingram, David Johnson, or Phillip Lindsay played more than 50% of the first-team snaps on Saturday. The Texans are going to be horrendous. Just avoid this backfield.
• Finally, consider using one of your last picks on UDFA rookie Jaret Patterson. Washington released Lamar Miller recently, which should be viewed as a sign of confidence for Patterson. The 21-year-old totaled 96 yards and a score on 19 touches this weekend.

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Brendan Tuma is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Brendan, check out his archive and follow him @toomuchtuma.