We are almost at the finish line with the final weekend of exhibition games before we get the real thing.
The last preseason game is usually considered a dress rehearsal where some teams give their starting unit a few drives to work together in a game situation. There are also teams that don’t bother and rest their starters.
We do have a starter to feature, but mostly it’s players that are trying to impress one time for a roster spot.
Brissett is the Browns’ starting quarterback for the next 11 games and will get his chance to acclimate to offense before Week 1. For the dress rehearsal, he should get a ton of time behind center with the first unit as they closer to the season. He’s familiar with being a starter and has looked good in practice and in some limited game experience this summer.
Willis is trying to prove to all the doubters that he dropped too far in the draft. In the preseason, he’s been effective will legs with a rushing touchdown in Week 1 and did it with his arm in Week 2. He should get a good majority of the snaps this week and show off that dual ability.
Kelly saw a big increase in carries last week and went from tying Jerome Ford with ten in Week 1 to out-carrying him last week 14-9. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have yet to see the field, D’Ernest Johnson has seen very little work, which could mean a heavy snap share for Kelly.
It’s looking like Chandler has secured the RB3 role for the Vikings with 6.9 yards per carry in the two preseason games. Head coach Kevin O’Connell had no interest in playing his starters the first two games, so we could see Chandler get a good snap share for tonight.
The UDFA rookie has had two stellar games and is leading the preseason with 187 receiving yards. Head coach Sean McVay said the coaching staff noticed him in training camp immediately and even predicted his preseason breakout. It will be interesting to see if this earns a roster spot with a deep receiving core, but today, let’s rely on him to get it done in the preseason.
The fourth-round rookie looked great overall last week. The stats were there, but the eye test was even better. Throughout the game, he gained separation from his defenders and even burned them a couple of times downfield. The Dolphins receiving core could be excellent this year, especially if Ezukkamma shows off again.
Pryor has been seeing a ton of targets in the preseason (13) and has made some big plays by averaging 14.6 yards per catch. Head coach Zak Taylor has praised the UDFA by saying he’s been one of the most improved players throughout training camp. We’re not going to see any of the Bengals starters, so Pryor will get a ton of opportunities to claim a roster spot.
We told you to roll with Likely last week, and if you did, you likely won some money. Mark Andrews is the top TE for Baltimore, but Harbaugh likes having two offensively-minded tight ends, and the rookie should have a role tonight and the regular season.
Punt Play
It’s a crowded backfield right now for the Ravens. They have JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards on the PUP list, and that’s not counting the four other backs that have rotated in the first two games. McCrary is leading this backfield with 6.7 yards per game, and if he stays on that pace, he could break one off and have a big game.
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