The NFL Preseason doesn’t matter, right? Well, yes and no. The games don’t matter, but NFL head coaches will tell us things by how they deploy their players in each game. Evenly distributed playing time between two players means the competition is likely close. One player sitting out a game completely means he probably has the job locked up. Anyone playing a ton of snaps the last week of the preseason probably isn’t in a great position. All of these things matter and can impact how valuable players are in fantasy football leagues.
We asked our experts to break down a player on each team with fantasy relevance who is worth watching throughout training camp and the preseason. Here are their responses.
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NFL Training Camp Players to Watch
De’Von Achane (RB – MIA)
If the Dolphins don’t sign Dalvin Cook (or one of the other higher-profile free-agent RBs), Achane will be competing for touches with veterans Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson. Achane is younger and faster than both, but the two vets have a history with Miami head coach Mike McDaniel and have established a level of trust that Achane must still earn. If the Dolphins do sign Cook, then Achane will need a good showing in training camp and the preseason just to get on the field in the regular season. There’s a wide range of outcomes for the rookie from Texas A&M. If Achane pops in the preseason, he could conceivably be the head of the Dolphins’ RB committee. But with a disappointing showing in August, Achane might be little more than a kick returner as a rookie. – Fitz
Najee Harris (RB – PIT)
Nobody wants to know more about the Steelers’ backfield than fantasy gamers. Najee Harris laid an egg last season as a first-round pick. And undrafted RB Jaylen Warren took full advantage of his limited touches. So much so, that we have some viewing this backfield as full-blown RBBC, causing Harris’ ADP to plummet into Round 4. But Harris has a chance to rewrite his narrative if he truly operates as the team’s No. 1 rusher during the preseason. Whether that be playing only with starters, getting the complete starter treatment by not playing at all or by Warren handling all the preseason duties. But should Warren sneak in playing time with the 1s at Harris’ expense…continue to watch the former first-round RB’s ADP nosedive. – Erickson
Anthony Richardson (QB – IND)
Teams try to hide their offensive strategy during the preseason. But the Colts are going to find it difficult to try and hold back Anthony Richardson. I expect his rushing skill set to be on full display in the exhibition contests, giving fantasy managers the confidence they need to draft him as a low-end fantasy QB1. Furthermore, we will get some confirmation about Richardson’s status as the Day 1 starter. Although, anybody who has listened to reports out of Colts camp knows that new head coach Shane Steichen backed the idea that you learn through experience. Won’t be long for Richardson to force his team’s hand and earn the starting nod over Gardner Minshew. And anything but that is just a great excuse to buy low on the top-5 draft pick because Minshew’s grasp on the starting role won’t be so tight. – Erickson
Treylon Burks (WR – TEN)
Last offseason was an utter disaster for Treylon Burks. Conditioning issues highlighted his summer as a rookie. But he has the chance to carve out an alpha role in the Titans offense after a few bright moments in Year 1, specifically with Ryan Tannehill. But the good times for Burks might not last, considering the team recently outbid the New England Patriots and others for the services of DeAndre Hopkins. Burks’ 2023 season can go in several different directions that likely will be influenced by the upcoming events of the summer. – Erickson
If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Trade Analyzer – which allows you to instantly find out if a trade offer benefits you or your opponent – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.