Many people believe that the NFL Preseason is not important. However, NFL head coaches often reveal important information through how they allocate playing time to their players during the games. For example, if two players receive equal playing time, it suggests that the competition for the position is tight. On the other hand, if one player is left out of a game entirely, it indicates that they have likely secured the position. Additionally, if a player receives an unusually large amount of playing time during the last week of the preseason, it may suggest that they are not in a favorable 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
Tank Bigsby (RB – JAC)
Bigsby isn’t going to completely displace Travis Etienne, but a strong August showing could turn the Jacksonville backfield into a full-blown committee, and Bigsby could earn the all-important goal-line role. But if Bigsby flops in training camp and the preseason, he could find himself behind D’Ernest Johnson, JaMycal Hasty and/or Snoop Conner on the Jaguars’ depth chart. – Fitz
Marvin Mims (WR – DEN)
The offseason blurb king, Tim Patrick, better come ready to play because if not, Marvin Mims and his afterburner legs will pass him on the depth chart in short order. Mims can secure a starting spot in Week 1 if he can hit the ground running with Russell Wilson and prove Sean Payton’s belief correct. The jump from the collegiate game to the pros can take time for rookies, so don’t lose faith if Patrick gets the positive puff pieces immediately when camp opens. With a strong camp and preseason, Mims can emerge as Denver’s Week 1 field stretcher. – DBro
Quentin Johnston (WR – LAC)
First-round rookie WR Quentin Johnston is viewed as the clear-cut No. 3 WR in the Chargers offense. But how firm is that stance? It won’t surprise me if QJ has to earn his playing time over a two-year veteran like Josh Palmer. And it also wouldn’t surprise me if he sees an even bigger role should Mike Williams remain inconsistent. Either way, fantasy managers will get a sneak peek at how new OC Kellen Moore will deploy this offense, and I’d lean on Johnston being a big winner throughout the preseason contests. It’s a big W for him if he is running 100% of the routes alongside Williams and Keenan Allen when/if the 1s get preseason action. – Erickson
Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – DET)
I am old enough to remember ex-Lions RB Ameer Abdullah surging up draft boards after a massive preseason run. So let me be the first to tell you that the hype for Jahmyr Gibbs is only going to grow and grow. After what the Lions did, selecting him 12th overall to the shock of millions watching, they are going to want to show off their fancy toy. But at the same time, you need to be strategic with your approach in how the team deploys him alongside David Montgomery. Because Monty is going to be involved and potentially present a bigger threat as a receiver and goal-line rusher than many might think. It’s possble that both guys eat in an offense without any proven playmakers not-named Amon-Ra St. Brown. Make a call now on where you feel comfortable taking Gibbs and stick to your guns. Because there’s not much outside of Montgomery being completely phased out that should have you taking him higher than his current ADP (RB13, 37th overall). – Erickson
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