Preseason Week 1 Analysis

It’s that time of the year when Fantasy football enthusiasts get excited, and sometimes, a bit too hasty with their rankings. Preseason Week 1 is just the beginning of the journey, and we must keep things in perspective.

In this article, we’ll delve into the performances of key players and their potential implications on Fantasy rankings. From Arizona’s offense evolution to the emergence of new stars, we’ll break it down for you.

Arizona Cardinals’ Offense Evolution

Arizona’s offense has undergone significant changes, and it’s exciting to see the development of their receivers. Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. have shown promise, with both appearing ready to run horizontal routes like Puka Nacua. Wilson’s quick improvisation on a broken play and his ability to make himself available to Jacoby Brissett are notable signs of growth. Although neither has a strong case to lead the Cardinals in targets as long as Trey McBride is on the field, they’re both worth considering in Round 6 in PPR leagues.

Kyle Pitts and Isaiah Likely

Kyle Pitts’ performance in Preseason Week 1 was impressive, particularly on slip screens that Tua Tagovailoa leaned on when pressured. This is a welcome development, and Pitts should be given a bump for receptions as long as Tagovailoa plays. Pitts has moved ahead of Isaiah Likely, who didn’t start and played only 6-of-16 snaps with the first-team offense.

Carnell Tate and De’Zhaun Stribling

Carnell Tate’s performance was disappointing, and it was more about the Titans’ offense struggling rather than Tate’s individual play. He played nearly every snap with Cam Ward but had zero catches and didn’t flash good acceleration. On the other hand, De’Zhaun Stribling got overloaded with targets and showed promise, including a 32-yard gain on a deep ball. He has a solid role in the 49ers’ offense and great contingency upside for a double-digit-round receiver.

Other Notable Performances

• Ja’Kobi Lane, Khalil Shakir, Caleb Douglas, and Emmett Johnson are worth considering in late-round territory. They’ve shown promise, and their draft picks could pay off.
• Jeremiyah Love’s performance was notable, but his high-ankle sprain is a concern. He remains a late Round 3 pick, and Kyren Williams might be a better option due to the injury.
• Cam Skattebo’s usage was limited, and it’s unclear if he’ll see high volume like last year. He’s still worth considering, but it’s essential to monitor his situation.
• Jonathan Brooks played every snap with Bryce Young and showed physicality, which is a welcome sign. He’s worth keeping an eye on, especially if he can improve his explosiveness.
• KC Concepcion’s usage was in line with expectations, and he looked good against Bears backup defenders. He’s still a usable Fantasy option, but it’s essential to monitor the quarterback situation in Cleveland.
• The Vikings’ running backs, including Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones, showed promise, but it’s too early to make significant changes to their rankings.