Tonight’s annual Hall of Fame game features the Dallas Cowboys and the Cincinnati Bengals.
While many novice players in dynasty leagues may largely ignore the game because the stars won’t play much, that could prove to be costly.
Preseason action gives us the best look at young prospects and possible future stars. It also lets us see new faces in new places or new starters for the first time.
With that in mind, there are twelve players to watch and evaluate in tonight’s game, even if it’s in a limited capacity.
Carson Palmer QB CIN
He’ll likely only play one series, but it would be great to see him throw just one long pass to put his owners at ease regarding his shoulder strength.
Terrell Owens WR CIN
It doesn’t seem like a big revenge game against Dallas, but I’m sure Owens would love to make a play against his former team.
Jerome Simpson WR CIN
His development has been drawing rave reviews, but it’s time he showed something on the field.
Jermaine Gresham TE CIN
Many dynasty league owners believe Gresham was the steal of their rookie drafts, and quite possible the steal of the NFL Draft as well. He’s looking a little lost in practice, so it would be nice to see him progress a little and make some plays. It’s also going to be great just to see him healthy.
Matt Jones WR CIN
Jones has an uphill battle to make this roster. He’s looked awful by all accounts so far and needs to start making the coaches think he can resurrect his career.
Bernard Scott RB CIN
It looked like Scott could have had a huge opportunity with Benson’s troubles this offseason, but Cedric the Entertainer has thus far escaped the wrath of Commissioner Goodell.
This is a huge season for Scott to establish himself as a big part of the Bengals’ future. A good showing tonight would be a great start.
Jordan Shipley WR CIN
Shipley’s making plays seemingly every day in Bengals practice as he attempts to lock down the slot receiving role in Cincinnati.
Could Colt McCoy’s former favorite target become one of Palmer’s as early as this season?
Felix Jones RB DAL
Will he start the game with the first team?
We probably won’t know for sure who’s on top of the depth chart until the third preseason game, but this could be indication of the early pecking order. Owners should take note.
Roy Williams WR DAL
Dez Bryant’s injury opens the door for Williams to make a statement and keep his job deeper into the season.
He claims he’s developing some chemistry with Tony Romo. If he could make a play or two tonight in limited action, we may believe it.
Right now, few really do.
Sam Hurd WR DAL
Hurd seems to be on everyone’s sleeper list at the beginning of each season. He’s again showing flashes as a receiver in practice. His special teams ability should assure him a roster spot, but fantasy owners want to see more.
Kevin Ogeltree WR DAL
Ogletree has struggled thus far in camp. His dynasty stock already took a huge hit when Dez Bryant was drafted as well. If he doesn’t show some ability this preseason, he may be worth dropping in dynasty leagues.
Lonyae Miller RB DAL
Many dynasty owners don’t even know who he is yet. Hopefully that will change beginning tonight. Ryabn Mathews’ former backup at Fresno State is probably going to be a practice squad player this season, but that could change with a huge preseason.
Loading ...
I follow the Dallas reports very closely.
Lonyae Miller probably won’t clear waivers and somebody who needs a back may pick him up, he’s a guy you may want to roster before that happens because he has been looking very good. Say the Pats pick him up, he’d be the instant pick-up of the off-season, I like him.
I also heard the same about Ogletree, but 1 thing to keep in mind is that Jerry Jones loves him, and whenever your a favorite of Jerry you always get chances. He went undrafted last year yet he had his own specific plays designed for him in big games, with all the weapons Dallas has.
That alone was very impressive to me, drafting Dez did take a hit to his value but I firmly believe he’s the slot WR of the future and those guys can be productive in a Dallas offense. He’s got ability to start, but he’ll just need to get on a new team to reach that value, or have an injury happen.
DLF, you guys have stepped up the content of your site this year, and I gotta say, I love it. Thanks for the dedication, I’ve been reading your stuff for about 4 years and this years production has blown the past years away. Keep it commin!
Lonyae Miller sure didn’t do himself any favors tonight. 8 carries for 5 yards. His longest run was 6 yards, so his 7 other carries netted him -1 yard. A performance like that will not make too many teams sacrifice a spot on their active roster for him. Admittedly though, I did not watch him play, so I don’t know if his blocking or his running was the main culprit.
You are a outstanding writer. You clearly get the message across.