What I’m Looking for in Preseason Week One

Mike Havens

It’s been about six months since the last meaningful snap happened in the NFL, and the next season is now just days away. To some people the preseason is meaningless, but to you and I, week one can single-handedly change the value for many players on our fantasy teams, especially our rookies.

After week one last season, Saquon Barkley, Josh Allen, and Baker Mayfield all looked like the real deal, while Ronald Jones and Rashaad Penny disappointed. All of this carried over into the season, so preseason week one can do a lot to help predict overall fantasy value.

Below are some players I will be keeping an eye on. The majority of NFL veterans will not play much, so this article will be mostly rookie-oriented. We’ll have to wait on players like Jimmy Garoppolo, Antonio Brown, and Amari Cooper next week.

Are you looking forward to someone else? Mention it in the comments below. If your comment comes to fruition, I’ll give you a spot in my next article!

Darrell Henderson, RB LAR

I’m not as concerned with stats as I am with how he’s utilized. Will he get many carries up the middle, or will he be primarily used rushing the edge? How many targets will he receive out of the backfield? Will he line up at wide receiver? I want to see his usage so I can better assess how the Rams plan to use him during the season.

Preston Williams, WR MIA

This kid has been a training camp star since it began in late July. I’ve heard nothing but praise from coaches, players, and fans alike. Again, stats don’t matter as much since I doubt the ability at the quarterback level, but I’d be curious to see where he lines up, what separation he can create downfield and — if he does catch the ball — what he’s able to do after the catch.

Miles Sanders, RB PHI

I think it’s a foregone conclusion that Jordan Howard will be the starter in Philadelphia when week one rolls around, so that means Sanders will get a chance to show his stuff early in preseason week one. I’m excited and I expect big things. If Sanders is only given one carry, that’ll tell me that the Eagles already know the caliber of player they have in Sanders and don’t want to ruin it by showing everybody else. In other words, a one-carry, three-yard day would be monumental for his value

Devin Singletary, RB BUF

Similar to Miles Sanders, I think the Bills will be content with resting their aging stars and allow Singletary to make a name for himself early. Unlike Sanders, I fully expect Singletary to get five to ten touches in the first half. To me, this is the player with the biggest opportunity to lower or raise his value. If he shines right away, his value will skyrocket. If he struggles versus lesser defenders, his value will tank. Singletary owners should have a lot of anxiety this weekend.

Emmanuel Butler, WR NO

This Saints rookie has made plenty of headlines over the last few weeks in New Orleans. The question is: in what quarter will he be given time to play? The earlier in the game he gets snaps, the more the coaching staff believes in his ability. I’m hoping to see him in the first half. If that happens, buy buy buy!

Houston Texans RBs

Lamar Miller is 28 years old, and there’s no clear-cut number two now that D’Onta Foreman has been released. Whoever is given the first few carries is the guy the coaches believe is the current front-runner for the position. My guess is Josh Ferguson, based on scouting reports from beat writers who have been watching practices, but I would be more interested to see when they use Karan Higdon and Damarea Crockett. Either way, this battle is one that I’ll be keeping a close eye on.

DK Metcalf, WR SEA

Just give him one play and I’ll be satisfied. Throw it deep and let him make a play. I want to see the speed and power at the pro level. I want something to dream about for the rest of the season. The floor-to-ceiling ratio is off the charts with this kid. He has all the potential in the world, and to be paired up with a quarterback like Russell Wilson, the possibilities are endless.

The Entire Arizona Cardinals Offense

Between QB Kyler Murray, and WRs Hakeem Butler, Christian Kirk, Andy Isabella, and KeeSean Johnson, there’s just too much to hope for this coming week. I can’t wait to see this passing attack in action. I want to see which WRs will rise up above the others. I want to see the decision making abilities of Murray on display. There’s just so much to look forward to.

Derrius Guice, RB WAS

It’ll be nice to see this kid on the field again. I don’t know what he’ll be able to show us in terms of speed and agility, but I can’t wait to see him finally be able to take a snap. It’ll be a feel-good story for me to see him in action.

Ronald Jones, RB TB and Rashaad Penny, RB SEA

This feels like a make or break week for both of these players in a similar fashion. Could you imagine if Jones fumbles the ball on one of his first carries? Or if Penny breaks one for a long touchdown? Their values could boom or bust in the preseason alone. I’m hoping for the best, but bracing for the worst.

There are several other players I could have mentioned. These are my personal top ten areas of interest. Are there other players you prioritize? Mention them below!

I’d love to hear who you are looking forward to seeing and why. Let’s plant your flag now so you can have the “I Told You So” later. Bring on the season!

mike havens