2022 Fantasy Football: Noteworthy positional highlights from NFL preseason Week 1
By Jennifer Eakins, 4for4
Special to Yahoo Sports
It’s tough for fantasy managers to get too excited about preseason football games, especially when they take place on weekend nights during the final days of summer. Week 1 usually offers a series from first-team players, maybe two if we're lucky. But fantasy managers need some clarity before the bulk of drafting starts, so that's where I come in.
Here's a position-by-position look at how Week 1 went down, so managers can plan and adjust accordingly for the onslaught of upcoming drafts.
Note: ADP data is from Yahoo Fantasy
Quarterbacks
Zach Wilson and the Jets avoided a catastrophic start to 2022
According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, the NY QB suffered a bone bruise and meniscus tear in his right knee on Friday night and will only miss two to four weeks after surgery for a partial repair. The Jets hope to have him back by Week 1. I’m certainly no doctor, but with such a short recovery, re-injury should be a concern.
Tyler Huntley is still a really good backup
The Ravens’ QB proved highly accurate on Thursday night, going 16-for-18 (88.9 percent), with a well-thrown 14-yard TD pass. Huntley also showed his rushing prowess with a 14-yard physical run to convert a fourth down. If you require a late-round dart in a deep 2-QB or Superflex league, Huntley could be your man again if anything were to happen to Lamar Jackson in 2022.
It was a rough return to football for Deshaun Watson
On the field for the first time since 2020, Watson played for the entire first quarter and completed just 1-of-5 passes for seven yards. The Browns failed to muster up a single first down with Watson at the helm. To make things worse, center Nick Harris was carted off the field due to a right knee injury.
[Set, hut, hike! Create or join a fantasy football league now!]
Trevor Lawrence appears to be benefiting from a legitimate football coach
The Jags played most of their starters against Cleveland, and the sophomore QB made some solid plays, ones we didn’t see much of in 2021. Lawrence completed 6-of-12 passes and a touchdown and looked poised and more confident.
Despite a scary late hit on Jalen Hurts, he had a perfect outing
The Eagles QB went 6-for-6 for 80 yards and a touchdown in his lone series, showcasing the ability to both create and execute plays in this first preseason game.
The future looks bright at QB for Pittsburgh
Kenny Pickett was impressive in his first real NFL action, showcasing his mobility and ability to throw the ball on the move. The rookie led the game-winning drive, topped off by a 24-yard TD strike to WR Tyler Vaughns.
Running Backs
Don’t write off Miles Sanders for passing-game work
The fourth-year RB has fallen to the early eighth round in Yahoo drafts this summer due to the perception that Philly will lean more pass-heavy with A.J. Brown on the roster, among other things. Sanders worked solely in target volume on Friday night, catching both balls from Hurts for a total of 20 yards.
Fumbling may still be an issue for Antonio Gibson
After a six-fumble 2021 season, the 24-year-old lost the ball on his second carry of the night, while rookie Brian Robinson impressed on the next series. Robinson rushed six times for 26 yards in the contest including an eight-yard TD run, with two additional catches for 15 yards. Gibson has fallen to the seventh round as RB25, while Robinson is currently being drafted as RB53 in the 15th.
Rookie Dameon Pierce was a bright spot
The start to Saturday’s contest was fairly underwhelming for Houston, but when Pierce entered the game in the second quarter, he brought a jolt with him. The 22-year-old broke out for 20 yards on his first carry and ended with 49 yards on five rushes. For now, Marlon Mack is considered the starter, but it may not take too long for Pierce to earn the role if he continues to make those explosive runs. The rookie is currently being drafted as RB39 at spot 118.6
Wide Receivers
Amon-Ra St. Brown looks to be picking up where he left off last year
One of the more compelling WRs this season at ADP, the current-but-rising eighth-rounder had a solid start in both volume and efficiency on Friday night. The Detroit first team only played for one series, but St. Brown caught both of his targets for 29 yards.
[Visit 4for4, where 92% of subscribers made the playoffs, for more]
Rookie Drake London left during the game’s first series with a knee injury
It doesn’t appear to be too serious for London which is great news for the Falcons and those investing in the Atlanta wideout this season.
It was a mixed bag for Packer rookie Romeo Doubs
After a summer of hype, Doubs has entered the draft foray as a 14th-round pick according to Yahoo ADP. Doubs caught three passes for 45 yards and a touchdown, but also dropped a pass and had one stripped for an interception. His ADP will most likely continue to rise as long as Aaron Rodgers or whoever is under center feeds him the ball this preseason.
I’d like to introduce you to Arizona WR Greg Dortch
This is actually the Wake Forest product’s fourth year in the NFL as mostly a practice squad and special teams guy with stints for the Jets, Panthers, Rams and Falcons. He may remain there for the Cardinals in 2022, but the speedster put on quite a show against the Bengals on Friday night, making a case for the 53-man roster and regular WR work.
Dortch was the target leader with eight, hauling in four of those for 53 yards. He’s not draftable in regular season-long leagues but perhaps worth thinking about as a last-round sprinkle in your remaining best ball drafts.
George Pickens is healthy and really good
The UGA wideout was impressive on Saturday night, catching three of five targets for 43 yards and a score. He's currently going undrafted on Yahoo but will likely ascend after his performance against the Seahawks. The Steelers' target distribution is still a question mark heading into the regular season, but Pickens has the talent and potential opportunity to outproduce his current fantasy WR5 draft designation.
Tight Ends
Evan Engram could be that late-round guy we’ve all been drafting him as all summer
Sure, it was just one catch for a 9-yard touchdown on a fourth-down play, but it’s encouraging to see the connection forming between Engram and Lawrence. The former Giant is currently a 14th-round pick as TE18 for all you bargain basement TE shoppers.
Philly capped their opening drive with a TD strike to Dallas Goedert
This isn’t super noteworthy, but TE news is scarce and fantasy managers have been skittish of Goedert’s potential volume this season. He caught his only target for a 22-yard score which is encouraging at his current TE8, mid—seventh-round ADP.
Kicker
It was business as usual for Money Mac
Evan McPherson picked up right where he left off in 2021, nailing three field goals for 23, 58 and 56 yards.
This article was originally published on 4for4.com
A proud alumna of the UGA Grady College of Journalism, Jennifer Eakins has been working in the sports industry for well over a decade. She has had stints with CNN Sports, the Atlanta Hawks and the Colorado Rockies. Her first fantasy football draft took place in 1996 where she selected Ricky Watters with the first overall pick, and she has been a fantasy degenerate ever since.
More from 4for4.com: 12 Winners and Losers in PPR Formats
Stay ahead with 4for4 Fantasy Football's accurate rankings, advanced tools and data-driven content.
