Fantasy: Takeaways from Friday's preseason games
Get ready for your season with theScore's 2016 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.
Every game night during the preseason, theScore's Justin Boone will provide his fantasy observations from around the league.
Motown revival
Calvin Johnson is gone, but hope might not be lost for Matt Stafford and the Lions' passing attack.
Marvin Jones only had one catch in Friday's game, but it was an impressive 16-yard toe drag that involved a beautiful pass from Stafford and an even better catch from his new receiver. Jones looks the part of a No. 1 wideout, even if he ends up sharing those duties with Golden Tate.
If you were among those who second-guessed the signing of veteran Anquan Boldin, the 30-yard catch where he barreled through and actually carried defenders on his back should be proof enough that he'll contribute in 2016.
The Lions always lean toward a pass-heavy approach, and with Jones, Tate, and Boldin propping up Stafford, fantasy owners will be able to find value here come draft day.
Look who's back
Robert Griffin III is an NFL starter once again, and the excitement that surrounded him in his rookie season was back from the very first play on Friday as he opened the game by connecting with Terrelle Pryor for 49 yards.
With the good came the bad, then the ugly when Griffin was intercepted while trying to cap the drive off with a strike to Gary Barnidge near the goal line.
RG3 is more than capable of supporting an offense with multiple fantasy starters and Hue Jackson's presence will help manifest that scenario. However, there's still no evidence to suggest RG3 should be drafted anywhere outside of best-ball formats or two-quarterback leagues.
Instant Impressions
- Eddie Lacy averaged 6 yards per carry on Friday night, and while it was a small sample size (four carries for 24 yards), it's a positive sign after his subpar output a year ago. There's still reason to doubt the Packers' lead back, but taking a chance on him regaining his form is a worthwhile risk in the third round.
- A.J. Green didn't play much Friday night, but in limited action he showed why he's going to be a target monster this season, catching three passes for 26 yards. Rookie Tyler Boyd, who had a 40-yard reception in the game, could develop into a complementary piece, but Andy Dalton will be locked in on Green all season.
- It's getting harder and harder to stump for Jay Ajayi. With Arian Foster sitting out, Ajayi looked average in the run game and foolish in the receiving game, failing to catch either of his targets. Foster looks like he will be the Dolphins' lead back for as long as he can stay healthy.
Notable Performances
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Vikings
6-of-7, 92 yards, TD
Bridgewater got an extended look, playing into the second quarter. The Vikings' line got obliterated by the Bengals' defense early on, but Bridgewater eventually settled in and threw a 49-yard touchdown.
Charles Johnson, WR, Vikings
1 reception, 49 yards, TD
Johnson was the recipient of that long Bridgewater score. The 27-year-old wideout continues to build on his strong offseason and might even be back in the starting lineup come Week 1, since first-round rookie Laquon Treadwell is reportedly still settling into the pros. On Friday, Treadwell grabbed four balls for 41 yards, but was clearly rolling with the second-team offense.
DeAndre Washington, RB, Raiders
8 carries, 43 yards; 1 reception, 32 yards
Washington is a fifth-round rookie trying to carve out a role in the Oakland backfield. Latavius Murray will likely open the season as the starter, but if Washington can keep making big plays - like his 25-yard run or 32-yard catch - he could make the decision more difficult for the Raiders' coaching staff.
Andre Ellington, RB, Cardinals
3 carries, 41 yards, TD
As predicted in in my preseason premonitions, Ellington made a little noise in the first exhibition game of the year. However, he won’t be fantasy relevant unless there are injuries ahead of him on the depth chart, since David Johnson was a force (rushing for 31 yards on just three carries).
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Steelers
1 reception, 29 yards, TD
Heyward-Bey made up for an early drop over the middle by hauling in one of the nicer preseason touchdown catches you'll see this year. DHB could work his way into the starting lineup if Markus Wheaton or Sammie Coates falters. The latter fumbled twice Friday night, losing one of them.
Zach Zenner, RB, Lions
7 carries, 24 yards; 3 receptions, 32 yards
Despite reports that Stevan Ridley was ahead of him on the depth chart, Zenner played before his veteran teammate and was busy, racking up 56 total yards on 10 touches. This battle will decide who plays the power back role for the Lions.
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Dolphins
2-of-4, 8 yards
Whether it was planned or not, the Dolphins' starters got the hook early against the Giants after going three-and-out twice. It's a reminder that the transition to Adam Gase's offense won't be a seamless one and Tannehill and company still have a lot to prove before we trust them as consistent fantasy options.
Injury Ward
Sterling Shepard, WR, Giants
The Giants' second-round pick showed why he could be a difference-maker this year while securing a diving catch that helped set up a short Rashad Jennings touchdown. Unfortunately, Shepard also left the game with a sore groin.
Terrelle Pryor, WR, Browns
With Josh Gordon and Corey Coleman out, Pryor made multiple plays (2 receptions, 57 yards) and might have some early season fantasy value during Gordon's suspension. He will be moving up in my next rankings update Monday assuming the hand he got X-rayed doesn't sideline him.
Isaiah Crowell, RB, Browns
Crowell reportedly joined Pryor in the X-ray room after the game due to a shoulder injury.
Jeremy Hill, RB, Bengals
Jeremy Hill rushed three times for 16 yards before coming off the field holding his arm at his side. Trainers reportedly checked out his left hand, specifically his index finger, but he seemed to be fine.