Skip to content

Fantasy: Preseason premonitions for all 32 teams

Diamond Images / Getty

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2016 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.

Don't believe anyone who tells you the preseason is a meaningless exhibition. Fantasy owners can gain valuable insights from watching football throughout August, insights that can help them get an advantage in their drafts and early in the regular season.

With the preseason officially getting underway tonight, here are 32 predictions of what fantasy owners might see over the next month.

Preseason Premonitions
AFC
| NFC

Ravens - Allen reminds everyone of his presence

Justin Forsett, Kenneth Dixon, and even Terrance West have stolen the headlines in the offseason and early in camp, but no one is talking about Buck Allen, who carried the offense late last season. Forsett is still the favorite to start in Week 1, but Allen will steal some of the spotlight in the preseason and carve out a passing-down role.

Bills - Bush becomes weapon for Bills

With Karlos Williams set to serve a four-game suspension and question marks in their return game, the Bills turned to 31-year-old Reggie Bush for help. Not only will Bush prove to be a quality special-teamer in Buffalo, he'll provide a spark for their offense.

Bengals - Dalton struggles with new supporting cast

Andy Dalton needs to be surrounded by talent to avoid being exposed. A.J. Green is an elite receiver, but with Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu leaving in free agency and Tyler Eifert a candidate for the PUP list, Dalton will show signs of regression in the preseason.

Browns - Coleman's star is born

A hamstring injury is keeping the hype in check, but Corey Coleman has been an instant flare for a Browns offense desperately in need of a playmaking receiver. With Josh Gordon sidelined, Coleman will make his case as the team's top receiver.

Broncos - Sanchez wins QB competition by default

All due apologies to Trevor Siemian, but Sanchez will be given the right to serve as an early-season seat warmer for Paxton Lynch. The Broncos won't award the job to Sanchez as much as they will reluctantly accept he is the "best" option they have.

Texans - Strong captures No. 2 receiver job

Jaelen Strong vs. first-round pick Will Fuller will be one of the more intriguing position battles to watch throughout the preseason. Both players have had their moments in camp, but it'll be Strong who gains the edge when they take the field against real defenses, thanks to the work he put in prior to his sophomore campaign.

Colts - Ferguson stands out in Colts' backfield

The Colts have listed journeymen Robert Turbin and Jordan Todman ahead of Josh Ferguson on the initial depth chart, but Ferguson's skill will be on full display in the preseason.

Jaguars - Greene shines in slot

Injuries limited Rashad Greene during his rookie season. Now healthy, Greene will add his dynamic play to the Jaguars' already loaded offense. Carving out consistent targets in the regular season will be difficult with so many talented pass-catchers in Jacksonville, but during exhibition games, Greene will thrive.

Chiefs - Streater surpasses Conley, Wilson

If Justin Houston misses time, the Chiefs will be forced into more shootouts than Andy Reid and Alex Smith will be comfortable with. That means the battle for the No. 2 receiver in Kansas City has more value than in past years. Chris Conley and Albert Wilson will both be surprised when former Raider Rod Streater comes away with a starting role.

Dolphins - Foster firmly establishes himself as starter

While Jay Ajayi may still see his day, the fact he's been held out of camp with a knee issue may have sealed his fate as a backup or complementary player this season. The Dolphins' coaches have said they want someone who can play on all three downs, and Arian Foster will give them just that. How long Foster stays healthy will be the only question.

Patriots - Mitchell makes strong case

Outside of Julian Edelman, the Patriots' receiving corps is in flux heading into 2016. Veterans Chris Hogan, Danny Amendola, and Nate Washington are among those challenging for roles, but rookie Malcolm Mitchell will be the one that attracts the most attention during the exhibition slate.

Jets - Powell complicates RB situation

While some may see Matt Forte's name atop the depth chart in New York and be reminded of his Chicago years, his usage in Chan Gailey's offense will likely be scaled back. Forte being 30 years old has something to do with that, as does the presence of Bilal Powell. Not only will Powell secure himself a weekly portion of backfield touches, he could pressure the Jets to make this more of a 50-50 split.

Raiders - Washington makes his mark with highlight runs

Latavius Murray was extremely inefficient last season, leaving doubts about whether he will be able to capitalize on his opportunity this year behind one of the better lines in the NFL. Those doubts have helped turn DeAndre Washington into an exciting name in fantasy circles. That excitement will grow in the preseason, similar to how Ameer Abdullah captured our hearts last preseason.

Steelers - Coates continues impressive offseason

With Martavis Bryant suspended and new tight end Ladarius Green's availability uncertain, someone is going to have to step up in the Steelers' passing attack. Sammie Coates has done all the right things heading into 2016, and he will cap that off with an outstanding showing in August.

Chargers - Tyrell Williams steps into No. 3 WR role

With the news that Steve Johnson will be out for the season, there's an opening in San Diego's receiving corps. The Chargers signed James Jones, but the veteran doesn't have much left in the tank. Tyrell Williams has been the subject of glowing reports throughout the offseason, and will use the preseason to transition into a starter in three-receiver sets.

Titans - Henry outplays Murray

DeMarco Murray benefited greatly playing behind the uber-talented Cowboys line in 2014. Last year, he looked pedestrian behind a weaker line in Philadelphia and in a system that used him all wrong. His fresh start in Tennessee doesn't come without challenges, though, as rookie Derrick Henry will generate all the buzz by besting Murray over the next few weeks.

Preseason Premonitions
AFC
| NFC

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox