Fantasy: Takeaways from Thursday'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.
Something to Prove
With the Titans' starters sitting out the finale, Derrick Henry was the centerpiece of the offense Thursday night.
The rookie responded with 62 yards on seven carries, including a 1-yard touchdown where he walked into the end zone untouched. Henry also added a reception for 6 yards.
It's yet another solid performance for a player many doubted entering the preseason. While DeMarco Murray remains the lead back in Tennessee, it will be impossible to keep a runner with Henry's talent off the field.
Tempting Fate
Tom Brady saw a surprising amount of action in the Patriots' final preseason outing, playing a total of 39 snaps over a full two quarters.
In the last appearance before his four-game ban kicks in, Brady got off to a rough start, throwing an interception on the first drive and nearly being picked off on the second series as well. The veteran eventually settled in to finish 16-of-26 for 166 yards and connected with Aaron Dobson on a 38-yard score.
Brady will likely come at a discount in fantasy drafts due to his suspension and is well worth the stash with so many temporary starters available in the late rounds.
Bill Belichick gambled by playing many of his starters in a meaningless fourth exhibition game, and may have taken a minor hit with tackle Nate Solder leaving due to an apparent hamstring injury.
Instant Impressions
- Breshad Perriman finally took the field and the Ravens made sure to get the sophomore receiver involved early, throwing to him on the first two plays of the game. Perriman hauled in both passes for a total of 25 yards. It's a positive step forward for a player who has been sidelined by injury since being drafted, but Perriman still has a long way to go before becoming fantasy relevant. Leave him on the waiver wire for now.
- Kevin White also missed his rookie season due to injury, but is further along in his development than Perriman. White's four-catch, 57-yard effort is a great sign, but don't be fooled into overdrafting him. The Bears' No. 2 receiver is still learning how to make the most of his vast potential and will need to gain his quarterback's trust if he's going to break out this season.
- White's teammate Jordan Howard had his best game of the preseason, with 16 carries for 107 yards and a touchdown, as well as two catches for 33 yards. Howard was one of my favorite running backs in this year's draft class, but has been buried on the depth chart. Howard is the most talented runner on the Bears' roster behind starter Jeremy Langford. Hopefully we'll have a chance to see those skills on the field during the regular season. He's another watchlist candidate.
- He didn't record a catch, but it was great to see John Brown active after concussion issues kept him sidelined throughout training camp. Brown has competition for targets in the Cardinals receiving corps, but if healthy, he's a boom-or-bust WR3.
- Isaiah Crowell might be the most underrated fantasy running back entering the 2016 season. Overshadowed by the more dynamic Duke Johnson, Crowell appears set to handle the early-down work, which could turn him into a borderline fantasy starter in a Browns offense that might have more bite than expected.
Notable Performances
Thomas Rawls, RB, Seahawks
2 carries, 7 yards
Rawls barely played at all, but getting back on the field in this game guarantees he'll be ready for Week 1. He can comfortably be drafted as an RB2, even though Christine Michael may have a bigger role early in the season as Rawls gets back into form.
DeAndre Washington, RB, Raiders
11 carries, 14 yards; 4 receptions, 39 yards
The rookie couldn't get much going on the ground, but he's explosive when the Raiders get him the ball in space, making him a dangerous weapon in the passing game. Expect him to spell Latavius Murray on passing downs to start the year.
Jay Ajayi, RB, Dolphins
3 carries, 13 yards
Ajayi lost a fumble on his first carry of the game against the Titans. It's been a nightmare preseason for Ajayi, who was outplayed by Arian Foster on every occasion. You can safely draft Foster as the starter in the Dolphins backfield, with the only worry being how long the veteran will stay healthy.
Colin Kaepernick, QB, 49ers
11-of-18, 103 yards; 4 carries, 38 yards
While the competition wasn't as strong on Thursday, Colin Kaepernick looked the best he has all preseason. He led the team to a touchdown on the opening drive, going 6-of-8 for 58 yards, including 30 yards rushing yards. Blaine Gabbert will open the season as the starter, but it's possible we see Kaepernick at some point this year.
Cameron Artis-Payne, RB, Panthers
18 carries, 77 yards; 2 receptions, 18 yards
Artis-Payne is the clear No. 2 back behind Jonathan Stewart and is one of the cheapest handcuffs on the market.
Dwayne Washington, RB, Lions
7 carries, 68 yards, TD
Washington played ahead of Zach Zenner and reeled off one of the highlights of the night by blasting down the sideline for 58-yard score. Washington likely secured himself a job on the team and could be a name to remember if injuries strike the Lions backfield this season.
Injury Ward
Other than a few minor injuries, we escaped Thursday night relatively unscathed.