Fantasy: Preseason premonitions - NFC Edition

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

Preseason Premonitions
AFC | NFC

Cardinals - Ellington rekindles his big-play ability

It wasn't long ago that Bruce Arians was talking up Andre Ellington as a potential workhorse back. That never materialized, and now David Johnson is the starter and Chris Johnson is likely his immediate backup. However, in the preseason, Ellington will remind us all of his talents by flashing his unique playmaking skills.

Falcons - Sanu proves to be an upgrade at wideout

Julio Jones had a historic season in 2015, but behind him the Falcons struggled to find consistent receiving weapons, with Leonard Hankers and tight end Jacob Tamme attempting to fill the void left by an aging, and now departed Roddy White. The team addressed that issue by signing Mohamed Sanu in free agency, a move that's already beginning to pay off in the preseason.

Panthers - Artis-Payne assures himself backup job

Jonathan Stewart faces very little challengers for his starting running back spot. He does, however, have a deep injury history, making his backup something of note for fantasy owners. Cameron Artis-Payne saw minimal action during his rookie season, but over the next month he will establish himself as the clear No. 2 ball carrier in Carolina.

Bears - Howard begins his takeover of the Bears' backfield

The Bears coaches are ready to go with the hot hand this season, meaning Jeremy Langford, Ka'Deem Carey, and rookie Jordan Howard will all have a chance to lead the team in carries. We've seen Langford and Carey already and they are both uninspiring options. Howard brings a power and agility combination that will help him assume goal-line duties and eventually the bulk of the carries.

Cowboys - Williams shows off with Romo back

A healthy Tony Romo will change everything for the Cowboys' offense. Dez Bryant will lead the team in every receiving category, but Terrance Williams will begin to take on a bigger role as Jason Witten slows down.

Lions - Zenner tops Ridley in power runner battle

Amber Abdullah and Theo Roddick will handle the bulk of the snaps in the Lions' backfield, yet neither provides a true hammer that can grind out tough yards. Veteran Stevan Ridley reportedly has the early edge in camp, but Zach Zenner will eclipse as the preseason moves on.

Packers - Janis is unable to gain Packers trust

It seems like every time Jeff Janis gets on the field in an actual game, he makes plays. Unfortunately, reports from around the team suggest Janis struggles with understanding his routes and lacks chemistry with Aaron Rodgers. Those issues will ultimately be his demise as Davante Adams and Jered Abbrederis secure the No. 3 and No. 4 receiver spots in Green Bay.

Rams - Cooper emerges as new weapon in Rams offense

The Rams' passing game requires an infusion of talent, and rookie Pharoh Cooper could be the beginning of a much-needed upgrade. Cooper could excel in the short passing attack and would quickly become a fantasy favorite with his name and Twitter handle of @KingTutt_chdown.

Vikings - Treadwell struggles to find his rhythm

While first-round rookie Laquon Treadwell is by far the Vikings' receiver with the highest upside in 2016, early indications are it may take him some time to find his footing in the pros.

Saints - Spiller regains some of his spark

When the Saints signed C.J. Spiller last year, it was assumed he would have a major role in the passing game. A knee injury prior to the season prevented that from happening and puts his status in New Orleans in question. Over the month of August, Spiller will recapture some of the highlight runs that had fantasy owners so excited about a year ago.

Giants - Shepard becomes an instant star

Very rarely does a rookie receive the kind of universal praise that Sterling Shepard has been showered with in New York. Shepard will back that up with a strong preseason, causing his ADP to rise even further.

Eagles - Pederson grinds the offense to a halt

Chip Kelly's offenses are consistently near the league lead in plays per game, which increases fantasy numbers. New head coach Doug Pederson is about to slow things down considerably in Philadelphia, which is bad news for its fantasy options.

49ers - Ellington begins his ascent in the receiving corps

The Eagles' loss will be the 49ers' gain when it comes to fantasy numbers, as Chip Kelly brings his offense to San Francisco. Bruce Ellington could be the biggest beneficiary, seeing a high volume of targets in the slot.

Seahawks - Rawls retakes his starting spot

Concerns about Thomas Rawls' health throughout the offseason may prove to be foolish now that he is back on the field. Rawls is the unquestioned starter in Seattle and that will be made abundantly clear as the Seahawks ease him back in preparation for Week 1.

Buccaneers - Brate outplays the far more skilled Seferian-Jenkins

If Austin Seferian-Jenkins fails to maintain his starting job in the Buccaneers' offense, it will be no one's fault but his own. After a very difficult offseason, that including him being sent home from practice at one point, ASJ now finds himself in a position battle with Cameron Brate, who will continue to put pressure on during the preseason.

Redskins - Marshall makes us doubt Matt Jones

Speedy rookie Keith Marshall is an exciting prospect who is almost guaranteed to flash in the preseason. Matt Jones stands atop the depth chart, but he's far from secure in that role. If Marshall proves he can make plays and hold onto the ball, we could see a committee emerge in Washington, with Chris Thompson as the pass-catching back.