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.

Sharpening their Claws

Don't be surprised if the ADPs of Jacksonville's fantasy stars are on the rise after an impressive showing in their preseason opener Thursday night.

The Jaguars' offense couldn't have looked much better against the Jets, with Blake Bortles leading two scoring drives while completing 6-of-7 attempts for 105 yards, including 80 yards to his top receiver, Allen Robinson.

The running game was dominant as well: Chris Ivory rushed six times for 26 yards and a touchdown in his debut for the Jags, and T.J. Yeldon added 26 yards of his own on four carries.

Robinson is among the game's elite and Bortles should be a low-end QB1 at worst in 2016, but it's Ivory and Yeldon who are most intriguing at their current values in the sixth and eighth rounds respectively. The duo are listed as co-starters on the Jags' depth chart, but Ivory will be the goal-line hammer (as evidenced by his 1-yard TD against his former team), giving him RB2 upside.

Instant Impressions

• The Redskins' offense stayed true to its 2015 form with a steady passing attack and a nonexistent run game. Matt Jones, Chris Thompson, and Keith Marshall combined for 0 rushing yards on eight carries. This backfield might be more toxic than previously believed.
• With Rob Gronkowski sitting out, Martellus Bennett showed some chemistry with early season starter Jimmy Garoppolo. Bennett caught three of the four passes thrown his way for 33 yards. Bennett has an outside chance at low-end TE1 numbers this season, and if Gronk were to go down, Bennett would instantly become a top-five option at the position.
• All three Broncos quarterbacks provided more than a few reasons to think their offense could still be productive this season. Mark Sanchez struck first in the QB battle, connecting with Demaryius Thomas for a touchdown. Sanchez also threw a pick, which was tipped. If Sanchez holds serve, he'll get the start on opening day and should be serviceable enough to keep Thomas and the running game afloat in fantasy.

Notable Performances

Cam Newton, QB, Panthers
5-of-6, 36 yards; 4 carries, 41 yards
The reigning MVP completed his first five passes of the night and appears to be picking up where he left off.

Michael Thomas, WR, Saints
4 receptions, 67 yards
Welcome to the party, rook. Thomas has proven to be a student of the game throughout the offseason and this performance moves him closer to securing a significant role in Drew Brees' offense.

Devonta Freeman, RB, Falcons
5 carries, 9 yards
It was an uneventful night for last year's top fantasy running back, which was made worse when he dropped a sure touchdown reception. It was also a longer night than one would have expected as Freeman stayed in the game into the second quarter.

Jameis Winston, QB, Buccaneers
7-of-9, 97 yards, TD
Aside from losing a fumble, this is exactly what you want to see from Winston entering his second year. There is a real chance for a sophomore breakout if Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson stay healthy.

Terrance West, RB, Ravens
9 carries, 25 yards, 2 TDs; 1 reception, 7 yards
Rookie Kenneth Dixon racked up more yards, but West found the end zone twice. It's hard to imagine Justin Forsett not getting the start Week 1, but the competition behind him between West, Dixon, and Buck Allen is going to last well into August.

Devin Funchess, WR, Panthers
1 reception, 10 yards, TD
Funchess continues to look good for the Panthers. While Kelvin Benjamin is still the favorite to lead the team in receiving, their numbers will likely be closer than their ADPs are at the moment (Benjamin: 3rd round, Funchess: 12th round).

Tyler Gaffney, RB, Patriots
9 carries, 64 yards, TD; 2 receptions, 7 yards
Is Gaffney the latest Patriots running back here to break the hearts of Dion Lewis and LeGarrette Blount owners? If he continues to make plays like his 44-yard TD run, he may not only sap Blount's fantasy value, he could take his roster spot.

Quincy Enunwa, WR, Jets
2 receptions, 69 yards
It would take an injury to Brandon Marshall or Eric Decker before Enunwa became relevant in re-draft leagues this year, but Thursday's performance is a sign that he might be up to the task if called upon.

Injury Ward

Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Patriots
The rookie suffered a gruesome elbow dislocation that will likely keep him sidelined for at least four weeks. It's unfortunate, since he had four catches for 55 yards before getting hurt.

Ka'Deem Carey, RB, Bears
Carey was for forced from Thursday's game with a possible concussion. Any absence would help fifth-rounder Jordan Howard gain snaps.