Fantasy: Takeaways from Saturday'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.
Pulling No Punches
Thomas Rawls' draft stock took a major hit on Saturday night as Christine Michael ran extremely well, en route to 44 yards on seven carries. This comes on the heels of Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell's claims that Michael had an "awakening" in the offseason.
After the game, Pete Carroll called the backfield a "one-two punch" with Rawls and Michael.
Rawls' ADP had already been dropping as he continues to work his way back from an ankle injury. With Michael's performance against the Chiefs and Carroll's postgame statement, Rawls will likely fall another round or two. Meanwhile, Michael has somehow managed to get fantasy owners back in his corner, as we convince ourselves, "Maybe this time..."
Thunder Rolls
Is it too early too suggest we all get "exotic smashmouth" tattoos? DeMarco Murray gained 15 yards on his first play in a Titans' uniform and later broke loose for a 71-yard touchdown run. He may have posted more yards in his preseason debut with Tennessee than he did all of last year in Philadelphia.
The other half of Mike Mularkey's "thunder and thunder" backfield was equally impressive Saturday, as rookie Derrick Henry carried the ball 10 times for 74 yards and a score.
To keep expectations in check, let's remember that the Chargers had one of the worst run defenses in the league last year, but this is a promising start for a Murray redemption and a Henry breakout. It's also a big win for uniquely named offensive schemes.
Instant Impressions
- The positive running back vibes also extended to San Diego, where Melvin Gordon gave us reason to believe he might not be a first-round bust after all. The sophomore back turned a play-action draw into a short reception, which he took up the sidelined for 44 yards before bowling over Titans safety Rashad Johnson and falling into the end zone. We still need to see more of this before committing to Gordon at his current ADP in the sixth round.
- Rookie Dak Prescott threw touchdown passes to Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams on Saturday, signaling the return of the Cowboys air attack. Bryant will not be denied, but Williams is an intriguing player with Tony Romo returning to the lineup. There is some sneaky upside to Williams, who is going way under the radar in fantasy.
- The Chiefs' passing game is productive, but always leaves something to be desired. In the first quarter against Seattle, Alex Smith scrambled and connected with Jeremy Maclin just short of the goal line. It was a play worthy of the applause it generated, but as the commentators later pointed out, Albert Wilson was wide open in the end zone and Smith either didn't see him or didn't feel confident enough to make the throw. Maclin caught the pass and Spencer Ware punched it in on the next play, however, for fantasy sake you'd like to see Smith make those plays.
Notable Performances
Spencer Ware, RB, Chiefs
5 carries, 24 yards, TD
As mentioned above, Ware hammered in the Chiefs' lone touchdown Saturday, and by all appearances solidified his position as the fantasy handcuff to Jamaal Charles. Ware could also have standalone value if he secures the short yardage/goal-line role, spelling Charles.
Marcus Mariota, QB, Titans
5-of-5, 45 yards
With the ground game looking unstoppable, Mariota was his usual efficient self. Fantasy-wise the Titans might not ask enough of Mariota to make him a QB1 in 2016, but he could be a bye week and streaming option depending on the matchup.
Josh Ferguson, RB, Colts
8 carries, 3 yards
That stat line isn't a typo. Ferguson actually accumulated three yards with his eight touches. The good news is he got the start with Frank Gore not playing, the bad news is he might not receive that opportunity again.
Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks
3-of-6, 34 yards, INT
Wilson only played the one series, which ended poorly, before calling it a day. He fell victim to interception magnet Marcus Peters, who came down with another pick to start his sophomore season. There's nothing to worry about here as far as Wilson's value goes, so proceed as planned by drafting him fourth or fifth among QBs.
Injury Ward
Jared Goff, QB, Rams
Anyone holding out hope that this year's first-round pick would be an impact rookie might have to wait. Not because he left the game with what seems to be a minor injury to his non-throwing shoulder, but because his performance was uninspiring. It's his first preseason game, so improvements are coming, but there's a legitimate chance he doesn't prove worthy of starting Week 1.
Tajae Sharpe, WR, Titans
Sharpe's offseason praise turned into two catches for 35 yards before he left with a possible concussion. Any missed time will significantly affect his chances of competing for a role on offense.