Fantasy: Takeaways from Sunday's preseason action
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.
Searching for Gold
We got our first look at the Chip Kelly-run, Blaine Gabbert-led 49ers offense on Sunday against the Texans. Getting off 49 first-half plays isn't that surprising in Kelly's system, but the fact the Niners totaled 302 yards of offense over two quarters was a positive sign.
The bad news is that Gabbert was embarrassingly inaccurate, especially on the opening drive where he didn't look comfortable at all. He eventually made a few plays and used his legs to grab yards when available, ending his night with a 43-yard touchdown pass, made possible by a fallen defender. More on that later.
Gabbert finished with 63 yards and a touchdown, while adding 18 yards on the ground. Until Colin Kaepernick gives us any reason to believe otherwise, this is Gabbert's job to lose, but whether either quarterback can execute Kelly's offense at the relentless pace it requires remains in question.
Ready or Not?
Brock Osweiler made my list of 15 players fantasy owners should be scouting in the preseason, with the hope that we could figure out if he'll sustain the value of DeAndre Hopkins and maybe even prop up a second receiving option. After one exhibition game, doubts remain over Osweiler's ability to command an offense.
Beat writers have said that Osweiler has had a good camp, unfortunately he didn't bring that version of himself to San Francisco on Sunday. Hopkins has proven he can produce with almost anyone at quarterback, but it's the overall success of the offense that will be a problem if Osweiler fails to deliver on his big free-agent deal.
Instant Impressions
- While the verdict has yet to be reached on Osweiler, the team's other big free-agent signing, Lamar Miller, appears to be in mid-season form. The former Dolphin racked up 30 yards on four carries against the 49ers. He's going to get a chance to prove he's a true workhorse and it wouldn't be shocking to see him end the year as the top running back in fantasy.
- The player who may benefit the most from Chip Kelly's offense is Carlos Hyde, who showcased his talents with a 22-yard run on the second drive of the game, getting a huge hole from the left side of the 49ers' line. On a less positive note, he was also responsible for a fumble, which the Texans returned 41 yards for a score, though we won't hold a single preseason fumble against him. If he can stay healthy, Hyde could far exceed his current ADP in the fourth round.
- Garrett Celek might still be in the mix at tight end for San Francisco, but Vance McDonald was the playmaker on Sunday, capitalizing on Bernardrick McKinney slipping and getting upfield for a 43-yard score. If you're looking for a deep sleeper at tight end, McDonald should be high on your list.
Notable Performances
Mike Davis, RB, 49ers
5 carries, 72 yards; 2 receptions, 17 yards
Mike Davis looked lighter and shiftier after losing some weight in the offseason. He used that to his advantage when he broke a 44-yard run in the first half. With so many touches to go around in this offense, Davis might get his opportunity at some point this season. He was clearly next up after Hyde and Shaun Draughn.
Jaelen Strong, WR, Texans
4 receptions, 42 yards
Strong had a solid outing, but wasn't running with the first-team offense. That means he'll have work to do over the next few weeks if he hopes to overtake first-round rookie Will Fuller in the starting lineup. Fuller caught his lone target for four yards.
Injury Ward
Shaun Draughn, RB, 49ers
Draughn appeared to be in a bit of discomfort when he left the game, but it's likely nothing serious. He's the No. 2 running back behind Carlos Hyde, and should see a decent amount of touches, especially in the passing game.