Fantasy: Takeaways from Friday's preseason games

Every game night during the preseason, theScore's NFL editors will provide their fantasy observations from around the league.

Sharpening Their Claws

The Jaguars offense may be worth another look before your fantasy drafts.

T.J Yeldon's stat line may not jump off the page, but the rookie's preseason debut was encouraging. Yeldon served as the Jaguars' every-down back early in the game and saw multiple carries at the goal line, converting one for a touchdown. He finished with 8 carries for 10 yards and the score, adding a reception for 12 yards.

The finger injury that kept Yeldon out the first two preseason games has also held his fantasy draft stock down. Expect that to rise significantly over the coming weeks. He will be a low-end RB2 this season and is worth a pick in the late fourth round.

Are You Ready For This?

This might sound hard to believe, but the Chiefs offense could actually be fun for fantasy owners this season.

Alex Smith was especially efficient on Friday, leading the Chiefs on three straight scoring drives to start the game. Smith completed 16 of his 18 attempts for 171 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the night. The Titans' defense figures to be one of the league's weaker units, but Smith's performance is encouraging. While the Chiefs quarterback is never going to be more than a QB2 in fantasy, the hope is that he can help the players around him have big seasons.

Jeremy Maclin had another strong outing, hauling in seven passes for 65 yards and leaping over a defender to secure a ball down the sidelines, which he took in for a 29-yard score. Maclin is a decent value at his current ADP in the fifth round.

The other Chiefs offensive player to be excited about is Travis Kelce, who had 42 yards and a touchdown of his own. Kelce is a monster on the field and one of the few tight ends who could rival Rob Gronkowski, if Kansas City's offense decides to feature him. Much like Maclin, you can comfortably take Kelce in the fifth round of 12-team drafts.

Notable Performances

Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions
11-of-15, 173 yards, 2 TDs
Stafford continued his perfect preseason against the Jaguars on Friday. Through three exhibition games, he's completed 19-of-25 passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns. He remains an intriguing low-end QB1 option in fantasy.

Blake Bortles, QB, Jaguars
20-of-27, 245 yards, TD
Bortles had a solid preseason a year ago, before crumbling when the games meant something. However, the sophomore quarterback looks much more poised in the pocket. Bortles could be a decent spot starter in fantasy, especially if he continues to rack up rushing yards. He had 38 yards on four carries against the Lions.

Ameer Abdullah, RB, Lions
3 carries, 8 yards, 1 reception, 21 yards
Abdullah's numbers were pedestrian, but he flashed his big-play potential on a 21-yard screen pass. Abdullah still has a chance to be a fantasy starter this year, but he doesn't come cheap in drafts.

Jonas Gray, RB, Patriots
5 carries, 11 yards
Gray took the field with the Patriots starters, but was unable to generate many yards as the Panthers defensive line dominated in the trenches. LeGarrette Blount played with the second unit and saw seven carries, rushing for 29 yards. Gray will get the start in Week 1 with Blount suspended, but after that it's tough to guess at Bill Belichick's plan with his backfield.

Cameron Artis-Payne, RB, Panthers
6 carries, 15 yards
The rookie took over in the backfield after Jonathan Stewart was finished for the night. Artis-Payne appears to be the handcuff in Carolina, behind a running back that has a history of getting hurt.

Golden Tate, WR, Lions
3 receptions, 91 yards, TD
Calvin Johnson has been sitting out the preseason as he rests up for regular season action. Golden Tate continues to dominate in Megatron's absence, but his role will be reduced once the Lions star is back in the lineup. Tate is a player to avoid at his fourth-round ADP.

Corey Brown, WR, Panthers
1 reception, 5 yards
We still don't know who the Panthers No. 1 receiver will be with Kelvin Benjamin out for the season, but we probably know it's not going to be Brown, who dropped several passes and failed his audition for the role.

Greg Olsen, TE, Panthers
6 receptions, 51 yards
Olsen is the correct answer to the question, "Who will be the Panthers' top option in the receiving game this season?" If you have a chance to get him on your team, you definitely should.

Injury Ward

Allen Robinson, WR, Jaguars
Robinson left the game briefly, but returned after just a few plays, allowing fantasy owners everywhere to breathe a sigh of relief.

Albert Wilson, WR, Chiefs
Wilson is competing to start in the Chiefs offense. A shoulder injury forced him out of Friday's game and could open the door for rookie Chris Conley.

Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Panthers
Injuries continue to take their toll on the Panthers receiving corps. The veteran wideout exited with a groin injury.

James Develin, FB, Patriots
The Patriots fullback was carted off with a leg injury. Players were surrounding him on the field, which normally indicates a lengthy absence.

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