As the NFL preseason has now ended, fantasy football enthusiasts eagerly dive into analyzing potential breakout stars. Identifying preseason standouts is crucial for gaining a competitive edge, as these performances can offer valuable insights into which players might deliver significant contributions during the regular season. Unlike regular-season games, preseason matchups blend established veterans and emerging talent, creating a unique landscape where hidden gems can emerge.

To effectively identify standout players, it’s essential to scrutinize performance metrics and situational factors. Look for players who exhibit impressive stats in limited playing time, especially those who make the most of their opportunities against varied defensive units. Pay close attention to player utilization patterns and coaching comments, as these can signal how a player is expected to be integrated into the team’s plans. Additionally, the quality of competition and the context of their performance-such as how they perform against starting defenses versus backups-can provide further clues about their potential impact.

Another key aspect is observing how players fit into their team’s offensive or defensive schemes. Understanding the roles and opportunities available within the team’s system can help predict which preseason stars are likely to transition smoothly into impactful regular-season roles. Keep an eye on depth chart changes, injuries and the team’s strategic adjustments, as these factors often highlight players poised to step up. By combining these observations with statistical analysis and situational awareness, fantasy managers can make informed decisions and capitalize on the hidden potential revealed during the preseason.

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Fantasy Football NFL Preseason Standouts

Drake Maye (QB – NE)

Unlike the quarterbacks drafted ahead of him in April, Drake Maye came into the preseason primed to find himself squarely on the bench as the Patriots made it clear Jacoby Brissett was their starting QB. The only thing is, Drake Maye could be forcing the hand of head coach Jerod Mayo sooner than expected. Maye wrapped up a solid preseason showing in which he completed 21-of-34 passes for 192 yards and a score. Add in another 32 yards on the ground and you could see a player that was growing more comfortable in each passing game.

The truth is, Maye brings an element to the offense Brissett simply can’t offer and the team would be smart to let Maye work through things on the field with fellow rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. There may not be much upside for Maye from a fantasy perspective in 2024, but what C.J. Stroud proved in 2023 is that an offense perceived to be extremely below average can still find ways to flourish. Maye should be viewed as no more than a QB3 in Superflex formats in 2024 until we see more.

Bo Nix (QB – DEN)

Heading into the preseason, Bo Nix was involved in a sure-fire QB competition with Jarrett Stidham to be the Broncos’ starting QB for the 2024 season. After selecting him with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, many analysts questioned the Broncos for using such a high selection on a QB with several question marks entering the league. But what happened during the preseason showed that just maybe Sean Payton may know what he’s doing.

Nix turned the QB battle into a runaway win after a very strong performance in which he showed incredible accuracy (76.7%) and was second in the NFL with a 116.7 passer rating. From a fantasy perspective, Nix still has a long way to go to prove to managers he can be trusted once the games become real. Now that he has won the starting job, he is on the radar to be drafted in both redraft and Superflex formats. His current average draft position (ADP) is QB29. But expect to see some inconsistent performances for the rookie as he settles into the role, making him no more than a possible bye-week fill-in for fantasy managers.

Carson Steele (RB – KC)

One of the major surprises coming out of the preseason has to be the story of Chiefs undrafted free agent (UDFA) rookie Carson Steele. Not known for his speed or elusiveness, he was able to flash that potential during training camp and capped things off with 50 yards rushing on four carries and a score in the finale.

Considered to be more of a short-yardage back in college, Steele has shown enough for the Chiefs to keep him on the roster over once highly thought of Deneric Prince. The team also brought in Samaje Perine to potentially take over the vacated pass-catching role previously held by Jerick McKinnon, providing a roadblock to potential value for Steele. Factor in the continued presence of Clyde Edwards-Helaire and you have a steep mountain to climb for Steele to find meaningful usage without an injury ahead of him.

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