Brandon Murchison | Fri, Aug 30th 2024, 7:09am EDT

6 NFL Preseason Standouts (2024 Fantasy Football)

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.

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.

Eric Gray (RB – NYG)

Coming into training camp and preseason action, Eric Gray was an afterthought for fantasy managers as rookie RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. was all the rage as a potential sleeper for the 2024 season. But after two preseason games, Gray compiled 138 total yards and hauled in nine receptions over that span.

He showed a decisiveness that was not there as a rookie to go along with a great burst through the line of scrimmage. With Tracy banged up during training camp, the door is open for Gray to claim a share of the backfield usage behind starter Devin Singletary. If he can show the ability to be valuable in passing down situations, Gray becomes very intriguing in PPR formats as a late-round dart throw.

Jermaine Burton (WR – CIN)

A player who was on many sleeper lists since his selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Jermaine Burton’s flames were beginning to cool a bit with news of his spot on the depth chart being lower than what was anticipated. But his play during the preseason should be all the evidence needed for the Bengals to realize they have a talent who will be hard to keep off the field in 2024. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF) grading, Burton showed out during games with an 86.1 grade (third). He recorded 157 yards (third) on eight receptions, to go along with two touchdowns.

The highlight that won’t get many people talking is his three contested catches during the preseason, flashing the strength and athleticism he showed during his time at Alabama. Burton will be competing with Andrei Iosivas for the WR3 role with the Bengals, but with his skill set, he should be able to assume that role and become a potential WR4 for fantasy managers looking for depth.

Jordan Whittington (WR – LAR)

Another name that has seemingly come out of nowhere to make an impression is Rams rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington. The sixth-round pick out of Texas back in April was considered a longshot to make the team heading into the rookie minicamps. But from what we have seen during the preseason, not only did Whittington easily make the team, but head coach Sean McVay has stated plans to keep him involved during the regular season.

Whittington finished the preseason with the fourth-most catches in the NFL (11), but it was his athleticism that caught the eyes of the coaching staff. With Demarcus Robinson currently holding down the WR3 role for the Rams, it’s feasible to see Whittington seeing an increase in usage as the season moves along. This makes him worthy of late-round consideration (118 overall ADP) as there could be a pathway to solid fantasy production in a Rams receiving group known to miss time due to injury.

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