The Scoop: Pre-season Week 1

By: Josh Frey-Sam

Every Monday from now until the end of the season, the brief will be at least one fantasy-relevant takeaway from every game that week.

For those who were reading last season, it’s the same deal, except this year I’m calling it The Scoop.

Sorry for the lack of content last week, btw. It was a hectic week of work for me.

Let’s jump in.

Detroit @ Cincinnati

Nothing too notable in a game where the Lions didn’t dress many starters and the Bengals’ starters played two drives, but if there was one, it would be Bengals rookie WR Colbie Young, who played 22 snaps and was targeted four times by Joe Flacco. The fourth-round pick finished with two catches for 28 yards. He’s a big-body receiver with a similar skill set to Tee Higgins, and has displayed his downfield ability throughout training camp. Would not be a shock to see him earn the WR3 role this season.

An intriguing dynasty stash.

Green Bay @ Pittsburgh

Several takeaways on the Steelers side of things. No. 1 is rookie QB Drew Allar, who looked poised and comfortable while completing 10 of his 13 throws for 153 yards and two touchdowns — good for a 154.81 QBR. He could play himself into being the heir to Aaron Rodgers.

No. 2 is negative. RB Kaleb Johnson, a third-round pick a year ago who was thought to be the Steelers’ bellcow of the future, played just five snaps. His release feels like a forgone conclusion, which is probably best for him and his chances at resurrecting his career.

No. 3 is a pair of rookie WRs in second-rounder Germie Bernard and fourth-rounder Kaden Wetjen. Bernard was targeted five times and caught four balls for 51 yards, including one play where he muscled through a pair of Packers defenders for a first down. Wetjen, who seems to have already secured his place as the Steelers’ primary returner, was dynamic on offence, catching two passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. Kid’s got speed.

Indianapolis @ New England

Main takeaway here was that Colts rookie seventh-round RB Seth McGowens was underwhelming with his opportunity. Five carries for 17 yards and a fumble. With DJ Giddens as the only other viable option, I’ve been of the opinion that the Colts will trade for/sign a veteran RB to backup Jonathan Taylor before Week 1, and this was another step toward that.

Arizona @ Las Vegas

Some organizations just continue to be, well, stupid. Jeremiyah Love left this one with a high-ankle sprain, which puts his availability for Week 1 in question.

I’m not sure why the Cards felt it was important to give their third-overall pick 14 touches in his debut.

I was already out on Love at his second-round price, and this further cements that. High-ankle sprains have been known to have negative residual effects on RBs in the same season.

Tennessee @ San Francisco

One WR from each team: Wan’Dale Robinson drew four targets from Cam Ward, which I believe is telling of what we can expect this season. Robinson is a high-floor WR3 for me this season. For the Niners, rookie De’Zhaun Stribling continues to look the part with SEVEN catches in his debut. I already had an OROY futures bet on Stribling, and it’s tough not to feel good about it after this performance. He needs to be targeted at the back end of drafts.

Denver @ Atlanta

He was only on the field for 14 snaps, but rookie RB Jonah Coleman looked good in his limited run. He logged four carries for 24 yards and displayed his excellent contact balance on a couple of occasions. Coleman is an intriguing dart throw for re-draft this season, especially with JK Dobbins already banged up.

Tampa Bay @ New York Jets

It’s funny, Braelon Allen was being floated by some as a potential cut candidate last week. I’d go so far as to say he needs to be targeted in all formats now. Allen’s four carries for 44 yards and a touchdown were impressive, but now the Jets’ bulldozing RB carries some value after Breece Hall suffered a groin strain in Monday’s practice. Groins aren’t known to heal quickly… just saying.

Miami @ Washington

How about Kaytron Allen? The Commanders rookie RB logged 23 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown and added a two-yard catch for good measure in what was a solid debut for the fifth-round pick.

Allen can’t be drafted in re-drafts, but you need to watch him on the waiver wire this season. I’ve thought all off-season that the Commanders backfield could be fluid, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see the rookie get some opportunity. In dynasty, he needs to be rostered, especially if you’re a rebuilding team with room on your roster to throw a dart.

Carolina @ Buffalo

Pro: Jonathan Brooks finished the game healthy. Con: DJ Moore did not, though his ankle injury doesn’t appear to be serious.

Browns @ Bears

My scorecard has Deshaun Watson in the lead for the starting job. Do with that information what you will. More interestingly, RB Dylan Sampson looked good in his limited opportunity. I’ve said for a while that I’d rather have him than Quinshon Judkins this season.

Vikings @ Giants

Keep an eye on Giants rookie WR Malachi Fields. He is absolutely in the running to be the team’s No. 2 WR out of the gates. Fields, who caught three passes for 34 yards and a touchdown, a big-body, jump-ball pass-catcher who can threaten the deep areas of the field and in the red zone. He’s a fun player to own in dynasty right now, and could be worth rostering in redraft at some point this season.

Rams @ Chiefs

Yeah, it was pre-season, but my fellow Ty Simpson truthers woke up feeling pretty good this morning after the 13th overall pick carved up the Chiefs defence to the tune of 21-of-25 for 190 yards and two touchdowns.

On the other side, it was nice seeing rookie WR Cyrus Allen carry over his strong camp into a game. He made one exciting leaping grab and showed off his ability in space on his other catch. Love me some Cyrus Allen.

Jacksonville @ New Orleans

Not much here, unless you are a Barion Brown dynasty owner. In that case, the rookie sixth-rounder’s four catches for 53 yards have certainly piqued your interest.

 Philadelphia @ Baltimore

Ravens rookies making plays. WR Jakobi Lane continued his excellent camp with three grabs for 36 yards and a touchdown. He was one of my deep sleepers to target this season and will continue to be that. In the rushing game, fifth-rounder Adam Randall, who, btw, was handpicked by Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, showed something worth getting excited about with 12 carries for 46 yards and a touchdown.

Cowboys @ Seahawks

Only thing worth noting here would be George Holani having a decent day. He was listed as the starter, ahead of first-round rookie Jadarian Price, on the Seahawks’ initial depth chart. Right now, I’m not ready to plant my flag either way. Just keep an eye on it.

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh