NFL Preseason: Saturday, August 13th
Greetings Grinders! The third preseason of the slate is upon us tonight. We have four games included in the all-day slate that kicks off at 4:30PM ET and then there is a three-game slate that starts at 7:00PM ET. This slate should be very interesting, as there are a few quarterbacks, running backs, and tight ends who stand out above the rest, while wide receiver is wide open. Hopefully, you’ve been following my picks each day, but if not I’ll give you a quick summary.
In the first week of preseason, teams are trying to get an extended look at players who are fighting for a roster spot. We’ll usually see the starters for a few series and possibly up to a quarter. Then we’ll see the second-string until halftime and maybe a little of the third quarter. Then, for the remainder of the game, we’ll see guys fighting to make the third-string.
Ideally, we want to use players who are seeing 20+ snaps. If you played on Thursday, you are aware that some starters were able to hit value. For example, the Eagles started their first drive in the Buccaneers red zone thanks to a fumble. That allowed Ryan Mathews to pick up an early TD. In the Saints game, Mark Ingram picked up two touchdowns while playing more than anyone expected. Those weren’t the situations we targeted, and we won’t be highlighting those types of plays below. We have four games to cover, so let’s get right into it. I’m trying to highlight the best plays, but if you see someone you like who isn’t listed, feel free to play them – I obviously can’t mention every single player on every team.
Seattle at Kansas City 4:30 ET
Seattle
Quarterback:
Depth Chart: Russell Wilson, Trevone Boykin, Jake Heaps
Top Target: Russell Wilson is expected to play a series or two, but Trevone Boykin will most the bulk of the rest of the game. Third-stringer Jake Heaps is nowhere near NFL ready and isn’t expected to play until sometime in the fourth quarter. Boykin is a very strong play. He’s a top-three option along with Jared Goff and Dak Prescott, who we will get to.
Running Back:
Depth Chart: Thomas Rawls (O), Christine Michael, C.J. Prosise (O), Alex Collins, Zac Brooks (O), Cameron Marshall, Jonathan Amosa, Troymaine Pope
Top Targets: With Rawls, Brooks, and Prosise out against the Chiefs, Carroll said young players like Alex Collins, Cameron Marshall, George Farmer, and Troymaine Pope would carry the load at running back. Veteran Christine Michael, who has seen a lot of snaps with the first-string offense in training camp, is also in the mix. As far as I’m concerned, we are just looking at Alex Collins and Cameron Marshall, in that order.
Wide Receiver:
Depth Chart: Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, Tyler Lockett, Paul Richardson, Antwan Goodley, Kenny Lawler, Deshon Foxx, Kasen Williams (O), Tanner McEvoy, Kevin Smith (O), Douglas McNeil, Montario, Hunter, Uzoma Nwachukwu
Top Target: With Williams and Smith out and the starters playing sparingly, the guys we will target here are Douglas McNeill and Kenny Lawler. Both are battling to lock down the final roster spot at WR. The 6-foot-3 McNeill has been a standout in camp and is the one I prefer, but I certainly wouldn’t talk you out of playing the rookie Lawler.
Tight End:
Depth Chart: Jimmy Graham (O), Luke Wilson, Clayton Echard, Nick Vannett, Joe Sommers, Brandon Williams
Top Target: At some point, we are going to have to have someone ghostwrite the TE section of my articles. You shouldn’t ever expect too much from a TE, but you really need 1-2 catches and 25 yards. It’s entirely defensible to target a starter at TE if you know he’s playing and you think he’ll see some targets early. With Jimmy Graham out, I might take that chance here with Luke Wilson, though I’ll give you some better choices if you keep reading.
Kansas City
Quarterback:
Depth Chart: Alex Smith, Tyler Bray, Aaron Murray, Nick Foles, Kevin Hogan
Top Target: Wait, the Chiefs have five QBs on their roster? You have to think that will change soon as they recently acquired Nick Foles. The thing that is interesting is Tyler Bray listed second ahead of Nick Foles. These depth charts aren’t done the coaches but rather the public relations team. I’ve also seen depth charts where Foles is #2 and Bray is #3. From what I’ve read, the Chiefs want to get a look at Bray tonight, but I could see them making time for all these guys. With Boykin, Goff, and Prescott playing extensively, you can’t really look at the Chiefs QBs in this game.
Running Back:
Depth Chart: Jamaal Charles (O), Charcandrick West, Spencer Ware, Knile Davis, Darrin Reaves
Top Target: Jamaal Charles is still on the PUP list, and Ware and West should get the usual starter treatment. That should leave plenty of second half carries for Knile Davis and Darrin Reaves. I have mild interest in Reaves and slightly more in Davis. The Chiefs know they can’t keep this many RBs, so tonight could be a good time to showcase Davis for a possible trade. He probably won’t make any of my teams but I see the logic behind using Davis.
Wide Receiver:
Depth Chart: Jeremy Maclin, Albert Wilson, Frankie Hammond, Chris Conley, Tyreek Hill, Rod Streater, De’Anthony Thomas, Mike Williams, Kasif Moore, Demarcus Robinson, Seantavious Jones, Mitch Mathews, Da’Ron Brown
Top Targets: The Seahawks have some really solid defensive backs on their team. Even when a guy leaves in free agency they seemingly have someone just as good right behind him. I’ll definitely avoid Jeremy Maclin and Albert Wilson here. I’ll probably avoid Chris Conley too. After the starters are done though, there could be some fantasy goodness. Tyreek Hill has drawn praise in camp for his explosiveness. I’m curious to see if that translates to the field tonight. You could also make the case for Frankie Hammond who starred last preseason and Rod Streater who has made an NFL roster before with the Raiders.
Tight End:
Depth Chart: Travis Kelce, Demetrius Harris, Ross Travis, James O’Shaughnessy, Brian Parker
Top Target: The Chiefs are also very deep at TE. Similar to Knile Davis above, the Chiefs could try to showcase James O’Shaughnessy, though I’m not sure how much actual trade value there is with him. You could also play Kelce as well and just hope he makes value on the first few series but I’m not.
Indianapolis at Buffalo 7:00 ET
Indianapolis
Quarterback:
Depth Chart: Andrew Luck, Scott Tolzien, Stephen Morris
Top Target: Coach Pagano said the Colts starters will play one to two series but that it will be based on a number of total plays. For example, if the Colts go three-and-out on their first two series, we would probably see Luck for a third. The guy I would target here is Scott Tolzien though. Third-stringer Morris seems unlikely to make the team and Luck won’t play enough to hit value.
Running Back:
Depth Chart: Frank Gore, Robert Turbin, Jordan Todman, Josh Ferguson, Trey Williams
Top Target: The downside of the Hall of Fame game getting cancelled is that Josh Ferguson didn’t get a chance to showcase his talent. One beat writer told me that Ferguson was expected to play a lot in that game. The Colts paid Ferguson the maximum signing bonus allowed after he went undrafted. Gore isn’t expected to see much run, so once Turbin and Todman do their thing, it should be the Ferguson show in the second half.
Wide Receiver:
Depth Chart: Donte Moncrief, T.Y. Hilton, Phillip Dorsett, Josh Boyce, Chester Rogers, Tevaun Smith, Marcus Leak, Mekale McKay, Quan Bray, Danny Anthrop, Joshua Stangby, Andre Dobson
Top Targets: Teams use their first preseason game to get a look at the wide receivers competing for roster spots. Based on what we saw in camp, Josh Boyce saw a lot of reps, while Tevaun Smith and Chester Rogers emerged from the group of undrafted players to have very strong camps. Then, of course, Quan Bray is very much in the running for a spot because of his return abilities. I would target those four in the order I listed them.
Tight End:
Depth Chart: Dwayne Allen, Emil Igwenagu, Jack Doyle, Chase Coffman, Erik Swoope, Konrad Reuland
Top Target: When all is said and done, Doyle and Allen will be 1-2 at TE for the Colts. Behind them are a host of guys who didn’t have a good camp. I don’t have enough faith in any to recommend them, so I would just stick to Allen and Doyle here even though they are likely to play just a series or two.
Buffalo
Quarterback:
Depth Chart: Tyrod Taylor, EJ Manuel, Cardale Jones
Top Target: Tyrod Taylor seems unlikely to play more than a series or two, but the battle for backup QB is closer than you would think. Rookie Cardale Jones is pushing EJ Manuel hard. Both should be given ample opportunity to prove they are worthy of the #2 job tonight. I have them rated pretty equally here though neither is a top tier option.
Running Back:
Depth Chart: LeSean McCoy (Q), Reggie Bush (Q), Karlos Williams, Mike Gillislee, Jonathan Williams, James Wilder, Daniel Herron
Top Target: LeSean McCoy isn’t expected to play tonight, and I’m also doubting that Reggie Bush suits up after recently signing with the team. Karlos Williams reported to camp overweight and also picked up a suspension. The Bills placed him on the Non-Football Injury list and he may not play tonight. That leaves us with two excellent options in Mike Gillislee and Jonathan Williams. We know about Mike Gillislee, as he was an injury fill-in last season. The other guy is rookie Jonathan Williams who was supposed to compete for the #2 job this season. Williams was charged with DUI this offseason and is almost certain to pick up a suspension. For that reason, he was dropped down the depth chart, but Coach Ryan says he’ll still be given an opportunity. I’m excited about both Williams and Gillislee tonight. The other guys in the mix for carries would be Daniel “Boom” Herron and James Wilder.
Wide Receiver:
Depth Chart: Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin, Greg Salas (Q), Dezmin Lewis, Greg Lewis, Kolby Listenbee (O), Leonard Hankerson, Walter Powell, Marcus Easley (O), Kain Colter, Jarrett Boykin
Top Target: We probably won’t see Sammy Watkins at all tonight and Robert Woods is firmly entrenched as the #2. The battle for #3 is far from settled though. We should see Marquise Goodwin, Greg Salas, Dez Lewis, and Greg Little all be given a chance to win that job. Salas has been dealing with a hamstring issue and Lewis is hurt though. That should open the door for Goodwin and Little to shine. We could also get a look at Hankerson and Jarrett Boykin as well.
Tight End:
Depth Chart: Charles Clay, Jim Dray, Chris Gragg, Blake Annen, Nick O’Leary, Jimmay Mundine
Top Target: Charles Clay is still dealing with a back injury and seems unlikely to suit up tonight. He didn’t practice last Thursday. That should open the door for Chris Gragg, Blake Annen and Nick O’Leary. Of the three, I prefer O’Leary.
Dallas at Los Angeles 8:00 ET
Dallas
Quarterback:
Depth Chart: Tony Romo, Dak Prescott, Jameill Showers, Kellen Moore
Top Target: Tony Romo is not expected to play, and several Dallas sources have said the reps will be split between Dak Prescott and Jameill Showers. If you want to get off Trevone Boykin in the All-Day slate, I see Prescott as a good option. In the 7PM slate, you can’t pick Boykin, so Prescott is one of the top options along with Jared Goff.
Running Back:
Depth Chart: Ezekiel Elliott (O), Darren McFadden (O), Alfred Morris, Darius Jackson, Lance Dunbar (PUP)
Top Target: Take a look above. Elliott is out with a hamstring, McFadden has a broken wrist and Dunbar is on the PUP. Obviously, Alfred Morris will not see a heavy workload. You know what that means right? Get Darius Jackson in your lineup. If you find a site that lets you play Darius Jackson more than once, put him in again.
Wide Receiver:
Depth Chart: Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Brice Butler, Cole Beasley, Devin Street, Lucky Whitehead, Andy Jones, Vince Mayle, Rodney Smith, Chris Brown
Top Target: The guy I’m most excited about here is Brice Butler who is pushing Terrance Williams for the starting role opposite Bryant. He should be featured early, though he’ll have Prescott throwing to him. The other name that jumps out to me is Lucky Whitehead. This is a tournament-only type play, but Whitehead was impressive last preseason and I’m happy to see him back in action again this year.
Tight End:
Depth Chart: Jason Witten, James Hanna (PUP), Geoff Swaim, Gavin Escobar, Rico Gathers, Austin Traylor
Top Target: Witten is unlikely to play much (if at all), Hanna is on the PUP list, and the Cowboys have not rushed back Gavin Escobar. That’s left plenty of reps for Geoff Swaim, who has been a favorite check-down target of Prescott. Swaim is my favorite target at TE on this slate.
Los Angeles
Quarterback:
Depth Chart: Case Keenum, Jared Goff, Sean Mannion, Dylan Thompson
Top Target: Case Keenum is expected to play about 15 snaps, and then Jared Goff will play well into the third quarter. If you aren’t playing Treyvone Boykin on the all-day slate, it’s probably because you are playing Jared Goff or Dak Prescott. On the late slate, Goff is my top option with Prescott just slightly behind.
Running Back:
Depth Chart: Todd Gurley, Benny Cunningham, Malcolm Brown, Terrence Magee, Chase Reynolds, Aaron Green
Top Target: Todd Gurley will not play extensively tonight. We’ll see some Benny Cunningham, but he’s slotted to be more of a receiving back for this team. The guy I’m interested in is Malcolm Brown. He’s looking to earn some regular season reps as Gurley’s backup.
Wide Receiver:
Depth Chart: Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin, Bradley Marquez, Pharoh Cooper, Mike Thomas, Paul McRoberts, Nelson Spruce, Duke Williams, Marquez North, Austin Hill David Richards
Top Target: The battle I’ll be watching tonight is rookie Pharoh Cooper trying to wrestle the third WR role away from Bradley Marquez and Brian Quick. All three should get a chance to state their case. In college, Cooper played the slot and outside. Brian Quick has flashed his skills since being drafted in 2012, but he’s also been injured often and is on a one-year contract. He’ll need to show something this preseason if he wants to make the roster.
Tight End:
Depth Chart: Cory Harkey, Lance Kendricks, Justice Cunningham, Tyler Higbee, Temarrick Hemingway, Benson Browne, Jake Stoneburner
Top Target: If you don’t want to tail my Geoff Swaim pick, I can certainly understand. My track record picking TEs isn’t great. The other option for tonight’s slate is Tyler Higbee. He was touted as a top draft pick but dropped after being arrested for assaulting a man at bar. Higbee is 6’6” and has great receiving skills. I expect Goff to look his way often tonight.
San Diego at Tennessee 8:00 ET
San Diego
Quarterback:
Depth Chart: Philip Rivers, Kellen Clemens, Zach Mettenberger, Mike Berovici
Top Target: QB Zach Mettenberger – The competition to back up Philip Rivers figures to come down to the wire as the team will in all likelihood keep no more than two or three quarterbacks. While you should also keep an eye on Kellen Clemens and Mike Bercovici, Saturday night marks Mettenberger’s return against the team he started 10 games for over the past two seasons. The QB boasts a cannon arm, and will look to show the Titans they made a mistake waiving him in May. He’s not a top option but Mettenberger is in play in a revenge game.
Running Back:
Depth Chart: Melvin Gordon, Danny Woodhead, Brandon Oliver, Dreamius Smith, Kenneth Farrow
Top Target: Tonight is a night where I’ll be using a RB in the flex spot but several of the options I’ve already mentioned edge out anyone in this San Diego backfield. I would have some interest in Kenneth Farrow if his path to carries were clear but unfortunately he won’t make any of my teams tonight.
Wide Receiver:
Depth Chart: Travis Benjamin, Keenan Allen Tyrell Williams, Dontrelle Inman, James Jones, Javontee Herndon, Isaiah Burse, Torrence Allen, Deandre Reaves, Rico Richardson
Update: Tyrell Williams is out
Top Target: According to San Diego’s team website, “Someone will need to step up with Stevie Johnson sidelined for the entire season with a knee injury. According to Philip Rivers, Tyrell Williams has a good chance to do just that as he says he has “no doubt…Tyrell is going to be a factor.” The 6-4, 205-pound second year player has made a number of highlight reel plays, but there is a big difference between showing out in practice and coming through on game day.”
Tight End:
Depth Chart: Sean McGrath, Antonio Gates, Jeff Cumberland, Henry Hunter, Tim Semisch, Asante Cleveland, Matt Weiser
Top Target: TE Hunter Henry – The Chargers selected the 2015 John Mackey Award Winner as college football’s top tight end with the 35th overall selection. Although he is known for his soft hands, Henry is a willing blocker unafraid to do the dirty work. Saturday provides his first chance to put his entire arsenal on display. He’s in the upper tier of TE choices tonight.
Tennessee
Quarterback:
Depth Chart: Marcus Mariota, Matt Cassel, Alex Tanney
Top Target: Mariota should do the same thing most other starters do which is play about a series or to and then head for the sideline. The guy I would have the most interest in here is Matt Cassel but he isn’t a consideration for me with the other options we have tonight.
Running Back:
Depth Chart: DeMarco Murray, Derrick Henry, Dexter McCluster (O), David Cobb, Antonio Andrews, Bishop Sankey, David Fluellen
Top Target: DeMarco Murray is not expected to play much tonight. I have read a few different places that Derrick Henry is expected to play “a lot” but it’s unclear whether that means 10 snaps or 30. There are still plenty of other bodies here but I don’t mind Henry at all. He should see the more valuable reps behind the first and second team offensive line. The other name that keeps popping up is Bishop Sankey. I’ve also heard he’s playing a lot but again, there’s plenty of competition for carries.
Wide Receiver:
Depth Chart: Rishard Matthews, Tajae Sharp, Andre Johnson, Kendall Wright (O), Harry Douglas, Justin Hunter, Tre McBride, Dorial Green-Beckham, Ben Roberts, Andrew Turzilli
Top Target: Even though Kendall Wright is out tonight the top four WRs are pretty set for the Titans. That leaves two spots available for guys at the back end of the roster. Even though Tajae Sharp is nominally a starter I think you could use him tonight. The other guy I have interest in is Dorial Green-Beckham. Talent has never been an issue for the guy known as “DGB” it has always been off the field issues holding DGB back. When DGB finally gets into the game he should be the most talented player on the field. The only question is if Matt Cassell and Alex Tanney can get him the ball.
Tight End:
Depth Chart: Delanie Walker, Anthony Fasano, Phillip Supernaw, Jerome Cunningham, Alex Ellis, Craig Stevens
Top Target: I’ve already given you the TEs I would play tonight in Swaim and Higbee. If you are looking at a Titans TE I would stick to Anthony Fasano and Phillip Supernaw. I doubt I’ll have any of either, but these are the guys that should do best for Tennessee.
Thank you for reading and good luck in your contests tonight. If you have any questions, I’ll be in the Preseason Week 1 forum thread along with several other very sharp preseason players. Come join us!