Two games on the docket tonight. On the one hand, we shouldn't expect many (any?) notable skill players to compete. On the other hand, that makes our fantasy lives a lot more interesting.
Because it doesn't matter if Mac Jones, Rhamondre Stevenson, Dameon Pierce, and other notable names sit. Being healthy for the regular season is all that matters.
At this point in the summer, the biggest value fluctuations usually take place further down the depth chart. I want to see how each team's backfield shakes out. Which rookie WRs look NFL-ready? And so on.
There are two games tonight. The first one features (likely) Patriots backups versus some to-be-determined collection of ascending Texans. For New England, Bailey Zappe has a chance to keep pressure on Mac Jones. For two-QB leaguers and even big-league dynasty folks, the on-or-off Jones-Zappe battle has meaningful implications. It could be argued that if Zappe had played marginally better when he replaced Jones last season, he could have kept the #1 job.
Then there's New England's RB corps. While they're reportedly in the market for another back, Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris might be competing for the #2 role, making tonight (possibly) a key factor in whether the Pats shell out for a veteran upgrade.
And tonight we might see a lot of rookie wideouts Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas, as well as the sliding Tyquan Thornton. One of these probably will be the #3 WR (if it's not Kendrick Bourne). While the Patriots' passing attack remains a huge fantasy risk, deep-leaguers should care who wins the Week 1 starting job, because they're one DeVante Parker or JuJu Smith-Schuster injury away from entering the streaming conversation.
For Houston, as of writing this, I still don't know who's starting. But clearly C.J. Stroud (a) needs reps and (b) is a safe best to start all season. But we might not be able to size up his abilities this early in the preseason, especially if Nico Collins and Robert Woods remain on the sidelines.
Fortunately, we might see John Metchie. He's still my pick to lead this receiving corps, and live-action reps with Stroud can't hurt.
The other matchup is between the Seahawks and Vikings. For Seattle, I can't envision any big names playing, except possibly rookie Zach Charbonnet. Fellow rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba will see action at some point, though perhaps not tonight. I'm somewhat interested in who will win the #4 WR job, with second-year wideout Dareke Young a decent bet to earn a real shot, especially with D'Wayne Eskridge suspended six games.
And for Minnesota, all/many eyes are on a fascinating backfield battle. If Alexander Mattison is ready to handle a full load, then nothing to see here. But if Mattison falters or gets hurt, then Ty Chandler or DeWayne McBride could become one of that week's biggest waiver adds. And can rookie WR Jordan Addison become an immediate top-40 WR? He's expected to get snaps tonight. A strong showing could send his ADP skyrocketing, at least in the short term.
If you're excited to see someone play, give a shout.
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