First, for any of you Nick Chubb fans, today's podcast episode celebrates his unique greatness. For example, among the 800+ retired RBs who joined the league these past 30 years, he's only the 11th to have been a top-20 fantasy RB in five straight seasons. And unlike most of the other guys on that list, Chubb didn't benefit from a lot of targets or a lot of general offensive help from the passing game. If you have thoughts on Chubb, it's a great day to shout it out.
Second, some thoughts on today's preseason games, starting with sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen. While he's been a bargain on my draft board, he's not someone I would be excited to draft, at least not at this moment. With Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White (when healthy) operating in front of Allen, a lot has to happen for the rookie to break through. Still, I'm curious whether he builds on his solid debut.
Rashod Bateman's legal issues might result in rookie Ja'Kobi locking down Baltimore's #2 WR job. Baltimore isn't known for producing more than one weekly fantasy WR starter; only once since 2017 has this team's second-highest-scoring fantasy wideout finished in the top 50, and that was Bateman at #40 overall in 2024. But in what's expected to be at least a marginally more pass-friendly offense, there's now a pretty compelling reason to roster Lane in most leagues.
The player taken right before Lane in this year's draft was Zachariah Branch, who's also competing for a #2 job. He didn't do much in his professional debut last week, setting up a seemingly important outing today. Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus are relatively low-ceiling placeholders. If Branch is squeezed out to open the season, it would streamline this offense for fantasy managers.
Who will be Jonathan Taylor's backup? It matters not only because handcuffs matter, but also because Taylor missed three games in 2024, seven in 2023, and six in 2022. Drafting Taylor with confidence is a personal choice. Drafting Taylor without a Colt backup plan is highly risky. Managers should hope today's game helps solidify that spot.
I'm still leaning into Giants WR Malachi Fields, so let's see if he looks like a starter-caliber rookie today. Meanwhile, the Najee Harris signing is somewhat between inconsequential and consequential (yeah, I know: a pretty wide gap). The 28-year-old former first-round pick probably won't have serious fantasy value if Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy are healthy and fairly productive. But Skattebo's durability concerns make the Harris signing a little more interesting.
With Jalen McMillan returning, rookie Ted Hurst III has lost his slight claim to a starting role. I'm interested in seeing how all of the Bucs perform today against the Chiefs. And speaking of K.C., Emmett Johnston and Cyrus Allen are both on plenty of fantasy radars. One thing to consider about Johnson: most of his college touches occurred last year. I did a podcast episode a few weeks ago on why that matters.
Finally, who will back up Javonte Williams in Dallas? 27-year-old Malik Davis caught 54 passes in his final two college seasons, despite that no translating (yes) at the pro level. Jaydon Blue looms. Ideally for managers, someone will claim the handcuff role.
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