There’s a lot we can learn by analyzing every minor detail of preseason play, and after years of doing this, I find that it’s generally beneficial to scrutinize the nuances. I strive to cut through the noise by offering context beyond just first-team snap counts—considering alignments, assignments, and performance helps us better anticipate the future. Join our weekly debates on YouTube where we break down these insights.
I previously shared my comprehensive, team-by-team takeaways from Week 1 of the preseason here. Now, after reviewing the All-22 footage, it’s time to dig into what Week 2 unveiled. You can jump to my notes on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday games, but it’s best to read the full rundown so you catch all the important developments—starting with the biggest story from Sunday’s practice.
Ashton Jeanty Avoids Worst-Case Scenario
Initial reports from Jeanty’s injury on Sunday suggested his season might be over, with practice halting for prayer and Jeanty unable to bear weight on his ankle as trainers helped him off. For over five hours, Jeanty and his promising backup, Mike Washington Jr. (who we’ll discuss later), were being drafted everywhere—from Round 2 all the way to Round 10—creating quite a frenzy. However, national insiders later clarified that it’s a sprained ankle, which typically sidelines players 2-10 weeks depending on severity. The practice reaction hinted it might be on the longer side, possibly over a month, but camp injuries remain unpredictable. With the Raiders’ Week 1 just 20 days away, this could still mean an IR stint if there’s a small fracture or if surgery is required, such as tightrope surgery for a high-ankle sprain.
It’s also possible Jeanty returns soon after the season begins. Initially, I wasn’t keen on Jeanty in late Round 1—not due to injury—but I’m likely to remain cautious, ranking him currently as RB18 and 36th overall, putting him alongside players like Travis Etienne Jr., Javonte Williams, Kyren Williams, and Josh Jacobs.
Washington, on the other hand, should have been drafted in every 12-team league after his preseason demonstrated his athleticism. Reports also confirm he’s had a strong training camp. Though the spreadsheet community didn’t love his late breakout potential given his modest volume, he boasts athleticism comparable to Adrian Peterson, caught 28 passes last season, and was widely projected in Rounds 3-4. His tape shows flashes within a run-first offense aiming for some perimeter runs. Now ranked RB37 just behind players like Blake Corum and fellow Panthers backs, Washington has flex appeal during bye weeks and could function as an RB2/RB3 early in the season depending on Jeanty’s recovery. If you want front-loaded production or want to bet on Jeanty missing more than a month, Washington is a smart pick.
Sunday Game
Titans: What’s Going On?
The Titans starters played just three drives over 19 snaps—and it was rough. QB Cam Ward appeared lackadaisical in a fast-paced offense, missing Carnell Tate a few times with inaccurate throws and carelessly fumbling out of the pocket again—a recurring issue from college and his rookie year that’s concerning.
WR snap counts were clearer, with Tate on the field 100% and Calvin Ridley playing 17 of 19 snaps, while Wan’Dale Robinson took the slot in three-WR sets for 16 of 19 snaps. Unlike last week, Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike didn’t mix much with Ward. Tate looks like the team’s top receiving threat, especially for yards and touchdowns, but Robinson will likely lead in catches, making him valuable in full PPR leagues.
The RB rotation appears simple: Tony Pollard handled all snaps (8) in the first drive, then Tyjae Spears took the following two drives (4 and 7 snaps). A drive-by-drive RB committee with Pollard opening halves is shaping up. Excited about Tennessee’s committee or not?
Seahawks: Starters Sat
Saturday Games
Browns: Shedeur Sanders Starts, Deshaun Watson Struggles Post-Game
Notably, KC Concepcion sat out while second-round WR Denzel Boston saw some action. Boston didn’t play the whole half with Sanders but reinforced the notion that Concepcion remains highly valued—he’s a top sleeper and favorite middle-round pick.
Sanders played well, showing improved timing, pocket composure, and mobility, making quality throws and runs. His accuracy still needs polish, but this was his best performance yet in terms of consistency.
Watson’s showing was mediocre: some deflected passes, underneath completions, a scramble, but also two near-interceptions. While he can still launch the ball, his timing and accuracy haven’t bounced back to pre-suspension levels. His post-game interview was a disaster, yet the Browns named him Week 1 starter on Monday.
Commanders: Stefon Diggs Limited to Slot Role
Jayden Daniels appeared for three plays along with other veteran starters. Terry McLaurin and Treylon Burks featured in the only two-WR set, with Diggs confined to the slot in three-WR sets. It’s unclear if Burks will beat Diggs for those snaps in the season, but the possibility reminds me of how the Patriots successfully used Diggs partially last year. This could impact Diggs’ fantasy value, relegating him to a role similar to Jayden Reed or Josh Downs. Tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo played all of Daniels’ snaps and also joined backups later.
Vikings: JJ McCarthy’s Hasty Throws Cause Trouble
McCarthy’s urgency leads him to rush through reads, not allowing routes to develop fully before firing off passes at high speed. While this results in some strong deep and over-middle throws, his accuracy under 15 yards remains shaky. His performance again resembled his less effective games last season. Backup Carson Wentz offers more reliable play if Kyler Murray misses time in 2026.
Rookie Tai Felton is pushing for the WR3 spot, showcasing speed and agility downfield and adding value on screens and quick routes. I’m optimistic Felton could supplant veteran Jauan Jennings.
Ravens: Starters Rest, Third-Round WR Ja’Kobi Lane Plays
Lane caught a slant and was covered well on another route, suggesting he’s on pace for an immediate starting role, especially with Rashod Bateman facing legal issues.
Falcons: Starters Rest, Slot WR Zachariah Branch Shines
Branch split time outside of three-WR sets but likely remains primarily a slot receiver. His speed is impressive, reminiscent of Tank Dell, but he needs development. Expect him to receive occasional touches weekly.
Lions: Starters Rest, WR Isaac TeSlaa Forced into Play
TeSlaa stayed on the field for the first four drives with backup QB Luke Altmyer, a concerning sign as others rested.
Colts, Bills, Rams, Saints, Patriots, Eagles, Bengals, Cardinals: Starters Sat
Cowboys: Starters Sat, but Jaydon Blue Slipped During His Reps
Bears: Starters Played One Drive
Rome Odunze received an underneath touch on a play-action leak but doesn’t get as many screens as others. Despite this, the coaches are still manufacturing plays for him.
Chiefs: Opening With Under Center Runs
Patrick Mahomes, Rashee Rice, and Xavier Worthy missed the game due to injury, but the rest of the starters played. The Chiefs ran two under-center runs to RB Kenneth Walker III to start, a notable shift from last year when under-center RB runs were rare and ineffective. This points to a new offensive focus with Walker as the centerpiece, making him my favorite Round 2 pick.
Sleeper WR Cyrus Allen is mostly seen in the slot, where Rashee Rice will play once healthy. Outside roles likely go to Tyquan Thornton, while Allen stays more rotational.
Friday Games
Packers: MarShawn Lloyd and Matthew Golden Impress
After a 14-play scoring drive by starters, both Jayden Reed (ankle) and Tucker Kraft (ACL) sat out. Christian Watson and Golden led WR snaps; Golden displayed exceptional speed and route-running, cementing his status as a top sleeper.
Lloyd rotated with RB3 Chris Brooks, showing athleticism despite some erratic run style and scoring a receiving touchdown. With Josh Jacobs’ legal issues unresolved, Lloyd is a must-draft in 10-team leagues.
Broncos: Bo Nix Connects With Jaylen Waddle and RJ Harvey
Starters played two drives; RJ Harvey received the first, Jonah Coleman the second, while J.K. Dobbins sat. Both backs figure into a committee with Harvey proving explosiveness and Coleman solid but less dynamic.
Pat Bryant aligned as WR3 with Waddle and Sutton in key two-WR sets. Waddle had an explosive route against a blitz. Nix showed no lingering issues from a previous ankle injury, completing multiple rollouts and throws with good velocity.
Steelers: Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle Share Workload
Most starters played three drives. Warren started with three plays on the first drive; Dowdle followed with four plays, then both split six snaps. Warren excelled in pass protection and had energetic runs; Dowdle’s performance was less remarkable.
Tight ends Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth continued splitting reps, each with distinct strengths but neither a strong draft target outside deep leagues.
Jets: Omar Cooper Jr. Joins First-Team Offense
Starters played except for Breece Hall (knee). Cooper joined three-WR sets ahead of Isaiah Williams, signaling a likely Week 1 third WR role. To be fantasy relevant, Cooper must also win 2-WR set snaps against Mitchell, which hasn’t happened yet.
Panthers: Jonathan Brooks Scores but Lacks Flair
Brooks featured heavily with two drives and a goal-line touchdown but lacked dynamic athleticism, particularly struggling in pass protection. Chuba Hubbard remains the preferred back when healthy.
Slot WRs Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker rotated; McMillan is a solid mid-round pick, and Coker profiles as a sleeper.
Jaguars: No Notable Participation
Thursday Games
49ers: Kyle Shanahan Excels in Player Evaluation with Stribling and Black
Though some starters rested, Brock Purdy led the opening drive. Deebo Samuel Sr. and Demarcus Robinson started in two-WR sets, with De’Zhaun Stribling dominating targets in three-WR sets. Stribling impressed with route-running, receiving smooth catches, and near-perfect plays, confirming the 49ers’ affection for him. He’s on track to be a two-WR set starter and fantasy asset early.
Running back Kaelon Black, drafted in the third round, excelled, seemingly winning the important Christian McCaffrey backup job. Black shone in pass protection and rushing with a smart, aggressive style. Unless Jordan James returns soon, Black is a valuable fantasy pick if you expect CMC to miss time.
Raiders: Fernando Mendoza and Mike Washington Jr. Get Extensive Reps
With starters resting, second-team offense ran 26 snaps. WR Tre Tucker appears to have surpassed Jalen Nailor as a starting outside receiver, while Jack Bech saw limited, mostly slot snaps.
QB Mendoza showed flashes and struggles adapting to the pro game, throwing both a perfect pass over the middle and a pick-six due to miscommunication with rookie WR Washington. He still has upside, though concerns remain.
Washington continued to impress with highlights that weren’t reliant on blocking but his superior athleticism. The Raiders seem likely to give him 5+ touches per game, even healthy, providing fresh legs and dual-threat value. With Jeanty’s injury cloud, Washington is confirmed as valuable fantasy insurance and a potential bellcow RB.
Chargers: Charlie Kolar Named Starting TE
In a two-TE set with Justin Herbert, Kolar and David Njoku played, not pass-only specialist Oronde Gadsden II, reinforcing reports of Kolar’s offseason progress and fantasy appeal.
Rookie Brenen Thompson impressed over KeAndre Lambert-Smith among backups, poised as a deep threat WR4. The Chargers likely feature fewer three-WR sets, making the battle for two-WR set snaps more pivotal.
RBs Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell split early snaps, with Mitchell showing promise as a receiving back, poised for career receiving highs. The interior offensive line, however, struggles with injuries and performance concerns.
Texans: Woody Marks Has Breakout Performance
While starters including Nico Collins and David Montgomery sat, RB2 Woody Marks played all 10 snaps in the opening drive, scoring the best run of his career, signaling a potential 50/50 split with Montgomery. Marks also showed strong blitz pickup skills. As a 2026 fantasy fade on Montgomery, Marks offers upside based on performance, not just injury.
WR Jaylin Noel remains hampered by injury, and Tank Dell continues to recover from a serious knee dislocation, likely sidelined for months. Xavier Hutchinson’s experience likely secures Week 1 WR snaps, though he has a low ceiling compared to emerging or acquired alternatives like Kayshon Boutte, who recently joined the team via trade.
Fan Take:
For NASCAR fans seeking parallels, this deep dive into NFL preseason reveals how player development and injury management profoundly influence team dynamics and fantasy outcomes—similar attention to detail will be crucial as NASCAR teams navigate evolving driver lineups and emerging talents. Understanding these strategic shifts helps fans appreciate the intricate decisions shaping the future of their sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
