{"id":20362,"date":"2025-08-11T13:27:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T17:27:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/08\/11\/nfl-preseason-week-1-why-rj-harveys-fifth-string-tag-shouldnt-deter-your-fantasy-football-picks-and-more-key-insights\/"},"modified":"2025-08-11T13:27:08","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T17:27:08","slug":"nfl-preseason-week-1-why-rj-harveys-fifth-string-tag-shouldnt-deter-your-fantasy-football-picks-and-more-key-insights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/08\/11\/nfl-preseason-week-1-why-rj-harveys-fifth-string-tag-shouldnt-deter-your-fantasy-football-picks-and-more-key-insights\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL Preseason Week 1: Why RJ Harvey&#8217;s &#8220;Fifth String&#8221; Tag Shouldn&#8217;t Deter Your Fantasy Football Picks and More Key Insights"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/08\/11\/nfl-preseason-week-1-why-rj-harveys-fifth-string-tag-shouldnt-deter-your-fantasy-football-picks-and-more-key-insights\/#Quarterbacks\" >Quarterbacks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/08\/11\/nfl-preseason-week-1-why-rj-harveys-fifth-string-tag-shouldnt-deter-your-fantasy-football-picks-and-more-key-insights\/#Running_Backs\" >Running Backs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/08\/11\/nfl-preseason-week-1-why-rj-harveys-fifth-string-tag-shouldnt-deter-your-fantasy-football-picks-and-more-key-insights\/#Wide_Receivers_and_Tight_Ends\" >Wide Receivers and Tight Ends<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>Here\u2019s a rewritten version of the content in my own words:<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>I understand\u2014it\u2019s just the preseason, and only one week at that. Nobody wins the Super Bowl in August, but it\u2019s tough to feel excited when your top fantasy football picks for the upcoming season finally step onto the field, or a hyped sleeper player showcases their talent for the first time.<\/p>\n<p>You can join or start a Yahoo Fantasy Football League for the 2025 NFL season.<\/p>\n<p>This isn\u2019t about overhyping early performances\u2014it\u2019s about understanding context. The goal is to sift through the preseason noise, highlight significant usage and performances, and recognize players who are laying the foundation for future success. We&#8217;re not expecting these players to shine as stars right away; just lining up the positives and minimizing the negatives will set you up well as the real games begin.<\/p>\n<p>Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy Prediction on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or listen anywhere.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quarterbacks\"><\/span>Quarterbacks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Chedur Sanders, Browns<\/strong><br \/>\nSanders is currently one of the most talked-about NFL players. In his preseason debut, he showed promise with 14 completions on 23 attempts for 138 yards, two touchdowns, and added 20 rushing yards on four carries over 45 snaps. He displayed his ability to stay calm and lead the offense effectively.<\/p>\n<p>However, fantasy managers should temper expectations. Even athletic pocket passers face challenges earning consistent season-long relevance, and Sanders is projected behind three other quarterbacks (Dilangabriel, Joe Fraco, and Kenny Pickett). Being a fifth-round draft pick means his path to fantasy relevance this season is uphill\u2014great start, but patience is key.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Justin Fields, Jets<\/strong><br \/>\nDon\u2019t worry about mixed practice reports or minor injuries. Fields reminded everyone why he&#8217;s valuable in fantasy football by leading a 10-play, 79-yard drive capped with a 13-yard rushing touchdown on his only drive of the game. His performance still has ups and downs, but his rushing ability remains a significant advantage. With head coach Aaron Glenn\u2019s support and Fields\u2019 health, he has strong weekly fantasy upside.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jordan Love, Packers<\/strong><br \/>\nLove had a challenging preseason debut with minimal yardage and little rhythm. The bigger issue may be the surrounding receiving corps\u2014Jaden Reid is in walking boots, Christian Watson is recovering, and Donavion Wick is inconsistent. Without a reliable WR1, Green Bay\u2019s offense may struggle, making Love\u2019s fantasy value less certain. While there are promising weapons like Josh Jacobs, Tucker Kraft, and rookie Matthew Golden, fantasy managers should approach cautiously.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other QB Notes:<\/strong>  <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>JJ McCarthy (Vikings): Showed chemistry with Jordan Addison, completing a few passes for 30 yards.  <\/li>\n<li>Jackson Dart (Giants): Impressed with 154 yards, a touchdown, and three carries against Buffalo\u2019s backups, potentially a rookie to watch later.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Running_Backs\"><\/span>Running Backs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>RJ Harvey, Broncos<\/strong><br \/>\nIgnore his RB5 label; Harvey played 63% of snaps, ran routes on 45%, had a 20% target share, and got 100% of carries during those snaps, including 47% of touches despite JK Dobbins being active. His 25-yard, seven-carry stat line isn\u2019t eye-popping, but his usage signals Sean Payton\u2019s trust. His low draft status could be misleading.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Braelon Allen, Jets<\/strong><br \/>\nAllen\u2019s stats (eight carries for 33 yards) don\u2019t tell the full story. At 21, Allen showed the physicality and power expected from the Wisconsin product, running hard and breaking tackles.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sean Tucker, Buccaneers<\/strong><br \/>\nOpportunity arose when Rachaad White got injured, and Tucker stepped up with 13 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown. Coach Todd Bowles praised him and said they plan to give him more touches, pairing his running style with public support makes him a rising fantasy candidate.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kyle Monangai, Bears<\/strong><br \/>\nThough running with the second-string offense, Monangai started the game, rushing six times for 30 yards with power and determination. He fits well alongside DeAndre Swift, and impressively, he never fumbled in college.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other RB Notes:<\/strong>  <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Blake Corum (Rams): Likely the second running back behind Kylen Williams, with goal-line value.  <\/li>\n<li>Trevion Henderson (Patriots): Backup to Rhamondre Stevenson but showing big-play ability on kickoff returns.  <\/li>\n<li>Ollie Gordon II (Dolphins): After Alexander Mattison\u2019s injury, Gordon got eight carries, 39 yards, and a touchdown, showing potential for more opportunity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wide_Receivers_and_Tight_Ends\"><\/span>Wide Receivers and Tight Ends<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Travis Hunter, Jaguars<\/strong><br \/>\nHunter played both ways, with 10 offensive snaps and eight defensive snaps in his debut versus Pittsburgh. Jacksonville targeted him three times early, and while Brian Thomas Jr. is expected to be WR1, Hunter is showing the skills to shine in fantasy as well.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tetairoa McMillan, Panthers<\/strong><br \/>\n\u201cTMAC\u201d demonstrated why he was a first-round pick with two catches for 43 yards, including an early deep ball from Bryce Young and an endzone target. With Xavier Legette gone and Adam Thielen aging, McMillan could see significant snaps and impact\u2014think a rookie Tee Higgins type with around 900 yards and six touchdowns.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Calvin Ridley, Titans<\/strong><br \/>\nRidley was very visible and sharp, showcasing elite route running and separation skills. With little target competition and better QB play, Ridley is poised for a renaissance season.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tampa Bay WRs: Emeka Egbuka &amp; Jalen McMillan<\/strong><br \/>\nBoth young players showed flashes in the game. McMillan had a notable 25-yard catch, and Egbuka impressed with contested catches. Their impact could grow early with Chris Godwin possibly sidelined and Mike Evans\u2019 injury history.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tyler Warren, Colts<\/strong><br \/>\nWarren caught all three targets for 40 yards and played with both Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson. The Colts are involving him early, highlighting his fantasy upside as a rookie.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other WR Notes:<\/strong>  <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Marvin Mims Jr. (Broncos): Playing almost all snaps, appears to be Denver\u2019s clear No. 2 receiver.  <\/li>\n<li>Jordan Watkins (49ers): With multiple injuries in the receiver group, Watkins is positioned to step up.  <\/li>\n<li>Isaac Tesia (Lions): Positive rookie performance with two catches and three targets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Fan Take:<\/strong> This early preseason information is crucial for fantasy players and NFL fans alike, as it reveals emerging talent and shifts in team dynamics before the regular season hits. Watching how these young and lesser-known players perform offers insight into potential breakout stars and could reshape the landscape of fantasy football and NFL team strategies this year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here\u2019s a rewritten version of the content in my own words: I understand\u2014it\u2019s just the preseason, and only one week at that. Nobody wins the Super Bowl in August, but it\u2019s tough to feel excited when your top fantasy football picks for the upcoming season finally step onto the field, or a hyped sleeper player [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20363,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[859],"tags":[860],"class_list":{"0":"post-20362","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nfl","8":"tag-nfl"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20362","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20362"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20362\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20363"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20362"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20362"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20362"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}