Preseason 2024 Wrapup

From Preseason to Week One: Key Updates for Your Fantasy Football Lineups

As we transition from the preseason into regular season prep, there’s a bit of a break in football before the season kicks off on Thursday, September 5th. While we might not have a ton of football to watch, we’re deep in the midst of fantasy drafts, making this the perfect time to think about your Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) lineups. Whether you’re new to DFS or ready to dive into week one lineup planning, here’s what you need to know.

The Chargers’ Elevator Mishap: A Shared Experience

First, a little humor to kick things off—11 Chargers players, including quarterback Justin Herbert, got stuck in an elevator at a Dallas hotel over the weekend. They were trapped for two hours before firefighters rescued them, pulling each player through the ceiling panel in small groups. Coach Jim Harbaugh joked that the ordeal brought them closer together, and we’re just glad everyone made it through safely!

Player Status Updates: Juju, Hollywood, Puka, OBJ, and Chubb

Juju Smith-Schuster & Hollywood Brown: Juju Smith-Schuster has re-signed with the Chiefs, adding some veteran depth to an already strong receiving corps. While this move might push bubble players like Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney further down the pecking order, it doesn’t significantly impact fantasy targets.

On the other hand, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown was spotted at practice, albeit not fully participating. His presence on the field is a positive sign, but fantasy owners should keep a close eye on his status leading up to week one.

Puka Nacua: Exciting news for Rams fans—wide receiver Puka Nacua returned to practice after a knee injury sidelined him earlier this month. His return boosts his fantasy stock, especially if he continues to practice leading up to week one. However, with Cooper Kupp looking healthy and primed for a strong season, Nacua might be too risky for some fantasy owners.

Odell Beckham Jr.: Surprisingly, Odell Beckham Jr. is dealing with an undisclosed injury, and his status for week one remains unclear. While OBJ wasn’t a major fantasy target, his potential absence could make room for other Miami Dolphins receivers to step up—something DFS players might want to keep an eye on.

Nick Chubb: Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns is set to start the season on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list after a significant knee injury last year. With Chubb sidelined, Jerome Ford becomes the lead back in Cleveland, making him a valuable fantasy asset, especially in DFS.

Quarterback Questions in New England

The New England Patriots are dealing with a bit of quarterback drama. While it seemed Jacoby Brissett would start, a shoulder injury in the preseason may push the team to start rookie Drake Maye instead. This uncertainty makes it a situation to monitor closely, as it could impact the entire Patriots offense.

Seahawks’ Starters Shine

In contrast to New England’s situation, the Seattle Seahawks’ starters looked sharp in their final preseason game. Geno Smith went 4-for-5 for 62 yards, including an impressive 25-yard catch by rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN). DK Metcalf also scored a 21-yard touchdown, showing that the Seahawks’ offense could be a force to be reckoned with this season. JSN, currently ranked as WR39, could be a bargain pick for your fantasy team.

Holdout Resolutions: CeeDee Lamb, Ja’Marr Chase, and Brandon Aiyuk

CeeDee Lamb: Great news for Cowboys fans—CeeDee Lamb has ended his holdout, agreeing to a $136 million deal with the team. With this contract, Lamb is now the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, and he’s poised for another stellar season.

Ja’Marr Chase: The situation with Ja’Marr Chase is still developing. While the Bengals and Chase have yet to agree on a new deal, the star wide receiver returned to practice on Sunday, signaling progress in negotiations. Keep an eye on his practice participation leading up to week one.

Brandon Aiyuk: Brandon Aiyuk’s situation with the 49ers remains unresolved. Trade talks with the Commanders cooled over the weekend, and Aiyuk’s future is still up in the air. This uncertainty makes him a risky pick for fantasy owners at this point.

On the Bubble: Roster Cuts and Potential Impact

With final roster cuts due by 4 p.m. Eastern on August 27th, we’re likely to see some shake-ups across the league. While most of the names cut will be lesser-known players, a few medium-profile players could be on the chopping block, including:

• Anders Carlson (Kicker, Packers): Drafted to potentially replace Mason Crosby, Carlson has struggled, making him a likely cut.
• Miles Sanders (RB, Panthers): Sanders might be on the bubble for his job with the Panthers.
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR, Bills): With a crowded Bills receiving corps, Valdes-Scantling could be on his way out.
• Robert Woods (WR, Texans): Woods’ best days are behind him, and he could be a casualty of the roster cuts.

Wrap-Up: Staying Ahead of the Game

That’s a wrap for today’s update! As we prepare for the regular season, every bit of news can give you a competitive edge, whether you’re eyeing potential sleepers or avoiding risky picks. Stay tuned for more updates as we move closer to the kickoff, and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more insights and lineup tips.