Letters From Camp: Fantasy Football Insights from the First Preseason Games
Welcome back to Fan Girl Football! It’s that exciting time of year when preseason games give us our first taste of real football action. The hosts—Judy, Tiffany, and Lauren—are here to break down the latest news from training camps and preseason games, offering valuable insights for your fantasy football drafts. If you’re not following us on social media or subscribed to our podcast, now’s the time! Let’s dive into the highlights from this week’s “Letters From Camp.”
Hollywood Brown’s Injury: A Major Setback for the Chiefs
This past weekend, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown suffered a sternoclavicular dislocation—a serious injury where the collarbone meets the sternum. Brown was hospitalized overnight and is expected to miss significant time. For fantasy players, this is a tough break. Brown was being drafted around the 7th round, with projections between 122 and 171 fantasy points. Given his history of injuries and the severity of this one, it’s best to avoid drafting him this season.
Tiffany mentioned that while Brown was supposed to be a key target for Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have plenty of other passing options. Isaiah Pacheco could see more targets, and rookie Xavier Worthy might step up, though he’s still unproven. If Brown falls to the 9th round or later, he could be worth a stash on your IR list, but don’t count on him as a reliable fantasy starter.
Joe Mixon’s Return: What Does It Mean for the Texans’ Backfield?
Joe Mixon returned to practice this week after recovering from a quad strain. The Texans struggled mightily in their preseason game against the Steelers, with backup running back Damian Pierce managing just four yards on four carries. Mixon’s return could be a big boost for Houston’s running game, but we might not see him in any preseason action.
Lauren pointed out that Mixon is being drafted as RB16 in most leagues, with a 6th-round ADP in PPR formats. Keep an eye on his performance in the Texans’ next preseason game against the Giants. If he looks sharp, he could be a solid mid-round pick, especially given Houston’s struggles on the ground.
Jayden Daniels Shines for the Commanders
One of the most exciting players to watch this weekend was Jayden Daniels, the quarterback for the Washington Commanders. In his limited action, Daniels looked sharp, completing a 42-yard pass and rushing for a touchdown. He’s been a favorite of Judy’s, who’s high on him as a potential steal in the 7th round.
Daniels’ running ability adds a unique dimension to Washington’s offense, potentially downgrading the fantasy value of running backs like Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. Judy believes Daniels is currently undervalued, especially considering he’s being drafted after Brock Purdy. If Daniels continues to perform well in the preseason, he could climb up draft boards quickly.
Joe Burrow: Back and Better Than Ever?
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow returned to action this weekend, looking sharp in limited play. Burrow completed several passes, including a 23-yarder to Andrej Josevich. Most importantly, he wasn’t sacked, thanks to improved protection from the offensive line—a recurring issue in previous seasons.
Burrow is being drafted as QB8, but his stock could rise if he continues to impress. Lauren is confident in Burrow’s ability, even if star wide receiver Jamar Chase remains a holdout. The chemistry Burrow has with his remaining targets, including T. Higgins, should keep the Bengals’ offense productive.
The Bills’ Wide Receiver Conundrum
The Buffalo Bills’ wide receiver corps had a mixed showing in their preseason game. Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, and Curtis Samuel all saw targets, but none emerged as the clear favorite. Coleman and Samuel are both being drafted in the 9th round, while Shakir is slightly lower, despite having solid chemistry with Josh Allen.
Judy and Tiffany both lean towards drafting Shakir, given his history with Allen and his potential for consistent targets. However, if Coleman falls in drafts, he might be worth a late-round flyer.
Denver’s Quarterback Battle: A Situation to Avoid?
Over in Denver, the quarterback situation is a bit of a mess. Jarrett Stidham, rookie Bo Nix, and Zach Wilson are all competing for the starting job. Stidham has been getting most of the work with the starters, but Nix had an impressive showing against the Colts, leading the offense to two touchdowns and two field goals.
Despite the intrigue, none of these quarterbacks are worth drafting in fantasy leagues. The uncertainty in Denver’s quarterback room is too risky, and there are better options available, even for those looking for a late-round sleeper.
Holdouts and Contract Drama: How to Handle Brandon Aiyuk
Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, remains in contract limbo. He’s been linked to teams like the Patriots and Browns but hasn’t settled on a deal. If he’s still holding out when it’s time to draft, it’s best to avoid him. The uncertainty is too great, especially when there are other dependable options available in the early rounds.
Lauren and Tiffany both agree that if Aiyuk’s situation isn’t resolved by draft day, he’s not worth the risk. The 49ers’ offense could struggle without him, and it’s unclear where he’ll end up if he decides to leave San Francisco.
Final Thoughts
As preseason action continues, the hosts of Fan Girl Football will keep you updated on the latest developments. Whether it’s injury updates, position battles, or contract holdouts, we’ve got you covered with the insights you need to dominate your fantasy football league. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media so you don’t miss out on any of our expert advice.
Until next time, happy drafting!
