Tell your friends (just not your leaguemates until next week)
by Lou Brunson
Just like that, the whole preseason is behind us. Congratulations, everyone! The next time we see a team on an NFL field, it will count. We’re almost there. Just like before, this column wouldn’t be possible without the work of Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus. He does great work; check him out if you haven’t already.
Preseason Week 3: One Last Shot Before The Lights Go On
Alright, in Preseason Week 1 and Preseason Week 2, we had rules to follow when digesting information, and we have them again. This is our third data point, so we should see trends developing now, and it’s up to us to help you follow them. Our rules for digesting Preseason Week 3 info:
- If teams are playing starters extensively this week, they’re telling us how they envision their Week 1 lineups and usage.
- Teams that sit large quantities of important players are telling us who they think are important. It doesn’t matter if we disagree.
- Matchups still matter, but most game plans are pared down at best.
- Trust Sean Payton at your own peril. Seriously.
Alright, let’s get to the takeaways!
Pittsburgh Steelers
This was as close as the Steelers got to “running out the starters” this preseason, so it was surprising to see Jaylen Warren as the main RB along with Kenneth Gainwell as the 3rd down RB. If Warren is sliding into Najee Harris‘ old role and Gainwell into Warren’s old role, this is excellent news for both RBs and disastrous news for Kaleb Johnson to start the season.
Carolina Panthers
The starters and key backups all rested. So it’s notable that Jalen Coker, David Moore, and Hunter Renfrow all played, while Brycen Tremayne did not (it could just be due to “general soreness,” the way Dave Canales said, too). Keep an eye on Carolina’s WR room in case the trade smoke around Adam Thielen turns into fire.
New England Patriots
The Patriots held out six WRs due to some combination of them already showing enough to make the team and various injuries. Javon Baker was unfortunately not one of those WRs who were held out and played deep into the game.
New York Giants
We got our first preseason look at Cam Skattebo. It didn’t really mean anything other than he’s finally healthy enough to play after missing two full weeks of practice. Jaxson Dart looks good for a rookie in a pared-down offense against backups on defense. Don’t get out over your skis with the kid.
New York Jets
The Jets rested all of their starters and key backups. Mason Taylor was among those who rested, which bodes well for him. Malachi Corley, on the other hand, was not. Meaning his time with the Jets is likely coming to an end.
Philadelphia Eagles
The 2-3 backup WR slots behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson are wide open, and the Eagles lost presumed WR4 Johnny Wilson for the season this week. So it’s notable that in addition to trading for John Metchie, they played Metchie, Ainias Smith, and Terrace Marshall with the starting group. If you’re interested in rostering Eagles depth WRs, these are the key names to know.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons once again rested anyone and everyone who mattered. They’re on to Week 1.
Dallas Cowboys
We finally got our first in-game look at electric rookie Jaydon Blue when he subbed in for Deuce Vaughn. It’s notable that Blue also rotated deep into the fourth quarter, meaning he’s not as close to playing time at the start of the year as we would like.
Jaydon Blue finds the endzone for the first time
— NFL Daily News (@fantasynflnews.bsky.social) August 22, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota rested anyone and everyone who could sniff the starting lineup, so we can’t get much from their game. They also held Ty Chandler out. However, there’s speculation that it might be so that he didn’t get hurt, and they can trade him.
Tennessee Titans
Elic Ayomanor continues his quest to unseat Van Jefferson as one of the primary WRs in the Tennessee offense. Among the rookie options, Ayomanor is the closest to achieving this goal by far.
Chicago Bears
The Bears played their starters for the entire first half. Luther Burden played a single snap with the starters and should not be drafted as more than a late (13+ round) flier in leagues. Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland continue in what is essentially a 50/50 split for playing time.
Kansas City Chiefs
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens rested everyone of note the same way they have all preseason. This is bad news for D’Ernest Johnson, Rasheen Ali, and Devontez Walker.
Washington Commanders
Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt rested along with the rest of the Washington starters. Chris Rodriguez played, however, indicating JCM/BCM is solidly ahead of Rodriguez in the RB pecking order.
Cleveland Browns
For the first time, all the RBs in Cleveland were healthy, and the starters played. Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson both played extensively with the starters. However, it was Sampson who drew the actual start. Harold Fannin saw significant time with the starters. Joe Flacco targeted him twice, including once for a TD.
Harold Fannin Jr. Pay dirt.
— NFL Daily News (@fantasynflnews.bsky.social) August 23, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams continued in their ways of giving everyone expected to play a role for them the game off. Jarquez Hunter and Terrance Ferguson both played, which means neither figures into the Rams’ plans barring extensive injuries at their respective positions.
Indianapolis Colts
Riley Leonard started at QB and got the bulk of the snaps instead of recently…demoted? Spurned?…QB Anthony Richardson. It could mean nothing, it could mean everything.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals rested their entire starting offense, along with key backups. This is terrible news for Jermaine Burton, who’s WR6 at best. He may still work out in dynasty, but for redraft, we need to move on.
Houston Texans
The Texans rested all of their starters, which included Nick Chubb, while Dameon Pierce started the game and played heavily. WRs Jayden Higgins, Xavier Hutchinson, and Jaylin Noel were heavily involved as well. Hutchinson and Higgins are competing to be the primary WR in 3WR sets, and have been neck and neck throughout the preseason.
Detroit Lions
The Lions rested everyone of fantasy significance, including their top four WRs. Yet again, Isaac TeSlaa showed out. I maintain he won’t have fantasy significance as their WR5, but man, is he fun to watch and root for.
Denver Broncos
Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims played all 21 snaps with starting QB Bo Nix. They were the only players to play more than 12 of the 21. If you want to count on Sean Payton to be your guiding star, I can’t stop you. But I can warn you.
New Orleans Saints
I actually have good news to report from New Orleans! Well, “not bad news” is more accurate, but I’m calling it “good,” dangit! Chris Olave played in the slot for every snap in 3WR sets. This is significant because that role has traditionally generated a tremendous amount of fantasy points in Kellen Moore‘s offense. Yes, those offenses were QB’d by Justin Herbert and Dak Prescott and not Spencer Rattler/Tyler Shough, but we’ll take wins where we can get them.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers played all the starters they had available for several plays, and Romeo Doubs and Matthew Golden led the way at WR, with Malik Heath joining them in 3WR sets. Both Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed were unavailable, so we don’t have as much clarity as we’d like, but it’s still better than nothing. Chris Brooks looks like he’s squarely ahead of Emanuel Wilson in the RB pecking order.
Seattle Seahawks
Rookie Damien Martinez played while Kenneth Walker, Zach Charbonnet, and George Holani rested, which means Martinez is fourth in line for RB snaps, at best. He’s a name to know in super-deep leagues only.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars rested anyone and everyone they could. They’re looking at Week 1 now.
Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa played 17 snaps, and rookie Ollie Gordon played all 17 with him. It’s important to note that both De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright were unavailable due to injury. Malik Washington looks like the WR3 in Miami; however, that position has traditionally held zero fantasy value since Mike McDaniel’s arrival.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo rested everyone of fantasy significance. However, WR4-6 still remained open. Tyrell Shavers and Elijah Moore both got the first crack at playing time in this game, and Shavers had a highlight reel catch. It probably won’t mean anything this year unless injuries hit Buffalo’s WRs hard.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sean Tucker played with the “starters” for Tampa Bay, while Bucky Irving and Rachaad White didn’t play at all. The coaching staff has continually talked up Tucker throughout the offseason, but their actions don’t exactly match their words.
Los Angeles Chargers
Kimani Vidal rested along with the Chargers’ key starters, so he’s likely to play a role in the offense for as long as Najee Harris is unavailable at the very least.
San Francisco 49ers
With all of their injuries across the WR and RB positions, it’s tough to read too much into who sat and why for the 49ers. It was good to see Isaac Guerendo make it back, even if he did leave briefly thanks to a shoulder injury.
Arizona Cardinals
Once again, Emari Demercado played in the game while James Conner and Trey Benson rested. Everyone who rested for their Preseason Week 2 game also rested this week.
Las Vegas Raiders
The TE split continued between Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. No, Bowers shouldn’t plummet down your rankings. Yes, this takes some of the shine off of him. Chip Kelly and Pete Carroll have been known for their shenanigans. Consider yourselves warned.
Lou Brunson is a Senior Analyst and THE social media brains for Optimus Fantasy. Find his dynasty stylings on right here and at draftbuddy.com.
Just like that, the whole preseason is behind us. Congratulations, everyone! The next time we see a team on an NFL field, it will count. We’re almost there. Just like before, this column wouldn’t be possible without the work of Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus. He does great work; check him out if you haven’t already.
Preseason Week 3: One Last Shot Before The Lights Go On
Alright, in Preseason Week 1 and Preseason Week 2, we had rules to follow when digesting information, and we have them again. This is our third data point, so we should see trends developing now, and it’s up to us to help you follow them. Our rules for digesting Preseason Week 3 info:
- If teams are playing starters extensively this week, they’re telling us how they envision their Week 1 lineups and usage.
- Teams that sit large quantities of important players are telling us who they think are important. It doesn’t matter if we disagree.
- Matchups still matter, but most game plans are pared down at best.
- Trust Sean Payton at your own peril. Seriously.
Alright, let’s get to the takeaways!
Pittsburgh Steelers
This was as close as the Steelers got to “running out the starters” this preseason, so it was surprising to see Jaylen Warren as the main RB along with Kenneth Gainwell as the 3rd down RB. If Warren is sliding into Najee Harris‘ old role and Gainwell into Warren’s old role, this is excellent news for both RBs and disastrous news for Kaleb Johnson to start the season.
Carolina Panthers
The starters and key backups all rested. So it’s notable that Jalen Coker, David Moore, and Hunter Renfrow all played, while Brycen Tremayne did not (it could just be due to “general soreness,” the way Dave Canales said, too). Keep an eye on Carolina’s WR room in case the trade smoke around Adam Thielen turns into fire.
New England Patriots
The Patriots held out six WRs due to some combination of them already showing enough to make the team and various injuries. Javon Baker was unfortunately not one of those WRs who were held out and played deep into the game.
New York Giants
We got our first preseason look at Cam Skattebo. It didn’t really mean anything other than he’s finally healthy enough to play after missing two full weeks of practice. Jaxson Dart looks good for a rookie in a pared-down offense against backups on defense. Don’t get out over your skis with the kid.
New York Jets
The Jets rested all of their starters and key backups. Mason Taylor was among those who rested, which bodes well for him. Malachi Corley, on the other hand, was not. Meaning his time with the Jets is likely coming to an end.
Philadelphia Eagles
The 2-3 backup WR slots behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson are wide open, and the Eagles lost presumed WR4 Johnny Wilson for the season this week. So it’s notable that in addition to trading for John Metchie, they played Metchie, Ainias Smith, and Terrace Marshall with the starting group. If you’re interested in rostering Eagles depth WRs, these are the key names to know.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons once again rested anyone and everyone who mattered. They’re on to Week 1.
Dallas Cowboys
We finally got our first in-game look at electric rookie Jaydon Blue when he subbed in for Deuce Vaughn. It’s notable that Blue also rotated deep into the fourth quarter, meaning he’s not as close to playing time at the start of the year as we would like.
Jaydon Blue finds the endzone for the first time
— NFL Daily News (@fantasynflnews.bsky.social) August 22, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota rested anyone and everyone who could sniff the starting lineup, so we can’t get much from their game. They also held Ty Chandler out. However, there’s speculation that it might be so that he didn’t get hurt, and they can trade him.
Tennessee Titans
Elic Ayomanor continues his quest to unseat Van Jefferson as one of the primary WRs in the Tennessee offense. Among the rookie options, Ayomanor is the closest to achieving this goal by far.
Chicago Bears
The Bears played their starters for the entire first half. Luther Burden played a single snap with the starters and should not be drafted as more than a late (13+ round) flier in leagues. Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland continue in what is essentially a 50/50 split for playing time.
Kansas City Chiefs
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens rested everyone of note the same way they have all preseason. This is bad news for D’Ernest Johnson, Rasheen Ali, and Devontez Walker.
Washington Commanders
Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt rested along with the rest of the Washington starters. Chris Rodriguez played, however, indicating JCM/BCM is solidly ahead of Rodriguez in the RB pecking order.
Cleveland Browns
For the first time, all the RBs in Cleveland were healthy, and the starters played. Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson both played extensively with the starters. However, it was Sampson who drew the actual start. Harold Fannin saw significant time with the starters. Joe Flacco targeted him twice, including once for a TD.
Harold Fannin Jr. Pay dirt.
— NFL Daily News (@fantasynflnews.bsky.social) August 23, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams continued in their ways of giving everyone expected to play a role for them the game off. Jarquez Hunter and Terrance Ferguson both played, which means neither figures into the Rams’ plans barring extensive injuries at their respective positions.
Indianapolis Colts
Riley Leonard started at QB and got the bulk of the snaps instead of recently…demoted? Spurned?…QB Anthony Richardson. It could mean nothing, it could mean everything.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals rested their entire starting offense, along with key backups. This is terrible news for Jermaine Burton, who’s WR6 at best. He may still work out in dynasty, but for redraft, we need to move on.
Houston Texans
The Texans rested all of their starters, which included Nick Chubb, while Dameon Pierce started the game and played heavily. WRs Jayden Higgins, Xavier Hutchinson, and Jaylin Noel were heavily involved as well. Hutchinson and Higgins are competing to be the primary WR in 3WR sets, and have been neck and neck throughout the preseason.
Detroit Lions
The Lions rested everyone of fantasy significance, including their top four WRs. Yet again, Isaac TeSlaa showed out. I maintain he won’t have fantasy significance as their WR5, but man, is he fun to watch and root for.
Denver Broncos
Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims played all 21 snaps with starting QB Bo Nix. They were the only players to play more than 12 of the 21. If you want to count on Sean Payton to be your guiding star, I can’t stop you. But I can warn you.
New Orleans Saints
I actually have good news to report from New Orleans! Well, “not bad news” is more accurate, but I’m calling it “good,” dangit! Chris Olave played in the slot for every snap in 3WR sets. This is significant because that role has traditionally generated a tremendous amount of fantasy points in Kellen Moore‘s offense. Yes, those offenses were QB’d by Justin Herbert and Dak Prescott and not Spencer Rattler/Tyler Shough, but we’ll take wins where we can get them.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers played all the starters they had available for several plays, and Romeo Doubs and Matthew Golden led the way at WR, with Malik Heath joining them in 3WR sets. Both Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed were unavailable, so we don’t have as much clarity as we’d like, but it’s still better than nothing. Chris Brooks looks like he’s squarely ahead of Emanuel Wilson in the RB pecking order.
Seattle Seahawks
Rookie Damien Martinez played while Kenneth Walker, Zach Charbonnet, and George Holani rested, which means Martinez is fourth in line for RB snaps, at best. He’s a name to know in super-deep leagues only.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars rested anyone and everyone they could. They’re looking at Week 1 now.
Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa played 17 snaps, and rookie Ollie Gordon played all 17 with him. It’s important to note that both De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright were unavailable due to injury. Malik Washington looks like the WR3 in Miami; however, that position has traditionally held zero fantasy value since Mike McDaniel’s arrival.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo rested everyone of fantasy significance. However, WR4-6 still remained open. Tyrell Shavers and Elijah Moore both got the first crack at playing time in this game, and Shavers had a highlight reel catch. It probably won’t mean anything this year unless injuries hit Buffalo’s WRs hard.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sean Tucker played with the “starters” for Tampa Bay, while Bucky Irving and Rachaad White didn’t play at all. The coaching staff has continually talked up Tucker throughout the offseason, but their actions don’t exactly match their words.
Los Angeles Chargers
Kimani Vidal rested along with the Chargers’ key starters, so he’s likely to play a role in the offense for as long as Najee Harris is unavailable at the very least.
San Francisco 49ers
With all of their injuries across the WR and RB positions, it’s tough to read too much into who sat and why for the 49ers. It was good to see Isaac Guerendo make it back, even if he did leave briefly thanks to a shoulder injury.
Arizona Cardinals
Once again, Emari Demercado played in the game while James Conner and Trey Benson rested. Everyone who rested for their Preseason Week 2 game also rested this week.
Las Vegas Raiders
The TE split continued between Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. No, Bowers shouldn’t plummet down your rankings. Yes, this takes some of the shine off of him. Chip Kelly and Pete Carroll have been known for their shenanigans. Consider yourselves warned.
Lou Brunson is a Senior Analyst and THE social media brains for Optimus Fantasy. Find his dynasty stylings on right here and at draftbuddy.com.
Just like that, the whole preseason is behind us. Congratulations, everyone! The next time we see a team on an NFL field, it will count. We’re almost there. Just like before, this column wouldn’t be possible without the work of Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus. He does great work; check him out if you haven’t already.
Preseason Week 3: One Last Shot Before The Lights Go On
Alright, in Preseason Week 1 and Preseason Week 2, we had rules to follow when digesting information, and we have them again. This is our third data point, so we should see trends developing now, and it’s up to us to help you follow them. Our rules for digesting Preseason Week 3 info:
- If teams are playing starters extensively this week, they’re telling us how they envision their Week 1 lineups and usage.
- Teams that sit large quantities of important players are telling us who they think are important. It doesn’t matter if we disagree.
- Matchups still matter, but most game plans are pared down at best.
- Trust Sean Payton at your own peril. Seriously.
Alright, let’s get to the takeaways!
Pittsburgh Steelers
This was as close as the Steelers got to “running out the starters” this preseason, so it was surprising to see Jaylen Warren as the main RB along with Kenneth Gainwell as the 3rd down RB. If Warren is sliding into Najee Harris‘ old role and Gainwell into Warren’s old role, this is excellent news for both RBs and disastrous news for Kaleb Johnson to start the season.
Carolina Panthers
The starters and key backups all rested. So it’s notable that Jalen Coker, David Moore, and Hunter Renfrow all played, while Brycen Tremayne did not (it could just be due to “general soreness,” the way Dave Canales said, too). Keep an eye on Carolina’s WR room in case the trade smoke around Adam Thielen turns into fire.
New England Patriots
The Patriots held out six WRs due to some combination of them already showing enough to make the team and various injuries. Javon Baker was unfortunately not one of those WRs who were held out and played deep into the game.
New York Giants
We got our first preseason look at Cam Skattebo. It didn’t really mean anything other than he’s finally healthy enough to play after missing two full weeks of practice. Jaxson Dart looks good for a rookie in a pared-down offense against backups on defense. Don’t get out over your skis with the kid.
New York Jets
The Jets rested all of their starters and key backups. Mason Taylor was among those who rested, which bodes well for him. Malachi Corley, on the other hand, was not. Meaning his time with the Jets is likely coming to an end.
Philadelphia Eagles
The 2-3 backup WR slots behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson are wide open, and the Eagles lost presumed WR4 Johnny Wilson for the season this week. So it’s notable that in addition to trading for John Metchie, they played Metchie, Ainias Smith, and Terrace Marshall with the starting group. If you’re interested in rostering Eagles depth WRs, these are the key names to know.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons once again rested anyone and everyone who mattered. They’re on to Week 1.
Dallas Cowboys
We finally got our first in-game look at electric rookie Jaydon Blue when he subbed in for Deuce Vaughn. It’s notable that Blue also rotated deep into the fourth quarter, meaning he’s not as close to playing time at the start of the year as we would like.
Jaydon Blue finds the endzone for the first time
— NFL Daily News (@fantasynflnews.bsky.social) August 22, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota rested anyone and everyone who could sniff the starting lineup, so we can’t get much from their game. They also held Ty Chandler out. However, there’s speculation that it might be so that he didn’t get hurt, and they can trade him.
Tennessee Titans
Elic Ayomanor continues his quest to unseat Van Jefferson as one of the primary WRs in the Tennessee offense. Among the rookie options, Ayomanor is the closest to achieving this goal by far.
Chicago Bears
The Bears played their starters for the entire first half. Luther Burden played a single snap with the starters and should not be drafted as more than a late (13+ round) flier in leagues. Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland continue in what is essentially a 50/50 split for playing time.
Kansas City Chiefs
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens rested everyone of note the same way they have all preseason. This is bad news for D’Ernest Johnson, Rasheen Ali, and Devontez Walker.
Washington Commanders
Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt rested along with the rest of the Washington starters. Chris Rodriguez played, however, indicating JCM/BCM is solidly ahead of Rodriguez in the RB pecking order.
Cleveland Browns
For the first time, all the RBs in Cleveland were healthy, and the starters played. Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson both played extensively with the starters. However, it was Sampson who drew the actual start. Harold Fannin saw significant time with the starters. Joe Flacco targeted him twice, including once for a TD.
Harold Fannin Jr. Pay dirt.
— NFL Daily News (@fantasynflnews.bsky.social) August 23, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams continued in their ways of giving everyone expected to play a role for them the game off. Jarquez Hunter and Terrance Ferguson both played, which means neither figures into the Rams’ plans barring extensive injuries at their respective positions.
Indianapolis Colts
Riley Leonard started at QB and got the bulk of the snaps instead of recently…demoted? Spurned?…QB Anthony Richardson. It could mean nothing, it could mean everything.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals rested their entire starting offense, along with key backups. This is terrible news for Jermaine Burton, who’s WR6 at best. He may still work out in dynasty, but for redraft, we need to move on.
Houston Texans
The Texans rested all of their starters, which included Nick Chubb, while Dameon Pierce started the game and played heavily. WRs Jayden Higgins, Xavier Hutchinson, and Jaylin Noel were heavily involved as well. Hutchinson and Higgins are competing to be the primary WR in 3WR sets, and have been neck and neck throughout the preseason.
Detroit Lions
The Lions rested everyone of fantasy significance, including their top four WRs. Yet again, Isaac TeSlaa showed out. I maintain he won’t have fantasy significance as their WR5, but man, is he fun to watch and root for.
Denver Broncos
Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims played all 21 snaps with starting QB Bo Nix. They were the only players to play more than 12 of the 21. If you want to count on Sean Payton to be your guiding star, I can’t stop you. But I can warn you.
New Orleans Saints
I actually have good news to report from New Orleans! Well, “not bad news” is more accurate, but I’m calling it “good,” dangit! Chris Olave played in the slot for every snap in 3WR sets. This is significant because that role has traditionally generated a tremendous amount of fantasy points in Kellen Moore‘s offense. Yes, those offenses were QB’d by Justin Herbert and Dak Prescott and not Spencer Rattler/Tyler Shough, but we’ll take wins where we can get them.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers played all the starters they had available for several plays, and Romeo Doubs and Matthew Golden led the way at WR, with Malik Heath joining them in 3WR sets. Both Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed were unavailable, so we don’t have as much clarity as we’d like, but it’s still better than nothing. Chris Brooks looks like he’s squarely ahead of Emanuel Wilson in the RB pecking order.
Seattle Seahawks
Rookie Damien Martinez played while Kenneth Walker, Zach Charbonnet, and George Holani rested, which means Martinez is fourth in line for RB snaps, at best. He’s a name to know in super-deep leagues only.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars rested anyone and everyone they could. They’re looking at Week 1 now.
Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa played 17 snaps, and rookie Ollie Gordon played all 17 with him. It’s important to note that both De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright were unavailable due to injury. Malik Washington looks like the WR3 in Miami; however, that position has traditionally held zero fantasy value since Mike McDaniel’s arrival.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo rested everyone of fantasy significance. However, WR4-6 still remained open. Tyrell Shavers and Elijah Moore both got the first crack at playing time in this game, and Shavers had a highlight reel catch. It probably won’t mean anything this year unless injuries hit Buffalo’s WRs hard.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sean Tucker played with the “starters” for Tampa Bay, while Bucky Irving and Rachaad White didn’t play at all. The coaching staff has continually talked up Tucker throughout the offseason, but their actions don’t exactly match their words.
Los Angeles Chargers
Kimani Vidal rested along with the Chargers’ key starters, so he’s likely to play a role in the offense for as long as Najee Harris is unavailable at the very least.
San Francisco 49ers
With all of their injuries across the WR and RB positions, it’s tough to read too much into who sat and why for the 49ers. It was good to see Isaac Guerendo make it back, even if he did leave briefly thanks to a shoulder injury.
Arizona Cardinals
Once again, Emari Demercado played in the game while James Conner and Trey Benson rested. Everyone who rested for their Preseason Week 2 game also rested this week.
Las Vegas Raiders
The TE split continued between Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. No, Bowers shouldn’t plummet down your rankings. Yes, this takes some of the shine off of him. Chip Kelly and Pete Carroll have been known for their shenanigans. Consider yourselves warned.
Lou Brunson is a Senior Analyst and THE social media brains for Optimus Fantasy. Find his dynasty stylings on right here and at draftbuddy.com.
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Thanksgiving week is finally here, and while everyone else is arguing about who ruined the mashed potatoes or why the turkey is somehow both dry and undercooked, you’re focused on the only feast that really matters: the Week 13 waiver wire buffet. Playoff spots are tightening like your waistband after round three, and this is
One way for us to get ahead in dynasty leagues and pick up on some value is to “zoom out” and look at where teams are headed in 2026. What teams could see significant changes, directionally, personnel, or otherwise? Today, we’ll dive into the AFC South division and what the future might hold for each
As we approach the fantasy playoffs, the stakes are at an all-time high. Many matchups are “win and in” or “lose and go home.” If you are vying for your spot in the playoffs, our Optimus team is here to help you make some of those tough start/sit decisions. Buckle up, strap in, and get
For the dynasty folks out there, next year’s rookies are probably already on your mind. For those of us who are not as “dynasty-brained” (like myself), we take late-round rookie flyers in redraft leagues, hoping one of them pops. We are now 11 full weeks into the 2025 season, and our team wanted to suss