🏈 10 Players to Watch in Preseason Games

1. Anthony Richardson vs. Daniel Jones

The Colts' first unofficial depth chart listed Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones as co-starters, indicating this QB battle remains wide open. Richardson will start Thursday's preseason opener, while Jones will start in Week 2.

Richardson's performance on Thursday could be pivotal in determining who wins the starting job. If he eventually secures the QB1 role in Indianapolis, expect his average draft position (ADP) to climb significantly due to his fantasy upside. He'd make for an intriguing late-round selection, with Walter projecting a QB4 fantasy ceiling for 2025.

2. Tyler Shough vs. Spencer Rattler

While the Saints technically have a three-way QB competition between Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener, the real battle comes down to Shough versus Rattler. Both have received the majority of first-team reps during training camp.

However, Rattler appears to hold a slight advantage, earning more first-team reps recently and looking a sharper in practice. However, these preseason games will provide both QBs with crucial opportunities to showcase their abilities and potentially determine who starts in Week 1.

3. Raiders Rookie WRs (Jack Bech vs. Dont’e Thornton Jr.)

The Raiders' initial depth chart had Dont'e Thornton Jr. at WR2 and Jack Bech at WR4, but preseason performance could shuffle these positions. Despite Bech being the higher draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft (second round) compared to Thornton (fourth round), Thornton possesses superior physical traits at 6-foot-5 with a blazing 4.30 40-yard dash.

Whichever rookie claims the WR2 role could emerge as a valuable sleeper pick in the final rounds of your fantasy drafts.

4. Emeka Egbuka vs. Jalen McMillan

With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin (when healthy) locked into the top two receiver spots, rookie Emeka Egbuka and second-year playmaker Jalen McMillan are competing for the WR3 spot.

While McMillan currently holds the WR3 spot on the depth chart, Egbuka has drawn consistent praise from coaches and teammates throughout the offseason. Baker Mayfield recently called the rookie "the real deal," making their preseason showdown compelling.

5. Ricky Pearsall

The 49ers' receiving corps looks dramatically different this season. With Deebo Samuel traded to Washington and Brandon Aiyuk still recovering from a torn ACL, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall currently sit atop the depth chart.

Pearsall's expanded role makes him a crucial preseason watch for fantasy managers. The second-year receiver has legitimate breakout potential in an offense currently lacking a clear WR1.

6. All Patriot WRs except Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas

Beyond the established duo of Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas, the Patriots' receiver room remains a mystery. Multiple players are vying for the WR3, WR4, and WR5 positions.

Therefore, we should closely monitor this WR room during the preseason. Will Kendrick Bourne or Mack Hollins secure the WR3 role? Can Kayshon Boutte build on last season? Are second-year WRs Javon Baker and Ja'Lynn Polk ready to contribute? How will rookie Kyle Williams and training camp standout Efton Chism III factor in? The next few weeks should provide answers.

7. Bhayshul Tuten

Jacksonville's backfield situation is murky heading into the season. While Travis Etienne remains the presumed starter with Tank Bigsby and rookie Bhayshul Tuten backing him up, Tuten's explosive speed could disrupt this hierarchy.

Tuten represents one of the few rookies in this draft class with the potential to climb from RB3 to RB1 as the season progresses. His preseason performance will be telling for fantasy managers looking for breakout candidates.

8. Browns QB situation

The Browns' four-way quarterback battle between Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders has captivated fantasy managers all summer. With no starter named for Week 1, the team’s three preseason games will likely provide the answer.

Sanders starts Friday's preseason opener and should see significant action with Pickett and Gabriel nursing hamstring injuries. Although Flacco holds the inside track, Cleveland's preseason games should ultimately determine the winner of that QB1 job.

9. Travis Hunter

The burning question surrounding Travis Hunter is whether he'll play primarily offense or defense. The versatile player has taken reps at both WR and CB during the offseason, though the initial depth chart lists him as the WR2 and a backup CB.

Head coach Liam Coen hasn't revealed Hunter's role for Saturday's preseason opener yet, but his snap distribution throughout the preseason will be crucial. If he primarily plays WR, his fantasy ceiling skyrockets.

10. Tory Horton

Seattle selected Tory Horton in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft despite the WR missing most of his senior season with a knee injury. His draft stock would have been higher without the injury, but the potential remains substantial.

Horton has impressed during training camp, earning significant reps with the first team. A strong preseason performance should secure him a starting role in Week 1, making him a potential late-round fantasy gem.