Overview:

The season gets closer by the day, and with training camp and preseason in full swing, fantasy players across the country will be reacting, or overreacting, to everything that happens. Each position in fantasy football has different aspects of the game that show potential for a breakout, but it is key not too put too much stock into singular plays during preseason. We are looking at you RB Ameer Abdullah fans. So here are some things to think about from what has happened so far, and what to look for as the season approaches.

The first thing to pay attention to in preseason is who takes the field first, while it isn’t always an indicator of who will start on day one, it is still something to keep in mind. QB Taysom Hill got the start, but his performance left a lot to be desired. Hill went 8/12 for 81 yards and an interception. He did connect on two big throws during the first drive, but it ended in a fumble. Hill’s next two drives showed a lot of the concerns that people around the league have with Hill’s throwing capabilities. He displayed a lot of inaccuracy on deeper passes, and chose to hold on to the ball too long or dump it off for short or negative gains far too often. Hill definitely didn’t cement himself into the starting role with this performance.

QB Jameis Winston took the field second, and he also showed a lot of concerns, but he had some promise as well. He showed why he has the better arm talent, but also the worse decision-making abilities of the two. Winston’s first drive ended in a fumble by RB Devonta Freeman on the first play, and his second drive was dominated by big running plays. However, Winston took the field with 3:05 left in the second quarter, and he strung together some great throws to get the ball in the end zone by the end of the half. That being said, in patented Winston fashion, he came out of the half and threw an interception on his first pass. All in all, Winston went 7/12 for 96 yards 1 TD and 1 INT. I still think he is the better option at quarterback for the squad, but Sean Payton loves what Hill brings to the table.

RB Alvin Kamara didn’t play in the Saint’s first preseason game, and he should have no concerns about his hold on the top spot on the depth chart. RB Latavius Murray and RB Devonta Freeman struggled with fumbles, and showed little as to why they belong ahead of RB Tony Jones Jr. on the depth chart. Murray’s position as the number two back should be very safe, but Freeman could get passed up. Jones put on a show rushing with 7 carries for 82 yards and 1 TD. He also tacked on 5 catches for 38 yards. He displayed great vision and burst while chunking off big run after big run. He looked much better than Freeman, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he worked his way into being the 3^rd back on the depth chart by the end of the preseason.

WR Marquez Callaway was the big standout from the receiver position in the first game of the preseason. He caught 3 balls for 61 yards on 4 targets, and he looked really good while doing it. Callaway was the main target for Hill during the first possession, and looks like he has a starting position pretty secured on this squad. WR Tre ‘Quan Smith didn’t play in this game, and WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey got to show off some of his promise during his time on the field. Humphrey caught 3 passes for 29 yards and the teams only receiving touchdown of the day. He had good chemistry with Winston, and he could find a bit of playing time during the season if he keeps playing well during the preseason.

The Saints tight ends didn’t do much of anything this game. TE Adam Trautman didn’t have a single target, and TE Nick Vannett had 0 catches on 1 target. Keep monitoring the playing time for each tight end, and the target numbers when they are running routes. Trautman is the most talented tight end on the squad, but Vannett could be a thorn in his side all season.

The Saints offense struggled in their first preseason game with turnovers and inaccurate throws, but some players showed why they have a good shot to find some playing time this season. Kamara is still the only player I would really want to have on my team, but Callaway could have the potential to be a great value for fantasy managers everywhere. Keep a close eye on the quarterback battle, as the decision of he will start will be here soon.

End.