5 Fantasy Football Preseason Winners
As the fantasy football landscape evolves with each preseason game, the countdown to the regular season is getting real—September 5 is just around the corner!
After two weeks of games, we’ve had a great opportunity to see how teams are shaping their rosters and who’s stepping into pivotal roles. Some players are making a name for themselves, while others may be sinking into obscurity.
Identifying these preseason winners can give you a critical edge in your fantasy drafts and, of course, in NFL sports betting. Let’s see who has been winning on the field and in our hearts this preseason.
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos
Jaleel McLaughlin is quickly becoming a noteworthy name in this year’s preseason, especially for those monitoring the Denver Broncos’ backfield. Despite being an undrafted rookie last season, he’s carved out a role as a potential stash option for fantasy teams.
In Week 2 of the preseason, he showcased his versatility by stepping in as the second running back, a position that had previously been held by Samaje Perine, who may be on his way out. While Perine has had solid numbers, McLaughlin’s performance has caught attention, boasting impressive grades from Pro Football Focus that place him among elite company.
With Javonte Williams recovering from injury and McLaughlin receiving a good share of passing work, he is positioned to be a key contributor this season, making him an intriguing pick that could outperform his current RB51 ADP.
Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints
Taysom Hill is back in the conversation for fantasy managers looking for versatility and boom potential at tight end. Over the past two seasons, he’s proven to be more than just a gadget player, finishing as TE5 and TE10 while consistently outperforming his ADP, which hovered around TE21 and TE22.
This preseason, amidst worries about a potential reduction in his role with Klint Kubiak taking over as the Saints’ offensive coordinator, Hill has silenced critics by showcasing his adaptability. In Week 2 alone, he played 14 out of 22 snaps across multiple positions—six as a tight end, four each at tailback and fullback, and even one as a slot receiver.
With more than $20 million tied to him over the next two years, Taysom’s unique skill set is set to keep him heavily involved in the Saints’ offense, making his current ADP of TE18 an intriguing value pick for your fantasy team.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. went a bit under the radar during the draft, selected 23rd overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL Draft. While much of the attention has been on the big 3 (Harrison Jr., Nabers, and Odunze) along with speedsters like Xaiver Worthy, Thomas Jr. has quietly been making big splash plays in Jacksonville during the preseason. He is known not just for his big frame, standing at 6’4” and 205 pounds, but also for his speed.
Thomas Jr. stood out for an amazing one-handed catch in the opening preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Then against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a scrimmage, online videos surfaced of him catching deep balls from Trevor Lawrence as he burned Buccaneers defensive backs. Thomas Jr. has been praised by Jaguars coaches and is slated to begin the season as the top receiver in Jacksonville.
Thomas Jr. currently has a WR49 ADP, providing great value for those looking to add a strong wide receiver in the middle rounds. Because he’s a rookie, it could take a few games for him to get comfortable, but by mid-season, expect Thomas Jr. to begin putting up big games as he gains more chemistry with Lawrence.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs
Xavier Worthy is the talk of the town following his selection by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. With his jaw-dropping speed showcased at the combine, where he clocked an astonishing 4.21 seconds in the 40-yard dash, the rookie wide receiver is already generating significant buzz.
During the preseason, Worthy’s involvement has been impressive, taking 15 snaps in Week 2 alongside other emerging talents like Rashee Rice and Justin Watson. This level of participation signals that he’s firmly in the mix for starting duties.
Although the potential return of Marquise “Hollywood” Brown raises some questions about target share, with Brown likely out for the next few weeks, this opens the door for Worthy to shine early in the season. With his current WR39 ADP, savvy fantasy managers should definitely consider adding him to their roster!
Malik Nabers, New York Giants
Malik Nabers is poised to be the crown jewel of the New York Giants passing game this season after being selected with the sixth overall pick in the draft. With projections placing him at WR23, it’s clear that the Giants are heavily investing in his talent.
His preseason performance has been nothing short of impressive—Nabers secured 30 out of 33 snaps in Week 2, leading the starters with six targets and 17 routes run.
To add to his versatility, he even got a carry, showcasing his readiness to contribute in multiple facets of the game. With Daniel Jones under center, expect Nabers to command a significant target share, predicted at around 8.1 per game, making him a prime asset for fantasy managers eager to cash in on his potential.
