NFL Preseason Week 4
The preseason comes to a close this evening and we are only
7 days away from the regular season opener. Tonight is the last opportunity to
sharpen our skills for the enormous tournaments DraftKings has on tap for Week
1, including the $10M Millionaire Maker which pays out $2 MILLION DOLLARS to
first place.
Of course, this particular skill-sharpening session comes
with a huge caveat: Week 4 of the preseason can be full of landmines and is
typically the realm of backups, players on the roster bubble and future members
of the practice squad. For some perspective, Week 4 of the 2014 preseason
treated us to the talents of fantasy legends such as Broncos RB Kapri Bibbs (32
yards and 2 TDs), 49ers QB Josh Johnson (135 passing yards with 3 TDs, another
34 yards on the ground) and Bengals WR Cobi Hamilton (3 receptions, 74 yards
and 1 TD).
Needless to say, play well within your means and pick your
spots wisely. The best chance for success on a night like tonight comes from
recognizing the players who will have opportunities on the field while staying
away from those who will see little if any time.
Each of the games has a player who is locked into either a
position battle or jockeying for position to secure their roster spot. Players
that you’ll want to keep in mind as you construct your rosters for tonight’s
games.
Tampa Bay @ Miami
The Bucs have several rookie receivers battling for roster
spots. UDFA Adam Humphries has 5 receptions for 77 yards thus far this
preseason and could see a few more targets this evening.
Cincinnati @ Indianapolis
Colts RB Tyler Varga has only 9 carries for 32 yards and a
TD this season, but he could be in line for some extra duty tonight. Starters
are not expected to play and there is uncertainty over the status of RBs Josh
Robinson and Vick Ballard for tonight's game.
Baltimore @ Atlanta
Ravens WRs Jeremy Butler and Darren Waller are among those
jockeying for position on the depth chart. Through 3 preseason games, Butler
has 7 receptions for 60 yards while Waller has 5 catches for 38 yards and 1 TD.
New Orleans @ Green Bay
Veteran RB Tim Hightower appears to be on the roster bubble
for the Saints. He should receive a decent amount of carries against the
Packers as he looks to complete his comeback after 3 years out of the league.
Philadelphia @ New York Jets
One of the most scrutinized third quarterback battles in
recent memory could be decided tonight. Matt Barkley and Tim Tebow will both
receive time behind center and make for intriguing plays this evening.
Jacksonville @ Washington
Jaguars WE Bryan Walters has 10 catches for 102 yards
through 3 preseason games, another strong performance could lock up a roster
spot.
Carolina @ Pittsburgh
Michael Vick is expected to receive plenty of snaps for the
Steelers tonight. The recently-signed Vick could use all the time and reps he
can get to cement his backup role over Landry Jones.
Buffalo @ Detroit
Rex Ryan favorite Matt Simms could see some extra time at
quarterback against the Lions. Simms is a long-shot for the 53-man roster with
three quarterbacks ahead of him, but still has some practice squad eligibility.
New York Giants @ New England
Patriots WR Aaron Dobson could very well be playing for his
job against the Giants. He struggled in his last outing and the Pats responded
by bringing in DaVaris Daniels and Jalen Saunders. Dobson is expected to play a
good amount tonight, albeit with the services of Ryan Lindley behind center.
Cleveland @ Chicago
Once thought to be the starting TE for the Browns, Rob
Housler has fallen down the depth chart. He appears to be battling for his spot
on the 53-man and may even need a strong performance tonight just to be in
consideration.
Houston @ Dallas
Cowboys QB Dustin Vaughan should see the majority of time
tonight. He has struggled through camp and the preseason. The Cowboys carried
him on the roster last year, he may need a strong showing tonight to get the
same treatment this year.
Minnesota @ Tennessee
Vikings rookie QB Taylor Heinicke was an impressive 11 of 11
for 83 yards in last week’s preseason game against the Cowboys. Heinicke set
several school records at ODU and is not shy about throwing the ball.
Kansas City @ St. Louis
Chiefs QB Chase Daniel is expected to play the first half
against the Rams. Daniel has played exceptionally well this preseason, throwing
for 289 yards and 4 TDs.
Arizona @ Denver
Montee Ball has stumbled down the RB depth chart for the Broncos.
He is on the bubble for a spot and expected to receive a bunch of carries
tonight.
San Diego @ San Francisco
Jarryd Hayne leads the 49ers with 117 yards and 7.3 yards per
carry. Hayne is a former rugby player and San Francisco should look to get him
as many live game reps as possible. He’ll face a Chargers defense that finished
near the bottom of the NFL (25th overall) against the run last season.
Oakland @ Seattle
Michael Dyer should get a heavy workload for the Raiders.
Dyer is the favorite for the #3 RB job after Oakland parted ways with
disappointing veteran Trent Richardson. Veterans Latavius Murray and Roy Helu,
Jr. are established in their roles atop of the depth chart and don’t need the
wear and tear of live action as the season approaches.
No comments:
Post a Comment