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NFL Preseason Week 3 Takeaways: Josh Jacobs Fallout, Aaron Donald Returns + Stock Watch (Ep. 2165)

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The source recommends a 'stock up' on Chris Bell, noting his immediate target volume (five targets in the first 10 minutes) upon returning from injury and his usage across multiple receiver spots, suggesting he could emerge as the primary target in a thin Dolphins receiving corps.
The source expresses skepticism that Ladd McConkey will command a massive 29% target share as he did in college, viewing him more as a slot-based receiver who can stretch the field but will be part of a more distributed passing attack.
The source highlights Quentin Johnston as a player in line for a bigger year than previously expected, noting his ability to serve as a deep-play threat in the Chargers' new, more aggressive passing offense, evidenced by a 60-yard deep catch in the preseason.
The source projects a significant breakout for Justin Herbert, anticipating he will move away from his 8.2 aDOT (33rd in the league last year) toward a high-flying, deep-ball-heavy role under the new offensive scheme, potentially leading the NFL in passing yards or contending for MVP.
The source suggests Baker Mayfield is an undervalued asset who could potentially be the Steelers' quarterback next year, noting that Tampa Bay's refusal to commit to a long-term deal and his desire for revenge against Cleveland make him a compelling narrative and potential future starter.
The source predicts Watson will fail as the Browns' starter within four to five weeks, leading the team to turn to other quarterback options on their roster.
The source notes that Eagles preseason usage suggests Smith will play significant snaps in the slot, making the offense more interchangeable and unpredictable under the new play-calling scheme.
The source highlights Lemon as a sneaky rookie breakout candidate. Despite a hamstring injury and personality concerns, his usage in the final preseason game (playing both slot and outside) suggests he will be a key part of an unpredictable Eagles offense. His hands are described as 'suction cups'.
The source argues that McCarthy is not currently a better starting option than Joe Milton, suggesting he needed two to three years of development and currently lacks the touch and catchable ball placement that Milton displays.
The source expresses shock that the Cowboys cut Milton after a strong preseason (29-for-43, 200+ yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs). He is described as having the strongest arm in the league and is considered a better immediate starter than J.J. McCarthy by the analysts.
The source expects Price to see significant touches, potentially 12-18 per game, as he is viewed as the most explosive back on the roster. While there is concern about him losing goal-line work to Helani or Emmanuel Wilson, the expectation is that he will earn the lead role due to superior performance.
The source suggests Charbonnet's recovery from a mid-February surgery makes a Week 1 return unrealistic. He will likely be eased in upon return, with a realistic expectation of being a full contributor by Thanksgiving or potentially Halloween if he progresses like Chris Bell's ACL recovery.
With Zach Charbonnet on the PUP list, Jadarian Price has a significant opportunity to seize the Seahawks' backfield role early in the season and potentially relegate Charbonnet to a backup role upon his return.
Zach Charbonnet has been placed on the PUP list and will miss at least the first four games of the season. The source notes that his recovery from a mid-February surgery made a Week 1 return unrealistic.
Despite his age and potential back issues, Matthew Stafford remains an efficient quarterback leading a high-powered Rams offense. The source notes that his primary risk factor is a season-ending injury, as the team's backup quarterback situation is unproven.
The Packers are expected to shift toward a more pass-heavy offensive approach in the absence of Josh Jacobs. The source suggests the team may finally 'turn Jordan Love loose' after ranking 31st and 22nd in pass rate over expected in previous seasons.
With Josh Jacobs sidelined, Marshawn Lloyd is expected to become an integral part of the Packers' offense. Despite previous injury concerns, Lloyd is viewed as a talented back who was a favorite of draft analysts like Daniel Jeremiah and has received strong buzz in training camp.
Josh Jacobs has been placed on the commissioner's exempt list following a domestic violence-related incident involving video evidence. The source notes this is a potential 'death blow' to his season, with uncertainty regarding whether he will play at all, potentially missing anywhere from eight to 16 games depending on the severity of the video.
Etienne is recommended as a target for those who punt running back in the first three rounds of a PPR draft, especially given the lack of Alvin Kamara in the Saints' backfield.
Lance is suggested as a super late-round flyer who could emerge with Jordan Tyson out, as someone needs to run routes opposite Chris Olave.
The analysts unanimously prefer drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. over Tony Pollard in half-point PPR formats.
Johnson is a budget-friendly tight end target who has seen his ADP rise to TE16. With Jordan Tyson injured, Johnson is expected to be a primary target in the Saints' offense, with Erickson ranking him as a top-12 tight end.
Erickson identifies Lawrence as a favorite late-round quarterback, noting he averaged 23 points per game from Week 5 onward last year and 28 points per game when his receivers were healthy. He is considered a dark horse MVP candidate.
Erickson projects Washington as the starting slot receiver for the Jaguars, noting his 31% target share when playing alongside Brian Thomas Jr. and Jacoby Myers. He is a breakout candidate due to his high efficiency (3.17 yards per route run) and strong finish to last season.
Chuba Hubbard is dealing with a hamstring injury that threatens his availability for Week 1. The source notes that players returning from soft tissue injuries often face re-injury risks, which could open the door for Jonathan Brooks to cement his role as the team's RB1 early in the season.
Jonathan Brooks is a prime league winner candidate who is expected to become the lead back for the Carolina Panthers. Under Dave Canales, the RB1 role has consistently produced top-20 fantasy finishes. Brooks is fully healthy, has shown pass-catching ability (27% target rate in limited samples), and is positioned to take over the backfield from an injury-prone Chuba Hubbard.
Zay Flowers is a top-tier league winner candidate due to his safe floor, high target volume (116-118 targets over two seasons), and potential for a career year. He is the clear alpha in the Ravens' offense, especially with Mark Andrews' decline and the departure of Isaiah Likely. With a healthy Lamar Jackson and a new offensive coordinator in Declan Doyle, Flowers is poised for elite production despite concerns about his red zone usage.
The speaker expresses skepticism regarding Cam Ward's potential to succeed, suggesting he may not be a reliable fantasy option.
The speaker notes that while some analysts see upside in Tyler Shough, others are skeptical of his potential to hit in the NFL.
MarShawn Lloyd is noted as a mid-round running back option to help build depth in a hero RB strategy.
Jonathan Brooks is recommended as a mid-round running back to pair with a hero RB build.
Javonte Williams is cited as a 'hero RB' candidate who can be paired with other mid-round backs to solidify a roster.
Rhamondre Stevenson is highlighted as a mid-round running back capable of delivering RB2 production.
Quinshon Judkins is suggested as a mid-round running back who can produce RB2 numbers on a week-to-week basis.
Rome Odunze is highlighted as a valuable target who can be secured in the middle rounds of a draft.
Baker Mayfield is considered a viable quarterback option in the middle rounds, though some prefer the rushing upside of other targets.
The speaker maintains that Ladd McConkey is the wide receiver one in his offense, despite differing opinions from others.
Kyren Williams is highlighted as an exciting RB2 target at the 4/5 turn in superflex drafts.
Jordan Love is identified as a high-value target in the fourth round, with a significant drop-off in quarterback quality once he is off the board.
Rich Hribar views Josh Allen as a 'Gibraltar' asset in superflex, allowing drafters to load up on other positions before securing a second quarterback.







































